Creative or Dead

“Innovation” is one of those words that gets overused so much it’s starting feel devoid of meaning.Richard Walzer isn’t interested in new for the sake of it. As Design Director of Breakthrough Innovation at PepsiCo (Europe), he works in the uncomfortable space most businesses avoid – the unknown unknowns. The problems no one has defined yet, let alone solved.In this episode, Richard pulls apart what real innovation actually looks like when there’s money, scale and risk on the line. And we hate to break it to all the light bulb moment die-hards out there, but true innovation (at least for Richard) is not about eureka moments or big creative swings. It’s rigour, it’s watching what people actually do, not what they say. It’s spending most of your time making sure you’re solving the right problem, before you even think about the solution. One of the biggest creative lessons to glean from this episode is that most teams aren’t failing at execution, they’re just designing the wrong thing.We also get into the discipline behind design thinking, the myth of differentiation, and why “distinctive” is the only thing worth chasing. From sacrificial prototypes to future consumers, Richard maps out how ideas move from vague hypothesis to something that can survive the real world.This is creativity with true commerciality at its core. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Creative or Dead, we chat to Ty Symonds – a designer who thinks like an artist.Ty’s creative origin story starts in Far North Queensland, where rainforest and lace-like fungi created an unforgettable impression on his psyche. This early education in the art of observation has underpinned everything that followed: from designing textiles at Peter Alexander, to navigating big-box retail, to reshaping Country Road Homewares through collaboration and long-term thinking.This is a conversation about trusting your intuition versus over-analysing, and building impactful collaborations with a commercial mindset – all without losing your soul. We get into leadership as a creative practice, the importance of making (not just designing on screens), and why nature doesn’t believe in waste.We also jump into flow states, mermaids, and a manifesto for slowing the hell down. It’s an episode about listening to materials, to place, to your gut, and trusting that creativity will surface when you make enough space for it.Follow Ty on Instagram to stay up to date with what he's up to next.Creative or Dead is hosted by David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode (hello season three!), we chat with Viktor and James, the founders of Nasha Gallery in Sydney (Eora) to learn about building a gallery without following the rules. The guys talk about their leap from artists to gallerists, what it actually takes to run a commercial gallery and why they back emerging Australian artists who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside global talent.Expect unfiltered takes on being “brave”, how they choose artists (studio visits, taste, trust), and why transparency in the art world shouldn’t be radical – but still is.If you’re into contemporary art, creativity, art careers, gallery life, art management, collecting, or the messy reality of making a project survive, this one’s for you. Plus: there's road trip stories, a near-illegal mega-show, and two very different death designs.Check out Nasha Gallery and all their upcoming shows at nasha.com.au.Nasha Gallery is presenting James Little at Melbourne Art Fair 2026.Creative or Dead is hosted by David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not enough people are making work with the intention of it still being around in 200 years. But Christopher Boots isn’t like anyone else.In this wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation, we hear from lighting and object designer Christopher Boots, where he sprinkles us with a bit of his magic dust creativity. And spoiler: he proves that the best ideas are marinated and well-seasoned.  From scavenging childhood treasures in the backyard to sculpting monumental crystal-and-bronze chandeliers, Christopher shares how time, process and materials shape his work. Along the way, we dive into material literacy, the psychology of objects, running a creative business without losing your soul, and how there’s no shortcut for quality, time and contemplation.Show notes:Look up Christopher Boots' work here https://christopherboots.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole Durling has never followed the rules, which might be why she’s helped reshape some of Australia’s most exciting cultural and creative spaces. In this episode, we dive deep into the role of the maker in a world hungry for meaning, the tension between art and commerce, and why craft (with a little ‘c’) is having a very big moment.Nicole reflects on the tactile joy of materials, the heft of handmade objects, and what it means to support creative practice from the inside out. She’s sharp and generous, sharing the winding path that has led her to her current role as Executive Director of Craft Victoria.We talk slow making, fast change and the very human urge to leave something behind.Links Craft Victoria: https://craft.org.au/Artist Edmund de Waal: https://www.edmunddewaal.com/Daniel Mudie Cunningham's Curating Grief https://danmudcun.com/criticism/curating-grief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do rave fashion, a small Scottish village and limestone stone masonry have in common? Steven John Clark.In this episode, sculptor, furniture stonemason and founder of denHolm, Steven takes us on the winding path from sewing rave outfits on his gran’s machine to crafting heavyweight stone sculptures that can be found in galleries around the world. We talk early creative impulses, the madness of running a growing studio, the weird poetry of materials and the fuel that helps him keep pushing into unknown territory.There are stories of missed plumbing jobs, tidiness as a mantra, and the kind of 3D thinking that turns limestone into language.Pull up a chair and listen