The Creative Rising

A quick update on where we've been! Host, Blake Howard, stops by to introduce his new podcast: A Change of Brand. It's a show about the world's most loved consumer companies and their rebrand glory, drama, or disaster. Season 1, now fully released, has first-hand accounts from major brands who have undergone headline-grabbing revamps over the past few years, including stories from Google, Burger King, Mailchimp, AirBNB, Dunkin', Dropbox, GoDaddy, Warner Brothers and more. Be sure to subscribe and listen wherever you get podcasts.

Leading well and thriving in your career often comes down to one thing: motivation. In this bonus episode, show host Blake Howard interviews author Todd Henry about his new book The Motivation Code. In this conversation, you will learn more about why motivation matters, how it differs from person to person, and the power of understanding your co-workers' unique code.  We are in planning mode for Season 4 right now! If you have tips for future episodes, let us know. Email info@thecreativerising.com or DM @blakehoward on Instagram. Special thanks to Todd Henry: www.toddhenry.comTo buy The Motivation Code or to get more info: www.motivationcode.comProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Need help finding inspiration in your work? This week's  SNACK features three tips from Sam Harrison on how to maintain a plethora  of ideas to have at the ready.If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comFor more on Sam Harrison visit: www.zingzone.comOr buy his book, Creative Zing! here or wherever you get books  Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

As creatives we all get stuck, but in this SNACK, musician OkCello shares how he finds breakthrough and creates music from deep within. If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comLearn more here OkCelloListen or download here Music, or any service you enjoy music.Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com 

This week Sam Harrison is back! Our favorite southern gentleman and creative guru shares tips from his recent book on how not to sacrifice your health, family, and friendships because you're pushing yourself too hard.  PS -  SNACKS are practical bite-sized tips for your creative journey in-between our main interviews, we will bring you quick jolts of inspiration in these mini-episodes until Season 4 kicks off in 2021.  If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comFor more on Sam Harrison visit: www.zingzone.comOr buy his book, Creative Zing! here or wherever you get books  Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Being selective with your work can be a soul-saving strategy, but how do you balance your idealism with financial reality? In this week's SNACK, I'll share a framework for helping you be more selective with your clients and keeping yourself or your team inspired.If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Creativity is a team sport and the opportunity for conflict and dysfunction is ripe. How do you know when your team is collaborating flawlessly or filled with flaws? In this week's SNACK, author and creative guru Sam Harrison shares a few tips on how to spot the healthy and unhealthy signs of collaboration. If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comFor more on Sam Harrison visit: www.zingzone.comOr buy his book, Creative Zing! here or wherever you get books  Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Today's bite-sized tip is with poet, thinker, and street folk artist, Black Cat Tips (aka Kyle Brooks). In a quirky and engaging way that only he knows how to deliver, Kyle shares his views on inspiration and following the winds of innovation. For more on Kyle Brooks visit Black Cat Tips.com Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.comIf you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.com

This week's bite-sized SNACK is with the author, speaker, and creative guru Sam Harrison. Today he shares how to develop and create winning presentations and avoid presentation panic.If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comFor more on Sam Harrison visit: www.zingzone.comOr buy his book, Creative Zing! here or wherever you get books  Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

In this week's SNACK, we'll hear tips from author and podcaster, Todd Henry, on how to make the transition from Maker to Manager. This is a clip from the Season 2 episode "From Maker to Manager." If you enjoyed the bite-sized version today, be sure to jump back and give it a listen. If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comThanks to Todd Henry: www.toddhenry.comProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Introducing SNACKS, practical bite-sized tips for your creative journey. In between seasons, we will bring you quick jolts of inspiration in these mini-episodes.  This week's SNACK is brought to you by author, speaker, and creative guru Sam Harrison. He shares how to create better feedback and idea narrowing systems for helping teams find the best ideas possible.If you have tips for a future bite-sized episode, let us know! Email info@thecreativerising.comFor more on Sam Harrison visit: www.zingzone.comOr buy his book, Creative Zing! here or wherever you get books  Produced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Michael Benford, creative director of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, went from a career in music to leading design for the major leagues. In this final episode of season 3, Benford tackles the product and process of creating highly-visible design — from stadium signage to redesigning team uniforms — and shares how to stay innovative season over season.For more on Michael Benford visit: www.mikebenford.comProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Who says creativity has to stay on a fixed course? In this episode of The Creative Rising, watercolorist Richard Sullivan traces his path from professional athlete to an acclaimed artist. Bringing the same passion and determination to the canvas as he did the field, Sullivan illustrates the complexity of the creative identity.For more on Richard Sullivan visit: www.richardsullivanillustration.comHosted by Blake HowardProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

