Creativity for Sale is your backstage pass to the minds that shape our creative world. Based on the recently released book by Radim Malinic, helping people star...
The value of adaptability in creative entrepreneurship - Alex Suchet
"When you give somebody freedom to roam, you never know what creativity you'll unlock. That freedom brings happiness and retains relationships." - Alex SuchetIn this episode, Radim Malinic interviews Alex Suchet, founder and CEO of Mystery Box, a digital production company. Alex shares his journey from TV production runner to agency owner, discussing how having successful family members inspired rather than pressured him. He introduces the "Red Car Theory" of opportunity - the idea that when we focus too narrowly on specific goals, we miss opportunities around us. Alex emphasizes the importance of freedom in creative work and building businesses, explaining how Mystery Box has thrived by being adaptable rather than rigid in its approach. He also discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome as an agency founder who wasn't previously a designer or developer himself, and how financial success provided validation but not happiness. Throughout the conversation, Alex highlights the value of authentic relationships with clients and team members, comparing business relationships to friendships that should develop organically rather than through aggressive marketing or social media.Key TakeawaysBeing exposed to successful people can either inspire you or create unhealthy pressure - Alex chose inspiration.The "Red Car Theory": If you only look for red things, you'll miss blue opportunities around you.Freedom leads to retention - in business, relationships, and creative teams.Financial success can provide validation but doesn't necessarily create happiness.The best client relationships come organically through quality work, not aggressive marketing.Creative businesses need flexibility to evolve with changing markets and technologies.Building a team requires different perspectives and skills - "a team full of Alex Suchets" wouldn't work.Success comes from being open to where opportunities take you, not rigidly following a predetermined path.Remote work models (which Mystery Box adopted in 2011) can be both efficient and fulfilling.Authenticity in relationships matters most - whether with clients, team members, or creative partners. Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
--------
52:29
Five minute magic pt. 55 - It takes as long as it takes / Other useful tools for Mindful creativity
Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.Today, we'll conclude the chapter Mindful. For the last few episodes, I've been sharing useful tips, advice, breathing techniques and information on alternative exercises that can provide that element of calm for a busy mind. If you missed any of these, start from episode 49 and work your way here. In this episode, we'll run through a summary of other useful tools and focus on the idea of being a creative athlete who is constantly building healthy habits, always showing up and making the right kinds of small efforts to succeed. Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
--------
5:42
A journey of transforming public spaces into creative expression - Stephanie Boutari
"In the beginning I was more fearless because I had nothing to lose. Now I've developed a reputation, but I'm better at saying no." - Stephanie BoutariStephanie Boutari shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a mural artist in Southern Ontario, Canada. Originally from Bahrain with Egyptian heritage, Stephanie initially chose architecture as a "safer" career path despite her lifelong passion for art. After years of suppressing her creative identity, she reconnected with her artistic roots during her master's thesis by exploring color, surfaces, and architecture. Her first mural experience—painting outside her architecture school where everyone could see her—marked the beginning of her transition. After working in architecture left her physically ill (culminating in a ruptured appendix), she finally embraced mural art as her full-time career. Stephanie approaches each project with a deep consideration for the architectural context, integrating existing features like windows and structural elements into her compositions. She now dreams of expanding her reach to paint multi-story buildings and participating in international street art festivals.Key Takeaways:Stephanie uses architectural principles in her art, creating geometric murals that play with depth and three-dimensional effects on two-dimensional surfacesHer first mural came from simply asking a building owner if she could paint their wall, showing the power of initiativeEach completed mural naturally led to more commissions through visibility and word-of-mouthShe balances creative freedom with client needs, but always stays true to her artistic visionPhysical challenges of mural painting include weather limitations, construction site complications, and physical fatigueSocial media metrics aren't as meaningful as genuine audience connection and feedbackHer evolution as an artist includes being more selective about projects and setting boundaries while still pushing her creative comfort zone Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
--------
56:22
Five minute magic pt. 54 - Understanding our thoughts, stress and the right signals
Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.In this episode of five-minute magic, we are continuing with content shares from the Mindful section. This time, it's a bumper episode about understanding and acceptance. We'll zoom in on the following: understanding our thoughts, how to spot and understand stress and how to tune into the right signals. Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
--------
12:30
Finding creative freedom through discomfort and constraints - Chris Doyle
"The ability to give everything away and be generous in passing on knowledge in life has never backfired on me. Knowledge sharing makes the world go around." - Chris DoyleSydney-based designer Chris Doyle shares his journey from aspiring artist to graphic designer and studio owner. He discusses his approach to commercial creativity, the importance of generosity in design, and his experience working on high-profile projects like Troye Sivan's homeware brand. Chris offers valuable insights on work-life balance, creative leadership, and the evolving nature of the design industry. His thoughtful reflections on the distinction between art and design, coupled with his commitment to maintaining a healthy work culture through initiatives like the four-day workweek, provide a refreshing perspective on sustainable creative practice. Having run his studio for over 12 years, Chris's experience demonstrates how embracing constraints, prioritizing clear communication, and fostering genuine collaboration can lead to both professional success and personal fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Design is about solving problems and communicating effectively for clients, not just creating visually appealing workGenerosity and knowledge-sharing are crucial for both personal growth and industry developmentThe best creative work often emerges from embracing discomfort and accepting constraintsSustainable success in design requires finding balance and being willing to work at a slower paceCreative leadership involves trusting your team and knowing when to step backConsistently working overtime is a sign of poor agency management, not dedicationThe distinction between art and design lies in who you're creating for - yourself versus othersFinding ways to maintain work-life balance, like four-day workweeks, can enhance creativity and satisfactionThe best client relationships are built on trust, open collaboration, and mutual respect Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
Creativity for Sale is your backstage pass to the minds that shape our creative world. Based on the recently released book by Radim Malinic, helping people start and grow life-changing careers and businesses. Check out weekly interviews with the world's most brilliant creatives, designers, writers, musicians, makers, and marketers, along with bonus episodes offering quick action tips for the food for thought for the weekend ahead. More info https://radimmalinic.co.uk/
UK