Matt Blease on illustration, humour and following your dream

Wilfrid Wood is a London-based artist specializing in portraiture, most known for his drawings as well as clay and plasticine sculptures. He trained in graphics at Central Saint Martins and got into sculpture after building later heads for the satirical TV show Spitting Image.   In our conversation we discuss Wilfrid’s influences, learn out about his relationship – both artistic and romantic – with Theo, and explore the essence of being an artist. We discuss Wilfrid’s approach to capturing his portrait subjects’ essence and Wilfrid also reflects on the multi-medium aspect of his work and the importance of finished work.    --   Get your digital copy of The Insider's Guide to PR for Creative Businesses at justynagreen.com/prguide and use code ONDESIGN at the checkout for 20% off. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Kat Irannejad is the founder of Totally, a New York-based visual artist representation and production agency. Before founding Totally this year, Kat was the co-founder of Snyder. She’s a prominent industry voice, having headed up an Illustration jury for D&AD and she’s also an artist in her own right, having studied painting at both - Boston University and Pratt Institute.    In our conversation, we discuss all things illustration and making it a successful career, internationally. Kat offers ample advice for illustrators around streamlining their portfolios, showcasing unique viewpoints, and maintaining quality over quantity. She also sheds light on the artist-agent relationship, her own philosophy when working with artists and what are the pitfalls to avoid. We also discuss the significance of personal passion when creating art and the challenges of higher education (and its costs!).    --   Get your digital copy of The Insider's Guide to PR for Creative Businesses at justynagreen.com/prguide and use code ONDESIGN at the checkout for 20% off. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Murugiah is a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator, whose work explores identity with a vibrant colour palette, rich, detailed compositions, and influences of his Sri Lankan heritage.   In our conversation, Murugiah shares his path to becoming the artist he is today, via seven years of architecture school, his love of film and music, and the importance of personal work. He also reflects on finding his style and the stories he wants to tell marrying personal practice with commercial work, and translating his style into a huge variety of commissions – from film posters to public realm work.    --   Get your digital copy of The Insider's Guide to PR for Creative Businesses at justynagreen.com/prguide and use code ONDESIGN at the checkout for 20% off. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Molly Park is Papier’s Chief Product Officer, having joined the brand three years ago, after a brilliant industry career with roles at Cath Kidston, Designers Guild, and Oliver Bonas. Molly is also a freelance creative director at her own Parc Studio.   In our conversation, we discuss how to bring creativity and commercial acumen together and Molly explains her T leadership model. She also reveals Papier’s creative process, and we discuss the forthcoming consumer trends, with Papier’s target audience in mind – millennial women. Molly also shares her thoughts on art education, and growth mindset and offers practical advice for pursuing big dreams and goals.    --   Get your digital copy of The Insider's Guide to PR for Creative Businesses at justynagreen.com/prguide and use code ONDESIGN at the checkout for 20% off. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

David Shrigley, is known for his bold, witty art, that provides observations on our daily lives through an ironic and somewhat dark lens. David’s paintings might be the most known, but his creative practice spans much more, with sculpture, films, photography, spoken word, writing, and poetry. He’s also the founder of the Sidmouth School of Art, a community project which sees the town of Sidmouth in Devon, become the canvas for community engagement and art.    In our conversation, we discuss David’s artistic journey, his inspirations, and Sidmouth School of Art. We also delve into David’s creative process and learn how the images and text come together in his works. David also emphasizes the importance of finding your passion – even if it takes time and shares valuable advice for aspiring artists.    --   Get your digital copy of The Insider's Guide to PR for Creative Businesses at justynagreen.com/prguide and use code ONDESIGN at the checkout for 20% off. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Germane Barnes is an architect, researcher, and educator based in Miami, Florida. He is known for his work exploring the intersection of race, architecture, and urban design and has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships.    In our conversation, we discuss Germane’s philosophy and belief that architecture is not devoid of biases, and the way in which buildings are designed can perpetuate racist ideologies. Germane also opens up about his early years in architecture and a decision to forge his own path with a community project in Opa-locka, Florida. He also discusses his research practice, with a recent focus on classic architecture. His findings were presented at the recent Venice Biennale - he hopes to start a conversation about African identity and North African contributions to classical architecture. It's a rich conversation, from which I've learned a lot. -- Today's partner: AG1 by Athletic Greens. If you’re looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/ondesign. Check it out. -- Sign up to the On Design podcast newsletter at ondesignpodcast.com/newsletter. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Damian Bradfield is the chief creative officer at WeTransfer. In our conversation, he shares some super valuable insights into marketing, and how to design a successful brand that will stand the test of time, including Damian’s thoughts on oversharing versus creating a mystery when it comes to brands. We also discuss Damian’s mission to raise awareness around data use and digital consumption and his latest project – a comic book Algorithmic Reality, in which he shares fictional stories that highlight the negative aspects of our relationship with the internet. And we even go into AI, and Damian shares his thoughts on the value of batshit crazy designs. Let’s dive right in. -- Today's partner: AG1 by Athletic Greens. If you’re looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/ondesign. Check it out. -- Sign up to the On Design podcast newsletter at ondesignpodcast.com/newsletter. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Hella Jongerius is a renowned Dutch designer known for her innovative and experimental approach to product design. She works across a range of materials and disciplines, including textiles, ceramics, furniture, and industrial design. Her work often explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and industrial production, and she is known for her use of color, texture, and form.  In our conversation, Hella shares with us her design philosophy, and you will learn so much from it – I did for sure. Hella talks about finding both normal and hysterical answers to design questions, the relationship between industrial design and craft, and the importance of keeping a sense of lightness and playfulness in the design process. We also dive into 3D weaving and its potential applications in pliable architecture, cars and helicopter drones, and we also discuss solar yarns. It's a conversation that weaves innovation, playfulness and craft together, and you will absolutely love it. -- Today's partner: AG1 by Athletic Greens. If you’re looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/ondesign. Check it out. -- Sign up to the On Design podcast newsletter at ondesignpodcast.com/newsletter. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield

Hans Ulrich Obrist is the director of Serpentine Gallery. In our conversation, we talk about the art of listening, learning from others, and how conversations and relationships are at the heart of Hans Ulrich’s work. We learn about his upbringing and early days of night train travels across Europe from one artist’s studio to another, and Hans Ulrich’s first exhibition, which was staged in his kitchen. We also dive into Hans Ulrich’s curatorial philosophy, working on projects which ask questions, invite audience participation, and are spread across time and locations. We then discuss the importance of archives and organising information, as well as the importance of long-term projects in a world dominated by short-terminism. -- Sign up to the On Design podcast newsletter at ondesignpodcast.com/newsletter. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield  

Liza Enebeis is the creative director of Studio Dumbar/DEPT®. In our conversation, we talk about all things motion design, type radio and Liza’s love of books. We also dive into Liza’s approach to life. She discusses the importance of embracing change and always testing yourself by stepping into uncomfortable and challenging situations, which can lead to growth and learning. Liza also shares an important lesson her father taught her - if you don't play, you can never win. It's a conversation about daring, following your curiosity, and living a whole, fulfilling life. Useful links: Studio Dumbar/DEPT® website: https://studiodumbar.com/ Demo Festival: https://demofestival.com/ -- Sign up to the On Design podcast newsletter at ondesignpodcast.com/newsletter. -- Podcast music and production: James Greenfield Production: Green Podcast Productions