Creativity Talks

This week in Creativity Talks I speak to writer and photographer Laura Pashby. We had a wonderful conversation about her recent book, her creative process and about the little details. Listen in as we discuss why those tiny details can be so important to the creative process and what she lines up on her stairs and why... and lighting, foggy mornings and lighting! 

This is the final guest interview of 2021 on the shoe and I hope you enjoy listening. In the next episode I will speak about creative challenges such as the 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge and why they can be beneficial for kick-staring a creative practice. 

See you next time. 

About Laura

Laura Pashby is a writer and a photographer. She tells stories using words and photographs on her blog, to her Instagram audience, for brands, and in magazines. Laura spent three years as the deputy editor of 91 Magazine – an independent magazine that covers all aspects of creative living. Across social media, but particularly on Instagram, she has an established and engaged following with an interest in her atmospheric imagery and soulful storytelling.
Laura’s first book Little Stories of Your Life combines the wellbeing benefits of mindfulness, creativity and daily photography, showing you how to use words and photographs to capture moments, and how to share your stories in order to connect with others. Little Stories of Your Life is published by Quadrille and is available in bookshops now.

You can find Laura online here:

In this episode of Creativity talks I have a wonderful in-depth discussion about watercolour and creativity with artist and educator Kolbie Blume. This episode is packed full of inspiring quotes, thoughts and advice for any creative and especially for any 'recovering perfectionists.'

Grab a cuppa, sit back and relax as Kolbie and I discuss all things creativity for your listening pleasure. 

About Kolbie

Kolbie Blume is a self-taught watercolor artist, author, and online educator. A "recovering perfectionist" herself, her main teaching philosophy centers on helping hesitant artists discover and explore their infinite creative potential and joy, emphasizing courage over perfection. Through her simple and encouraging teaching methods, she has taught more than 21,000 students worldwide to love watercolor and art just as much as she does. You can find her first book, Wilderness Watercolor Landscapes, wherever books are sold, and her second, Stunning Watercolor Seascapes, is now available for preorder.

You can find Kolbie online here:

Welcome to Episode 20 of Creativity Talks. In this episode I delve deep into why we should take risks and make mistakes in our creative practice. I talk about pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and embracing the mess that is our own creative journeys. This episode should help you to break through mental barriers and make big mindset shifts when it comes to overcoming perfectionism and the fear of going wrong. 

I really hope you enjoy this episode and that this helps you in your own personal creative journey. 

More Information

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this episode I chat to illustrator and creative, Stacie Bloomfield. We had a wonderful (nearly hour-long) chat about all things creative including her thoughts on why you need to give yourself margin in your creative pursuits. 

Stacie talks about her illustration business, why she takes herself off on creative retreats and shares some truly inspiring quotes on creativity too. 

This really was an inspiring conversation for me and I hope you find it does the same to you too. 

About Stacie

Acclaimed Surface Designer, Author, Entrepreneur and Sought After Teacher.

Spend 5 minutes with Stacie Bloomfield, and you will immediately be ignited by her ENTHUSIASM and PASSION for helping creative entrepreneurs. She is a living idea factory. Her energy is contagious. Best of all, she practices what she preaches: that we were MADE TO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER.

Stacie has been creating artwork for brands and products around the world since 2009.

Over the past several years, Stacie has traveled and taught to hundreds of students around the country, sharing her passion for design, making, and business growth.

Her journey of being an illustrator began out of necessity: to financially support her husband who was a graduate student and to take care of her growing family. Through hard work, determination, and A LOT of trial and error, Stacie has become a force in the creative world, earning respect from her peers with her transparency, vulnerability, and dedication to the industry.

Her illustration business, Gingiber, is now a thriving company with products sold in over 800 stores and has licensing deals with major brands.

In this episode of Creativity Talks I want to discuss a little 'behind-the-scenes' of my forthcoming book: Sketchbook Challenge. I have literally just delivered a stack of sketchbooks to the publisher along with a large text file. So today I wanted to discuss this long process of writing an art book and all the stages I have gone through so far and what is coming up next. I also go through some advice on tackling any long and lengthy creative project. For example working with the ebb and flow of creativity, carving out blocks of free time and recharging the batteries in between. Also the iceberg - tune in to find out about the iceberg! 

