The Creative Boom Podcast

• 148. The Spark: Kiser Barnes on kerning, nemeses and the power of nostalgia

  Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up. Each Spark now features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. Today, we're joined once again by Kiser Barnes, partner and CCO at Red Antler, who returns for some quick-fire fun. Kiser joined us on Monday to explore the intersection of creativity and technology, and why optimism and authenticity are so vital in an AI-driven world. If you missed that, you can catch up here. But for this Spark, we're diving into the part of our chat where things got a little more personal—and a little more playful. Kiser shares the lessons he's learned from influential creatives, opens up about controversial opinions on design (including why kerning might be a bit overrated), and reflects on why nostalgia is such a powerful force in our lives. He also reveals why he thinks every creative should have a nemesis and offers a few surprising thoughts about inspiration and identity. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

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• 147. Creativity in the Age of AI, with Kiser Barnes

  What does creativity look like in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI? In this episode, Katy Cowan speaks with Kiser Barnes, partner and chief creative officer at Red Antler, about the evolving relationship between technology and creativity. Together, they explore how AI presents both thrilling opportunities and existential challenges for the creative industry. Kiser emphasises the critical role of storytelling, optimism, and authenticity as we move into an increasingly AI-driven world. The conversation covers the future of advertising, with Kiser predicting a shift towards deeper personalisation that makes ads feel more relevant and human. They also discuss how storytelling in film and gaming may evolve into more immersive, non-linear experiences, blending the digital and physical worlds in exciting new ways. Kiser highlights the importance of human connection amid rapid technological change, and how brands must continually adapt to stay alive and relevant. Creativity, he believes, should act as a form of rebellion against fear-based narratives, with humility and generosity as essential companions to innovation. This is a hopeful and energising conversation about the future of branding, creativity, and technology—one that champions optimism, authenticity, and the enduring importance of the human spirit. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

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• 146. The Spark: Michael Johnson on party tricks, blues guitars and what he no longer believes

  Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up. Now, each Spark features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. For this first revamped episode, we're joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, who returns to have some fun. Michael joined us on Monday to explore whether we're living through a phase where all design looks the same. If you missed that, you can catch up here. But today, he's answering eight quick-fire questions that give us a glimpse behind the brand and the professional façade. Expect everything from the deep and meaningful to the completely absurd. He shares what he believed five years ago but no longer does, reveals his incredible party trick, and even plays us something on his beloved blues guitar. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

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• 145. Design in the Age of Sameness, with Michael Johnson

  Are we in a phase where all design looks the same? In this thought-provoking episode, host Katy Cowan is joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, to explore the creeping sameness in today’s visual landscape. From swirling animations to hyper-minimalist logos, we unpack why charities, fintechs, and universities now often look indistinguishable. Is it the influence of AI, digital platforms, or a case of designers chasing trends too quickly? Or is it the ongoing economic uncertainty that's making everyone risk-averse? Michael shares sharp insights on client influence, accessibility demands, and the speed at which design trends now spread. He also reflects on timelessness, his obsession with kerning, and how we might zig while everyone else zags. This is a must-listen for anyone questioning whether design has lost its edge and how we might find it again. This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.

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• 144. The Creative Boom Podcast Christmas Special 2024

  'Twas the night before deadline, and all through the house, not a keyboard was silent, not even the mouse... Welcome to a very festive edition of The Creative Boom Podcast. As another year draws to a close, it's time to wrap up projects, reflect on your achievements, and embrace the magic of the holiday season. In this special episode, founding editor and podcast host Katy Cowan invites some favourite past guests to share their holiday plans, personal traditions, and playful answers to questions like, "What would you ban at Christmas if you could?" and "Who would make the ultimate festive lunch guest, dead or alive?" Whether you're winding down with cocoa or a holiday drink of choice, take a moment to savour the year, laugh with us, and find a little creative cheer. It's the perfect way to end the year on a high note. This episode features an incredible lineup of past guests, including Barrington Reeves, Lisa Smith, Graeme McGowan, Katie Cadwell, Miles Watts, Cat How, Trent Payne, Seema Sharma, Angela Roche, and Luigi Carnovale. They share their holiday traditions, creative reflections, and light-hearted takes on the season's quirks. It also marks the end of Season Eight of The Creative Boom Podcast. As we take a short break, we encourage you to explore our archives for inspiring conversations with former guests, including all the brilliant voices featured in this festive special. From all of us at Creative Boom, Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025 for more inspiring conversations.

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