147. Creativity in the Age of AI, with Kiser Barnes

In this episode, Katy is joined by award-winning creative director Christine Smith to explore the topic of role models and their critical importance, particularly for women in the creative industries. Christine shares her personal journey of navigating a male-dominated field, describing how she spent her early career without any female figures to look up to. This gradual realisation shaped her mission to become the kind of role model she never had, especially for the next generation of fearless female creatives in Denmark and beyond. The conversation delves into identity, reinvention, and the freedom that comes with creating your own path. Christine talks openly about how moving to London allowed her to explore who she truly wanted to be, both professionally and personally. From changing her appearance to challenging industry norms, she embraced a bold transformation that reflected her creative spirit. Fashion became a key medium of self-expression, one that eventually played a powerful role in a pivotal moment at Cannes Lions 2022, where Christine took a stand for body positivity by wearing a striking outfit that challenged the industry's standards. Katy and Christine also tackle the ongoing challenges around diversity and inclusion in the creative world, particularly in Denmark, where the landscape remains overwhelmingly white and male. Christine stresses the importance of visibility and representation, arguing that seeing people who look like you doing what you aspire to do is essential for building confidence and ambition. She notes that while some progress is being made, there’s still a long way to go—especially when it comes to leadership and ownership in the industry. Mental health is another vital topic discussed in the episode. Christine opens up about her personal experiences with anxiety and burnout, and the difficult—but—empowering decision to take time off and begin medication. She reflects on how stigma around mental health still affects leaders, particularly women, and emphasises the need to normalise these conversations. Her honesty is both refreshing and inspiring, reminding listeners that strength comes not from hiding our struggles but from facing them and taking responsibility for our well-being. The episode ends with advice for younger creatives who may be struggling to find role models of their own. Christine suggests looking beyond the industry to find people who share your values and energy, and using that inspiration to shape a creative identity that feels authentic and empowering. Packed with candid insights, empowering moments, and a healthy dose of humour, this conversation celebrates courage, reinvention, and the power of lifting others as you rise. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up. Each Spark now features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. Today, we're joined once again by Kiser Barnes, partner and CCO at Red Antler, who returns for some quick-fire fun. Kiser joined us on Monday to explore the intersection of creativity and technology, and why optimism and authenticity are so vital in an AI-driven world. If you missed that, you can catch up here. But for this Spark, we're diving into the part of our chat where things got a little more personal—and a little more playful. Kiser shares the lessons he's learned from influential creatives, opens up about controversial opinions on design (including why kerning might be a bit overrated), and reflects on why nostalgia is such a powerful force in our lives. He also reveals why he thinks every creative should have a nemesis and offers a few surprising thoughts about inspiration and identity. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

What does creativity look like in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI? In this episode, Katy Cowan speaks with Kiser Barnes, partner and chief creative officer at Red Antler, about the evolving relationship between technology and creativity. Together, they explore how AI presents both thrilling opportunities and existential challenges for the creative industry. Kiser emphasises the critical role of storytelling, optimism, and authenticity as we move into an increasingly AI-driven world. The conversation covers the future of advertising, with Kiser predicting a shift towards deeper personalisation that makes ads feel more relevant and human. They also discuss how storytelling in film and gaming may evolve into more immersive, non-linear experiences, blending the digital and physical worlds in exciting new ways. Kiser highlights the importance of human connection amid rapid technological change, and how brands must continually adapt to stay alive and relevant. Creativity, he believes, should act as a form of rebellion against fear-based narratives, with humility and generosity as essential companions to innovation. This is a hopeful and energising conversation about the future of branding, creativity, and technology—one that champions optimism, authenticity, and the enduring importance of the human spirit. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up. Now, each Spark features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. For this first revamped episode, we're joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, who returns to have some fun. Michael joined us on Monday to explore whether we're living through a phase where all design looks the same. If you missed that, you can catch up here. But today, he's answering eight quick-fire questions that give us a glimpse behind the brand and the professional façade. Expect everything from the deep and meaningful to the completely absurd. He shares what he believed five years ago but no longer does, reveals his incredible party trick, and even plays us something on his beloved blues guitar. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

Are we in a phase where all design looks the same? In this thought-provoking episode, host Katy Cowan is joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, to explore the creeping sameness in today’s visual landscape. From swirling animations to hyper-minimalist logos, we unpack why charities, fintechs, and universities now often look indistinguishable. Is it the influence of AI, digital platforms, or a case of designers chasing trends too quickly? Or is it the ongoing economic uncertainty that's making everyone risk-averse? Michael shares sharp insights on client influence, accessibility demands, and the speed at which design trends now spread. He also reflects on timelessness, his obsession with kerning, and how we might zig while everyone else zags. This is a must-listen for anyone questioning whether design has lost its edge and how we might find it again. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

