Confidently Creative is where business and creativity meet. If you are a creative professional who wants to develop your business or you have a business that needs to be more creative, then this is the place for you. In this podcast I share knowledge, insights and experience from the front line of creativity. I have successfully created, produced, directed and consulted right across the creative spectrum working with corporations, new theatre makers, Disney, retailers, English National Ballet, premium cruise lines, The Olivier Awards, major fashion designers, and winners of TV talent shows. My consultancy practise helps companies to develop both creatively and commercially. This series of podcasts will help you to become more Confidently Creative.
I was recently asked to appear on BBC Radio on the UK to talk about my work helping creatives gain clarity about their work, their purpose and their future. As I explained to presenter Chris Jarvis my work starts with three simple questions:
These three questions establish a narrative structure and make us think in a more wide angle way about what we are doing.
I never talk about specific clients in a way that can identify them but I do give some examples of how this work has helped creatives.
Thank you to BBC Radio Producer Mel Montagnon for inviting and preparing me and to presenter Chris Jarvis for making the interview so easy.
If you would like to work with me please just contact me directly jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Subscribe to my Substack for exclusive content including reviews, insight and interviews with creatives: https://jasonwardcreative.substack.com/
SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE PODCAST IS FREE
Lucy Ryan is the creator of Ivy Paige, she is a writer, a singer, an actress and also a qualified secondary school teacher as well as the Creative Director of An Evening of Burlesque which is the UK's most successful burlesque show.
We chat about how she created the character of Ivy Paige, what inspires her and how was her experience performing on The Voice on National TV.
If you want to develop your own show or understand more of what it takes to creatively direct a show or you just want to be inspired by a very talented woman then you will love this episode.
As Lucy says "BE UNASHAMEDLY YOURSELF"
Lucy is on tour as Ivy Paige in An Evening of Burlesque;
https://www.entertainers.co.uk/show/an-evening-of-burlesque
Check out her Instagram
@ivypaigeofficial
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https://jasonwardcreative.substack.com/
A Swedish man ends up playing Princess Diana - how does that happen?
Writer, Performer, Director and Producer Linus Karp is currently on tour with his solo piece Diana, the Untold and Untrue Story. We had a great chat in March 2023 about what inspires his work, what he might do next and the importance of not trying to second guess an audience. We also talked about gender identity, drag queen story times and how Linus creative work was inspired by a lockdown playreading club.
This is a fascinating interview with a creative who believes in his own identity and draws on that identity to create work that is unique and successful.
You can catch Linus on tour with Diana, The Untold and Untrue Story on tour in the UK until May 2023 heading to Poole, Belfast, London, Cardiff, Penzance and Norwich and then in August at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Look out for Awkward Productions' regular quiz nights at The Two Brewers pub in Clapham
https://www.the2brewers.com/london
Follow Awkard Productions:
Instagram @awkwardprods
Facebook AwkwardProductions
To make the show possible and book tickets- you can support the Awkard Productions crowdfunder: Crowdfunder and tickets: linktr.ee/untruediana
Subscription to The Confidently Creative Podcast is currently free
Thank you for listening and please like, share and leave me a review.
Socials:
INSTA @jasonwardcreative
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To contact me directly for support with your creative project or practise
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Thank you for listening
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty is a dark, Gothic and sexy piece. In this quickfire episode I look at what we can learn as creatives from the show with these 5 Big Creative Takeaways
The show gives new impetus and life to the age old story and 130 year old ballet. I saw it at a packed Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and loved it!
New Adventures' Sleeping Beauty is touring until May 2023. To find out more use this link:
https://new-adventures.net/sleeping-beauty#overview
To get in touch with me for support with your creative project or practise please drop me a line at:
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram for insights, info and inspiration @jasonwardcreative
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Subscription to The Confidently Creative Podcast is currently free
The Cher Show is touring the UK right now. There is an amazing cast and some high profile creatives working on this show - but does it all come together?
Check out the review and let me know if you agree
Follow me on Instagram for insights, information and inspiration @jasonwardcreative
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Contact me directly for support with your creative project or practise
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Check out my YouTube Channel @jasonwardcreative8529
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Entertainment professionals in the Tributes market need this episode. With an analysis of how the market developed, where we are now and what the future holds - I will help you understand and make the most of this exciting sector and get ready to profit creatively and commercially from change.
A couple of years ago I did some research for a client on the state of the UK tributes market. At that time there were over 1000 Abba tributes working in the country - charging between £130 a night up to £5000 a night.
As a business person looking at this from outside you would probably think that if rates are that low then I need to get out of this market!
I think this market will change and, when it does it will be quick - find out why!
Let me know what you think of the episode.
And if you would like me to speak at your event or you need support with your creative business drop me a line
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
TikTok @jasoncreativedirector
YouTube @jasonwardcreative8529
Thank you for listening
Subscription to The CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE Podcast
Is Free of Charge
Affectionate, funny, and camp are all words to describe Noele Gordon who was the UK's favourite actress throughout the 60s. 70s and early 80s.
