Unlocking Creativity

On this special edition of the Unlocking Creativity podcast, listeners of the show send in their questions about how to be creative and stay creative whilst in lockdown and living in these socially distant times.   Three of the many questions we’ll be answering in this episode include: How to find new inspiration whilst locked down and working in isolation. What to do with all those projects we were planning on doing before the pandemic began. And how creativity can make an impact in the world around us, regardless of the industry.    Thank you to special guest contributions from: Elika Gibbs - Stylist. IG: @PracticalPrincess Dan Shipton - Creative Director. IG: @WeAreBlackSkull Nicola Larder - Creator, Marcella (Netflix) and Cobra (Sky)   Thank you for listener questions from: Alexis Strum Vicky Matthews Alex White Andrea Hope Sydney Ling Andrey Psyché Y’all Y’all Christoper Stanley Ebony Arwen Emily Gunawan   Daniel Brookes  Twitter: @danielrbrookes Instagram: @danielrbrookes Website: www.unlockingcreativitypodcast.com

On this special edition of the Unlocking Creativity podcast, listeners of the show send in their questions about how to be creative and stay creative whilst in lockdown and living in these socially distant times.   Three of the many questions we’ll be answering in this episode include: How to find new inspiration whilst locked down and working in isolation. What to do with all those projects we were planning on doing before the pandemic began. And how creativity can make an impact in the world around us, regardless of the industry.    Thank you to special guest contributions from: Elika Gibbs - Stylist. IG: @PracticalPrincess Dan Shipton - Creative Director. IG: @WeAreBlackSkull Nicola Larder - Creator, Marcella (Netflix) and Cobra (Sky)   Thank you for listener questions from: Alexis Strum Vicky Matthews Alex White Andrea Hope Sydney Ling Andrey Psyché Y’all Y’all Christoper Stanley Ebony Arwen Emily Gunawan   Daniel Brookes  Twitter: @danielrbrookes Instagram: @danielrbrookes Website: www.unlockingcreativitypodcast.com

Derren Brown is best known for his mind-altering stage shows and Netflix TV specials. By mixing mentalism, magic, illusion, suggestion, hypnotism and suggestion, Derren’s performances are always innovative, distinct and continually push boundaries. So often surrounded in secrecy, what you're about to find out is the creative process that goes into developing some of his most famous stage shows and effects. Most people ask Derren how his performances are done but what you’re about to discover is even better - how he creates them in the first place. This episode is packed full of revelation and actionable advice that could be applied to everyone’s life.   Three takeaways from this episode include: How to find meaning at different stages of our life and why a creative endeavour is a great way to do it.  Why becoming who you are is forgetting about who you are supposed to be.  And why we should all be finding something of meaning that’s bigger than ourselves and putting everything into it.    Derren’s Recommendations: Susan Cain - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Laurence Scott - Picnic Comma Lightning: In Search of a New Reality John Kaag - Hiking With Nietzsche

Nettie Wakefield is one of the most exciting artists around right now. Her distinct style has led to her works being snapped up by collectors and galleries across the globe, as well as being scouted by Banksy. Nettie is the first-ever artist to ever appear on the podcast and she provides some truly unique insights into what goes into making her own pieces, along with all the highs and lows that can come with it.   Three takeaways from this episode include: Why it’s important to develop an individual style and have consistency in your work.  How working in solitude can impact your creativity and how to avoid going crazy in your own company!. And if you’ve ever wondered how to turn a blow-up doll into a bronze sculpture, you’re about to find out...    Nettie’s Recommendation: Grayson Perry - Playing to the Gallery   Email info@unlockingcreativitypodcast.com   Instagram / Twitter @danielrbrookes        

As the first actor to make an appearance on the show, Jeremy Irvine certainly didn’t disappoint. Many may know Jeremy for his past roles on the likes of the blockbuster movie Warhorse, the giant musical franchise that is Mamma Mia and his latest project, Treadstone. The mammoth Amazon Prime Video series is an action-packed thriller set in the world of Jason Bourne amidst a backdrop of spies, assassins and espionage. Jeremy’s credits from film, television and stage have been widely varied and so too has his experience. In this episode, Jeremy provides a brilliantly truthful and honest insight into what it’s really like to be an actor. Sharing the creative challenges that are often faced, the process of getting into a role and the inspiring story of how he got his break in the first place - a perfect case of creating his own luck and which ultimately led to him being cast for his debut role by Steven Spielberg.   THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: The lessons and advice that Jeremy has been given by the likes of Steven Spielberg and Colin Firth. Why Jeremy finds the term ‘method acting’ ridiculous, despite in his own words "having been accused of it” in the past. How emotion can impact output - a transferrable skill from the world of acting that could be applied to any industry.   JEREMY’S RECOMMENDATION: Succession