While it may seem like some people always land on their feet, in reality, everyone's career path has unexpected twists, turns, and the occasional dead end. Carly Ayres, now working on UX Community & Culture at Google, has plenty of titles under her belt (designer at Creative Mornings, author at CommunicationArts, co-founder of Hawraf, to name a few) but her journey as a creative began with a drive to explore the unknown and lean into learning, wherever the opportunity presented itself.  For more on Carly Ayers visit: www.carlyayres.comHosted by Blake HowardProduced by Matchstic: www.matchstic.comIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

How does a creative climb the ladder of success to rockstar status? Bobby C. Martin, co-founder of Champions Design, knows a little something about that. Fast Company named him one of “the most creative people in business,” and he's led design projects for prestige brands like The New York Times, Girl Scouts of America, MTV and many more. In this new installment, we sit down and hear his story, which starts with classroom doodles and culminates with leading the design firm of dreams.For more on Bobby and Champions visit: www.championsdesign.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardAs always, special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Sometimes it's hard to drink up the creative juices when the pressure of deadlines and timelines are closing in. Adam Weiss, founder and creative director of brand strategy and design studio Landscape, lends his perspective to staying curious, creative, and experimental without constraint.For more on Adam and Landscape visit: www.thisislandscape.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor: www.rachel-eleanor.com

Originally released in September of 2019, this conversation with author, speaker, and racial justice expert, Bethaney Wilkinson, is more relevant than ever. How does the creative community's lack of diversity limit collective creativity? How does privilege play into who gets hired? Anyone willing to listen and learn can actually make a difference and, in this conversation, Bethaney gives us sage advice for taking meaningful action. For more on Bethaney Wilkinson and The Diversity Project visit: www.thediversitygap.comListen to and support The Diversity Gap podcast! Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 

What happens when career and ambition suddenly get halted due to uncontrollable factors? In this episode, host Blake Howard sits down with Toke Nygaard, the Chief Creative Officer at Zendesk, to talk about his story, an unexpected disease, and the power of empathy in action. For more on Toke visit him on twitter: @tokenygaard Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com Hosted and produced by Blake Howard Editing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor www.rachel-eleanor.com 

Is it possible to change the World, stay in love, and have healthy relationships? In this episode, we talk with Jeff and Andre Shinabarger, the hosts of the podcast Love or Work. Andre is on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 as a Physicians Assistant and Jeff is the founder of Plywood People, a non-profit in Atlanta that leads a community of start-ups doing good.For more on the podcast Love or Work visit: www.loveorwork.comFor more on Plywood People visit: www.plywoodpeople.com Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor www.rachel-eleanor.com

You're supposed to have your finger on the pulse of what's new, cool, and creative, but what if you're feeling out of touch? Matt Luckhurst, co-founder of The New Company (and former COLLINS co-founder and executive creative director) shares his perspective on conquering the fear of being irrelevant.For more on Matt Luckhurst visit: www.new.companySpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor www.rachel-eleanor.com

What are you doing here? It's a big, scary question to discuss with visual artist and proud Atlanta native Shanequa Gay. As a painter, poet, storyteller, and justice advocate, she has worked through the intimidating process to discover her true purpose. Believing the journey is well worth taking, she shares her story and perspective on how to relentlessly pursue your purpose.For more on Shanequa Gay visit: www.ShanequaGay.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.Matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking Illustration by Rachel Eleanor www.rachel-eleanor.com

If the work from home walls are closing in, this episode will give you room to breathe. Host Blake Howard sits down with entrepreneur and developer Steve Nygren to unpack how our physical spaces have the potential to impact and inspire. From a famed Atlanta restaurant to an entire community built with intention, Nygren's creations put a premium on community-building, art and human interaction.For more on Steve Nygren and Serenbe visit: www.serenbe.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 

Anyone else getting stir crazy with the Covid-19 pandemic knocking on the global door? Yeah, us too. In this episode, host Blake Howard talks remotely with Dr. Jerome Lubbe, a functional neurologist and brain expert, on how to best cope with our changing world and still do creative work. For more on Dr. Liubbe visit: www.thriveneuro.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardEditing by Michael Engelking ***SPECIAL OFFER FROM DR. JEROME*** Free video series on "NeuroTheology of Self-Care" — https://www.thriveneurotheology.com/offers/zqrGEFA2/checkout

Andy Mineo is a certified gold hip hop artist and producer known for sold-out shows and honest lyrics. His story didn't start with a half million followers on Spotify. It started with humble beginnings and a relentless drive to master his craft. For more on Andy Mineo visit: www.andymineo.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 

A story has the power to change everything. It gives us understanding and perspective. Whether trying to put out fires or stay inspired, a deeper understanding of another's perspective is the secret to sustaining a fulfilling creative career. This season on The Creative Rising we dive deeper into the cultural, social, and physical environments surrounding some incredible artists, designers, and creative leaders. The new season launches March 17th with hip hop artist and producer Andy Mineo as we talk about resiliency and advantage of restraints. • Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com • Hosted and produced by Blake Howard • Editing by Michael Engelking

For a season 2 bonus, we are flipping the script and reposting a conversation from the Accidental Creative podcast with Todd Henry and our host, Blake Howard, as his guest. This is a chance to hear more about Blake's perspective on building brands, trends, life chaos and attempting to manage it all. For more on the Todd Henry's Herding Tigers creative leadership workshop hosted at Matchstic on Nov. 8 visit accidentalcreative.com/atlanta Get $50 off registration with promo code RISER Special thanks to Matchstic: matchstic.comLeave us a review on Apple podcasts!  

