The Spark: Emily Penny on Kate Winslet, Fairies and Deputy Penny
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful.
In this after-show, Emily reveals the actress she's convinced should play her in the movie of her life, the hill she'd happily die on when it comes to creative work, and why she secretly believes in fairies. She talks about childhood obsessions, her love of condiments, and the magazine she launched at the age of nine.
It's warm, funny and full of surprises... the perfect companion to her full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.
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24:45
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24:45
Emily Penny on the Secrets Behind Standing Out as a Design Studio
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful – about why so many design studios blend into the crowd, and the secrets to finally breaking free.
Emily shares findings from her new report, Fully Saturated, which analysed over 150 UK branding agencies. The results reveal a sector drowning in sameness – studios echoing the same promises, paralysed by fear, and too often hiding behind portfolio thinking. But Emily also uncovers the brave outliers: agencies daring to own their difference, lean into what makes them unique, and turn it into a powerful advantage.
Their conversation digs into why creatives find it so hard to position themselves, the emotional blocks that keep agencies stuck, and how her 'Brandstrand framework' – with 18 distinct strategies – can help any studio discover what it truly wants to be famous for.
Emily also speaks openly about her own journey, from launching Be Colourful in 2013 to embracing her voice as a "quiet" strategist in a loud industry, and why confidence starts with honesty.
It's a sharp, inspiring episode full of practical takeaways... the kind that will help you ditch the copycat mentality and start standing out for the right reasons.
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39:43
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39:43
The Spark: Claire Blyth on Madonna, Magpies and the Hacienda
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter and a passionate advocate for design PR.
In this light-hearted after-show, Claire shares the rituals that keep her grounded, the superstition she secretly (or not so secretly) follows, and the teenage scents that instantly take her back. She reminisces about nights out at the legendary Hacienda, admits the last time she felt out of her depth, and reveals the music icon she'll always worship.
It's fun, personal and full of surprises – the perfect companion to her full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.
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38:30
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38:30
Claire Blyth on Why PR Still Matters in the Age of AI
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter, the PR agency championing design.
Claire reflects on how the industry has transformed since she started out – from mornings spent clipping newspapers to today's reality of AI search and zero-click content. She shares why human connection still matters more than ever, how design needs a stronger voice in business, and why many agencies are asking the same hard question: what's the point of PR anymore?
Their conversation ranges from the decline of traditional media and the rise of generative AI, to the new skills agencies need to survive. Claire also speaks candidly about her own journey... from overcoming a fear of public speaking to building confidence as a leader, and why being direct is often the kindest approach.
It's a thoughtful, optimistic episode that explores the future of PR and marketing, the resilience of creativity, and how to find clarity in a world full of noise.
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49:55
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49:55
The Spark: Brian Collins on Poetry, Playfulness and the Perfect Cookie
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Brian Collins – legendary designer and co-founder of COLLINS.
In this playful after-show, Brian reveals the piece of creative advice he always ignores, the guilty pleasure he'll defend to the death, and the oddest compliment he's ever received. He talks about the colour that has defined his life, the mythical creature that best sums up his creativity, and why Oreos are basically the design equivalent of a perfect steak.
He also shares the question he'd rather not ask but knows he should, who he'd invite to a dream dinner party, and the medium he secretly wishes he'd mastered.
It's cheeky, candid and full of Brian's trademark humour – the perfect companion to his full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.
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22:59
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22:59
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Om The Creative Boom Podcast
Join host Katy Cowan on The Creative Boom Podcast, where candid conversations with fellow creatives explore the real stories behind our careers—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, animator, marketer or creative entrepreneur, this show brings warmth, humour, and insight into the challenges and triumphs of the creative journey.
We tackle everything from confidence to burnout, offering advice and inspiration for building a fulfilling, sustainable career while not shying away from the tougher topics. Expect fun, honesty, and plenty of takeaways to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
The Creative Boom Podcast is part of Creative Boom, a magazine that has been a leading platform for the creative community since 2009. Discover more at www.creativeboom.com.
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