On Creativity with Paula Wallace

How does a "living legend" stay grounded while inspiring generations? In this episode of On Creativity, SCAD President Paula Wallace sits down with 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Mark Hamill. While the world knows him as Luke Skywalker—a symbol of hope and resilience—Mark has also redefined the art of voice acting with his iconic portrayal of The Joker. In this intimate conversation, Mark reflects on his haunting performances in The Fall of the House of Usher and The Life of Chuck, sharing the creative philosophy that keeps his work authentic and impactful. Whether you're interested in the legacy of Star Wars, the technical precision of voiceover work, or the importance of choosing "light over darkness" in your personal artistry, this episode provides a rare look into the mind of a true creative master. Key Topics Covered: Character Development: How Mark transitions between the heroism of the Jedi and the darkness of the Joker. The Evolution of Voice Acting: Behind-the-scenes insights into creating world-famous voices. The 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival: Reflections on a lifetime of achievement in cinema. Creative Resilience: Advice for artists on maintaining authenticity in a changing industry.

How does an actor disappear into a role? In this episode of On Creativity, SCAD President Paula Wallace sits down with the legendary Toby Jones at the SCAD Lacoste Film Festival. Known for his incredible range and "chameleonic" ability to inhabit complex characters, Toby discusses the delicate balance between technical precision and emotional truth. From his iconic voice work as Dobby in Harry Potter and his role as Claudius Templesmith in The Hunger Games, to his recent powerhouse performance in the cultural phenomenon Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Toby shares the creative philosophies that have defined his career. This is an essential listen for actors, writers, and anyone fascinated by the psychology of performance. Key Topics Covered: The Process of Transformation: How Toby builds a character from the ground up. Voice Acting vs. Physical Acting: Finding the soul of a character through sound and movement. The Impact of Social Drama: Reflections on the real-world success of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Lessons from the SCAD Lacoste Film Festival: Toby’s advice for the next generation of creative artists.

What happens when creative vision meets world-class business strategy? In this episode of On Creativity, SCAD President Paula Wallace hosts an exclusive conversation with fashion designer and philanthropist Tory Burch and her husband, Pierre-Yves Roussel, CEO of Tory Burch LLC and former Chairman and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group. Together, they pull back the curtain on the evolution of the Tory Burch brand, discussing how to maintain a "founder’s spirit" while scaling a global luxury house. From Tory’s commitment to women’s entrepreneurship to Pierre-Yves’s insights on the future of the fashion industry, this episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to turn a creative spark into a lasting legacy. Key Highlights: The Founder’s Journey: How Tory Burch transitioned from a small boutique in Manhattan to a global powerhouse. The Business of Luxury: Pierre-Yves Roussel on what makes a brand timeless in a fast-changing market. Purpose-Led Design: The impact of the Tory Burch Foundation on women entrepreneurs. Creative Collaboration: How the duo balances their professional partnership and personal vision.

How do you build a design empire that spans from streetwear to smart technology? In this episode of On Creativity, SCAD President Paula Wallace sits down with the visionary Samuel Ross MBE. From his start as a design assistant to the late Virgil Abloh to founding the revolutionary label A-COLD-WALL*, Samuel has redefined the boundaries of the modern creative. Now leading his industrial design studio, SR_A, Samuel discusses his high-profile collaborations with Apple, Hublot, and Kohler, and his recent appointment as Artistic Director of the 2025 London Design Biennale. We explore his "social architecture" philosophy, his commitment to the Black British Artist Grants program, and why he believes optimism is the most powerful tool in a designer’s arsenal. Key Highlights: The Mentorship of Virgil Abloh: Lessons from the early days of Off-White and Donda. Industrial Design & Innovation: Behind the scenes of his sculptural work for Kohler and Beats by Dre. The Future of SR_A: Scaling a multi-disciplinary studio after the sale of A-COLD-WALL*. Creative Philanthropy: Supporting the next generation through the Black British Artist Grants.

Never Be Protective of a Good Idea… The 2024 CFDA International Designer of the Year and winner of the 2024 Neiman Marcus Award for Creative Impact in the Field of Fashion is here! As creative director of Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry has vaulted the iconic couture house to new heights and brought the creative legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli to a whole new generation. For SCAD students, he's an undeniable voice and a true model for excellence in design and character.

In Service to the Story... Admired across stage and screen for his decades of singular talent, Colman Domingo follows his tour de force performance in “Rustin” with another essential true story: “Sing Sing.” The film spotlights the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, renowned for its enduring effectiveness. Domingo shares the screen with men who went through the program firsthand, testaments to art and creativity’s power to change lives.

Gucci and Gladiators Too... In November, dust off your best toga because it’s time to return to the Colosseum for “Gladiator II.” This film marks the fifteenth collaboration between director Ridley Scott and today’s special guest, costume designer Janty Yates. Yates received the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for their first collaboration on “Gladiator,” and, alongside Scott, she's dressed the full breadth of human history from Exodus to our modern day.

No Sad Colors… During SCADstyle 2024, history was made when the fashion house Carolina Herrera received its second SCAD Etoile Award. In 2016, Paula Wallace presented the award to Carolina herself, and in the Spring, her creative director successor, Wes Gordon, continued the brand’s award-laden legacy. Wes and Paula reunited to discuss Gordon’s leadership of the beloved heritage brand, his celebrative book "Colormania," and the modern business of fashion.

Let the Games Begin... Tune in to hear from Rene Celestin, the founding partner behind The Banner, the creative agency group producing the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. This year's opening will feature a flotilla down the Seine, and all of Paris will form the stage. Thanks to Rene's history as the fashion industry's go-to runway show producer, he and The Banner are uniquely positioned to present a gold medal-worthy show like no other.

Return of the Enfant Terrible… Legendary couturier Jean Paul Gaultier is back at SCAD with a new exhibition—CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier—on display at SCAD FASH Lacoste. Just before the exhibit's grand opening, Paula Wallace and Jean Paul reconnected to discuss cinema and pop culture's influence on Gaultier as well as his iconic work in costume design.

Leslie Odom Live… We all know and love Leslie Odom Jr. for his iconic portrayal of Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” the musical that revolutionized Broadway and introduced thousands to a type of theater they never knew was possible. Since that breakthrough performance, he has taken on leading roles in films such as “Glass Onion,” “Harriet,” and “The Exorcist: Believer” as well as just returning to Broadway for the critically acclaimed revival of “Purlie Victorious.” As a recording artist and songwriter, he’s released multiple singles and five studio albums, including his latest: “When a Crooner Dies.” Today, you’ll join the live audience at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta as Paula Wallace reunites with friend of SCAD Leslie Odom Jr. for a most in-depth and one-of-a-kind conversation.

What Makes a House Home… After three decades in the design field, Kathryn Ireland is still at the top of her profession. Her latest and seventh book overall, “A Life In Design,” takes the reader through the years from the California coast to the South of France. Join Paula Wallace for a candid conversation where the two discuss all things decor, client relationships, travel, and more.