How do you keep going and push yourself after years of creating on the job? We talk with contemporary street artist Greg Mike. Although he calls Atlanta home, Greg has painted hundreds of murals around the world — from the Swiss Alps to Venice Beach — and has built a strong following in the process. After years of hustling, grinding and creating, what keeps Greg Mike inspired, challenged and fulfilled? Find out in this episode. For more on Greg Mike visit: www.gregmike.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Herding Tigers workshop with Todd Henry, register here: http://accidentalcreative.com/atlanta, use promo code "RISER" for $50 off. We would love your feedback on how to make the show better: www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

How does the design community's lack of diversity limit our collective creativity? How does privilege play into who gets hired? We go deep in the latest episode of The Creative Rising, unpacking diversity in design with writer, scholar and social entrepreneur Bethaney Bree Wilkinson, leader of The Diversity Gap project and director of programming at Plywood People. For more on Bethaney Wilkinson and The Diversity Project visit: www.thediversitygap.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! Give us your feedback! www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

“Vibe,” “values,” “vision” — call it what you will, but culture is an important component at any company. It's also a vague catchall term than can be confusing. Speaking with Gene Lee, Mailchimp's SVP of Customer Experience and Design, we explore what culture means and how it filters into every aspect of the creative process.For more on Gene Lee visit: www.mailchimp.com/designSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! Give us your feedback! www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

Which is better, having a “dream job” or chasing your dream? For many creatives, that's the eternal question. In this episode of The Creative Rising, we talk with David Tann, former creative director of the Atlanta Hawks, who took a leap to strike out on his own, despite having a coveted creative role. For more on David Tann visit: www.tantrumagency.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! For more on The Creative Rising visit: www.theCreativeRising.com

We continue our two-part series on the battle of beliefs. This time we are talking with artist and activist Fabian Williams, aka Occasional Superstar, about his experience in the ad world, how he became a full-time artist, and his work to promote justice which led him to take on the NFL.For more on Fabian Williams visit: www.occasionalsuperstar.com/Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! For more on The Creative Rising visit: www.theCreativeRising.com

What do you do when asked to help a client that you don't believe in or, worse yet, fundamentally disagree with? You can certainly take the money and run (those bills aren't going to pay themselves) or stand firm on your moral high ground. Saying no is easier said than done and in this episode, host Blake Howard talks courage and convictions with Julia Zeltser, creative director and co-founder of the social impact design firm Hyperakt. For more on Julia Zeltser visit: www.hyperakt.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardIntermission music & edit by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know. 

In any career, becoming a leader is often seen as the next step, but going from maker to manager in the creative field can be a tricky transition. In this episode, Blake Howard interviews author and thought leader Todd Henry, whose recent book “Herding Tigers” investigates what it means to be the advocate creatives want and the leader they need. From earning trust and developing decision-makers to nixing gossip and navigating conflict, Todd and Blake dig into the challenges creative leaders face.For more on Todd Henry visit: www.toddhenry.comBuy his book "Herding Tigers" here: www.toddhenry.com/herdingtigersSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardAdditional Music & Edit by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment and let us know! 

There's a high risk of tension when one creative critiques the work of another. Fortunately, it's possible for feedback to make us better instead of bitter. In this episode we hear from Armin Vit, leading design critic and co-founder of Brand New. He shares his experiences with diversifying an industry niche, pushing back against comment culture and turning fear of failure into creative fuel.For more on Armin Vit visit: https://underconsideration.comVisit the Brand New blog: https://underconsideration.com/brandnewSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comHosted and produced by Blake HowardAdditional Music & Edit by Michael Engelking Have an idea for an episode? Let us know by visiting: www.thecreativerising.com

How do you keep evolving a recognizable style that's in high demand? In this episode we sit down with designer Brian Steely, whose monoline work has distinguished clients ranging from Nike to the national parks. We discuss what it means to set boundaries, battle impostor syndrome, and refresh your craft while embracing your distinctive voice.For more on Brian Steely visit his website: www.steelyworks.comSpecial thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comRecorded live at Constellations: www.constellations.communityHosted and produced by Blake HowardEdited by Michael Engelking For more on The Creative Rising visit our website: www.thecreativerising.com

