How to build a creative business

Dan Ferguson

March 09, 2021 15:32 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MB

This episode is one that I felt really empowered by as a practising artist and Dan will remind you, without even meaning to, to feel content with where you are whilst knowing you can continue forward in your creative venture, honing your craft. Dan is a Belfast painter who was born in London where he started out as a teacher. Moving to Belfast with his family a few years ago to complete a Masters in fine art in the same University where I completed my Masters in 2005.

Danielle Wallace- Pharmacist by day, resin Artist by night

March 01, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 41.9 MB

Danielle is another of my mentoring student with a story to tell. The science behind her craft is fascinating and Danielle applies her knowledge as a pharmacist and people person so seamlessly into her business. Enjoy listening to her story and her take on stepping out and staying out to grow creatively and online.

Ibe Sesay- worked on car electrics, was a resident DJ and is now a full time radio presenter and family man.

February 22, 2021 13:48 - 38 minutes - 70.8 MB

Ibe is someone who has a very familiar voice for me. From when I was at the 70s themed nights in a local nightclub where Ibe was the resident DJ to driving in our car dancing as a family to the tunes that Ibe plays on the radio. Ibe is a family man and his honesty is refreshing for fellow creatives to hear.

Leigh Telford- intuitive and wellbeing coach

February 15, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 78.7 MB

Leigh is someone I have worked with in a professional capacity, for my own practice and well-being. We discuss this in the podcast and how Leigh can bring you on a spiritual like journey to improve how you view yourself and your life. Which in itself will help you in your creative journey. This interview is an eye opener to all things Universe related!

Your permission to rest.

February 11, 2021 11:10 - 12 minutes - 23.3 MB

Wow, lockdown is starting to wear us down. I know you feel this too so this is my own admission of fatigue and advice for what to do when you feel momentum is running low. It's ok to keep showing up amidst hard times and it's also totally fine to stop for a minute.

Amy Ashe Art - graphic recordings, paintings, youth work

February 08, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 46.5 MB

Amy was a mentoring student of mine and her creative business is thriving. This was a great catch up and an insight into how Amy uses graphic recordings to reach her audience but also her take on taking on fear- don't let it stop you!

A finance major turned lifestyle blogger. Talking with Grace Atwood.

February 01, 2021 08:00 - 35 minutes - 65.5 MB

Grace Atwood joins me from her apartment in New York city to share with us how she majored in finance, worked in a start up company and then stepped out on her own to become a full time blogger. From 90 hour weeks juggling both her demanding job and successful blog, to creating her own path with confidence and fervour, Grace worked hard and now enjoyed the fruits of her labour with links to large brands, her highly engaged audience and her impactful podcast 'Bad on paper'.

From social phobia to tv and radio presenting. Radio presenter Cate Conway

January 25, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 107 MB

Another moment in time when one of my guests opens up about their creative path. From selling soda streams on QVC to taking a step back after loss, Cate's story is a compelling one.

Sitting in fear, with Therapist Claire Kelly

January 18, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 66.8 MB

Claire discusses her journey through wellbeing as a pilates instructor and therapist- as with all of my guests in a self employed role, the path to get to where they are now is rarely straight forward or planned. Claire's story is open about the hardships of running an mainly in person business through lockdown and how she as adapted so much so that she is thriving and serving her community .

The hindsight series- talking to my PA Sharon.

January 12, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 65.5 MB

This series is called 'The hindsight series' the sixth series of my podcast 'How to build a creative business in a noisy world'. I interview business folk, family members, friends about their feelings on 2020, the year of lockdown and coronavirus but more importantly how they deal with fear, what makes them tick and any nuggets they can share having used the power of hindsight. Sharon delves into her past from School and her relationship with education as well as the workforce. How fear ma...

Get organised! The business tip I forgot to share last year !

January 11, 2021 17:58 - 6 minutes - 11.6 MB

Organisation in your home, organisation in your business- often they come hand in hand. Aly explains why this is so and how this affects her business

The importance of mindset and tips to change from negative to positive

December 06, 2020 10:05 - 12 minutes - 22.3 MB

This week before my virtual exhibition I had to work on my own mindset. From my dad died when I was 7 my mental attitude can change from positive and happy to sad and low very quickly. It's not something I am proud of but I know that we all struggle with mental strength so in this episode I share strategies to help you work on yours so that your creativity and business will thrive.

Creativity in all forms, creativity in kids.

