Creatively Eccentric

Oct 15, 2026 · 40m

What happens when you stop performing and actually start expressing yourself? In this episode of Creatively Eccentric, I sit down with singer, songwriter, and coach Tommy Ludgate. Together, we explore the emotional landscape of artistry—from early musical roots and nature to navigating the inner critic and marketing without losing your soul. Consider this your invitation to trade perfectionism for curiosity and reconnect with what’s underneath.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest InfoTommy LudgateInstagramWebsite: voice and identity coachingTakeawaysExploring the influence of early music experience on creative confidenceNavigating the inner critic and finding one's creative voice Self-awareness is a continuous journeyUnderstanding and managing the inner critic is essential for creativityChapters00:00 Exploring Voice and Identity01:06 The Influence of Early Music Experience02:10 Navigating Creativity and Self-Expression03:00 The Inner Critic and Creative Confidence06:03 Finding Your Creative Voice08:35 Unpacking Emotional Patterns in Creativity14:04 Discovering Creative Identity18:20 Reflecting on Artistry and Clarity19:25 The Journey of Self-Awareness20:50 Navigating the Inner and Outer Voice22:11 The Power of Vision Boards25:29 Understanding and Managing the Inner Critic29:11 Embracing Emotions in Creativity33:32 Nature, Reflection, and Creativity36:02 Balancing Freedom and Structure in Creativity38:12 The Creative Voice and Self-ExpressionCreatively Eccentric™️

Oct 6, 2026 · 13m

The conversation of Studio Draw(er) Ross Martin delves into the unfulfilled promises of the creative industry, the importance of authenticity, weird sources of inspiration, quirky workspace elements, and misconceptions about his work and personality.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest InfoEp28 Why Creative Process Matters More Than Perfect OutcomesInstagram: Draw and DeliverWebsite: Draw and DeliverHost at Creative Mornings CardiffTakeawaysAuthenticity is crucial in the creative industryWeird sources of inspiration can lead to unique and innovative workChapters00:00 The Creative Industry's Unfulfilled Promise53:25 Authenticity in the Creative Industry56:06 Weird Sources of Inspiration01:01:01 The Quirky Workspace01:04:39 Misconceptions and Self-TrustCreatively Eccentric ™️

Oct 1, 2026 · 44m

In this episode of Creatively Eccentric , I sit down with freelance illustrator, designer, and animator Ross Martin to explore what it really means to create authentically. We chat about why curiosity and world-building are at the heart of his work, how he's learned to value the creative process over chasing the perfect outcome, and why leaving room for exploration often leads to the most interesting ideas.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest InfoInstagram: Draw and DeliverWebsite: Draw and DeliverHost at Creative Mornings CardiffCreatively Eccentric ™️TakeawaysEmbrace authenticity in creativityValue the process over the outcome Self-discovery through creativityBalancing emotional engagement in animationChapters00:00 Embracing Authenticity in Creativity01:07 The Value of World Building and Curiosity10:09 The Shift from Outcome to Process14:08 Balancing Perfection and Exploration18:10 Human Side of Creativity vs. Polished Outcomes22:11 Struggle with Industry Expectations25:20 Understanding Self through Creativity26:17 Client Expectations and Values27:22 Emotional Expression in Animation28:06 Nuance and World Building in Animation30:05 Observing People through Animation31:13 Balancing Emotional Engagement in Animation32:14 Artistic Restraint and Viewer Engagement40:43 Self-Discovery through Creativity43:01 Advice for Creatives49:35 Creating a Connected Creative World

Sep 22, 2026 · 11m

In Studio Draw(er) Shola shares insights and experiences related to these themes, providing valuable perspectives on the creative industry and personal creative processes. The conversation covers various themes including career reflections, industry frustrations, design misrepresentation, cultural appropriation, creative chaos, inspiration and influence, and a creative flop.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest InfoEp26 Learning UpwardsShola LadejiInstagram: ac.cess magTakeawaysCareer reflections and existential moments are crucial for personal growth and professional development.The importance of authenticity, intentionality, and ethical considerations in the creative industry.Chapters00:00 Career Reflections34:08 Industry Frustrations36:08 Design Misrepresentation37:39 Cultural Appropriation40:06 Creative Chaos46:42 Inspiration and Influence48:16 Creative FlopCreatively Eccentric ™️

Sep 16, 2026 · 27m

Shola Ladeji, a designer, strategist, and mentor, shares his non-traditional journey in the creative industry, emphasising the power of being a generalist, learning through failure, and navigating the challenges of creativity. He provides insights on avoiding noise, chasing meaningful work, and supporting emerging talent. Shola's diverse experiences and perspectives offer valuable lessons for creatives at all stages of their careers.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest InfoShola LadejiInstagram: ac.cess magTakeawaysThe power of being a generalistNavigating non-traditional career pathsChapters00:00 Introduction to Shola Ladeji00:29 The Journey of Shola Ladeji02:16 Learning and Resilience in the Creative Industry03:18 Outsider Thinking and Creative Resilience05:36 The Power of Being a Generalist06:59 Navigating Non-Traditional Career Paths09:16 Judging and Mentoring Emerging Talent11:03 Diversity in Creative Judging13:00 Opportunities and Breakthroughs14:33 Advice for Emerging Talent18:24 Avoiding Noise and Focusing on Meaningful Work21:21 Dealing with Creativity and Hard Times26:55 Advice on Job Chasing28:48 Connecting with Shola LadejiCreatively Eccentric ™️

