The Creative Blood Podcast

Creative Blood

Join us as we delve deep into the personal journeys of culture-defining creatives and industry insiders from the world of fashion, music, film, photography and more.

Through intimate conversations with host and Creative Blood Founder Laura Conway –in the spirit of ‘passing it on’ – they reveal the tips, rare stories and insights that have helped them navigate their creative paths, designed to help you navigate yours.


From the influences that sparked their imagination to the creative risks that changed their lives, it’s all in here. Get ready!


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Episodes

Casey Brooks, director & photographer, on how pre-production rigour creates freedom on set
May 22 2024
Casey Brooks, director & photographer, on how pre-production rigour creates freedom on set
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!New York-based Casey Brooks began her visual career shooting stills of friends in her dance community, and as her photographic technique developed so did her keen eye for movement and motion. She’s gone on to collaborate with some of the greatest talent in the dance world. To give a flavour: Beyoncé’s choreographer Dana Foglia, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Michelle Dorrance, Emma Portner, Soraya Lundy, and principal dancers from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Shen Wei, and Cedar Lake Ballet.In this episode, Casey explains how she navigates between creative and commercially viable projects, the importance of an awe-inspiring outdoor location and what’s next on her artistic agenda. She reveals the preparation, communication and creative pragmatism that goes into getting a job done on schedule and within budget – from ensuring shots are set up precisely to playing your part in a team.EPISODE INSIGHTSHow early experiences can make an impression and shape a careerWhy having collaborators who are just as invested as you is crucialHow to get the best out of a performerSubverting the ‘suffering artist’ stereotypeFind out more about Casey @caseybrooks_Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworldHosted by Laura ConwayProduced by Ben Tarrant-BrownMusic by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Raphael Salley, session hairstylist, on a career at the cutting-edge
May 9 2024
Raphael Salley, session hairstylist, on a career at the cutting-edge
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!Globally renowned for creating iconic hairstyles on famous names and faces across music, film, fashion and art – from supermodels to Hollywood A-listers – session hair stylist Raphael Salley has amassed an awe-inspiring roll-call of devoted clients and collaborators during his expansive career.We’re talking Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Helena Bonham Carter, Charlotte Tilbury, Givenchy, The Vampire's Wife, Versace, Agent Provocateur, Isabel Marant, Juergen Teller, Harley Weir, Nick Knight and Edward Enninful…as well as fashion publications – Dazed, AnOther Magazine and Vogue.From serendipitously bumping into fashion hair legend Eugene Souleiman in make-up mecca Screen Face in West London, to getting approached by global creative talent agency Streeters, to this Dazed and Confused shoot that would lead to hair consultancies for Hollywood directors Jane Campion and Matthew Vaughn, Raph tells us about the moments that shaped his career and lets us in on his secrets for getting the best out of a subject in the styling seat. During the episode, Raph also opens up to us about how he rebuilt his confidence and his career after overcoming a life-changing trauma and the lessons he learned along the way.  “Once the trust is gained with the artist, once that person is feeling comfortable in your chair, you can pretty much do anything! They'll say, yeah, go for it”.Wondering what that book of healing poetry Raph mentioned a certain actor read to him was? Wonder no further. EPISODE INSIGHTSDeveloping long-lasting relationships with A-list clientsThe importance of seeing an opportunity and taking itRebuilding a career in the wake of physical traumaStories from an illustrious careerFind out more about Raph @raphaelsalleyWe’d love to know what you thought of the episode @creativebloodworldEPISODE CREDITSHosted by Laura ConwayProduced by Ben Tarrant-BrownMusic by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Becky Smith, creative director, on bringing the edgy, powerful and feminine into focus
Apr 25 2024
Becky Smith, creative director, on bringing the edgy, powerful and feminine into focus
