Ink & Podcasts
Simple things. Brushlettering and Estee Lalonde’s new podcast, On The Line, an honest and refreshing listen about every day issues for women.
Podcast - Happy Place
I took my own advice today and took a break from my desk to get some fresh air. While I walked, I listened to this great new podcast from Fearne Cotton. This episode features a cosy chat with Dawn French about what makes her happy. It's a lovely, warm insight into her life. I particularly like how honest she is about her ups and downs. A lovely listen.
Podcast - Live Life Better
I've recently discovered the Live.Life.Better podcast hosted by Melissa Hemsley and have been listening to it on my commute. I listened to an episode about living clutter-free yesterday. It was perfect timing as I've been Spring cleaning this week. I found myself with three bags full of things to throw out and give to charity and now the bags have gone I really have no idea what was even in them. In the podcast, Sheila Chandra talks about how she was motivated to clear so that she could find things. I could relate as I often tidy or 'get things done' so I don't still have to do them. It allows me to relax. I'm not at all obsessive about it but I relate to the principle of a tidy space making life easier.
Podcast - The Joy & Intimacy of Radio
There is something so special about radio. It's nostalgic and cosy. The right show makes you feel like you are the only listener at the same time as making you feel like you are part of a family. I enjoyed this podcast interview with Lauren Laverne, one of my favourite DJs on BBC 6 Music from Emma Gannon. Great company while I draw.
Podcast - Desert Island Discs, Stella McCartney
Like most people, the Beatles are woven into the fabric of my past and have become part of the stories I tell. But what must it have been like to actually grow up with such a superstar Dad, surrounded by music and magnificent musicians?
I listened to Stella McCartney's episode of Desert Island Discs as I wondered home through the streets of London and it totally transported me, to the Mull of Kintyre and beyond. It was fascinating to hear an insight into the life of someone who is so creative in her own right but has drawn such inspiration from her parents. It turns out her childhood was surprisingly 'normal' but also wonderfully liberating as Paul and Linda McCartney created a home in the countryside where their children could have freedom to explore while they themselves had space to create their songs. Well worth a listen.
As an aside, one of Stella's choices is a beautiful version of George Harrison's perfect song, Something, by a reggae artist called Phyllis Dillon. It reminded me of a time I worked at Abbey Road. They regularly white wash the wall at the front of the recording studios because it gets covered in graffiti so often. I found a clear square and simply wrote 'Something'.
Podcast - Sara Tasker & Helen Stephens
I really enjoyed this treat from the Hashtag Authentic podcast series presented by Sara Tasker. This week Sara interviews illustrator Helen Stephens who wrote and illustrated How To Hide A Lion amongst many other books. Helen has a lovely scribbly, warm style which has lots of energy and detail. She describes how she finds inspiration while drawing from life. I really agree with her about the almost meditative state you find yourself in while drawing and how this can open your mind to let ideas flood in.
Helen also describes how, while her early experience of traditional publishing taught her an awful lot, she found herself straying from her own style. She bravely took a year out to try to get back to her roots. It worked and she now manages to be totally true to herself while still being super successful.
Such an inspiring interview. I highly recommend listening to it even if you aren't an illustrator and are just trying to be true to your creative self. Click on the tweet below to go to Sara's site.
Being Freelance - Emmeline Pidgen
As I've mentioned (several times!) before, Being Freelance is one of my favourite podcasts and this week was an extra special treat for me as the episode was with an illustrator I really admire, Emmeline Pidgen. I've been following Emmeline on Twitter and Instagram for a while and love her warm style. It's really interesting hearing how she works and also to hear more about her brilliant project What Emmeline Wore.
Podcast - Being Freelance
The Being Freelance podcast really inspires me. It's run by Steve Folland who chats to creatives about how they make being freelance work for them. I like listening to the episodes when I'm walking or commuting. Today I listened to an episode from October 2016 in which Steve chatted with Sarah Tasker, a Yorkshire based freelancer who has built a very successful career using Instagram. A great listen if you are just starting out on your creative journey or want to grow your creative business.
Loud & Quiet Midnight Chat Podcast - Ryan Adams
"I'm not doing it to stay busy, I'm compelled..."
One of my favourite musicians Ryan Adams has been in the UK recently doing a whole host of interviews and appearances. I discovered this little gem from Loud & Quiet magazine on iTunes but realised just now that Loud & Quiet also have a YouTube channel with lots of great content.
I love Ryan Adams' absolute passion for his craft. He lives and breathes creativity and it's infectious. A great interview to listen to on headphones after midnight.
Soundtracking - Justin Hurwitz
I love podcasts. I listen to them all the time while I'm travelling around and while I draw. I discovered the Soundtracking series today while looking for podcasts about La La Land. This interview with the composer of the soundtrack is just wonderful. Really absorbing and the music is woven throughout the conversation. It sounds strange but to me it's amazing to think that the soundtrack had to be created, it sounds like it's always existed.