in.Linkshttps://www.den-holm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode, Creative or Dead hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine turn the mic on themselves. The friends and collaborators reflect on their own creative journeys – from childhood instincts to circuitous career paths – and how they’ve each found space for expression, experimentation and impact across disciplines.Aleesha opens up about her accidental pivot from interior design to editorship, the vulnerability of writing, and the slow-burn joy of a long-term creative project. David shares insights from his multidisciplinary practice as a creative consultant and Chief Creative Officer, including his enduring belief in curiosity, reflection, and the value of being an astute observer.Together, they touch on themes that run through the podcast’s DNA: trusting your instincts, making space for creative percolation, the messiness of opinion, and how to build a meaningful life by connecting what you're good at, what brings joy, what pays the bills – and what the world needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of Creative or Dead, hosts David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan speak with Julie McLaren, an experienced curator known for her work with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and now (hot off the press!) as Senior Curator at HOTA on the Gold Coast. Julie shares candid reflections on her journey, discussing the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, her deep-rooted empathy and the creative process of curating. She reveals how she finds inspiration from the natural world and from meaningful conversations with artists, as well as giving us a glimpse of her personal rituals that help her maintain focus and balance.Julie’s vulnerability in speaking about burnout, the emotional weight of curating, and her approach to storytelling through exhibitions offers listeners a rare, authentic insight into the world of curation. If you’ve ever been curious or intrigued by the intersection of empathy, creativity – and the transformative role curators play in the art world – this is for you.LINKS Sweat Dreams DJs – Julie’s side project, check it out on InstagramA source of inspiration in Hans Ulrich ObristLook up the work of Scotty So on InstagramSee the work of Sassy ParkAlso Belinda FoxOne of Julie’s final collabs at the gallery is with Ramesh Mario NithiyendrenJulie’s grandad is Ian McLaren, who’s book collection numbering at 75,000 is now at the Baillieu library in Uni MelbourneYOUR HOSTSAleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.CREDITSCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Creative or Dead, David and Aleesha meet with Tom Blachford, a commercial architecture and interiors photographer and fine artist known for his bold and atmospheric works. Tom shares insights into his Midnight Modern series, which captures the surreal beauty of mid-century architecture at night in Palm Springs, as well as his recent ventures into AI-driven image creation. Known for pushing the boundaries between traditional photography and digital art, he discusses his unique approach to balancing spontaneity and structure in his creative process. He also touches on his experiences with aphantasia (the inability to visualise images in his "mind's eye"), his fascination with myths and dystopian aesthetics, and the impact of AI on the art world. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of creativity, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist sitting smack bang at intersection of technology and art. If you’re not already familiar with Tom’s work, we highly recommend checking it out before listening in. LINKSCheck out Tom’s website and Instagram The wonderful Midnight Modern – recently on show at Compendium GalleryThe Lost Archive of Slender O’KinoshiTombo Den AI art commission – check out the Instagram page for some of Tom’s wild imagesTom’s wife Kate Ballis and her incredible workInfluorescence collab between Kate and Tom, check out hereTake a look at Nihon Noir – and Aleesha’s particular favourite, the Nakagin Capsule TowerYou can also read up on this crazy Nakagin Capsule building on Wikipedia hereYOUR HOSTSAleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.CREDITSCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Creative or Dead, hosts David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan sit down with Lauren Li, a powerhouse interior designer, author and educator. Lauren is the definition of a creative slashie with over 20 years of experience as a designer, a couple of coffee table books under her belt (published through Thames and Hudson) and a new podcast Design Anatomy. Lauren shares her creative journey – from founding her studio, Sisalla Interiors, to teaching courses and building an engaged online presence on her Instagram and SubStack Style Studies.Tune in as she discusses the joys and challenges of blending creativity with business, balancing design projects with personal style, and creating spaces that truly resonate with clients. This episode dives right in to the business side of creativity and how to successfully keep the juggle going when you have a lot different but intermingled projects on the go.LinksThe Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair EnnsYour hosts Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor of between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is the co-founder of Senti Partners, an agency which uses intelligence and creativity to help organisations solve society's most pressing problems through brand, campaigns and communications. David has over two decades experience working with brands, products and campaigns across public and private sectors in Australian, European and US markets. David assists companies to think holistically about brand identity, using creativity and purpose to unlock potential for organisations to motivate, challenge, inspire and educate.CreditsCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.Our music is by Sergey Shadrin, aka Cosmonkey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.