Today, change occurs almost constantly, at a speed never before seen in human history. We are in a technological revolution that some are likening to the advent of agriculture. Incomprehensible news headlines bombard us, and underneath it, we must still find a way to make sense of it and create for a living. Los Angeles and New York-based creative company Sibling Rivalry is a shining example of adaptation and flexibility in this new economy. Co-founder Mikon Van Gastel joins me to share the agency's story. As someone who went into business shortly before 9/11, has steered the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, like the rest of us, attempts to understand and move harmoniously with artificial intelligence, Mikon explains what it takes to keep growing and creating with joy in this crazed economy. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.comWork with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com And find out about the new illustrator-specific coaching offer. Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

As I continue to work on the downside of my high sensitivity to counter anxiety and overthinking, I turn to the Buddhist teachings and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations about impermanence after a sobering visit to my hometown. And of course, apply them to our current moment in the creative industry. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.comWork with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com See the brand new illustrator-specific coaching offer now Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua The Railway History exhibition: https://railway200.co.uk/

Designer and artist Anthony Burrill in conversation with creativity coach, illustrator, author, and The Creative Condition founder Ben Tallon

More creativity and creative industry insights with The Creative Condition founder, author, and creativity coach Ben Tallon

Is what you were enough anymore? Do we run for the hills as the machines come for our jobs, or drill even deeper into who we are, what we stand for, and where we were going? I'm joined by artist and illustrator Claudine O'Sullivan to share her story of adapting to life as a new mother, artificial intelligence, and economic unrest. We discuss the fear, the opportunities, and how the hell we begin to choose our direction in fast-changing times, no matter whether you're an illustrator, graphic designer, animator, creative director, or anything across the arts. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.comWork with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Brain lubeMaintaining a multi-faceted businessMultiple beanstalks and many JacksThe pain of the pastAs ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave...

After 1.5 years of creativity coaching through my one-to-one Pit Stop sessions, it's time to announce a new illustrator-specific offer. With 18 years in the game and over 300 interviews with creative industry and broader thought leaders, I've designed something to help illustrators to take control of their next moves as the market continues to shift. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop cr...

Relationships. Utterly key to our ability to function with optimism, contentment, and creativity. But how much do we take care of them? Relationship with ourselves? Partners, professional or romantic? With society? Psychotherapist Allison Heiliczer joins The Creative Condition for the latest in a series of specific mental health topic episodes as we take a long look into the relationship mirror. We cover: Chaotic brainsFinding the right tribe for these brainsNegative identitiesThe finding tim...

It's heavy out there. Cost of living. Mental health. Climate. Extreme division. Capitalist mania. I opened my finances spreadsheet and freaked right out. Anxiety took hold and amplified it out of all proportion. Here are 10 things that got me out of the hole, things that can help you too, dear artist. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The ...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Are we all on ref cam?Identity and belonging on the paper roundAI agents and primitive idiocyAs ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creati...

A moment with The Creative Condition founder Ben Tallon as he shares creativity-led thoughts, insights, lessons, feelings, and observations for the duration of one brew (hot beverage). Today, join me as I reflect on a nettle sting sustained by reaching for a bag of dog shit, and why it links to Marcus Aurelius. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' work...

Aaron Becker, Seth Kleinberg, and Troy James Miller from Los Angeles-based Filmograph join me to take us inside their brilliant studio. Their output is insane and inspiring, from The Penguin to Mission Impossible via Aquaman, a visit to their portfolio is a must for any serious film fan. We cover: The importance of respect for the concept over trendsFilmograph's originsThe importance of time offChanging plans in the service of the creativeJuggling acts and the art of staying creative across m...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Golden hour comfortLearning through humour Burning bridgesGallows humourAs ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community dur...

After reading a beautiful piece of writing about Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke's football strike partnership in 1999 by Matt Dickinson, I was reminded of the vital importance of our creative partners in life. To help you recognise and value yours, I work through some that spring to mind in my life, how they vary, and why they matter for our creativity. I dig into: Why partners matter for our creativityTypes of partnersThe different ways they nourish usThe difference between long-term, ...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Three nice things after a bad night's sleepA tiny assault on my peace Telling an authentic storyAs ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brav...

The world is heavy. It always was. But today, we're slammed by a constant wall of white noise, and the vast majority of what we're told is negative. Anxiety is heightened perhaps more than ever before as a by-product of our hyper-connected digital way of life. Too many people spend their days exhausted and locked in a state of fear. It's damaging our ability to create, to feel hopeful, optimistic, and curious. Every one of us lives with anxiety. It is an evolutionary alarm system to help keep...

A responsive instalment of The Creativity Diary as I drive under a motorway bridge and struggle to get past the graffiti message painted on it. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative co...

PJ Richardson discovered graffiti. It brought him fulfilment when chaos was present in his early life. The chaos hasn't gone away; it has only changed shape and form. We discuss his journey from painting walls to leading a Los Angeles-based motion and design studio, what today's chaos looks like, and how he finds the space to create great art within it in the commercial world. We discuss: Trauma and resilienceAbandon mindset when all else seems lostThe need to create 'sandboxes' and 'playgrou...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': The perfect napPorn magazine reflections and the importance of accepting our roots and creativity contextParenting lessons and humans encountering their elementAs ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://t...

As awareness of both the shiny clock towers and the most hidden caves of mental health grows, it's become increasingly common to self- or misdiagnose. 'Burnout' can be tossed around too lightly. I've done it myself. I came to understand what I felt was overwhelm. I'm joined by Cognitive Performance Strategist and burnout coach Emily Herird to discuss a condition intertwined with the crazed pace of our 21st century lives. She explains what burnout is, what it's not, and what steps ...