Where the future of creativity and technology takes shape.
Hosted by artist and educator Rob Pepper, CreatED explores the people and ideas redefining art, design, fashion, music, film and more — with a focus on the rise of creative tech. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with artists, founders and thinkers working at the intersection of creativity, technology, education and culture.
Whether you're a student, creative professional or just curious, CreatED is your backstage pass to how the future gets made.
New episodes weekly.
Melanie Gerlis | The Value of Art: Creativity, Commerce and the Art Market
In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper sits down with Melanie Gerlis, Art Market Editor at the Financial Times, to unpack one of the most misunderstood relationships in the creative world: art and money.
Together they explore how the art market really works - from the primary and secondary markets that determine price, to the growing influence of AI and digital platforms reshaping how artists sell and survive. Melanie offers rare clarity on a system that can seem opaque, revealing the networks, narratives, and economic forces that shape an artist’s visibility.
This isn’t a conversation about chasing commercial success - it’s about understanding the system so you can thrive within it. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a collector, or a creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you see how value is constructed, why transparency matters, and how integrity remains the ultimate currency in a world driven by perception.
For artists who want to make a living without losing their soul - this is essential listening.
7 Oct 2025
Emily Aldrich | Getting the Job: What Every Young Person Needs to Hear
The job market has never been tougher — but according to recruiter Emily Aldrich, it’s also never been richer in opportunity for those who know how to stand out.
In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper talks with Emily Aldrich, founder of Aldrich & Co, a recruitment firm with over 30 years of experience placing people in some of London’s most competitive industries.
Emily didn’t go to university — but she built a thriving business from scratch, and now she’s sharing the truth about what employers really look for.
Together, Rob and Emily unpack the essentials of getting hired in 2025:
How to tell your story (and why most people can’t)
Why communication and confidence matter more than grades
The smart way to use AI in your job hunt — without losing your voice
How creative skills translate into commercial success
And why resilience, curiosity, and kindness are your real career superpowers
This isn’t a conversation about perfect CVs or quick fixes — it’s about understanding yourself, building confidence, and finding your place in a world that’s changing fast.
Whether you’re just starting out, switching paths, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with practical advice — and a dose of hope.
Listen to the CreatED podcast here or on all major platforms— streaming now.
Like and subscribe for more insightful interviews on the rapidly changing world of work and how education needs to change to better prepare young people for the future.
30 Sept 2025
Matthew Brockman | When an Artist Meets a CEO: Creativity, systems thinking, and leading with imagination
What do artists and CEOs have in common? More than you might expect — and if you’re in the business world, you might just learn a thing or two from a sculptor’s mindset.
In this episode of CreatED, artist and Principal of The Art Academy, Rob Pepper, sits down with Matthew Brockman, Managing Partner of Hg Capital, one of Europe’s most successful private equity firms.
Matthew grew up in a family of master bookbinders — a world of precision, care, and deep craft. That creative heritage shaped how he leads today: with clarity, empathy, and long-term systems thinking.
Together, Rob and Matthew explore:
Why artists and CEOs both lead through vision and uncertainty
How creative processes mirror high-level strategic decision-making
What business leaders can learn from the adaptability and inventiveness of creatives
Why imagination is the overlooked leadership skill in both boardrooms and studios
And how embracing multiple career pathways is essential in today’s world
This is a conversation for the artist who wants to scale and the CEO who wants to think differently. A meeting of minds across sectors — with surprising lessons for both.
16 Sept 2025
Christopher Duffy | From Swing Tables to AI: Reinventing Craft in the Digital Age
Christopher Duffy’s path into design blends fine craft with playful illusion — from a life-changing art foundation in Newham to cabinet-making with master artisans, market stalls in Camden, and eventually founding Duffy London. Known for the Swing Table, Shadow Chair and Balloon Table, Chris shares how he builds concept-first pieces to a “99.9% finished” standard, why he kept his studio intentionally small, and how CAD and AI now supercharge visualisation, marketing, and iteration without losing the human hand.