The stylish start to the season continues with British GQ’s Editor-in-Chief, Dylan Jones. Not only one of the most inspiring people who I’ve ever had the pleasure to interview but also a man of many creative talents. When he’s not running the monthly bible of all things cutting edge, Dylan is also an accomplished author, a strong advocate for Britain’s creative industries and the Chair of London Fashion Week Men's. He’s won countless awards for his work and in 2011 was granted an OBE for his services to publishing.    THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: An insight into the reinvention of British GQ that Dylan implemented - including hiring Boris Johnson as a car correspondent and the advice that Dylan gives to new interns at the magazine. How even though Dylan grew up not knowing what he wanted to do and going as far to describe himself as ‘not particularly ambitious’, still managed to go on to reach the levels of success that he has. The reason why your gut instinct is fundamentally the most important thing when making decisions.   DYLAN’S RECOMMENDATION: Podcast - Talking Politics

Season Two is here and we’re kicking off in style with Jimmy Choo founder, Tamara Mellon. In terms of life experience, Tamara Mellon has definitely had one of the more colourful journeys. Troubles with addiction led to a 30-day stint in rehab where the idea that would go on to change her life was incubated. The first day she checked out, Tamara met with a cobbler and started one of the most recognisable luxury brands in the world, Jimmy Choo.   With a fierce and hardened attitude to risk, Tamara’s choices are often ambitious but never fail to create trends that many then proceed to follow. From her designs to how she runs her businesses, the results are always distinct, bold and noteworthy. Tamara has an abundance of wisdom and life experience that led to an interview that’s compelling regardless of whether you consider yourself a creative, an entrepreneur or a balance of both. THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: Why being a daydreamer is a good thing and why we should all be encouraged to do it more. What ‘first movers disadvantage’ is and why the most original of ideas often fail spectacularly before going on to succeed. And the mantra that Tamara instils in all of those that work for her — “the risky way is the safe way, and the safe way is the risky way.   TAMARA’S RECOMMENDATIONS: Originals - Adam Grant Grit - Angela Duckworth Ralph Lauren Documentary

It's the season one finale! Hasn't time flown? Never fear, the recording has begun for series two and we have a knockout, solid-gold, brilliant guest to ensure we see out this season with a bang. Enter the ring, Paul Oakenfold!   Paul is known not only as a top DJ having been voted the world's best DJ two years running but also as a music producer, record label boss and for his scores on TV shows and films, including THAT Big Brother theme tune and Hollywood blockbuster, Swordfish. Not only all that but he's also the man that created a movement with what became known as The Second Summer of Love which changed both the entire dance music genre, as well as the music industry as a whole.    Three of the many takeaways in this episode include:    How a fake ID and pretending to be a journalist helped Paul get started in the music industry.   How a remix of a U2 song proved to be the launchpad for Paul's career.    And why we should all be asking ourselves what we really love in life.    Paul's Recommendation: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On   

As both a creator of television formats and also someone who looks to find the most original formats globally, for Sarah Edwards, her creative instincts have to always be on. Whether it's working with her team to devise the next hit show or searching for the seed of something great in another territory, Sarah describes herself as needing to remain open to inspiration at all times.    I met with Sarah at her office in Sony Pictures to talk about what goes into creating a hit show like The Weakest Link and Take Me Out, as well as going from someone who was 'average academically' to one of the most respected and leading figures in the television industry.    Three of the many takeaways in this episode include:   The troubles of trying to be innovative in a risk-averse industry and how to overcome them.    What Sarah would look for in a creative intern from the 700 people that would apply.    And an exercise to do that makes you go against your instincts in order to devise something original.    Sarah's Recommendation: Essentialism: The Disciplines Pursuit of Less

With clients including Kate Moss and royalty, Elika Gibbs is renowned in the fashion industry for her work as both a stylist, as well as for being the first person to start a company specialising in wardrobe organisation. A business model that's now often imitated but never surpassed.    For this episode, Elika came to record the episode at my home. It seemed like a nice idea at first, but as you'll hear in the show, it was a mistake! Never invite a professional organiser to your unprofessionally organised home...     Three of the many takeaways in this episode include:   How being better organised can improve creativity.   The way in which to give ourselves the best possible start to the day.    How Tamara Mellon helped Elika overcome her imposter syndrome.    Elika's Recommendations: The Secret Sliding Doors     Elika's Book  Elika's Instagram

By always being open to an opportunity has meant that Damon Bryant's career is varied, fascinating and unlike any other. Having left school at 16, Damon went on to start a film company with Jude Law and Ewan McGregor, became an agent, ran a nightclub and even the Creative Director of the Lotus Formula 1 Team - a first for the sport. Now combining all of his past hats into his current company Bacchus Entertainment, we sat down together at Quo Vadis in Soho to discuss what he's learned through the years.    Three of the takeaways in this episode include:   How the worlds of Formula 1 and music proved to be a game-changing moment for Damon.   The reason stupid ideas are great.    And why we should be saying yes to more opportunities that come our way.    Damon's Recommendations:   Sideways Who is Michael Ovitz? The Kid Stays in the Picture: A Hollywood Life  Adventures In The Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood

