The Creative Boom Podcast

This week, The Creative Boom Podcast brings a ray of sunshine with Christopher Doyle, the award-winning founder and creative director of Christopher Doyle & Co., based in Sydney, Australia. Over nearly two decades, Christopher has built an impressive career filled with accolades, global talks, and a reputation for bringing a candid and refreshing perspective to the creative industry. In this episode, Christopher shares his reflections on what he calls "The Great Unknown", an honest exploration of the pressures and challenges facing modern designers today. He speaks openly about the overwhelming nature of constantly being exposed to others' work and the struggle to remain relevant in a fast-paced, youth-driven industry. Christopher sheds light on how social media serves as both a source of inspiration and an anxiety-inducing force, creating a delicate balance between its benefits and drawbacks. Christopher's approach to design is rooted in honesty and transparency, rejecting performative processes in favor of genuine client relationships and adaptable workflows. He explains why staying lean and agile as a small studio can often be more effective, particularly in today's challenging economic climate. Reflecting on his years of experience, he highlights the importance of embracing nostalgia, finding balance in creative work, and fostering a collaborative, open environment that prioritises authenticity over appearances. A key theme in this conversation is the personal growth that comes with experience. While Christopher acknowledges that confidence grows with age, insecurities about one's work never fully disappear. Instead, they fuel the pursuit of excellence and help maintain a balance between anxiety and complacency. Christopher also reflects on his superpower—follow-through—a skill that ensures he delivers on his ideas and brings creative visions to life. Throughout the episode, Christopher shares practical insights, including recent revelations as he approaches his fifth decade. His perspective is an inspiring reminder that honesty and transparency in creativity resonate far more than a polished facade. This episode offers a refreshing and candid take on navigating the complexities of the creative industry while holding onto passion and purpose. Whether you're a designer, a studio leader, or simply curious about the realities of modern creativity, Christopher Doyle's insights are bound to resonate.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered! This week, we were joined by Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director at Too Gallus, a Glasgow-based studio shaking up the traditional agency model. We looked into the evolving landscape of creative agencies, highlighting how smaller studios are seizing opportunities thanks to the democratisation of technology and changing client demands. The conversation touched on how agile, lean teams can achieve brilliant results, making them an increasingly attractive option for clients navigating economic challenges. Barrington shared his insights into the nuances of pitching, the importance of building strong client relationships, and the entrepreneurial drive behind Too Gallus. He also reflected on personal growth, the dynamics of agency expansion, and the role cultural connections play in shaping creative industries. Looking ahead, Barrington envisions creating a vibrant hub that fosters innovation while staying deeply rooted in culture. In Creative News this week, Apple is set to launch a revamped Siri powered by advanced large language models in spring 2026. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence will integrate third-party AI tools this December, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, marking a significant step forward in the company's AI strategy. Elsewhere, Meta is introducing a global "reset" feature for Instagram, allowing users to clear algorithmic recommendations from their feeds. The tool will roll out ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act, ensuring stricter content controls from December. And to celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary, Lego is launching a series of F1-themed sets featuring all ten teams. From Duplo to Speed Champions, these models will hit shelves on 1 January 2025. On The Spotlight, our writer Garrick Webster dives into the world of children's illustrators embracing themes of mystery and mild peril. From Helen Brady's haunting folktale-inspired works to Becky Colvin's eerie train story, The Scream Engine, these artists demonstrate how children's literature can blend spookiness with creativity to engage young readers. Discover more Our Book of the Week is Read Write Own by Chris Dixon where he explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology, proposing a future where the internet becomes more decentralised and democratic. Dixon maps the internet's evolution through three eras—'read', 'read-write', and 'read-write-own'—and envisions a more equitable digital landscape. A must-read for those curious about the intersection of technology, community, and creativity. Get your copy For our Tip of the Week, we look at going freelance in 2025. Switching to a freelance career can be both liberating and daunting. Brett Lair advises building an emergency fund to cover six months of expenses, while Jasmine Designs emphasises understanding your worth and avoiding underpricing. For more tips on navigating self-employment, check out our latest article. On Monday, tune in as Christopher Doyle, founder of Christopher Doyle & Co., joins us to talk about 'The Great Unknown' – the unspeakable truths of the creative industry. From relentless competition to the overwhelming pace of work, this conversation promises to be refreshingly candid. Until next time!

In this week's episode, we explore what it takes to shake up the traditional agency model with Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director of Too Gallus, a Glasgow-based studio that's rewriting the rules of the creative industry. Barrington has carved out a niche by building a lean, culture-driven studio that thrives in an increasingly fast-paced sector. Through our conversation, he shares how Too Gallus has embraced the disruption of traditional agency structures, demonstrating that small, specialised teams can create impactful work that punches well above their weight. Why is this happening? Barrington believes the democratisation of technology has empowered smaller studios like his, levelling the playing field and giving them access to tools and opportunities once reserved for large agencies. He delves into how smaller, more agile teams are often able to deliver work faster and more collaboratively, adapting to a client's specific needs in ways that big agencies cannot. This shift, he explains, is fuelled by a changing client landscape where businesses are increasingly informed and empowered, enabling them to work directly with leaner teams on projects that demand creativity and precision. We also explore the balance between staying small and scaling with purpose. Barrington shares his vision for Too Gallus as a creative incubator, fostering a team culture that prioritises connection, ambition, and authenticity. He discusses the importance of being clear on what kind of work his studio wants—and what it doesn't. Instead of chasing massive retainers that would change the essence of the studio, Too Gallus leans into its strengths, focusing on bold, culturally connected projects that excite both the team and the clients they work with. One of the standout themes of the episode is Barrington's entrepreneurial drive and his commitment to staying true to his roots. He emphasises the value of authenticity, not just in creative work but also in how you present yourself and your business. His approach to self-promotion—loud, proud, and unapologetically confident—offers a refreshing take in an industry where self-doubt and humility can sometimes hold people back. He encourages creatives to champion their own work and embrace their unique voice, even in the face of scepticism. Barrington's story is one of bold ambition, cultural connection, and purposeful growth, inspiring anyone looking to make their mark in the creative industry. From his insights on pitching and building client relationships to his reflections on the evolving creative landscape, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and food for thought.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered! This week, host Katy Cowan sat down with Khyati Trehan, a designer and 3D visual artist currently based at Google Creative Lab in New York. Khyati shared a glimpse into one of the most innovative creative spaces in the world—a rare treat! What stood out most was how she juggles working at the cutting edge of technology, collaborating on personal projects like visual designs for her sister's music, and decompressing with reality TV. She opened up about how she avoids burnout while staying energised and inspired, even in the high-pressure environment of Google. Khyati also discussed generative AI, emphasising that while it's a tool to enhance creativity, "writing prompts doesn't make you an artist". For her, AI is a collaborator, not a replacement, expanding what's possible without diminishing the joy of creating. If you've ever wondered how someone can stay ahead and balance so many creative pursuits without losing momentum, this episode is for you! In Creative News this week, Spotify unveiled new features for video podcasting, including ad-free viewing for Premium users and an audience-driven payout model. With over 640 million users, Spotify is rapidly growing its video podcast offerings to rival YouTube. Meanwhile, Bluesky reassured users it won't use content to train generative AI tools, setting it apart from platforms like X. While exploring ways to protect user consent, the platform continues to grow, now hosting 17 million users. And gaming is shifting toward live-service titles, driven by Gen Z's love of social interaction and self-expression. With in-game purchases accounting for 67% of global gaming income in 2023, these games are blurring lines with social media, hosting events like concerts and TV premieres. In The Spotlight this week, we highlight Creative Boom's feature on how design leaders are preparing for 2025. Despite economic challenges, studios are focusing on purpose-driven work, AI as a creative collaborator, and fostering internal culture. Leaders predict a future of meaningful partnerships and sustainable practices, ensuring creative work aligns with both client and employee expectations. Our Book of the Week is WipEout Futurism: The Graphic Archives, a deep dive into the iconic video game that revolutionised gaming and graphic design. With rare concept art and interviews, this book celebrates the groundbreaking work of The Designers Republic and the game's sci-fi-inspired branding. This week's Tip focuses on finding happiness in creative work. Strategies include balancing work with personal life, embracing self-expression, and practising mindfulness. Remember, happiness is a work in progress, built through small, meaningful steps. In our Letters to the Editor, listener Sarah Turner wrote in about this week's guest, Khyati Trehan: "I loved how she described AI as a collaborator. Her perspective reminded me that these tools can enhance creativity rather than diminish it." While Ben Mottershead shared his reflections on last week's chat with Dave Sedgwick: "I resonated deeply with the discussion on rethinking goals. Starting my own agency was a dream, but I realised it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'm now focusing on what truly matters." Don't miss next Monday's episode, where Katy chats with Barrington Reeves, creative director and founder of Too Gallus in Glasgow. They'll explore the shift from traditional agencies to smaller, agile studios and the economic challenges but great opportunities facing the industry. See you then!