Find out how good this Russell T Davies written mini-series is and should you be checking out
Follow me on Instagram for insights, information and inspiration @jasonwardcreative
TikTok @jasoncreativedirector
Contact me directly for support with your creative project or practise
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Check out my YouTube Channel @jasonwardcreative8529
You Can Subscribe Free of Charge to The CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE Podcast
This is my Big 5 Creative Takeaways from the Rihanna Apple Music Superbowl Halftime Show.
In under two minutes you will discover 5 Powerful tips that will help take your creativity to the next level!
Check out the Halftime Show here:
https://youtu.be/HjBo--1n8lI
Follow me in Instagram for insights, info and inspiration: @jasonwardcreative
TikTok: @jasoncreativedirector
Check out my YouTube Channel @jasonwardcreative8529
Contact me directly jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
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Nightclubs, Secret Cinema, Live Creativity and Jewish Theatre - its all in this fascinating chat with Creative Director Kieron Chissik. We talk about his journey into live cinema and how his creative process is shaped by both the project and the personnel. And we discover how Kieron's Great Grandmother was an early member of the Yiddish Theatre working with Franz Kafka in Europe before coming to the UK as a refugee.
And how does a mixed Jewish and Scottish heritage inform and influence Kieron's creativity today?
This is a fascinating story and an indepth look into an incredibly visionary creative mind
Kieron is Creative Director of The Cabinet of Living Cinema. To find out more about his work and touring shows use this link:
https://thecabinetoflivingcinema.org.uk/
ENCHANTED CINEMA TOUR TICKETS
PLEASE NOTE: There is some unavoidable static on parts of this audio track and I hope this will not lessen your enjoyment of the episode
You can follow me on:
Instagram: @jasonwardcreative
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Contact me for support or speaking engagements: jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
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THE CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE PODCAST
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www.jasonwardcreative.com
Tor Byrnes talks to me about her journey from hospitality to creativity. From running and organising nights out to creating and curating venue programmes, shows and Festivals including the massive Arts By The Sea Festival in Bournemouth which attracts over 150,000 people.
Tor has her own promotion company called We Broke Free and works tirelessly to support live music and good times across England. She chats about her work, what inspires her and why Debbie Harry is her biggest creative influence. If you have been waiting to step into the creative life or want to get some amazing music events going in your area - then this is the podcast that will inspire you to start!
Tor's Contacts are:
Instagram @we_broke_free or @tordaforce
Arts By The Sea - @artsbythesea
60 Million Postcards - @60mpc
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If you need support with your creative project or would like me to speak at your event;
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
www.jasonwardcreative.com
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
What influences, drives and inspires an award winning Creative Producer. From producing online dance shows during lockdown to winning entertainment production contracts with National Brands Sophia's journey is an inspiration to anyone who wants to build a successful creative business.
She talks about how she stopped doing everything in order to focus on what her creative business needed but also so she could focus time on her self and her own development.
There are shout outs to some incredible people who have inspired her along the way including Natalie Dawson, Steve Donnelly and CEO of TAG Live Andy Mills-Brown
If you want to know how to take your creative business to the next level then you need to listen to this episode!
Find out more about Sophisticated Entertainment here;
https://www.sophisticatedentertainment.com
Remember you can subscribe to The CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE Podcast for free
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You can contact me directly for creative support
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
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The essence of every creative concept should be simple but that doesn't mean that every project should be simple. However, when we start to add layers we need to make sure that we recognise the difference between COMPLEX and COMPLICATED.
This episode is going to help you understand how to ensure all the layers of your project are serving your creative concept and introduce you to the concept of getting all your rivers running to the same ocean!
Intrigued? You will be - especially when we start discussing West Side Story and the Michelle Obama musical (which we might write!)
Please like, share and subscribe to The Confidently Creative Podcast - very much appreciated
If you would like personal support with your creative project or creative practise or would like me to speak about creativity at your event please contact me directly at jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
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In this episode I am joined by composer and musician Matt Park who's project Bite The Boxer has been gaining attention, plaudits and plays on the BBC Introducing series. Matt has a unique take on the creative process which I found fascinating and am very keen to share with you.
We discuss musical influences from David Bowie and T-Rex through to indie pop and trip hop and learn how setting yourself limitations and challenges can be key to creating exceptional work.
This episode includes excerpts from Bite the Boxer's music including the tracks:
Kohaku
Underwater
Summer of Everything
Time Stands Still
Forgotten
To listen and download more of Bite The Boxer's music click on these links:
facebook.com/bitetheboxer instagram.com/bitetheboxer BTB Videos on Youtube Listen on Spotify This interview is based on an interview in my Arts and Culture Matters Column which appears in DorsetBiz News If you would like support with your creative project or would like me to speak at your event please contact me at jasonwardcreative@gmail.com You can follow me; Instagram @jasonwardcreative TikTok @jasoncreativedirector www.jasonwardcreative.com
The creative process has always fascinated people! How often, as creatives, do we get asked how we thought of something or told “I would never have thought of that”
I love it when I see how people put creative work together in new or unexpected ways and wish that I had thought of that!
