Contemplating Creativity

About Contemplating Creativity

Welcome to Contemplating Creativity - the podcast for people who want to better understand how creative minds actually work, so they can unlock more of their own creativity. In each episode I chat to creative thinkers across the arts, design, psychology and beyond, in search of new insights into the creative process. Creativity begins with curiosity, whether we're crafting a masterpiece or simply deciding what to cook for dinner.

Publisher

Ian Ashley

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Nov 2023

Latest episode

8 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jun 2026

   From Punk Comics to Design Director: How Creativity Evolves Over Time, with Gaving Hughes

   HLW Architecture Design Director, Gavin Hughes shares his journey from rebellious comic art influences to professional design, emphasizing the importance of practice, mentorship, and collaboration in creative growth. He discusses how midlife experience enhances pattern recognition, the value of tactile drawing, and the evolving nature of creativity in a digital age.Key topics: Influence of British comic art on Gavin's style The importance of practice and perseverance in art Mentorship's role in creative development Pattern recognition and experience in midlife The impact of digital tools versus traditional drawing Chapters: 00:00The Comic Book Connection05:01Artistic Inspirations and Punk Aesthetics09:57The Journey of Artistic Development14:53Navigating Education and Mentorship19:59The Role of Accessibility in Creativity25:01Modern Challenges in Artistic Pursuits26:46The Importance of the Journey in Creativity28:01The Evolution of Drawing in Design Education30:42The Role of Tools in the Design Process32:55The Decline of Traditional Sketching34:11Midlife Reflections on Creativity37:00Mentorship and Leadership in Design41:42Pattern Recognition and Learning from Experience46:02The Balance of Individuality and Collaboration in Designcreativity, design, comic art, mentorship, pattern recognition, drawing, midlife, collaboration, digital age, artistic growth

2. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Understanding the Psychology of the Creative Process with Mark Batey Phd.

   Explore the evolution of creativity understanding over 30 years, the neuroscience behind it, and practical tips for enhancing individual and team creativity, including the impact of AI and environment. Key topics: Evolution of creativity understanding over 30 years Neuroscientific techniques and brain hemispheres Creative process stages: generation, evaluation, incubation Impact of environment and diversity on creativity AI's role in creative idea generation and selection Guest: Mark Batey Chapters: 00:00 The Evolution of Creativity Understanding 06:09 Individual Creativity: Unlocking Potential 12:11 The Role of Incubation in Creativity 18:39 Team Dynamics in Creative Processes 24:32 The Nature of Creativity: Genetics vs. Nurture 30:32 The Lifespan of Creativity: Age and Experience 33:36 Sports Psychology and Creativity 34:07 The Intersection of Sports Psychology and Creativity 36:33 AI and Creativity: A New Frontier 42:18 The Creative Crisis: Understanding the Challenges 45:50 Team Creativity: Building Effective Collaboration 50:13 Creating the Right Environment for Creativity 53:42 Key Principles for Enhancing Creativity Resources: Psychology of Creativity LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12345678/ Mark Batey on Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XXXXXX Dean Keith Simonton's research on creativity and age - https://example.com/simonton-article Guest links: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/markbatey Twitter - https://twitter.com/mark_batey Website - https://markbatey.com creativity, psychology, neuroscience, innovation, team dynamics, AI, incubation, divergent thinking, creative process, environment

3. 

   31 Mar 2026

   How to get the truly creative life you want, with artist and designer, Fleur Peck

   Summary In this conversation, Ian and Fleur explore the balance between life and career, particularly in the creative fields of art and design. Fleur shares her journey of finding equilibrium between her corporate work and her passion for painting, emphasizing the importance of diversity in creative pursuits. They discuss the challenges and risks associated with change, the evolving nature of identity in professional settings, and the significance of embracing multiple roles. The conversation highlights the value of creativity in both strategic and artistic endeavors, ultimately redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Takeaways Fleur emphasizes the importance of balance in life and career. Creativity thrives on diversity and variety in experiences. Taking risks can lead to new opportunities and growth. Embracing change is essential for personal and professional evolution. Art and design can inform and enhance each other. Success should be defined by fulfillment, not just financial gain. Identity can be multifaceted and should encompass various roles. The creative process involves both inspiration and strategic thinking. Engaging in different activities can stimulate creativity in all areas of life. It's important to explore opportunities and not limit oneself to a single path. Sound bites "I think change is scary." "There's an element of play in art." "I love every aspect of that." Chapters 00:00 Balancing Life and Career 01:23 Finding Creative Balance 06:57 Exploring New Opportunities 12:15 Embracing Change and Risk 18:47 The Intersection of Art and Design 24:40 Redefining Success 30:34 The Power of Identity 36:30 Creativity in Different Roles 42:06 The Process of Creation balance, creativity, art, design, career, opportunities, risk, identity, success, personal growth

4. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Where do neurodivergence and creativity collide? - With designer, author and Director of Thought Leadership, Kay Sargent

   Summary In this episode, Ian and Kay discuss the importance of creating intentional workspaces that foster creativity and accommodate neurodiversity. They explore the challenges of maintaining productivity in a busy world, the creative process, and the evolution of design philosophy towards a more inclusive approach. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding individual needs in design and the impact of environments on well-being. Key takeaways The importance of intentionality in workspace design. Creativity often requires dedicated time and space. Neurodiversity can enhance creativity and innovation. Design should prioritize user experience over aesthetics. Understanding individual differences is crucial in design. The creative process can be structured and routine. Spaces should support both collaboration and individual work. Designing for neurodiversity benefits everyone. The evolution of design philosophy reflects changing societal needs. Personal experiences can inform and enhance design practices. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges 04:07 Creating the Right Work Environment 08:48 The Creative Process and Innovation 13:08 Designing for Neurodiversity 18:50 The Evolution of Design Philosophy 24:08 Understanding Creativity and Neurodivergence 29:46 The Impact of Design on Well-being 36:05 Future Directions in Design creativity, neurodiversity, design, innovation, work environment, well-being, interior design, collaboration, productivity, personal growth

5. 

   23 Feb 2026

   How can health and wellbeing unlock creative potential? - With designer, health coach and podcaster, Jacinta Ashby

   Summary In this engaging conversation, Ian Ashley and Jacinta Ashby delve into the intersection of mental health, physical fitness, and creativity. Jacinta emphasizes the importance of mental well-being as a foundation for physical health, arguing that many people overlook how internal health affects their overall fitness journey. She shares her personal experiences, highlighting how pushing through discomfort in the gym not only energizes her physically but also enhances her mental clarity and creativity. The discussion also touches on the pressures faced by designers and creatives, with Jacinta advocating for resilience and self-worth in the face of external expectations and challenges. As the conversation progresses, Jacinta opens up about her journey through mental health struggles, the ambition that drives her, and her desire to empower women through her podcast, "Let's Glow Girls." She discusses the importance of community and support for women, particularly in creative fields, and how her own experiences have shaped her mission to help others. The episode concludes with insights into Jacinta's daily routine, her approach to nutrition, and her aspirations for the future, including competing in bodybuilding and continuing to inspire others through her work and podcast. Takeaways Mental health is the foundation of physical health. Pushing through discomfort in the gym enhances creativity. Resilience is crucial for designers facing external pressures. Community support is vital for women's empowerment. Personal experiences shape the mission to help others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mental Health Focus 04:53 The Role of Fitness in Creativity 10:08 Jacinta's Podcast Journey and Audience Engagement 15:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Building Resilience 19:57 Balancing Multiple Passions and Daily Routines 24:51 Nutrition and Fitness for Bodybuilding 29:58 Future Aspirations and Podcast Goals mental health, physical fitness, creativity, resilience, women's empowerment, podcasting, interior design, wellness coaching, Jacinta Ashby, Ian Ashley

6. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Are we heading towards a creativity crisis? - With Creative Director, Nicola Osborn