November 24, 2020 14:08 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB

This week we discuss why being creative is not just paint and paper. Thinking outside the box helps us to get to know ourselves better and in return helps us to work more effectively at our craft.

My experience with Covid

November 14, 2020 15:17 - 12 minutes - 23 MB

More importantly I am back with a fire in my belly to share business advice and how I have grown my business significantly since March of this year. We discuss the importance of depth over breadth in business and how you can achieve that .

A new season and my experience with Covid

November 14, 2020 15:17 - 12 minutes - 23 MB

More importantly I am back with a fire in my belly to share business advice and how I have grown my business significantly since March of this year. We discuss the importance of depth over breadth in business and how you can achieve that .

Marketing tips from an artist and personal brand

June 23, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 18.7 MB

Today I share marketing tips that I have learned over the years. Enjoy and feel free to use as of today!

A change is as good as a rest

June 16, 2020 19:55 - 12 minutes - 23 MB

Sometimes we think we are best to give up on a task but I think there is purpose in the old saying "a change is a good as a rest". Shift your workflow, shift your mindset, shift your gear to see and feel the benefits in your business.

Adapt and Thrive

June 09, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 15.6 MB

After an interview and mini workshop with a group of adults with learning disabilities I am so happy and motivated that I have to share. The adaption of my business to cope during lockdown has benefitted me and I want you to do the same and to benefit. To thrive off what really matters to you. For me, working with learning disabilities is in my heart and soul and this line of contact and creativity founds it way back to me.

Why black lives matter to me, an artist in Northern Ireland.

June 04, 2020 18:01 - 11 minutes - 20.2 MB

The most awkward conversation I have had with you. Unlike other episodes where I, a professional artist, discuss how you can build your creative business in this noisy world, I want to break my embarrassing white privileged silence about racism. With eyes more open and a willingness to learn and to educate myself on how to become an ally for the black community . My words are not perfect but I am learning that this is better than silence.

Why workshops work

May 26, 2020 15:42 - 10 minutes - 19.6 MB

Today we discuss the practicality of running a workshop, the ways it will push your career and expertise forward and why they are a good idea. I discuss what I learned from running workshops for young people who abused solvents, your people with learning disabilities, mainstream education and more.

The art of being your true self

May 19, 2020 10:16 - 15 minutes - 27.5 MB

You cannot serve your audience and grow your business to its highest potential if you do not know, love and be your true self. This week we unravel what that looks like and I share how I am thankful that it has taken me so long to work through how I can be my best unapologetic self for me, my family and my business.

Try before you buy...and sell

May 12, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 20.4 MB

A huge part of our business is the physical and online products / services we offer- so why do we sometimes throw them out to the audiences before we test? Today we chat about beta testing and the boost it can give your business.

What's the worst that can happen, when we step into fear?

May 05, 2020 17:35 - 16 minutes - 30.2 MB

Today I chat about imposter syndrome, ways to fight it and how no matter where you are in your career you still have to fight those demons. I believe you can do it!

Self care shifts during coronavirus. My virtual art night!

April 28, 2020 19:56 - 19 minutes - 36.2 MB

Everyone of us has had to re think every aspect of life and work. Self care for me has simplified dramatically, and that is ok. Today I share with you ways to find self care and to let your workload simmer rather than over boil to the point where you feel exhausted and like you achieve nothing. Be careful who you listen to at this time and come join me virtually for art night next week Friday 8th May 7pm BST!!

How to be sustainable in business during lockdown

April 22, 2020 17:48 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MB

Today (along with my only woes about family chaos and no PA!) we discuss ways to keep our businesses more than ticking over during lockdown. You have worked hard to get here- now let's keep it going! We touch on marketing , connections, output, being innovative, word of mouth and how systems will keep you sane.

Business , Coronavirus and Creativity

March 16, 2020 18:01 - 22 minutes - 41.5 MB

An open message of reassurance for small business owners and creatives. Coronavirus is a game changer but we can have a role and add value and light. I include practical tips to help you at this uncertain time.

Guest speech at my High School prize day

February 05, 2020 20:38 - 10 minutes - 19.2 MB

For any new subscribers and for those of you who have listened for a while, this episode is an insight into my life and my love of art. The journey so far. I shared this when I was asked to be guest speaker at my High School that I attended from 11-16 years old.

Business tip number 5- You can't serve everybody

February 04, 2020 08:00 - 4 minutes - 8.88 MB

I share why it is so vital that you become clear on who your audience and how you cannot serve everybody, it will not help your business. I also the knock on effect of bullying for me.