Sep 7, 2026 · 20m

In this episode of Studio Draw (er), Jo Hooper discusses the challenges in the coaching industry, the impact of trends, the importance of setting boundaries, and the significance of honesty and self-reflection in personal and professional growth.TakeawaysSetting boundaries is underrated in the coaching industryBeing honest with oneself and others is important for personal and professional growthConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuestEp 24 - The Truth About SuccessJo Hooper's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfreeJo Hooper's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@joiswildlyfreeGuest linksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfreeYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@joiswildlyfreeChapters00:05 Target Audience and Coaching Approach00:06 Navigating Creativity and Industry Frustrations05:26 Productivity Myths and Misconceptions09:54 Honesty in Business Practices14:38 Challenging Assumptions and Stereotypes16:57 Valuing Time and ExpertiseCreatively Eccentric™️

Sep 2, 2026 · 41m

Many traditional business models prioritise profit and growth over the personal well-being of the entrepreneur. This often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Jo Hooper believes that the conventional mindset of working tirelessly for success can be detrimental. She highlights that many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking that long hours equate to success, which is not true. Instead of sacrificing their personal lives for work, she encourages entrepreneurs to design their businesses around their lives.  TopicsLife-first business modelUnconventional choices and authenticityPricing realities and mindset shiftsSocial media authenticity and visibilitySocietal conditioning and work cultureConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiGuest Jo Hooper's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfreeJo Hooper's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@joiswildlyfreeGuest linksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfreeYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@joiswildlyfreeChapters00:00 Introduction to Jo Hooper's Coaching Philosophy00:46 Target Audience and Coaching Approach03:16 Embracing Unconventional Choices05:19 Leaving Corporate for Mental Health07:37 Balancing Life and Business10:38 Redefining Work and Life Priorities10:55 Recognising Sacrifices for Success14:51 Challenging the Status Quo in Work17:40 Uncomfortable Truths for Creatives20:46 Confronting Criticism with Humour21:47 The Challenge of Specificity in Communication23:31 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Growth24:30 Finding Joy in Content Creation25:47 Uncovering Your Creative Voice26:50 The Importance of Authentic Expression29:07 Overcoming Fear of Visibility32:51 The Need for Self-Validation36:13 Backing Yourself for Success37:54 Navigating Life Changes with Grace41:19 Valuing Time and ExpertiseCreatively Eccentric ™️

Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

What started in Season 1 as a quick end-of-episode question about desk clutter has evolved into its own dedicated companion show.For every main episode, my guests will be opening up their Studio draw (ers) to share raw sketches, unfinished experiments, bizarre creative habits, and half-baked ideas that usually stay hidden away.⭐️New Season 2 Episodes Starts 3rd of September 2026⭐️ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistBuy a Ko-FiCreatively Eccentric™️TakeawaysDedicated bonus episode Studio Draw (er)Blending real-world creative experiences with systems and mindsets

Aug 6, 2026 · 21m

I reflect on our journey, sharing behind-the-scenes breakthroughs and how the show has evolved since launching in 2025.We revisit key moments on visibility, fearlessness, unmasking.Catch up on past episodes during the break, and get ready—Season 2 launches September 2026!ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube PlaylistCreatively Eccentric™️Episode mentionsSteve ChapmanNathalie EdwardsLouisa ShaeriKayleigh HallShamsul RosunallyAngela LyonsDominique Van WerkhovenJohanna PaverdyChapters:00:00 - Welcome & Season 1 Overview00:45 - Key Themes: Visibility, Fearlessness & Eccentricity01:43 - Steve Chapman: Unbecoming & The Sandwich Metaphor03:06 - Nathalie Edwards: Breaking Generational Expectations03:59 - Louisa Shaeri: Situational Mutism & Unmasking05:23 - Kayleigh Hall: Identity, Culture & Community06:35 - Shamsul Rosunally: AI & Independent Storytelling07:27 - Angela Lyons: Diverse Event Representation08:44 - Dominique Van Werkhoven: Standing Out vs. Tokenism10:47 - Johanna Paverdy: Barriers for Diverse Founders12:15 - Behind the Scenes: Building Foundations14:02 - Strategic Shifts & Guest Waitlists16:03 - Pitching Boldly & Cold DMs17:34 - Birmingham Design Festival & Unapologetic Visibility20:36 - Season 1 Wrap-Up & Season 2 Launch