Jack talks about the personal project that changed everything: his decade-long documentation of the work of West Australian architect Ivan Ivanoff, which started as a modest exhibition in Perth and snowballed into a book, a Melbourne exhibition, and shows at the London Festival of Architecture, and Modernism Week in Palm Springs. Something Jack doesn’t shy away from talking about is always searching for that balance between commercial work and personal projects – and why doing the soul-feeding, non-paying stuff is what usually opens the door to exciting new projects.

We also talk about patience as a skill, the fine line between loosening up and losing the plot, and why Jack will never let his work be mistaken for AI slop.

Check out Jack’s work at jacklovel.com, and follow him on Instagram at @jack.lovel.

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Richard Walzer isn’t interested in new for the sake of it. As Design Director of Breakthrough Innovation at PepsiCo (Europe), he works in the uncomfortable space most businesses avoid – the unknown unknowns. The problems no one has defined yet, let alone solved.

In this episode, Richard pulls apart what real innovation actually looks like when there’s money, scale and risk on the line. And we hate to break it to all the light bulb moment die-hards out there, but true innovation (at least for Richard) is not about eureka moments or big creative swings. It’s rigour, it’s watching what people actually do, not what they say. It’s spending most of your time making sure you’re solving the right problem, before you even think about the solution. One of the biggest creative lessons to glean from this episode is that most teams aren’t failing at execution, they’re just designing the wrong thing.

We also get into the discipline behind design thinking, the myth of differentiation, and why “distinctive” is the only thing worth chasing. From sacrificial prototypes to future consumers, Richard maps out how ideas move from vague hypothesis to something that can survive the real world.

This is creativity with true commerciality at its core.

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In this ep of Creative or Dead, we speak with interior designer Susannah Holmberg, founder of Susannah Holmberg Studios (www.susannahholmberg.com) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Susannah approaches interior as immersive installations – spaces where art, architecture and materials intersect.

We talk about her unconventional path into design, the idea that beauty might actually be a form of function, and how her studio develops personal interiors by drawing on unexpected references – from favourite films and books to travel and landscape.

The conversation also explores creative process: why blocking time for deep work matters, how tension between contrasting elements can spark originality, and why handmade pieces and craftsmanship remain central to her projects.

And, in our usual Creative or Dead fashion, we finish with our final question: if you could design your own death, what would it look like? Susannah’s cinematic vision involves black veils, oversized florals and a rainy green landscape.

Hosted by Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine, this is a conversation about creativity, craft and designing spaces that feel like living works of art.

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Ty’s creative origin story starts in Far North Queensland, where rainforest and lace-like fungi created an unforgettable impression on his psyche. This early education in the art of observation has underpinned everything that followed: from designing textiles at Peter Alexander, to navigating big-box retail, to reshaping Country Road Homewares through collaboration and long-term thinking.

This is a conversation about trusting your intuition versus over-analysing, and building impactful collaborations with a commercial mindset – all without losing your soul. We get into leadership as a creative practice, the importance of making (not just designing on screens), and why nature doesn’t believe in waste.

We also jump into flow states, mermaids, and a manifesto for slowing the hell down. It’s an episode about listening to materials, to place, to your gut, and trusting that creativity will surface when you make enough space for it.

Follow Ty on Instagram to stay up to date with what he's up to next.

Creative or Dead is hosted by David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan.

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Golnar traces her journey from Sydney to Europe, from visual communication student to working at Marcel Wanders, and into a sincerely collaborative practice that sits somewhere between art, design and technology. We talk about creativity as a lived practice (not just a job title), and power for work to be coupled with emotional intelligence.

This episode digs into creative partnerships, making work with integrity, and holding onto empathy in a noisy, commercialised world. There’s Milan Design Week, experimental materials and politics layered with beauty.

If you’re searching for conversations about creative careers, art and design practice, creativity with substance, or how to build a career without flattening yourself in the process – start with this conversation.

Rive Roshan is being presented by Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert at Melbourne Art Fair (19-22 Feb 2026).

Links

See more about Rive Roshan at riveroshan.com

Sub Catcher riveroshan.com/projects/sun-catcher-rive-roshan-alcova-milan-2025

Shifting Perspectives riveroshan.com/projects/shifting-perspectives

Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert gallerysallydancuthbert.com

Melbourne Art Fair melbourneartfair.com.au

Creative or Dead is hosted by David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Expect unfiltered takes on being “brave”, how they choose artists (studio visits, taste, trust), and why transparency in the art world shouldn’t be radical – but still is.

