The challenge of leading creative people — With Ekaterina Solomeina

We explore how outdated methods and lack of client interaction leave talented designers struggling. Hear from industry expert James Martin on the importance of evolving teaching practices. Learn how real-world unpredictability and soft skills can transform your creative journey. Discover a new approach to design education.

Emmy Award winner Ian Dawson shares his journey in VFX, from iconic films like Iron Man to AR innovations. Discover his vision for the future of our industry, how AI and AR are transforming creative fields, and what skills are essential for thriving in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Attending a creative event is an exhilarating experience, filled with a unique energy and a sense of magic in the air. The potential is palpable as you connect with like-minded individuals, expand your network, and meet your idols. It’s a chance to escape the demands of clients and the constraints of the real world for a few days, allowing your creative battery to recharge and your soul to rejuvenate.If you want to feel your creative spirit come alive this October, join us at DDD in Milan. This one-of-a-kind festival is designed for the digital creative industry, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity and innovation. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Visit ddd.live and get your ticket now!

My special guest and friend Dimitri (Jim) Antonopoulos made a great point: Creative studios can access big budgets by incorporating strategy into their offerings. Strategy involves making choices to achieve outcomes, which can be challenging for individuals and organizations. The value of strategy for small studios includes increased profits and the ability to have clients that actually follow your lead.

Today, we’re discussing Derek Sivers’ new book, which argues that beliefs can be useful even if they’re not true. It challenges conventional views and covers perception fallibility, the utility of various perspectives, and thought reframing for better decision-making and personal growth.

Today, we explore the transformative power of real art that connects with everyday people. My special guest, artist and muralist Timothy Goodman, shares his journey of self-discovery and how he found his artistic voice. From creating murals on the streets of New York City to engaging in social experiments, Timothy emphasizes the importance of creating work that stems from personal experiences and resonates with a broader audience.

To Radim Malinic, being true to oneself is his recipe to being a success creative. We discuss his journey of self-discovery and how he found his true identity as a designer and author. Finding one’s purpose and message in one's work IS what sets you apart from others. We also talk about the challenges of navigating client demands and deadlines while staying true to oneself.

Join us for a fiery discussion on how artists can ride the waves of new technologies without losing their artistic soul. We'll dive into the art of choosing the right talent, celebrating unique styles, and steering clear of the creative hamster wheel. Hear from the masters on the power of personal expression, the dangers of bypassing the basics, and the tightrope walk between passion projects and paying the bills.

Tune in as I chat with Ekaterina Solomeina, co-founder of London Future Academy. We're cutting straight to the chase on leadership in creativity. The London Future Academy primes top creatives to lead, not just create. We dig into what it takes to steer creative businesses forward and zero in on their Design Leaders program. This is where the real gap—knowing business and leading well—gets filled for creatives at the top. We talk about why designers must get business, linking art to money and strategy, and we tackle how AI is reshaping the creative scene.

Join me as I host Stephen Price from STASH, sharing essential strategies on standing out and making an impact in the creative industry. Discover how to get your work featured in publications like STASH by leveraging creativity, technical skill, and emotional depth. Explore the role of characters and storytelling in motion design and learn how to maintain high-quality work over time.Key Takeaways:Understanding STASH: Learn about Stash Media, its role in the motion design industry, and how to utilize the Stash Permanent Collection for inspiration and exposure.Getting Noticed: Tips on blending creativity, technical excellence, and emotional impact to capture attention and feature in top publications.Storytelling and Emotion: The importance of emotion in creative work and how characters can efficiently drive narratives.Keeping Creativity Fresh: Insights on maintaining high standards in creative studios over extended periods.Effective Presentation: Advice on tailoring creative reels to specific clients and understanding publication audiences for better success rates.Advancements in Motion Design: Observations on the evolving quality of explainer videos and accessibility to smaller budgets.Watch the full video for a deeper dive into making your mark in the creative world: Watch Now at www.unfolding.showCrave more of this? Subscribe at Unfolding.show for your weekly dose of straight-shooting advice on thriving in the creative grind.