Business tip #3 Surround yourself with better!

January 20, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 10.2 MB

Aly expresses her hope that all of us will get involved with peers who are a few steps ahead and who can inspire / mentor us in our businesses. Both from a creative perspective and a business design.

Business tip 2 ( believe the data)

January 13, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MB

We live in an age where digital is key and more importantly it is FREE! Aly discusses why we should be influenced by our data and results as well as our customers buying patterns.

January blues and why you should use pen and paper

January 08, 2020 22:18 - 9 minutes - 17.6 MB

Aly opens up about January blues and starts with a new series of business tips- Thirteen things I have learned in my 1o years of business.

That time I failed at a ted talk about failure

November 20, 2019 12:53 - 6 minutes - 11.2 MB

The irony of this podcast episode is not lost on me

Aly talks to Architect Aisling Rusk of Studio Idir

October 14, 2019 07:00 - 33 minutes - 60.9 MB

Memories of art class, the joy of women supporting women in the professional creative sector and how to go about planning your home or extension working with an architect.

Aly talks to make up artist Samantha King

October 08, 2019 06:00 - 36 minutes - 67 MB

An honest and beautiful understanding of beauty and how it is really not just skin deep. Samantha shares her journey to self employment and the challenges of being an academic in a creative space.

Aly speaks to painter Rachel McBride

October 01, 2019 06:00 - 52 minutes - 96.1 MB

Aly and Rachel discuss life as an abstract artist living with cerebral palsy , how to title our creative pieces and why social media can be its own worst enemy.

Aly talks to interior designer Susan Gillespie of Orr and Gillespie

September 23, 2019 07:00 - 50 minutes - 92 MB

Aly and Susan discuss the influence of art college, how your home is a reflection of you and the ways that interiors can be more than just a pretty face.

Aly talks to illustrator Danielle of Flaxfox

September 16, 2019 06:00 - 47 minutes - 87.4 MB

How you can see a gap in the market and accelerate your talent in this space. Danielle and Aly discuss how to make wholesale work for your business, the challenges of motherhood and the joy of travel

Aly talks to ceramicist Rebecca Killen.

September 09, 2019 06:00 - 51 minutes - 93.9 MB

Discussions around why applying for awards can help your business, how to make porcelain bottles and the importance of your positive mindset. Rebecca also shares her love for workshops and colour.

17: Aly talks to photographer David Cavan

September 02, 2019 07:44 - 1 hour - 61 MB

Aly discusses Good will hunting, stepping away from the fear of what others think and why dyslexia doesn't have to hold you back in your business.

14: How to win friends and influence people. Marketing SOS

August 26, 2019 14:37 - 7 minutes - 7.08 MB

Aly is honest about why you need to know how to communicate, to be consistent, to be the expert and to solve problems in the marketing of your business

12: 3 tips for today + a special announcement

August 19, 2019 19:04 - 7 minutes - 6.53 MB

Today Aly finally releases details about her up and coming series of interviews with fellow creatives. She also gives you three quick tips for surviving the day and/or week ahead. A motivating chat!

11: The importance of self acceptance in your career

June 25, 2019 13:44 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

Aly is her most open to date where she shares stories about her childhood, the experience and effects of bullying... yet how to turn that around and to experience life to the full knowing and loving yourself from your brain to your bones. Listen to her words and then get excited for how your business can grow from this change in how you view yourself.

10: I'm back! Business and life in 2019

June 17, 2019 17:10 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

Aly checks in with you and shares where the business is, how it has grown and where it has grown in the last year. Also encourages you and shares some wisdom on keeping on trucking when life and business collide.

9: Why applying for awards and improving your practice is essential

September 21, 2018 18:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

Aly has a deep love for people knowing their self worth and you, creative soul, need to keep learning and growing in order to thrive and to know yourself and your business better. In this episode we unveil why it is important to always keep learning and improving your craft. Also Aly shares the reasons why putting yourself forward for awards will change and help you.

8: Social media- how to make it work for you and your emotions

August 15, 2018 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MB

Social media- one of the most controversial yet impressive marketing tools for any small business. Aly unravels how we can set ourselves practically and emotionally to get the best from social media today and to see our businesses grow, fast.

7: Tips for rapid growth in your business

July 19, 2018 11:12 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

It can be difficult to see the growth in your business, especially if we do not have a plan or take time to invest in certain areas. Aly shares three ways that she has seen rapid growth in her own business and guides you so that you can implement them in your plan of action.

How to build a creative business

Episodes

Books