This episode is perfect for anyone that wants to tackle and achieve a big creative goal or anyone curious to find out about the process behind writing an art book. 

More Information

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this episode I talk to illustrator Maizie Clarke. We discuss all about her work as a watercolour illustrator and her thoughts on creativity. 

Listen in to find out what she means by "Solving problems beautifully." We talk about her work in detail and she provides some great advice and tips about building a creative practice. We also discuss how and why she now shares her experiences with others through her new brand 'Learn with Maizie'. 

It's a wonderful chat all about creativity. So grab a cuppa, sit back and relax and let's talk creativity! 

Show Notes

The book recommended by Maizie is Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins

About Maizie

Maizie Clarke provides gifts that delight both the giver and the receiver. The namesake of the business, Maizie Clarke, has spent years honing her craft through her arts education and practice. Starting as a side business illustrating whimsical, custom house portraits, Maizie has grown and expanded her portfolio to include boutiques, hotels, and museums.  She still finds joy in creating custom gifts, but has brought to life colorful wholesale collections and custom wholesale solutions for many different types of clients.

Having always had a passion for design and all things beautiful, she went on to earn her degree in Interior Design from Marymount University and then her Master in Exhibition Design from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C.  Maizie genuinely loves her craft and the joy she sees it bring to her family, friends and clients.

In this week’s episode I talk to artist, teacher and author Alison C Board. We discussed things like ‘not putting your paintings on a pedestal’, about creating a ‘stubborn club,’ our thoughts on the art police and the importance of collaboration. We also delve deep into Alison’s experiences as an artist and teacher and her general thoughts on creativity. It’s a great listen and I hope you enjoy.

About Alison

Alison’s expressive mixed media works capture Dorset’s flora and fauna with energy and finesse. She specialises in mixed media with watercolour techniques, a combination that creates textural and ethereal paintings with rich and vibrant colour.
Alison also draws inspiration from dance, theatre, music and literature, often in the form of text which is collaged and worked into her paintings.

Alison’s ever-growing portfolio includes regular demonstrations and workshops for the SAA, a company who has produced a number of DVD and television tutorials with her. Alongside her digital tuition, Alison runs a comprehensive range of workshops, courses and painting weekends from her home county of Dorset, and she regularly demonstrates for Art Societies.

2020 saw huge changes to Ali’s career, her first book was published for Search Press entitled ‘A Beginner’s guide to Watercolour with Mixed Media’ and the worldwide lockdown set her the task of delivering all of her tuition via virtual platforms. Her PGCert in Online & Distance Education and technical skills came into play and she has relished the challenge of continuing to share her subject and techniques.

In something a little different, today I wanted to address a question I get asked a lot by friends, followers and listeners - "how do you do so much?" 

That's right, today I want to talk briefly about ways that I personally manage my own time and creative projects. This means that I will share with you the projects that I currently have on the go (i.e. discuss the two separate businesses I run) as well as how and when I set goals, what productivity hacks I use and how valuable time-blocking is for me. 

I hope you find this useful in managing your own time for creating regularly...

More Information

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this interview I interviewed drama therapist and creative, Lisa Drupstein. We had such a fun conversation and discussed what a drama therapist does, how growth comes from discomfort and also how for her, creativity is her language of communication. We had some fascinating insights into the concept of 'follow your foot' - a term that relates to stepping forwards on a stage to improvise. Plus, the highlight of the show... a song about creativity sung by Lisa on her ukulele. Seriously, do stay tuned to hear this as it's brilliant! 

About Lisa

Lisa comes to us from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She’s a Drama Therapist by training and has worked in various settings including hospitals, schools, and private practice. Her most notable projects have included launching an Improv for Anxiety program, teaching Improv and Puppetry classes for adults, and running social skills programs in daycares using puppetry and music. Her creative passions include improv, musical comedy, video production, and photography. Recently, Lisa has launched Local Well, an online initiative that celebrates and encourages creativity and wellness.

You can find Lisa online here:

In this episode Susan discusses 7 of her top tips to help sustain a regular creative practice. These are things she does herself PLUS things recommended to people taking part in her annual 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge. 

Show Notes:

The tips discussed in the episode include:

Tip 1 – Select a small amount of work to do e.g. use a small sketchbook or canvas
It is often quicker and easier to complete a small sketchbook page than a larger one so go small to start with. A small sketchbook is also portable so can travel around with you everywhere you go. 

