In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper sits down with Melanie Gerlis, Art Market Editor at the Financial Times, to unpack one of the most misunderstood relationships in the creative world: art and money.
Together they explore how the art market really works - from the primary and secondary markets that determine price, to the growing influence of AI and digital platforms reshaping how artists sell and survive. Melanie offers rare clarity on a system that can seem opaque, revealing the networks, narratives, and economic forces that shape an artist’s visibility.
This isn’t a conversation about chasing commercial success - it’s about understanding the system so you can thrive within it. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a collector, or a creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you see how value is constructed, why transparency matters, and how integrity remains the ultimate currency in a world driven by perception.
For artists who want to make a living without losing their soul - this is essential listening.
The job market has never been tougher — but according to recruiter Emily Aldrich, it’s also never been richer in opportunity for those who know how to stand out.
In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper talks with Emily Aldrich, founder of Aldrich & Co, a recruitment firm with over 30 years of experience placing people in some of London’s most competitive industries.
Emily didn’t go to university — but she built a thriving business from scratch, and now she’s sharing the truth about what employers really look for.
Together, Rob and Emily unpack the essentials of getting hired in 2025:
How to tell your story (and why most people can’t)
Why communication and confidence matter more than grades
The smart way to use AI in your job hunt — without losing your voice
How creative skills translate into commercial success
And why resilience, curiosity, and kindness are your real career superpowers
This isn’t a conversation about perfect CVs or quick fixes — it’s about understanding yourself, building confidence, and finding your place in a world that’s changing fast.
Whether you’re just starting out, switching paths, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with practical advice — and a dose of hope.
Listen to the CreatED podcast here or on all major platforms— streaming now.
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What do artists and CEOs have in common? More than you might expect — and if you’re in the business world, you might just learn a thing or two from a sculptor’s mindset.
In this episode of CreatED, artist and Principal of The Art Academy, Rob Pepper, sits down with Matthew Brockman, Managing Partner of Hg Capital, one of Europe’s most successful private equity firms.
Matthew grew up in a family of master bookbinders — a world of precision, care, and deep craft. That creative heritage shaped how he leads today: with clarity, empathy, and long-term systems thinking.
Together, Rob and Matthew explore:
Why artists and CEOs both lead through vision and uncertainty
How creative processes mirror high-level strategic decision-making
What business leaders can learn from the adaptability and inventiveness of creatives
Why imagination is the overlooked leadership skill in both boardrooms and studios
And how embracing multiple career pathways is essential in today’s world
This is a conversation for the artist who wants to scale and the CEO who wants to think differently. A meeting of minds across sectors — with surprising lessons for both.
Christopher Duffy’s path into design blends fine craft with playful illusion — from a life-changing art foundation in Newham to cabinet-making with master artisans, market stalls in Camden, and eventually founding Duffy London. Known for the Swing Table, Shadow Chair and Balloon Table, Chris shares how he builds concept-first pieces to a “99.9% finished” standard, why he kept his studio intentionally small, and how CAD and AI now supercharge visualisation, marketing, and iteration without losing the human hand.
In this episode of CreatED, Chris and Rob discuss:
The leap from sensible furniture to bold, viral statement pieces
How digital tools — from CAD to AI — accelerate prototyping and storytelling
The trade-offs between exclusivity, scale, and creative freedom
What young designers need today: tool fluency, build awareness, and entrepreneurial grit
A candid conversation about resilience, risk, and the future of making — with Rob Pepper and Chris Duffy.
Nicole Anderson’s journey into animation was anything but linear — leaving school early, working a decade in pubs, and then pivoting back to her creative roots through 3D modelling and animation. She co-founded her own studio, learned business skills the hard way, and discovered her strength in production and team leadership.
In this episode of CreatED, Nicole and Rob explore:
The realities of running an animation studio and balancing creativity with business
Why communication, resilience, and sociability are as critical as technical skills
How AI and real-time rendering are reshaping animation pipelines
Barriers facing young people entering the industry — and how to break them
The importance of confidence, critique, and building community in creative careers
Nicole’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and belief in the value of creativity as serious work. A must-listen for anyone navigating non-linear paths into Creative Tech.
From punk bands to IBM Consulting, Matt Gierhart has always lived at the edge of culture and code. In this episode of CreatED, he sits down with Rob Pepper to explore what happens when art, strategy, and AI collide — and why ambiguity might be our greatest asset.
They discuss the rise of “hybrid” creative-tech roles, why generalists are thriving, and how to stay grounded when everything’s changing. Matt also shares insights from the frontlines of AI deployment and why he still believes human instinct will shape the future of innovation.
If you’re curious about creativity, tech, or the skills that will still matter in 2030 — this one’s for you.
Gautam Rajani’s creative journey spans continents, industries, and mindsets. Now co-founder of luxury menswear label SMR Days, he joins Rob Pepper to unpack what it really takes to build a brand — and a career — in today’s fractured fashion landscape.
They talk digital-first design, AI in merchandising, and why London is losing its grip as a global creative capital.
If you care about fashion, global creativity, or making things that last — don’t miss this.