In this episode of CreatED, Chris and Rob discuss:
The leap from sensible furniture to bold, viral statement pieces
How digital tools — from CAD to AI — accelerate prototyping and storytelling
The trade-offs between exclusivity, scale, and creative freedom
What young designers need today: tool fluency, build awareness, and entrepreneurial grit
A candid conversation about resilience, risk, and the future of making — with Rob Pepper and Chris Duffy.
9 Sept 2025
Nicole Anderson | Producing Animation: Creativity, Collaboration & Resilience
Nicole Anderson’s journey into animation was anything but linear — leaving school early, working a decade in pubs, and then pivoting back to her creative roots through 3D modelling and animation. She co-founded her own studio, learned business skills the hard way, and discovered her strength in production and team leadership.
In this episode of CreatED, Nicole and Rob explore:
The realities of running an animation studio and balancing creativity with business
Why communication, resilience, and sociability are as critical as technical skills
How AI and real-time rendering are reshaping animation pipelines
Barriers facing young people entering the industry — and how to break them
The importance of confidence, critique, and building community in creative careers
Nicole’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and belief in the value of creativity as serious work. A must-listen for anyone navigating non-linear paths into Creative Tech.
2 Sept 2025
Matt Gierhart | Creativity Meets Code: What AI Can’t Do
From punk bands to IBM Consulting, Matt Gierhart has always lived at the edge of culture and code. In this episode of CreatED, he sits down with Rob Pepper to explore what happens when art, strategy, and AI collide — and why ambiguity might be our greatest asset.
They discuss the rise of “hybrid” creative-tech roles, why generalists are thriving, and how to stay grounded when everything’s changing. Matt also shares insights from the frontlines of AI deployment and why he still believes human instinct will shape the future of innovation.
If you’re curious about creativity, tech, or the skills that will still matter in 2030 — this one’s for you.
26 Aug 2025
Gautam Rajani | Building Creative Careers in the Fashion System
Gautam Rajani’s creative journey spans continents, industries, and mindsets. Now co-founder of luxury menswear label SMR Days, he joins Rob Pepper to unpack what it really takes to build a brand — and a career — in today’s fractured fashion landscape.
They talk digital-first design, AI in merchandising, and why London is losing its grip as a global creative capital.
If you care about fashion, global creativity, or making things that last — don’t miss this.
19 Aug 2025
Esther O’Callaghan | The System Is Broken — Let’s Build What Comes Next
From free school meals to reshaping the future of work through Hundo, Esther O’Callaghan has spent her life creating opportunities for young people the system overlooks. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Esther dive deep into the failures of traditional education and what needs to change — fast.
They explore the disappearing entry-level job, why CVs no longer serve talent or employers, and how we might design a fairer, more future-fit system for Gen Z. Esther also shares lessons from building careers platforms, working on Coldplay’s climate strategy, and disrupting from inside and out.
If you care about young people, equity, or the future of education — this one’s essential.
12 Aug 2025
Jake Gumbleton | From Sketch to Screen: Thriving in Gaming, Animation and Creative Tech
From art school to animation studios and freelance art direction, Jake Gumbleton has spent decades navigating the evolving edge of creative tech. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Jake explore what it means to build a sustainable creative career in an industry facing rapid change.
They talk about breaking into games and animation, how AI is reshaping creative workflows, and why foundational skills like drawing, collaboration, and critical thinking still matter — maybe more than ever.
If you care about visual creativity, adapting to change, or helping the next generation thrive in uncertain times — this one’s for you.
5 Aug 2025
Tanya Russell | Making It Real: Apprenticeship, Artistic Grit & Founding the Art Academy
In this episode, Rob Pepper speaks with sculptor and Art Academy founder Tanya Russell about the power of apprenticeship learning, why professional skills—not talent—are often the biggest barrier for young artists, and how she built one of the UK’s most distinctive art schools from scratch. From childhood in her parents’ sculpture studio to running her own successful foundry in rural Wales, Tanya shares candid insights into the creative process, sustaining an art career, and why ‘wonder’ might be the most important quality any artist can have.