Tip 2 – Keep your materials simple (and use your favourites)
Have a simple pencil or pen and use this if you are sketching as your creative practice – it doesn’t have to be complicated. Oh and if you use materials you enjoy as well this will help too. Sometimes I find that cheap materials help me to get started and at other times I like to use beautiful materials that bring me joy. Use whatever works best for you. And have them readily available...

Tip 3 – Give yourself a time limit
Set yourself a small time limit each day to complete your creative work – this helps to make it short and sweet and achievable on a daily basis. e.g. 5-10 minutes per day.

Tip 4 – Make yourself accountable
Tell people you are doing this creative work and share it. Consider sharing with family and friends, on social media or join a community such as a Facebook Group or even a challenge such as the 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge or the 100 Day Project. 

Tip 5 – Create before you consume
I always think it is good to carry out your own practice before you start to look at other people’s work. Instagram, for example, is full of beautiful work, but it can feel overwhelming if you view this first before starting your own creativity for the day. It is very hard to create freely when we are overwhelmed or intimidated. So, create before you consume (eating is fine!!)

Tip 6 – Use your intuition / instincts
Go with you first thoughts and instincts – draw/sketch/paint your very first idea rather than overthinking. If you are not sure on what to draw, just make some notes or doodles on a scrap of paper first to help your brain to come up with something you are happy with or even plan out a rough shape.

Tip 7 – Don’t take it too seriously
No-one is judging you and this isn’t a competition. So don’t take your creative practice too seriously, accept and laugh at your ‘mistakes’ and have a whole lot of fun. If it is fun and makes you happy you are likely to practice regularly. 

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this week's episode I speak to Gabriela Aguirrezabel from printherapy.com 

Gabriela Aguirrezabal is a social designer with experience in youth care innovation. She just founded Printherapy as a way to help busy heads to come into the here and now with lino printing. Mixing creativity with mindfulness to empower people to create imperfect pieces of art and feel good. Gabriela is originally from Mexico City where she studied industrial design, then moved to the Netherlands to study a Masters in Strategic Product Design.

In the podcast episode we speak about mindfulness and linocut, letting go of perfection, what her business and how it came about, the love of the process, PLUS she provides a simple trick to help you get past the fear of the blank page. 

The quote Gabriela refers to in the episode is by Albert Einstein - "Creativity is intelligence having fun."

This special episode is an interview with creative business owner Joanne Hawker. 

Joanne is a designer and maker living and working in Somerset. She predominantly creates special occasion greeting cards for life’s special moments, colourful washi tape and project bags. She is perhaps best known for her Instagram challenge #MarchMeetTheMaker.

I asked Joanne about her creative process when creating new products, what creativity means to her and what inspires her. We also discussed exactly what the March Meet the Maker challenge is, what her favourite colour is and discussed jumping about in the rain!

We had a fabulous conversation, so hit play to join us! 

You can find Joanne online here:

In this episode of Creativity Talks, Susan discusses the importance of just doing something. 

This is all about creativity and that we need to fuel it regularly by small inputs or outputs. Sometimes simply reading, doodling or thinking about creativity is enough. The process and the practice are what are important, in any small little doses that we can fit into our daily lives. 

Curious? Then listen in...

Show Notes:

Books mentioned in the podcast include The Practice by Seth Godin and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this week's episode I talk to a creative individual who works at Search Press, the leading art and craft publisher in the UK. I actually met up with Sophie a few weeks ago when visiting the Search Press offices in Kent to discuss my new book about sketching due due for release in 2022. We chatted then about creativity and thought it would be great to chat on the show here as well. 

In our podcast interview Sophie talks about how creativity has helped her personally with mental wellness, about how art and crafts have been so poplar during lockdown and what she gets up to at Search Press and in her own creative activities. We had a great conversation and I can't wait for you to join us and listen in...

About Sophie

Sophie is a marketing assistant at Search Press, the leading art and craft publisher in the UK, which publishes up to 100 of its own titles each year as well as distributing books for other publishers. Sophie’s background is in Psychology with a BSc with honours in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. They have worked previously with adults and children with learning difficulties including in day service settings where art and craft were at the forefront of daily activities. They’ve also lead peer support programmes in higher education supporting students with mood disorders and eating difficulties. Sophie is a big advocate for the therapeutic benefits of engaging with creativity and in their spare time enjoys papercrafts and given folks the ol’ razzle dazzle by belting out the odd showtune.