   Summary In this episode, Ian and Nicola explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, emphasizing its roots in curiosity and problem-solving. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding creativity, particularly in the corporate world, where it is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. The dialogue also touches on the education system's failure to prioritize creative subjects, the importance of diverse experiences in shaping creative professionals, and the need for businesses to embrace creativity as a driver of innovation and collaboration. Key takeaways Creativity is rooted in curiosity and problem-solving. The journey of creativity is more important than the end product. Creativity is often misunderstood as merely artistic expression. Creativity is essential for innovation and progress in business. The education system undervalues creative subjects, impacting future generations. Creativity should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury. Collaboration enhances the creative process and leads to better solutions. Diverse experiences contribute to a broader understanding of creativity. Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. Unlocking creativity can lead to significant improvements in workplace culture and productivity. Chapters 00:00 The Encouragement to Create 00:50 Defining Creativity 08:36 Misunderstanding Creativity in Corporate Settings 17:55 Education and the Right Answer 25:39 The Shift from Artistry to Interior Design 29:06 The Role of Finance in Creativity 34:10 Learning Through Experience 39:55 Changing the Status Quo 41:22 A Call to Action creativity, problem solving, curiosity, education, innovation, design, collaboration, workplace, artistic expression, interior design

7. 

   4 Jun 2024

   How to find and embrace your personal style of creativity with Gensler Principal, Naomi Sakamoto.

   I was planning to close season one of the podcast at episode 10. It seemed like a nice round number. But when l finally got the chance to sit down with my guest for this episode, Naomi Sakamoto, it turned out to be just too good to hold back. Naomi, currently Principal at Gensler, London, inspires me so much every time we meet. I think this opportunity exceeded all previous conversations. We discussed that there are many different types of creative people, and how to discover which type you are. Also how to be comfortable with the fact that other people might be better than us at the other types, and maybe even our own type. We also covered how to let ideas breathe and evolve, and how she manages to achieve that even under the time pressure of tight deadlines. Naomi explained how she thinks language is humans’ most creative invention and how she takes inspiration from its evolution over time. She also gave some great advice on how to manage a creative career and find your personal style of leadership which may well not include achieving a high-powered role or job title. Naomi’s own career has followed a fascinating path. Having studied civil engineering at Stanford University and an architecture Masters at Harvard she’s worked in both fields, eventually transitioning to interior design and then into leadership as a principal at the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler in London. Roles she gravitated to due to her personal human centric approach. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported this first season of the podcast, and to all the amazing guests. I already have many more inspiring creatives booked to join me for season 2. Please rate and subscribe to the show so as not to miss any of what I hope will be some amazing new episodes. Thanks!

8. 

   21 May 2024

   How to combine creativity with different disciplines and build transdisciplinary teams with artist / psychologist Leigh Jerome Ph.D.

   My guest for this episode is Leigh Jerome Ph.D., clinical psychologist, artist, and founder of the Relational Space art gallery in New York. With this seemingly disparate skillset, cross disciplinarity seems to be at the centre of almost everything Leigh pursues. It’s something that is so important to the creative process, whether we’re endeavouring to be cross disciplinary in our own activities or seeking to build cross disciplinary teams for increased creative opportunities. Leigh constantly does both. As well as regularly bringing artists and scientists together to create new works for her gallery, she was previously CEO of The Institute for Triple Helix Innovation, encouraging interactions between academia, industry and government to foster economic and social development. We discussed how cross disciplinarity is the future for creatives in building a just and sustainable world, and how that world, right down to even the seasons can in turn impact our creativity. Relational Space gallery: ⁠https://www.Relational-Space.org⁠ (https://www.Relational-Space.org) (Inter)Disciplinary Bodies conference: https://us01.l.antigena.com/l/jsaEjkfqbEhWoARfqZ-9tgpDClfEsTuUTnOmLu7kMX370m~wUsSPXZdkHN0IoJNNDySC3S5-1V4-InUgm9VRSVkly9vz5ItIHTmjJ~u73xvbf0fZ2BhOTObNa305Y6jkw-bGdmJDW2X-iBwi~8sDEAvWZZKWMc7svlgNRXNBPAsnwVUWWkaKr6SN2TcfbYpooRpSaEVGvyhpoYmdXuKmLXQtfEhvdJpdd0VT5Z0REpTP1ihg (https://us01.l.antigena.com/l/jsaEjkfqbEhWoARfqZ-9tgpDClfEsTuUTnOmLu7kMX370m~wUsSPXZdkHN0IoJNNDySC3S5-1V4-InUgm9VRSVkly9vz5ItIHTmjJ~u73xvbf0fZ2BhOTObNa305Y6jkw-bGdmJDW2X-iBwi~8sDEAvWZZKWMc7svlgNRXNBPAsnwVUWWkaKr6SN2TcfbYpooRpSaEVGvyhpoYmdXuKmLXQtfEhvdJpdd0VT5Z0REpTP1ihg)

9. 