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!Over twenty years Becky Smith has become a renowned figure within the intertwining worlds of fashion and beauty. Her edgy, powerful and feminine vision and keen eye for new talent has led to her becoming one of London’s most sought-after creative directors, working with leading fashion magazines and major brands including Stella McCartney, Nike, Prada and Balenciaga among many many others. “Figure out who you are and what you want to achieve. Once you've found that, everything else will click into place."In 2009, she founded Twin Magazine, a biannual hardback set up to showcase disobedient, rebellious and visionary creative voices through art and cultural features, and creative agency Twin Studio. Constantly breaking new ground, she’s recently turned her attention to visual art, with her new Surrey-based Gallery 13.During this episode, Becky remembers how she got her foot in the door at i-D Magazine, the experience of working with top-tier talent (check out one of her favourite shoots, Michelle Yeoh x La Mer) and reveals how she tells the difference between a good photographer and a great one. Prepare for a no-nonsense masterclass in decision-making within a high-pressure environment, getting noticed in a crowded industry and why being able to execute your vision, from moodboard to reality, is essential.EPISODE INSIGHTSHow to get noticed in a saturated industryWhy you should trust and follow your gut instinctsApplying a ‘less is more’ approach to choosing projectsWhy nurturing creativity has its own rewardsAdvice for photographers trying to break into the industryFollow @Twin.studioWhat did you think of this episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworldEPISODE CREDITSHosted by Laura ConwayProduced and mixed by Scenery StudiosShow music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Georgia, Mercury-nominated artist, on writing sessions with Shania Twain, her boundless approach to creativity and the power of telling your own story
Apr 11 2024
Georgia, Mercury-nominated artist, on writing sessions with Shania Twain, her boundless approach to creativity and the power of telling your own story
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! A self-confessed studio nerd, Georgia Barnes began her career drumming for Kwes, Kae Tempest and Micachu before signing with Domino records and releasing her self-titled debut album in 2015 to critical acclaim. She earned a Mercury nomination for her second album, Seeking Thrills, and has since gone on to collaborate with everyone from Years and Years’ frontman Olly Alexander and Gorillaz to Shania Twain and Vampire Weekend.We joined the deeply down-to-earth, multi-talented musician for an intimate chat in her home studio. During the episode, Georgia shares the female music influences who’ve shaped her career from Kate Bush to Missy Elliott, waxes lyrical about the joys of analogue, explains how a 9-5 approach can be surprisingly conducive to creativity, and spills the T on how Shania Twain takes her tea, and that’s not even the half of it!“I started out with an idea that I wanted to be this one thing. Over the years, I’ve had to let that go, and I’ve got so much I can offer in different areas”This episode is an audio goldmine of creative insights, personal reflections and industry anecdotes from the mind of an artist who eats, sleeps and breathes music. Has Georgia euphoria rubbed off on us? Absolutely.Check out Georgia's latest single, Too much, too little.Follow Georgia @GeorgiaUKWhat did you think of this episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworldEPISODE INSIGHTSWhy overnight success is an industry mythWhy women need to start occupying the engineering spaceHow taking your time can pay offWhy knowledge is an affirmative power that creates resilienceThe importance of being open to different creative pathsWhy routine can be good for creativityEPISODE CREDITSHosted by Laura ConwayProduced by Scenery StudiosShow music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
So, Max Osinski, our favourite character on the Emmy award-winning hit show, TED LASSO…Tell us all about “Art being messy and collaborative” (And P.S. What was it like being directed by Tom Hanks?!)
Nov 10 2023
So, Max Osinski, our favourite character on the Emmy award-winning hit show, TED LASSO…Tell us all about “Art being messy and collaborative” (And P.S. What was it like being directed by Tom Hanks?!)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Last year Max Osinski had barely touched a soccer ball in his life. Now, thanks to his turn in Ted Lasso as spiritual diva and football legend Zava, he’s a fully playable character on FIFA.Born in an Austrian refugee camp, raised in Chicago and now living in London Max’s approach to auditions, preparing for a role being on set and working with legends such as Tom Hanks has seen him in Marvel’s Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Walking Dead: World Beyond as well as the movies “In Time” and “Love and Other Drugs”.This Summer, he came into our Shoreditch Studio, and pulled ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck and in the process, revealed the art of navigating the uncertainty of the acting profession whilst maintaining not just resilience, but a sense of wonder and awe along the way.  Here’s Max on insta and his partner in art + life, wife Dichen Lachman.This profile in Vanity Fair gives more insight into the Ted Lasso experience.Improve your own accent game in the The International Dialects of English Archive And join Max (sort of) on the sofa and try Idris Elba’s Hijack.This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by Rob Martland
So, Samuel de Saboia, contemporary art prodigy…tell us all about your community-based approach to creativity! (And P.S. What does 'peaceful loudness + fierce harmony' mean to you, in relation to getting your work seen and heard?)