From free school meals to reshaping the future of work through Hundo, Esther O’Callaghan has spent her life creating opportunities for young people the system overlooks. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Esther dive deep into the failures of traditional education and what needs to change — fast.
They explore the disappearing entry-level job, why CVs no longer serve talent or employers, and how we might design a fairer, more future-fit system for Gen Z. Esther also shares lessons from building careers platforms, working on Coldplay’s climate strategy, and disrupting from inside and out.
If you care about young people, equity, or the future of education — this one’s essential.
From art school to animation studios and freelance art direction, Jake Gumbleton has spent decades navigating the evolving edge of creative tech. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Jake explore what it means to build a sustainable creative career in an industry facing rapid change.
They talk about breaking into games and animation, how AI is reshaping creative workflows, and why foundational skills like drawing, collaboration, and critical thinking still matter — maybe more than ever.
If you care about visual creativity, adapting to change, or helping the next generation thrive in uncertain times — this one’s for you.
In this episode, Rob Pepper speaks with sculptor and Art Academy founder Tanya Russell about the power of apprenticeship learning, why professional skills—not talent—are often the biggest barrier for young artists, and how she built one of the UK’s most distinctive art schools from scratch. From childhood in her parents’ sculpture studio to running her own successful foundry in rural Wales, Tanya shares candid insights into the creative process, sustaining an art career, and why ‘wonder’ might be the most important quality any artist can have.
Essential listening for educators, emerging creatives, and anyone interested in how real-world skills and creative confidence intersect.
From the Millennium Gallery to Chelsea Barracks and the rooftops of Brixton, architect Tim Gledstone has spent decades shaping how we live, work, and create. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Tim unpack what it takes to build places — and practices — that are human, sustainable, and future-ready.They explore how architecture education must evolve, why apprenticeships are making a comeback, and how new tools like AI can amplify old-school craft. Plus: why sketching still matters, how to build a multi-skilled creative team, and what it really means to design with care.If you care about cities, making with purpose, or how creatives can help reshape the built environment — this one’s for you.
From Warhol lawsuits to Disney takedowns, this episode dives deep into the legal grey zones of authorship in the age of AI.Rob Pepper is joined by Ryan Nishimoto, a US-trained IP litigator and advisor to major tech clients, for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, copyright, and control. They unpack what really counts as ‘original’ today, how artists can protect their work, and why enforcement still favours the powerful.Ryan breaks down the legal implications of training data, fair use, and derivative works with clarity, empathy, and a dash of humour — offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the legal world is scrambling to keep up with generative AI. Plus: how to future-proof your creativity, why curiosity is a superpower, and what a 95-year-old’s AI prompts can teach us all.This episode is essential listening for anyone making, teaching, or navigating creative work in a time of accelerating change.
To continue the conversation join us here at http://creat3d.substack.com
Lucy Haken | Alpha Energy: Confidence, Creativity and living a Freelance Life
Lucy Haken has spent over 20 years producing science and history documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4, and National Geographic. As a Series Producer, she leads teams through complex productions — balancing creative vision with tight budgets and evolving technology.
In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper talks to Lucy about building a freelance career in factual TV, learning to back yourself, and why AI is transforming how stories are researched, edited, and told.
They also unpack the structural barriers facing new entrants — from unpaid work to the impact of parenthood — and how flexible models are beginning to shift the industry.
A clear-eyed conversation about confidence, adaptability, and the real skills that shape a creative career.
What does it mean to think in both pictures and spreadsheets — to blend instinct with insight? In this episode, Rob Pepper is joined by Jenna Littler, whose career has spanned luxury fashion, public policy, and global communications, including a decade at Burberry.
Jenna reflects on the growing value of “50/50 thinking” — where creativity and strategy are no longer siloed, but interwoven. She shares her journey from government to the fashion industry, and offers advice for young people trying to build confidence, find their voice, and navigate careers that don’t follow a linear path.
This conversation explores the skills that matter most in today’s world of work — from adaptability and storytelling to the ability to translate between teams and mindsets. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your direction, Jenna offers a grounded, generous perspective on how to lead with clarity, curiosity, and care
From Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg to Grammy nominations and mentoring the next generation, Iain Archer has spent decades crafting the soundtrack of modern life. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Iain explore what it means to build a sustainable creative career — and how education, storytelling, and resilience shape the path.
They dive into how creativity evolves over time, how AI and tech are changing the music landscape, and why teaching the next wave of artists might be as powerful as making the work itself.
If you care about music, making things that matter, or the future of creativity — this one’s for you.
The world is shifting fast — in education, in employment, and in how we define creativity itself. In this opening episode, CREATED host Rob Pepper (artist, educator, and Principal of the Art Academy London) introduces the mission behind the mic: to reimagine how we equip young people for a future shaped by AI, automation, and radical change.
Rob makes the case for centring human skills in a tech-driven world — from creative risk-taking to resilience, empathy to imagination. He explains why higher education is broken, why Creative Tech offers real opportunity, and why now is the time to rethink access, skills, and value in the UK’s £125B Creative Industries.
This series is about the people shaping that future — from award-winning artists to recruiters, producers to founders. Welcome to the space where creativity meets technology, and new pathways get built.