'Twas the night before deadline, and all through the house, not a keyboard was silent, not even the mouse... Welcome to a very festive edition of The Creative Boom Podcast. As another year draws to a close, it's time to wrap up projects, reflect on your achievements, and embrace the magic of the holiday season. In this special episode, founding editor and podcast host Katy Cowan invites some favourite past guests to share their holiday plans, personal traditions, and playful answers to questions like, "What would you ban at Christmas if you could?" and "Who would make the ultimate festive lunch guest, dead or alive?" Whether you're winding down with cocoa or a holiday drink of choice, take a moment to savour the year, laugh with us, and find a little creative cheer. It's the perfect way to end the year on a high note. This episode features an incredible lineup of past guests, including Barrington Reeves, Lisa Smith, Graeme McGowan, Katie Cadwell, Miles Watts, Cat How, Trent Payne, Seema Sharma, Angela Roche, and Luigi Carnovale. They share their holiday traditions, creative reflections, and light-hearted takes on the season's quirks. It also marks the end of Season Eight of The Creative Boom Podcast. As we take a short break, we encourage you to explore our archives for inspiring conversations with former guests, including all the brilliant voices featured in this festive special. From all of us at Creative Boom, Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025 for more inspiring conversations.

In this final episode of the season for The Creative Boom Podcast, host Katy Cowan is joined by the inspiring Jessi Brattengeier, Creative Director at The New York Times. This engaging conversation takes a closer look at the world of design, storytelling, and the culture behind one of the world's most iconic publications. Jessi shares what it's like to shape and innovate within the established identity of The New York Times. From the annual State of the Times event to internal branding initiatives, she offers a fascinating glimpse into how design supports journalism and fosters community among employees. Her work explores everything from sonic identities and event branding to collaborations on internal communications, all while maintaining the high standards expected at such a prestigious institution. Beyond her work at the newspaper, Jessi co-runs a design practice called JesseJessi alongside her collaborator Jesse Johanning. Together, they tackle a range of cultural projects, including a stunning monograph for Elizabeth Roberts Architects, which embodies their love for experimental yet thoughtful design. Jessi discusses how her external projects not only bring fresh energy to her work at The New York Times but also exemplify the value of creative exploration. This episode also considers the softer side of leadership. Jessi reflects on how fostering trust and collaboration within her team has become a priority after learning hard lessons about burnout early in her role. She emphasises the importance of valuing oneself, sharing her journey of learning to charge what her work is worth and encouraging emerging designers to believe in their abilities. From her experiences working with architects and creating meaningful colour palettes to her thoughts on navigating professional relationships and balancing work-life demands, Jessi offers countless insights for anyone in the creative industry. Wrapping up the conversation, she looks forward to her exciting plans for 2025, including hospitality projects, a restaurant identity, and a book design. For aspiring creatives, her advice is simple but powerful: don't undervalue yourself, take risks, and always be open to learning.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered! This week, we welcomed Joseph Parsons to the podcast. By day, Joseph is a freelance graphic designer, and by night, he takes to the stage as a stand-up comedian. His dual career path sparked a fascinating discussion about balancing two passions: navigating the challenges of freelancing and the unexpected parallels between pitching design ideas and performing stand-up comedy. This episode is for you if you've ever juggled different roles in your creative journey. Joseph shared his thoughts on how the industry is changing, including the impact of the Government's IR35 legislation on freelancers and small businesses. We also explored how comedy has evolved, with platforms like social media offering new opportunities for comedians to find success outside traditional routes. Joseph's upcoming tour, Re-Designed, is a brilliant blend of his experiences in comedy and design—be sure to check it out for a good laugh and some relatable industry insights. This week's creative news takes us on a journey of nostalgia and innovation. In Finland, Aalto University is unveiling Nokia's design archive on 15 January, celebrating the brand that defined the mobile world in the '90s. From the iconic 8110 "banana phone" to the customisable 3210, the archive is a treasure trove of design sketches, marketing materials, and audio recordings, offering a rich blend of inspiration and history. Meanwhile, Cornish landscape artist Dianne Griffiths has won the 2024 People's Choice Award for her atmospheric painting Driving Home. This evocative depiction of a Texaco petrol station under a starry sky captivated voters and has even been purchased by the petrol station itself. In tech news, Apple is rumoured to be working on its thinnest phone yet, the iPhone 17 Air. Combining sleek design with advanced technology, it's shaping up to be a bold step forward in minimalist tech. Our Spotlight segment this week celebrates the 25 most admired graphic designers of 2024, as voted for by the design community. From bold innovators like Jessica Walsh to typographic legends like Astrid Stavro, these creatives are shaping the future of visual culture and leaving a lasting impact on the industry. The full list is a testament to the diversity and brilliance of today's graphic design scene. Our Book of the Week is Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949–1990 by Katja Hoyer. It offers a fresh look at life behind the Iron Curtain. This detailed history reveals the complexities of the GDR, from its Marxist roots to its collapse, blending personal stories with political insights. A must-read for history buffs! For our Tip of the Week, we look at networking and why it should be your priority in 2025. Networking is about building real connections. Start small—ask simple questions like, "What brought you here?" Follow up afterwards to keep the relationship alive. Authenticity is key. Networking isn't about selling yourself—it's about making new friends. On Monday, our guest will be Jessi Brattengeier, creative director at The New York Times. She will share her inspirations, processes, and aspirations and give us a really interesting look behind the scenes at one of the world's most prestigious publications. And then, instead of The Spark on Thursday, we've got a Christmas Special for you, featuring ten former guests of The Creative Boom Podcast, all helping us get into the festive spirit. Until then!

