Never Not Creative

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright brings together Christopher Doyle, Tarra Van Amerongen, Melissa Baillache and Quan Payne for a practical panel conversation about what actually makes a good portfolio.
Together, they unpack who a portfolio is really for, why clarity and curation matter, how much personality to show, what hiring managers look for in the first 30 seconds, and why ideas, craft and the ability to talk through your work still matter.
The panel also explores how AI is changing expectations for emerging creatives, why portfolios need to be shaped around the role you want, and how designers can stand out without relying on gimmicks.
From PDF structure and case study selection to networking, junior hiring and the importance of human connection, this conversation is full of useful advice for anyone trying to get their foot in the door or sharpen the way they present their work.
Find Out More About the NNC Panel
Christopher Doyle: https://www.instagram.com/cd_and_co/
Tarra van Amerongen: https://www.instagram.com/tarra_vanam/
Mel Baillache: https://www.instagram.com/studiokoto/
Quan Payne: https://www.instagram.com/quanpayne/
Never Not Creative: https://nevernotcreative.org
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Portfolio Panel
05:19 - Why Does a Portfolio Exist?
07:30 - Why the Folio Still Matters
13:10 - How Much Personality Should You Show?
19:34 - Standing Out Without Forcing It
25:19 - What Hiring Managers Look For First
27:09 - AI Literacy and Creative Portfolios
36:56 - Why Ideas Get You Through the Door
42:21 - Structure, Editing and Portfolio Format
46:50 - Getting Out of the Way
49:31 - Choosing the Right Case Studies
52:12 - The Portfolio, the Trailer and the Film
57:09 - Hiring Juniors in an AI-Shaped Industry
59:50 - Final Advice for Landing the Role
#creativeindustry #designportfolio #careeradvice

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