   7 May 2024

   The power of collaboration and designers' impact on climate change with Pearson Lloyd partner, Luke Pearson.

   My guest for this episode is Luke Pearson, who in partnership with cofounder Tom Lloyd has run design practice Pearson Lloyd since 1997. Since then, the practice has experienced enormous success designing for a multitude of furniture brands including Modus, Walter Knoll, Steelcase, Senator, Teknion, Andreu World, and Bene, as well as in aviation for Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Virgin Atlantic, and more. In 2023 Pearson Lloyd added “Dezeen Designer of the Year” to their list of plaudits which include appointments as Royal Designers for Industry for both Luke and Tom. Our conversation covered: · Why collaborating with others is so beneficial to the creative process. · The opportunities and threats posed to creatives by AI. · How he stays motivated after nearly thirty years in business. · And how designers need to face the planet’s biggest challenge, climate change.

10. 

    12 Mar 2024

    Overcoming fear, doubt and anxiety when embarking on solo projects, with author and magazine editor Sam Parker (GQ, ex-Penguin, Esquire, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post).

    My guest for this episode is Sam Parker. Ex editor for Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, Esquire, and Penguin Random House. Sam is currently Site Director at British GQ and is writing his own book investigating anger. Anger’s one of the many emotions we can experience during the creative process. Sam and I discussed his experiences with feelings of doubt, fear and anxiety brought on by the idea of going public with a big personal project as opposed to the perceived emotional security of creating for an employer. He described how he’s learned to recognise those emotions as just sources of information, and the value of building a strong network of friends and family to offer emotional support and feedback when embarking on a large solo venture. As always, if you enjoy this conversation, please take a few seconds to rate and subscribe to the podcast. Thanks! creativity anger anxiety fear self doubt emotions journalism creative writing psychology

11. 

    20 Feb 2024

    How to achieve commercial creative success, with Creative Director, Stephen Briars (Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith, Urban Outfitters, The Conran Shop).

    My guest for this episode is Creative Director, Stephen Briars (Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith, Urban Outfitters and The Conran Shop). Throughout our discussion, at times we touch on Stephen’s creative process but with such an impressive career background I was mostly interested to hear how he had achieved such a seemingly constant string of successes with this remarkable portfolio of creative thought leaders. I’ve known Stephen for pretty much my entire career and have always admired his courage to commit to projects and only then figure out how to execute them by applying practicality, productivity, and a sense of purpose. The resulting conversation is a masterclass in balancing the creative and commercial ambitions of some of the world’s best-known, innovative, fashion and interiors brands. I hope you’re as inspired as I was by Stephen’s story. If you are it will really help if you rate and subscribe to the podcast. Thanks! Fashion Retail Creative Direction Interiors Furniture Inspiration Design Visual merchandising

12. 

    6 Feb 2024

    Ideation techniques and pushing through failure, with 'BBC London-Voice' and 'Jerwood New Playwright', poet / actor, Tife Kusoro.

    My guest for this episode is Nigerian-British poet, screenwriter, actor, and performer, Tife Kusoro. In 2021 Tife was announced as a Jerwood New Playwright by the Royal Court Theatre, as well as one of the BBC’s London Voices for the same year. In October 2023 she was commissioned by The Poetry Society to write the official poem celebrating Illuminated River, a major public artwork across the Thames. The resulting poem, “‘I Would Rather Look at You” describes a night-time journey from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge and perfectly captures the art commission with humour and a sense of wonder. Tife and I discussed how her enjoyment of the creative process along with her perfectionist streak easily push her through failure; her range of influences, including Marsha P Johnson, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Barry Jenkins and Michaela Coel’s Channel 4 sitcom, Chewing Gum; and how her goal is always to replicate the feelings she experiences when enjoying other artworks.