Oct 27 2023
So, Samuel de Saboia, contemporary art prodigy…tell us all about your community-based approach to creativity! (And P.S. What does 'peaceful loudness + fierce harmony' mean to you, in relation to getting your work seen and heard?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Travelling the world with just three briefcases, a backpack and his enormous canvases, Samuel de Saboia is considered by many to be a contemporary art prodigy. We caught up with the Brazilian creative nomad in the middle of an art residency in Italy where he was surrounded by birds and statues of deities from around the world. Samuel’s multimedia paintings and sculptures are huge, swirling, colourful odes to Afro-Presentism. His first major solo show in New York, aged just 20 was called Beautiful Wounds and was about the deaths of five of his friends over a period of just six months. He has since exhibited in Zurich, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Marrakesh, Mexico City, and all over Brazil and has close ties with the world of fashion and design; he’s painted the cover for the September issue of Vogue, Brazil, been the cover star of Harper’s Bazaar Art issue  and Comme des Garçons named him their Artist of the year in 2022. Where on earth is Samuel this month? Check out his insta.  During our conversation Samuel mentioned curator Alayo Akinkugbe whose work as ABlackHistoryofArt can be explored here and Osei Bonsu, the Curator of International Art at Tate Modern, London. Want to delve further into Samuel’s art? Try this i-D article.This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by ORO Audio
So, Arielle Pytka, Artist, Athlete, Adventurer....what is the difference between a great idea and a crazy one?! (And P.S. tell us about your dream to create a studio set-up in the middle of nature?)
Oct 20 2023
So, Arielle Pytka, Artist, Athlete, Adventurer....what is the difference between a great idea and a crazy one?! (And P.S. tell us about your dream to create a studio set-up in the middle of nature?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Arielle dropped out of school aged 15 to sail across the Atlantic in a vintage boat - an unpopular decision with the grownups in her life and also the dawn of an incredible creative career as a multimedia artist and filmmaker that has seen her exhibit alongside the likes of Nan Goldin, Wolfgang Tillmans and collaborate with rock royalty. We caught up with the polymath in a rare still moment at her home in Venice, California where she was nursing a broken shoulder (rather than surfing, kayaking, taking photos, painting or making music videos) to pull ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck.In the episode Arielle references Julian Schnabel’s outdoor studio  which you can see in this film by Nowness, one of her favourite photographers Bill Henson who she connected with on his socials and the Language Transfer App she’s using to learn Italian at speed.And take a leaf out of Arielle’s playbook and connect with her on Insta.After you’ve listened (or even whilst!) take a closer look at her Archipelago series, the first ever show at LA’s renowned fashion and art space, Just One Eye.This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by Rob Martland
So, Jesse Simon, Talent Manager, Co-Founder of Other People’s Children... tell us about the importance of trusting your gut as a talent scout (And P.S. how does Grappling  and ice climbing feature in your world?)
Oct 13 2023
So, Jesse Simon, Talent Manager, Co-Founder of Other People’s Children... tell us about the importance of trusting your gut as a talent scout (And P.S. how does Grappling and ice climbing feature in your world?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Over twenty years Jesse Simon built a MASSIVE career managing the careers of some of the biggest models in fashion including David Friend, Ethan James and Gabriette Bechtel via the leading magazines and fashion houses, including YSL, Dior, Dazed, i-D and Vogue. Considered one of the most innovative talent agents Jesse built a reputation at Ford Models LA for seeing that the future was in killer brand strategy and by redefining the terms of what ‘talent’ truly means. Then, two years ago, he jacked it all in to officially transform Other People’s Children, the art collective he’d been co-running since 2017 as a side project into a living, breathing management company, representing a roster of musicians, writers, directors, and artist who are excited to help bring creative solutions to the table, in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. Recorded in his office, with the OPC team working around him, mere hours before our plane back to London was due to take off, Jesse pulled these cards from The Creative Blood Experience question deck.Follow OPC and Jesse on instagramJesse’s on a mission to make grappling an Olympic sport and has launched The Grappling Network which is now available to watch wherever you are - P.s. no, we didn’t know what grappling was either and so glad we weren’t afraid to ask! This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by Rob Martland
So, Low Bros, ultra contemporary artists… tell us all about the importance of being resilient as artists (And P.S. what's the greatest challenge to collaborating with your brother?)
Oct 6 2023
So, Low Bros, ultra contemporary artists… tell us all about the importance of being resilient as artists (And P.S. what's the greatest challenge to collaborating with your brother?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! With the paint barely dry on their most challenging project to date we sat down with the retro-futuristic duo behind some of the world’s most beautiful murals, Low Bros.In our Shoreditch studio, the real-life brothers opened up in the most beautiful way about the perfectionism behind their complex, painstaking analogue work which is known for its dopamine-inducing palette and iconoclastic attitudes to consumer culture.With a prolific output that spans painting, screen prints, super-scale murals, light installations and soon even jewellery the brothers are deeply driven by a strong values compass in their digital-esque work which is, in fact, rendered entirely by hand.Of course, you can connect with the Bros here, on Insta and be sure to step into their “Miami sunset-hued” world (our words) here.To bring the episode to life this is the tennis court that had them calling their agent in despair and here’s that photo of the boys as youngsters. There’s mention of a pivotal article by Juxtapoz magazine - turns out they’ve been writing about the boys for a while!For those - like our host Laura - who are intrigued to see what their collab with the German Post Office looks like, imagine no more. This is Studio Cult the jewellery brand the Low Bros are collaborating with - we’ve seen it, we’ve held it; it’s incredible. And, finally, we’ve asked our very own Director of Operations and AI artist John Noi to render a screenshot of [the Low Bros perfume ad that never was]. This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by Rob Martland
So, Pauli Lovejoy, music artist extraordinaire and creative visionary, tell us all about how you’ve approached money conversations past and present...(And P.S. how on earth did you pull off a billboard in Times Square!?)
Sep 28 2023
So, Pauli Lovejoy, music artist extraordinaire and creative visionary, tell us all about how you’ve approached money conversations past and present...(And P.S. how on earth did you pull off a billboard in Times Square!?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Pauli’s in a hotel room in Edinburgh, getting ready to hit the stage with Harry Styles, the news of Tina Turner’s death has just been announced and he’s about to pull ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck -  so just another day for this artist drummer, musical director, composer, DJ and NASA collaborator whose creative prowess has just helped land one of the biggest tours in history and whose collaborators include Damon Albarn, Kindness, FKA Twigs, The XX, Alicia Keys and NASA.His personal story is too lovely to share in the show notes - you’ll need to listen for that – but suffice to say it takes us from Edmonton to Times Square and, from Socrates to Skepta, Pauli’s cards take us into some unexpected and delightful creative spaces.  Word of warning - don’t let the chill vibes fool you; this man - whose own musical output as Pauli The PSM spans industrial house, R&B and ambient - knows how to bring the best out of the people he works with and himself and that it isn’t always easy - but he’s more than happy to share how he does it… because that’s just the kind of guy he is. Oh, and you might want to take your shoes off for this one. Put a wafer in this episode and check out Pauli’s Ice-cream Chronicles and follow his insta for where you can check out his fam art and get a scoop of his Monday Meditations and Motivations.Stay tuned for Pauli's next single release Milky Way, and grab a ticket for a date on the upcoming Saucy Tour. This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by Rob Martland
So, Lea Colombo..multidisciplinary artist and designer, tell us all about how great things happen when you take time to focus on making personal work! (And Ps. What’s your approach to pushing industry boundaries?)
Sep 22 2023
So, Lea Colombo..multidisciplinary artist and designer, tell us all about how great things happen when you take time to focus on making personal work! (And Ps. What’s your approach to pushing industry boundaries?)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Lea’s in LA wearing sliders and socks and more colour in one outfit than our host Laura has probably worn in her entire life. So far, so typical for this self-taught photographer and artist who has become one of the defining image makers of her generation. The very embodiment of chutzpah, for the last decade she’s beaten her own path from unknown backstage photographer at Paris fashion week to becoming a sought-after frequent collaborator with the very biggest brands and houses in the industry. Over the last couple of years she’s turned her back on the fashion capitals of the world and returned to her roots in Cape Town where, under Casa Colombo her trans-atlantic fine art career has gathered pace. Rule-followers be warned: Lea insists on pulling 11 cards and boy are we glad she did - they allow us to cover about how she balances her eye-wateringly impressive commercial portfolio with her visual art and the art of setting boundaries in an always-on world and she offers up some pretty candid insights into how she navigating the next stage of her career.Check out Lea’s instagram and 'Colours of My Body' courtesy of System. This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Say hello @creativebloodworldMusic by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by ORO Audio
So, Chad Hinson, VP of Levi’s Global Brand Creative Team… what’s the secret to taking creative risks? (And P.S. tell us all about creating engaging content vs. digital trash!)
Sep 15 2023
So, Chad Hinson, VP of Levi’s Global Brand Creative Team… what’s the secret to taking creative risks? (And P.S. tell us all about creating engaging content vs. digital trash!)
Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today! Chad Hinson is the creative leader and driving force behind the world’s most iconic denim brand, Levi's. He never, ever gives public interviews. Until now. A gigantic lover of culture along with an iconic list of creative collaborators past and present, Chad’s career began at the tender age of ten when he volunteered at his mother's interior design business and discovered the magic and freedom of being able to create something out of nothing. A degree in fashion design at the University of Texas at Austin revealed that, whilst he loved fashion, he hated sewing and so he bought together a love of culture, music, architecture and art, and channelled these passions into a career that has seen him working with some of the top global retailers. And this is how he’s incorporated his passion for marketing, store design, styling, right through to art curation, music development and so much more. This episode was created together with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. Come say hello:www.instagram.com/creativebloodworldwww.creativebloodagency.com Music by Ben Tarrant-BrownProducer Lina PrestwoodMixed by ORO Audio
Chris Sarandon: Up your game
Dec 22 2021
Chris Sarandon: Up your game
If you’re a movie lover, creative thinker, aspiring actor or even perhaps considering how you make it out the other side of this festive break, this guy has you covered.He is Academy Award nominated actor Chris Sarandon, and seeing as the holidays are upon us, we should make the connection that you’ll probably know him as the speaking voice of loveable Jack Skellington in Tim Burton’s, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Eureka!In this episode, Chris shares refreshingly candid anecdotes from a lifetime in entertainment and how his professional and personal growth have always gone hand in hand.We’re talking empathy, collaboration, the art of “the process” and what happens when a notoriously tricky Director leaves you with only one option…These days, Chris prefers to focus on his legacy as a human as opposed to his IMDB credentials – however, with everyone from Hollywood royalty such as Al Pacino and Goldie Hawn, through to cult and animation classics in the mix, we’ll happily take that baton and shout from the rooftops for him! Ladies and gentleman, please press play for the incomparable, Mr Chris Sarandon. Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworldLearn more about Chris via his Instagram @theofficialchrissarandon.________Keep your eyes and ears peeled on Chris’ social's for the launch of his very own podcast in the new year celebrating his love of food, and a special thank you to recording artist Aaron David Gleason for connecting us with Chris.