Essential listening for educators, emerging creatives, and anyone interested in how real-world skills and creative confidence intersect.
29 Jul 2025
Tim Gledstone | Designing with Purpose: Architecture, Apprenticeships & the Power of Place
From the Millennium Gallery to Chelsea Barracks and the rooftops of Brixton, architect Tim Gledstone has spent decades shaping how we live, work, and create. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Tim unpack what it takes to build places — and practices — that are human, sustainable, and future-ready.They explore how architecture education must evolve, why apprenticeships are making a comeback, and how new tools like AI can amplify old-school craft. Plus: why sketching still matters, how to build a multi-skilled creative team, and what it really means to design with care.If you care about cities, making with purpose, or how creatives can help reshape the built environment — this one’s for you.
22 Jul 2025
Ryan Nishimoto | Who owns the future? Copyright, AI and Creative Power
From Warhol lawsuits to Disney takedowns, this episode dives deep into the legal grey zones of authorship in the age of AI.Rob Pepper is joined by Ryan Nishimoto, a US-trained IP litigator and advisor to major tech clients, for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, copyright, and control. They unpack what really counts as ‘original’ today, how artists can protect their work, and why enforcement still favours the powerful.Ryan breaks down the legal implications of training data, fair use, and derivative works with clarity, empathy, and a dash of humour — offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the legal world is scrambling to keep up with generative AI. Plus: how to future-proof your creativity, why curiosity is a superpower, and what a 95-year-old’s AI prompts can teach us all.This episode is essential listening for anyone making, teaching, or navigating creative work in a time of accelerating change.
To continue the conversation join us here at http://creat3d.substack.com
15 Jul 2025
Lucy Haken | Alpha Energy: Confidence, Creativity and living a Freelance Life
Lucy Haken | Alpha Energy: Confidence, Creativity and living a Freelance Life
Lucy Haken has spent over 20 years producing science and history documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4, and National Geographic. As a Series Producer, she leads teams through complex productions — balancing creative vision with tight budgets and evolving technology.
In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper talks to Lucy about building a freelance career in factual TV, learning to back yourself, and why AI is transforming how stories are researched, edited, and told.
They also unpack the structural barriers facing new entrants — from unpaid work to the impact of parenthood — and how flexible models are beginning to shift the industry.
A clear-eyed conversation about confidence, adaptability, and the real skills that shape a creative career.
8 Jul 2025
Jenna Littler | Luxury, Leadership & the Future of Fashion
Jenna Littler shares her career journey in luxury fashion and public policy with Rob Pepper, discussing the importance of blending creativity and strategy for effective leadership, in this interview.
1 Jul 2025
Iain Archer: Building a Life in Music
From Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg to Grammy nominations and mentoring the next generation, Iain Archer has spent decades crafting the soundtrack of modern life. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Iain explore what it means to build a sustainable creative career — and how education, storytelling, and resilience shape the path.
They dive into how creativity evolves over time, how AI and tech are changing the music landscape, and why teaching the next wave of artists might be as powerful as making the work itself.
If you care about music, making things that matter, or the future of creativity — this one’s for you.
1 Jul 2025
Introducing...CreatED
The world is shifting fast — in education, in employment, and in how we define creativity itself. In this opening episode, CREATED host Rob Pepper (artist, educator, and Principal of the Art Academy London) introduces the mission behind the mic: to reimagine how we equip young people for a future shaped by AI, automation, and radical change.
Rob makes the case for centring human skills in a tech-driven world — from creative risk-taking to resilience, empathy to imagination. He explains why higher education is broken, why Creative Tech offers real opportunity, and why now is the time to rethink access, skills, and value in the UK’s £125B Creative Industries.
This series is about the people shaping that future — from award-winning artists to recruiters, producers to founders. Welcome to the space where creativity meets technology, and new pathways get built.
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