If you’re into contemporary art, creativity, art careers, gallery life, art management, collecting, or the messy reality of making a project survive, this one’s for you. Plus: there's road trip stories, a near-illegal mega-show, and two very different death designs.

Check out Nasha Gallery and all their upcoming shows at nasha.com.au.

Nasha Gallery is presenting James Little at Melbourne Art Fair 2026.

Creative or Dead is hosted by David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We also talk burnout prevention, the power of daily observation rituals (including a documentary with breakfast), and the small, thoughtful easter eggs that keep personal voice in in work. Stay to the end for Todd’s delightfully dramatic, Elizabethan-tinged answer to our signature 'curate your own death' question.

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In this wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation, we hear from lighting and object designer Christopher Boots, where he sprinkles us with a bit of his magic dust creativity. And spoiler: he proves that the best ideas are marinated and well-seasoned.  

From scavenging childhood treasures in the backyard to sculpting monumental crystal-and-bronze chandeliers, Christopher shares how time, process and materials shape his work. Along the way, we dive into material literacy, the psychology of objects, running a creative business without losing your soul, and how there’s no shortcut for quality, time and contemplation.

Show notes:

Look up Christopher Boots' work here https://christopherboots.com

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Ren shares her knack for blending business smarts with creative intuition – expect insights on brand storytelling, immersive retail design and travel-fuelled inspirations.

Relevant links

Christian Kimber website https://christiankimber.com

InteriorsAU design write-up on the new store https://architectureau.com/articles/christian-kimber-store-by-brahman-perera/

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Nicole reflects on the tactile joy of materials, the heft of handmade objects, and what it means to support creative practice from the inside out. She’s sharp and generous, sharing the winding path that has led her to her current role as Executive Director of Craft Victoria.

We talk slow making, fast change and the very human urge to leave something behind.

Links

Craft Victoria: https://craft.org.au/

Artist Edmund de Waal: https://www.edmunddewaal.com/

Daniel Mudie Cunningham's Curating Grief https://danmudcun.com/criticism/curating-grief

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Emma's story spans industrial design, the post-digital, trail running, and building community through the rave and research scenes alike. Expect philosophical tangents, a touch of techno, and plenty of thought-provoking moments on the creative process.

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In this episode, sculptor, furniture stonemason and founder of denHolm, Steven takes us on the winding path from sewing rave outfits on his gran’s machine to crafting heavyweight stone sculptures that can be found in galleries around the world. We talk early creative impulses, the madness of running a growing studio, the weird poetry of materials and the fuel that helps him keep pushing into unknown territory.

There are stories of missed plumbing jobs, tidiness as a mantra, and the kind of 3D thinking that turns limestone into language.

Pull up a chair and listen in.

Links

https://www.den-holm.com

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In this episode, Beck joins David and Aleesha to chat about building a values-led practice from the ground up. She shares the creative thinking behind Versa’s streamlined systems, the surprising power of sketching in real time, and how implementing a four-day work week reshaped both culture and output. Along the way, Beck reflects on formative experiences, growing up in a hands-on family and learning in a science shed.

It’s a generous, honest and deeply human episode from a designer who sees creativity not just in the work, but in how we live.

Find Versa at versastudio.com.au

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Aleesha opens up about her accidental pivot from interior design to editorship, the vulnerability of writing, and the slow-burn joy of a long-term creative project. David shares insights from his multidisciplinary practice as a creative consultant and Chief Creative Officer, including his enduring belief in curiosity, reflection, and the value of being an astute observer.

Together, they touch on themes that run through the podcast’s DNA: trusting your instincts, making space for creative percolation, the messiness of opinion, and how to build a meaningful life by connecting what you're good at, what brings joy, what pays the bills – and what the world needs.

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Expect laughs, some surprising existential detours, and practical gems on how to stay creatively alive (while still paying your tax return).

Special thanks for Creative Mornings Melbourne, and event partner TOMS Place, Brunswick.

LINKS

Check out Jo's work at jo-hook.com

And sign up for more Creative Mornings each month at creativemornings.com

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Julie shares candid reflections on her journey, discussing the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, her deep-rooted empathy and the creative process of curating. She reveals how she finds inspiration from the natural world and from meaningful conversations with artists, as well as giving us a glimpse of her personal rituals that help her maintain focus and balance.