Wether small set backs or devastating defeats, we all experience loss of some kind. In this episode, painter Dr. Fahamu Pecou, talks about what to do when life falls apart and you desperately need to restart. He knows loss all to well. In 2018, Fahamu experienced a crushing fire at his studio, losing years of work, supplies, and irreplaceable relics. We learn about his resiliency to bounce back and more on the art of the restart. For more on Fahamu visit his website: www.fahamupecouart.com/Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.comRecorded live at Constellations: www.constellations.communityHosted and produced by Blake HowardEdited by Michael Engelking For more on The Creative Rising visit our website: www.thecreativerising.com

This season on The Creative Rising, we're going to probe the boundaries of breakthrough and learn what's required to make it to the other side of adversity. We'll learn from some incredible creative leaders, who'll share their insight on specific topics like bouncing back after losing it all, finding your voice, making scary career leaps, and fighting for what you believe in. We'll explore the art of giving (and receiving) an unsolicited opinion and creating a creative culture, and we'll hear a few stories on well-known artists getting their big break. This season is sure to bolster your bravery, and kicks off on May 28. Be sure to catch every episode wherever you get your podcasts.Visit: TheCreativeRising.com Edited by Michael Engelking Produced and hosted by Blake HowardSpecial thanks to Matchstic

Staying fresh and full of ideas as a creative professional can be difficult. In the final episode of Season 1, we talk to street poet and artist BlackCatTips to learn how he explores the unknown, odd, and uncomfortable in the pursuit of staying lively with ideas. For more on BlackCatTips, visit www.blackcattips.com Special thanks to Matchstic, a brand identity houseRecorded live at Constellations StudioEpisode edited by Wes BlankenshipMusic by Josh GarmonHosted and produced by Blake Howard

Job aspirations, decisions and questions can haunt us. We quietly wonder, am I in the right place? Am I being paid fairly? Is my title right? Is it time for me to make a change? In this episode of The Creative Rising, we talk to marketing guru, speaker, and author Chris Coleman to get her sage advice on a successful creative career.*Audio quality note: This is a recorded phone call and the sound quality isn't as great as we would want. I hope you can overlook that fact and instead hear the real gold in the conversation. It's well worth it. Special thanks to Matchstic, a brand identity houseRecorded live at Constellations StudioEpisode edited by Wes BlankenshipMusic by Josh GarmonHosted and produced by Blake Howard

You're washed up. Done for. All the good ideas are gone and the pressure is on to deliver. What does it look like to get unstuck? In this episode we talk to musician, storyteller and educator, OkCello,  to learn about his creative process and learning from our own emotions to breakthrough.Listen to more OkCello here. Special thanks to Constellations Studio and Matchstic, a brand identity house. Edited by Wes Blankenship, hosted and produced by Blake Howard, and music by Josh Garmon

What does it take to be a straight up boss in the board room? How do we handle the pressure when the spotlight is on? To take this challenge head on, we are going to talk with author and spoken word poet, Amena Brown about the courage required to speak with spirit.For more on Amena, check her out at amenabrown.com. Also, be sure to check out her book Broken Record where ever you get your books. 

How do you know when it's time to cut bait? Wether a dream job, heartfelt project, or a company you created, it takes guts to say goodbye. In this episode, we will talk to author and City Planner Ryan Gravel about how he walked away (multiple times) from his brainchild, the Atlanta Beltline.For more information on Ryan Gravel, visit ryangravel.com, and check out his book, “Where We Want to Live” wherever you get books. 

Why is it so hard for us to unplug? Is it FOMO, work loads, or deadlines that fool us into seeing rest as an optional “nice to do”? We are going to talk to Creative Director, and agency-owner, José Reyes about the courage required to press pause, gain perspective, and rejuvenate our creative souls.

Let's be honest, there can be a real terror in telling the truth. We all know it is the right thing to do, but can we be too honest? When is the right time? How should we do it? And what if it hurts a co-workers feelings or gets you fired?! In this conversation, we learn from the Brutally Honest creative business consultant and author Emily Cohen on how to be tough truth tellers. 

Next stop: Braintown. In this episode, we are going to nerd-out on neurology with Dr. Jerome Lubbe. As a leading functional neurologist, he is going to help us better understand what's really happening when we freak out over a deadline, client meeting, or office conflict. Want to learn more about Dr. Lubbe? Check him out Thrive Neuro Health.  

What's even scarier than death? You guessed it: speaking to a room full of strangers. In this episode we are going to learn from author and speaker extraordinaire Sam Harrison to help us pacify our panic.Want to learn more about Sam Harrison or his books? Check them both out at www.zingzone.com

Everyone wants to be brave in their creative career, but what does that practically look like? In this series intro episode, hear some of host Blake Howard's backstory and get a sneak peak of what is to come.