13. 

    23 Jan 2024

    The benefits of regular exercise for boosting creativity, with singer / songwriter, Sam Crooks as he releases his new album and prepares to play Glastonbury.

    My guest for this episode is singer songwriter and session musician, Sam Crooks. At the time of recording (Jan 2024), Sam had just released his solo album “After The Night”, available on Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and Apple Music, and was due to play Glastonbury, and Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush, London with his band, Dead Pages. Our interview covered the cognitive benefits of regular exercise, taking strategic breaks, striking a balance between focussed attention and “keeping it loose” in the recording studio, allowing collaborators to take things in unexpected directions, whether we create for ourselves or for our audience, and how an early obsession with Metallica ultimately led to the undying belief that Beethoven wrote one of the best pieces of music ever made; a piece that heavily influenced “After The Night”.

14. 

    16 Jan 2024

    The importance of curiosity and finding the right mentors with MCM Architecture Design Director, Deepak Parmar.

    My guest for this episode is Deepak Parmar, Design and Board Director of south London B-Corp certified design consultancy, MCM Architecture. Notable MCM clients include DeBeers, Channel 4, ITV, Conde Nast, the NFL, Estee Lauder and Mastercard. I’ve known Deepak for a long time, and our regular conversations about creativity, covering design, music, fashion, and food where among my many inspirations for staring this podcast. For this conversation we briefly added haircuts to that list. Our discussion covers what he refers to as the potential creative superpowers of being from an immigrant family, how creativity begins with curiosity, finding and learning from the right mentors, and how Deepak sees his own form of mentoring as his “most creative act”.

15. 

    6 Jan 2024

    How to regulate our emotions for maximum creative potential with psychologist, cognitive neuroscientist and classical pianist, Dr. Aspasia Paltoglou.

    My guest for this episode is Doctor Aspasia Paltoglou; a senior lecturer in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Aspa is also a classical pianist, having trained at the conservatory of Athens. With that background and combination of qualifications, it was probably inevitable that she took an interest in the psychology of creativity, a topic that she carries out extensive research on as part of her role at MMU. During our chat we discussed how we might regulate our emotions to maximise our creative potential, and how we can apply the science of creativity to become more creative ourselves. Aspa outlined the psychological phases we go through when creating and whether there are right or wrong ways to execute them.

16. 

    20 Nov 2023

    How to release creative block, and working with Norman Foster, with ex Partner at Foster and Partners, and ex RCA tutor, John Small

    My guest for this episode is John Small, ex-partner at Foster and Partners (where he founded and led their Product Design Group); ex Director of Design at Steelcase; and ex tutor at the Royal College of Art, where he originally gained his Masters in furniture design and manufacturing. John is currently teaching interior design at Norwich University. Our conversation started and ended on the topic of trying to clear creative block or as he describes it, unlocking the door to creativity. We covered the subtle differences between crafting and creating, whether it’s possible to intentionally design an icon, the importance of collaboration, and how Norman Foster sees things that others don’t, inspiring many “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. John was speaking to me from his newly built, self-designed garden studio. He mentions his work on the LINC, Steelcase’s Learning and Innovation Centre in Munich. Both buildings are very inspiring on very different scales, and shifting between project sizes like this is another topic we covered.

17. 

    20 Nov 2023

    How to stop procrastinating, with novelist and BBC TV script editor, Kelly Wray

    My guest for this episode is Kelly Wray; a BBC television script editor who is currently taking time off to write her own novel. We discussed how co-creating an accountability group has helped her overcome procrastination; the creative differences between writing her own work and editing other people’s; and how people feel about their creative visions being altered by someone else.

18. 

    20 Nov 2023

    Welcome to Contemplating Creativity

    Ian Ashley is on a mission to better understand the neuroscience and psychology of the creative process. With a near lifelong obsession for understanding how our brains work when we create, Ian has had the privilege of speaking with many great innovative and creative thinkers in art, design, fashion, and music. Through casual interviews, Contemplating Creativity investigates the inner workings of our brains when we create, whether we're crafting a masterpiece or simply deciding what to cook for dinner.

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

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