You can find Search Press online here:

In this special guest interview I talk to creative business owner and mum Sara Funduk. 

We had a fabulous discussion about the two sides to her creative work - her own art and also her e-course platform CourseCraft. I loved this conversation and we talked about the things that make her creatively tick, the importance of colour and also the impact of being a mother on your art and creative practice. 

Do have a listen to find out more...

About Sara

My name is Sara Funduk and I live in Ontario, Canada, with my husband Ryan, my son Stanley, and our three crazy cats. I am an art-supply hoarder; I use all the colours when I paint; and I am completely obsessed with patterns. I have been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon.

When my son was born, I almost let my creativity dry up. I felt like I had no time to paint and I definitely didn’t have time for all the setup and cleanup work that went into it. One day, during nap time, I pulled out a barely used watercolour palette from my stash and it clicked.

After exploring watercolour for a bit, I was approached by a publisher to write a book about it! It was a massive surprise that anyone wanted me to write a book. It was an amazing project to work on and really pushed my creativity further than I thought possible. Since then, I’ve expanded my artwork to include my first love again: pattern.

Where you can find Sara

In this week's episode I discuss Creative Burnout. I discuss what it is and ways you can deal with it and get back to creating. This is an essential episode to listen to if you are feeling that feeling of tiredness, artist's block or general funk in your creative activities. I discuss all about filling your cup so the creativity can flow freely again! 

Show Notes

Points discussed throughout the episode include:

In this episode Susan discusses the importance of positive language on our creativity. Hint: It's super powerful!

She delves into the types of words we may hear ourselves say that are negative and  why we may say it. Most importantly though is understanding why it is essential to use positive language, the benefits it has and how this can build our creative confidence and self-esteem. Oh and there are three simple exercises for you to explore the power of positive language yourself. Listen to the full episode for a super-positive dose of creative talking this week. 

Show Notes / Exercises:
(listen to the episode for a full explanation):

List of negative words:
bad, wrong, can't, won't, haven't, shouldn't, no, not, not good, failure, sorry, never

List of positive words:
fantastic, good, right, can, do, will, worked, have, excellent, did, good, success, woohoo, always, abundance, succeed, experiment 

Exercise 1: Replace Negative with Positive
Over the next week look for negative words that you use and write them down. Notice when, where and how you use them. What does it mean? Try to replace these words with positive ones instead. How has this changed your attitude to your creative practice?

Exercise 2: Reflect on Your Work
Study a piece of your own creative work. Spend 2-5 minutes making negative notes. Then spend double the time making positive notes. How does this make you feel about this piece of creative work. 

Exercise 3: Create a Positive Affirmation

Write 1-3 of your own positive affirmations around creating. Use the ones below as examples or create your own. Get creative everyone! maybe you make this into a piece of art in itself. Repeat the affirmation(s) regularly. 

Examples: 

"I am an artist"

"My creativity flows freely"

"I am confident and skilled in my creative work"

"I am proud of my..."

"I enjoy..."

"My creativity makes me happy!"

Feel free to share your positive affirmations with me. 

Listen to the episode to find out more.

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this Episode Susan shares with you her thoughts on the importance of creative play. 

This episode includes one of Susan's 'Tea with Susan' discussions - a previously recorded video tutorial that is part of her Inspire Creative Membership. This discussion specifically discussed why playing creatively is so important and was a 'hot topic' when released. 

Susan then shares some listener feedback about this discussion and provides a super-easy (and playful) exercise you can do yourself for creative play. 

Listen to the episode to find out more. 

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this episode Susan goes through 10 things to surround yourself with to boost creativity!

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here:

In this episode Susan discusses Five easy creativity boosters that you can integrate into your daily life. 

These include:

1. Learning

2. Reading

3. Looking (Observation with Intent) 

4. Collecting 

5. Sketching (Creative Play)

Listen to this episode to find out what these mean and some handy suggestions for implementing. 

Welcome to the very first episode of Creativity Talks. 

This episode is an Introduction to the whole show and will hopefully explain exactly why I have decided to create this show, what to expect in each episode and of course why I feel that creativity is so important.

For more information about this podcast please visit the Creativity Talks webpage here: