Never Not Creative

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright sits down with Yasmin Naghavi, founder of Artis Causa and board member of Never Not Creative, to talk about the Never Not Creative Support Line and the legal, emotional and professional challenges creative workers often face.
Together, they unpack how power imbalances, unfairtreatment, bullying, harassment, unpaid entitlements and job insecurity can impact mental health, why getting advice early can make a huge difference, and how both employees and employers can approach difficult conversations, saferworkplaces and the changing role of AI in creative work.

🔎 Find Out More About Yasmin Naghavi
Artist Causa: https://artiscausa.com
Email: hello@artiscausa.com
Never Not Creative: https://nevernotcreative.org
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Yasmin Naghavi and the Support Line
03:53 - Why Early Legal Support Matters
07:42 - Speaking Up Without Fear
11:06 - Professionalising Creative Workplaces
15:02 - Common Issues Facing Creative Professionals
19:01 - Psychosocial Hazards and Workplace Safety
27:15 - Talking About Mental Health at Work
32:58 - AI, Job Security and Creative Work
43:13 - What to Do When Something Feels Wrong
44:15 - How the Support Line Works

#mentalhealth #creativeindustry #workplacerights

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright sits down with Katie Cadwell, founder of Lucky Dip and host of the NDA Podcast, to unpack the realities creatives don’t often talk about.
From burnout and boundary-setting to the pressures of agency life, Katie shares why creating space for honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations is more important than ever. She reflects on her journey from candid junior to confident founder, and how reaching a position of independence gave her the freedom to speak openly about the industry’s hidden challenges.
The conversation dives deep into the culture of overwork, the emotional toll of caring deeply about your craft, and why burnout may be inevitable for those who love what they do.
Katie explores the tension between personal responsibility and workplace accountability, the impact leaders have on team wellbeing, and why creatives ultimately need to advocate for themselves. It’s a candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges industry norms and pushes for a healthier, more sustainable way of working.

🔎 Find Out More About Katie Cadwell
Katie Cadwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-cadwell-01803230/
Lucky Dip Studio: https://www.luckydipstudio.com/
Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/the-nda-podcast

Thanks to Streamtime, project management software for creative businesses who believe health profits and happy people can exist together!

📚 Chapters
00:00 - Meet Katie Cadwell & The NDA Podcast
02:02 - Talking About Taboo Industry Topics
08:16 - Burnout: The Reality for Creatives
14:29 - Who’s Responsible for Mental Health?
19:57 - Diversity, Inclusion & Industry Gaps
29:41 - Parenting, Priorities & Work Culture
38:11 - The Unsung Heroes of Creative Teams
47:12 - Moral Compass vs Making a Living
52:30 - The Cost of Caring So Much

#burnout #mentalhealth #creativeindustry

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright speaks with icon designer, illustrator and art director, Bonnie Kate Wolf about the emotional and ethical impact of being made redundant from Pinterest during its shift toward an“AI-forward” strategy.
Ironically, Bonnie was actively working on AI initiatives (including the company’s AI assistant) when her role was made redundant.
What follows is a deeply honest conversation about grief, identity, corporate decision-making, and the uneasy relationship between creativity and automation.
Bonnie shares what it felt like to sense the warning signs, to voice concerns internally, and to ultimately see those fears realised.
Andy and Bonnie go on to explore the broader implications for creatives navigating AI disruption: when to trustyour gut, how to separate your identity from your job, and why authenticity and personhood may be the most future-proof assets creatives have.
This is a timely discussion on resilience, values, and staying human in a rapidly shifting industry.
🔎 Find Out More About Bonnie Kate Wolf
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-kate-wolf-20b04475
https://www.instagram.com/bonniekatewolf

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:52 – Inside the Innovation Team
06:17 – The Day of the Layoffs
13:17 – Shock, Support & Survival Mode
17:17 – Why This Time Feels Different
25:08 – Trust Your Gut
29:56 – Choosing Craft Over Automation
34:27 – Beyond “Designer” as Identity
42:54 – Generations & Ethics
49:14 – The Cost of a Query
57:39 – Finding Value-Aligned Work

#mentalhealth #creativecareers #ai

We’re all in it together – with Cat How
What does it mean to run a creative agency where radical transparency and empathy aren't buzzwords, but business fundamentals?
In this episode of NeverNot Creative, host Andy Wright sits down with Cat How, co-founder of design studio How & How, to talk about building a creative business that leads with values and doesn’t compromise on care, ethics, or ambition.
Cat opens up about launching How & How with her husband during the pandemic, creating a culture of honesty and mental health support, and why saying “no” to oil and gas clients is non-negotiable. From implementing a salary transparency framework to navigating creative rejection with care, Catshares how her team uses systems, structure, and shared values to protect their people and stay creatively sharp. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered how to build a business that actually walks its talk—and still makes beautiful, meaningful work.
🔎 Find Out More About Cat How
https://how.studio/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cat-how-0499b9149/
https://www.instagram.com/how___studio/

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introducing Cat How
01:12 - From Journalism to Creative Direction
03:45 - Launching How & How in a Pandemic
06:20 - Structuring Culture: Transparency, Mentorship & Salary
10:15 - Saying No: The Moral Compass for Clients
13:30 - Turning Down Oil & Gas Work
15:10 - The Business Case for Salary Transparency
17:00 - Mental Health & Leadership Vulnerability
20:25 - Creative Rejection and Emotional Safety
24:15 - Why Client Services Matter More Than You Think
27:40 - Founders and the Loneliness of Leadership
31:00 - Firing Clients That Mistreat the Team
33:20 - Building Organic Culture, Not Beer Pong Fridays
36:00 - Leading with Empathy and Structure
39:40 - AI as a Creative Superpower

#nevernotcreative #mentalhealth #creativeagency

In this episode, Andy Wright and Rio Blake (joining as the new Northern Hemisphere correspondent) sit down with Nick Finney, founder of NB Studio and former Pentagram designer. Nick shares his unconventional journey from working in a bicycle shop and Burton's Menswear to becoming a respected creative leader, while opening up about the realities of running a design agency for 28 years.

Key Topics Discussed:
The Unconventional Path to Design:
Nick reflects on his early struggles with academics, working on a YTS scheme for £25 a week, and his eventual transition to art college. He emphasises how his non-traditional background shaped his perspective and resilience in the creative industry.

The Evolution of Internships and Junior Talent:
The conversation explores how the internship landscape has changed, with Nick defending the value of junior talent while acknowledging the increased competition. He discusses NB Studio's approach to nurturing interns and the importance of treating them as integral team members.

Technology's Impact on Creative Learning:
Nick addresses concerns about remote work and whether essential skills are being passed down to the next generation. He remains optimistic about young creatives' adaptability while acknowledging the social challenges of post-COVID workplace integration.

Mental Health and Leadership:
In a candid discussion, Nick opens up about his 15-year journey with therapy, breaking down stigmas around mental health support for older white males in creative leadership. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental fitness, not just during crises but as ongoing self-care.

The Pressure of Agency Life:
Nick discusses what keeps him up at night (spoiler: it's public speaking, not finances), the challenge of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and his preference for creative work over administrative tasks.

Introversion in a Networking World:
The episode concludes with advice for introverted creatives on building resilience and authenticity in an industry that often demands self-promotion and networking.

Quotes:
"I'd rather just die of a heart attack while pointing at a mood board."
"Fuck it. Tell everyone, actually get therapy. It's good for you."
"We're all just human beings. We're all just trying to make a living and what we really want is fun from what we do."
"In terms of big ideas... I like to see subversiveness, I like to see people who stretch and play and bend with rules."

Resources & Mentions:
NB Studio
Pentagram
Never Not Creative Internship Program
Uncommon Creative Studio
Ruby Wax
Notting Hill Carnival photography (Rio Blake's work)

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the realities of creative leadership, the importance of mental health in high-pressure industries, and honest insights into running a design agency in today's challenging market.