This week on The Creative Boom Podcast, our host Katy Cowan welcomes Joseph Parsons, a graphic designer by day and stand-up comedian by night. In this lively and candid conversation, they explore Joseph's unconventional journey from the structured design world to the unpredictable comedy stage. Joseph opens up about how his dual careers have shaped his creative path, shedding light on the challenges of juggling freelance graphic design with the demands of stand-up. They discuss the resilience needed to thrive in live performance, the analytical process behind crafting comedy, and the lessons both fields offer about embracing failure and personal growth. The discussion also dives deeper into modern dating pressures, the influence of social media on comedy, and how humour can be a surprising ally in tackling serious topics. Joseph shares a glimpse into his upcoming stand-up tour, Redesigned, which combines his experiences in design and comedy into a relatable and hilarious narrative. Along the way, they reflect on themes of identity, family dynamics, and the importance of finding joy in every step of the creative process. For any discerning creative navigating the highs and lows of a career in design or anyone curious about balancing two professions, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered! This week on the podcast, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Christopher Doyle, who brightened up the winter gloom with his Aussie warmth and charm. He opened up about something we don't talk about enough in the creative industry: The Great Unknown. What is it, exactly? If you haven't tuned in yet, make sure you do. But to give you a taste—it's that constant barrage of brilliant design work online. You're having a great day, feeling good about your work, and then bam, you see something that's so good it stops you in your tracks. Sometimes, it inspires, but other times, it chips away at your confidence. In our chat, Chris offers some great advice to help combat that common feeling. Now, let's move on to this week's creative news. First up, Oxford University Press has announced its Word of the Year for 2024: brain rot. It captures the collective unease over endless scrolling and its impact on mental well-being. Defined as the decline of intellectual sharpness due to an overconsumption of trivial online content, it struck a chord, particularly with younger generations navigating the highs and lows of digital life. In tech news, wearable devices like smartwatches and health rings are making waves in personal health tracking, with proposals for integrating them into NHS care. While they've been praised for encouraging healthier habits, doctors caution against overreliance on these gadgets, reminding us that no device can replace professional diagnostics. Still, the shift towards at-home care keeps the debate alive. Over on LinkedIn, AI-generated writing has quietly become the norm, with more than half of long-form English posts now likely written by AI. While these tools make polished posts a breeze, critics worry about the loss of authenticity. On a platform often dominated by corporate speak, though, it seems the line between human and machine-generated content is getting blurrier—and perhaps, for some, that's okay. In our Spotlight segment, Creative Boom celebrates the resilience and growth of its community in 2024. Illustrator Marloes Devries shared how saying no to misaligned projects led to her best financial year yet while also helping other artists by passing on opportunities. It's a reminder that success isn't just about output; it's about making thoughtful choices and leaning into the support of your community. For our Book of the Week, we're recommending How Life Works by Philip Ball. This fascinating read explores the cutting-edge world of modern biology, from reprogramming cells to redesigning living systems in ways evolution never imagined. It's an inspiring look at how these scientific leaps are reshaping what we know about life—and hinting at what might be possible in the future. Now for our Tip of the Week: as the festive season approaches, managing the end-of-year chaos is key. Ruthless prioritisation is your best friend—focus on what must get done, communicate clear boundaries to clients, and let go of the rest. A little self-care doesn't hurt either. Wrap up strong, and you'll be set to start 2025 on the right foot. Looking ahead, we've got Joseph Parsons joining us on Monday. By day, he's a graphic designer; by night, he's a stand-up comedian about to go on tour with his new gig, Re-designed. Don't miss it—it's bound to be a riot. After Joe, we'll chat with Jessi Brattengeier from The New York Times, and then we'll round off the season with our festive Christmas Special featuring some familiar faces. Until Monday!