Julie’s vulnerability in speaking about burnout, the emotional weight of curating, and her approach to storytelling through exhibitions offers listeners a rare, authentic insight into the world of curation. 

If you’ve ever been curious or intrigued by the intersection of empathy, creativity – and the transformative role curators play in the art world – this is for you.

LINKS 

Sweat Dreams DJs – Julie’s side project, check it out on Instagram

A source of inspiration in Hans Ulrich Obrist

Look up the work of Scotty So on Instagram

See the work of Sassy Park

Also Belinda Fox

One of Julie’s final collabs at the gallery is with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendren

Julie’s grandad is Ian McLaren, who’s book collection numbering at 75,000 is now at the Baillieu library in Uni Melbourne

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. 

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

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Known for her bold, surreal forms, Jordan opens up on the topic of authenticity, instinctive creation and storytelling through her work. Jordan’s creative process is truly her own, and you’ll hear how she finds inspiration in everyday observations of beauty and serendipity. The way she approaches making, while balancing practicality with artistic expression, make this episode a thought-provoking listen for anyone curious about the edges of functional art.

LINKS

Check out Jordan’s website

Connect with her on Instagram 

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists. David is Passionate about the power of creativity to move individuals and organisations. A chief creative officer, and executive creative director. Aspirant polymath. Former AGDA State President, AGDA National Board member. Long time educator, speaker, and mentor. Regular commentator and contributor to design media. Board Member, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Stonnington Art Advisory Board. Judge, Pause Awards, Judge GOTYA.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. 

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom shares insights into his Midnight Modern series, which captures the surreal beauty of mid-century architecture at night in Palm Springs, as well as his recent ventures into AI-driven image creation. Known for pushing the boundaries between traditional photography and digital art, he discusses his unique approach to balancing spontaneity and structure in his creative process. He also touches on his experiences with aphantasia (the inability to visualise images in his "mind's eye"), his fascination with myths and dystopian aesthetics, and the impact of AI on the art world. 

This episode is for anyone interested in the future of creativity, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist sitting smack bang at intersection of technology and art. If you’re not already familiar with Tom’s work, we highly recommend checking it out before listening in. 

LINKS

Check out Tom’s website and Instagram 

The wonderful Midnight Modern – recently on show at Compendium Gallery

The Lost Archive of Slender O’Kinoshi

Tombo Den AI art commission – check out the Instagram page for some of Tom’s wild images

Tom’s wife Kate Ballis and her incredible work

Influorescence collab between Kate and Tom, check out here

Take a look at Nihon Noir – and Aleesha’s particular favourite, the Nakagin Capsule Tower

You can also read up on this crazy Nakagin Capsule building on Wikipedia here

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. 

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor looks at the world with curious wonder, and here she shares how an intuitive approach lets materials, emotions, nature and any number of inspirations guide her creative process. By embracing the element of chance, she has crafted a practice that brings a raw and tactile quality to her work. With recent achievements, including winning the prestigious Muswellbrook Art Prize and exhibitions across major galleries, Eleanor's insights reveal the balance between intellect and instinct in the creative process. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deeper, often unseen process of making art that resonates on a sensory level.

LINKS

Visit Eleanor’s website to view her work.

Nicholas Thompson Gallery represents Eleanor, view the website.

See the work of Samuel Condon here.

You can listen to the Malcom Gladwell Revisionist history episode here.

Discover more about Edna Walling and her fab garden designs via the State Library here.

You can see a massive, very cool painting by Eleanor on display at the ground floor of Her Bar

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor of between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. 

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in as she discusses the joys and challenges of blending creativity with business, balancing design projects with personal style, and creating spaces that truly resonate with clients. This episode dives right in to the business side of creativity and how to successfully keep the juggle going when you have a lot different but intermingled projects on the go.

Links

The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns

Your hosts

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor of between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is the co-founder of Senti Partners, an agency which uses intelligence and creativity to help organisations solve society's most pressing problems through brand, campaigns and communications. David has over two decades experience working with brands, products and campaigns across public and private sectors in Australian, European and US markets. David assists companies to think holistically about brand identity, using creativity and purpose to unlock potential for organisations to motivate, challenge, inspire and educate.

Credits

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. 

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

Our music is by Sergey Shadrin, aka Cosmonkey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.