As President of Sony Music's 4th Floor Creative Group, Cassandra Gracey brings together creatives from sectors including design, digital, branding, fashion, broadcast and photography. Assembling teams who work across Sony's roster of talent that includes Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith, George Ezra and Khalid. We sat down to discuss being a 'conductor of creatives' and her infamous work ethic that she calls work/work balance.    Three of the many takeaways in this episode include:   A game Cassandra plays with her team in order to boost creativity  The qualities that Cassandra looks for in the many creative people that she hires.  And an insight into the culture she instils to ensure that the best ideas always bubble to the top.   

As a favourite of the British Royal Family and with fans world over, the brand Patrick Mavros may have never come to be at all if it wasn't for love. In 1978, Patrick made his wife Catja a pair of silver earrings as a romantic gesture in their homeland of Zimbabwe. Little did he know that it would be this moment that would launch a brand famed for its exquisite silverware, jewellery and sculptures. We sat down on Patrick's recent trip to London to discuss his story, inspirations and what its like to be one of Africa's first luxury brands.   Three takeaways in this episode include:  How a tricky upbringing that included having polio helped shape Patrick's approach.  How to balance the passion and business side of your creative pursuit.  And a trick Patrick that uses wherever he is in the world when he wants to be inspired.     

As restauranteur and founder of Farmacy, Camilla Fayed has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Vegan Cuisine’ by GQ Magazine and hailed as one of the first to begin the plant-based movement that's now booming. We sat down together at her Notting Hill eatery to talk how she moved from fashion to food, how she fuses science and art, as well as how she went from a junk food-loving teen to the cleanest eating of creatives.   Three takeaways from this episode include: How eating cleanly has a positive effect on Camilla’s creativity. A structure that came from parenthood allowed Camilla to bring the vision of Farmacy to life.  Finding creative fulfilment by moving away from the career in fashion that many expected her to have.   CAMILLA'S RECOMMENDATION: Masaru Emoto - Hidden Messages in Water   FARMACY RESTAURANT: https://farmacylondon.com/   FARMACY COOKBOOK: https://amzn.to/2QhTDvf                                          

Welcome to Unlocking Creativity 

This episode I'm chatting with Dan Shipton, whose work with artists including Kate Bush, Dua Lipa, Take That, Little Mix and Stormzy has been seen by millions on stages and screens around the world.   As Creative Director, Dan is in charge of forming distinct performances from often nothing but a single music track. His company Black Skull Creative will then work on everything from the set design, lighting, screen content, costume, and choreography. All building into a singular, cohesive creative.   Other career landmarks for Dan include working with Danny Boyle on the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, creating the most talked-about moment with Ellie Goulding at The Royal Variety Performance and recently branching away from music and working with dinosaurs.    Thee takeaways from this episode include: Turning an idea into a reality by simply vocalising it.   Why Steven Spielberg told Dan he “completed his dream”.   A clever trick to remove fear from both the creative process and when beginning a new challenge.   Black Skull Creative: https://blackskullcreative.com/  

As the founder of stylish eyewear brand Cubitts, Tom Broughton helps people look better both optically as well as physically. The brand is known for its sleek approach and fixed price point that makes it stand out in a very crowded and competitive market. Having just opened his eighth store, I find out how he continues to innovate and create whilst working with something which always has such fixed constraints like eyewear and how to make a career out of your creative passion.     TOM'S RECOMMENDATIONS: Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense https://amzn.to/2zXyTOo Thinking, Fast and Slow https://amzn.to/2LlXtiq    CUBITTS: https://cubitts.com 

On the first-ever episode of Unlocking Creativity, I'm speaking with Nicola Larder. An incredible woman who's worked her way up through the ranks of scripted television, going from receptionist at a production company to the creator of globally successful, Emmy Award inning Netflix drama Marcella, starring Anna Friel. The series has now been shown in over 200 territories and continues to receive rave reviews globally.  With Marcella's third season coming later in 2019 along with a brand new drama called Cobra, it's been a very busy but creatively rewarding summer for Nicola. After a whole lot of diary juggling, we eventually managed to sit down together and I'm very happy we did! There was a whole lot of goodness to come of it, including what it takes to create a hit drama and why we shouldn't be afraid to look closer to home for our creative inspiration.  Three of the takeaways from this episode include: Why we should be getting away from our desks and routine to be at our creative best. How Nicola up with both the character and concept for her series, Marcella. Nicola’s way of reaching out to collaborators by what she calls ‘professional romances’.