Likewise we have all seen work that we might like but then there is a moment that we have thought ‘Oh they didn’t think that through…” Which, as we shall see, might actually be true!
So what is the the Creative Process?
It is a series of identifiable steps that are taken in the process of creating something - which could be a painting, a show, a ballet, a song, a building or even a new product.
In this episode we look at the Four Step Creative Process and give you insights that will help you understand better how your own process and empower you to become even more creative!
If you need support with your creative project or would like me to speak at your event please drop me a line at jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
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Please like, share and leave me a comment.
This special episode is all about helping you to make 2023 Your Most Successful Creative Year Ever! I have filled it up with high value insights, ideas and information that will inspire your creative success all year!
From stepping out of your comfort zone to using you creative time more effectively there is plenty here to inspire you and make you think about how you can achieve even more creative success.
Whether you are writing a novel, putting together a cabaret show or working on a sculpture series I think you will find these ideas useful and inspiring and I would love to know how they work for you - so please share your successes and remember If you need support with your creative projects or would like me to speak at your event please send me an email - jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
Instagram @jasonwardcreative
TikTok @jasoncreativedirector
LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/jason-ward-creative
Are you a Cabaret Artist or Guest Entertainer who wants to take your show to the next level? Then this is the episode for you because share with you some really valuable insights that will help you take your existing show to new commercial and creative success AND help those of you just starting out to create the best and most commercially successful show possible.
Everything in this episode is based on my experience creatively directing live shows for the winners of TV talent shows, from auditioning, booking and directing cruise performers and managing a booking team that issued over 8000 entertainer contracts a year. I also work to support new performers, producers, writers and creatives around the world so if you would like individual or specialist support after the show just drop me an email at jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
There are FIVE KEY AREAS to consider when creating and developing a Cabaret or Guest Entertainer Show;
2.What Is Your Show About - Audiences engage when they know what your show is about. It could be your journey, your world view or what inspires you.
3.Structure Your Show - Start with the classic musical theatre structure described by Jack Viertel in The Secret Life Of The American Musical https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-American-Musical-Broadway/dp/0374536899
Communicate Your Show - Work on crafting a one liner that describes your show to bookers (and to you!)
Next Steps - Look at ways to commercialise your show that will allow you to explore other opportunities
Please like and share the show and I would love to hear your feedback.
Follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
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LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/jason-ward-creative
In all business and creative projects there are two different but complementary personality types that are needed for success; Dreamers and Doers
Each of these personality types has skill sets that we all need to master in order to develop our creative projects and take our practises and businesses forward.
But in order to master them we need to be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses as either Dreamers or Doers
In this episode we will learn how where we each sit on the scale and how to use this information to develop our strengths and discover our opportunities and achieve a whole lot more creative success.
We look at the amazing Dreamer / Doer partnership between Roy and Walt Disney and use that to better understand what we can do to grow.
If you need support with your creative project or would like me to speak at your event please just send me an email to jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
You can follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
TikTok @jasoncreativedirector
Confidently Creative is a JasonWardCreative Production written, produced, hosted and with all music by Jason Ward
They were never from the city....
Check out the visuals here
https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncreativedirector/video/7176391349657275653?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7175559839694194181
In this episode I talk about Creative Decision Making and will help you look at how you make the decisions that affect your creative output
I am going to help you enhance your Creative Decision Making process to ensure that what you create is authentically you, is attractive to an audience and commercially valuable.
You will learn how understanding your passions and using them in your creativity will give you a USP, add value to what you do and help you charge better rates.
If you need creative support with your project or would like me to speak at your event please drop me a line jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
The Festive Season is the Most Wonderful Time of The Year and there really is nothing better for many people than simply having a wonderful Christmastime. However, with so much of this time of year dominated by nostalgia the question for us as creatives is how do we take a fresh look at our traditions and offer something new and attractive?
In this episode I’m going to show you why these FIVE strong tips will help you create beautiful, emotionally connecting and celebratory Seasonal Experiences.
1.Traditions
2.Place
Story
It can never be TOO festive!
Always bring people together!
I recently created a brand new Yuletide celebration for the historic town of Christchurch in the South of England. I used traditional characters, woodland magic,and legends for the concept and worked with live music, choirs, community groups and the incredible outdoor theatre company Gobbledegook to create and produce a brand new tradition - check out the links below to discover more:
Christchurch Yuletide Festival https://www.yuletidefestival.co.uk/
Gobbledegook Theatre https://www.gobbledegooktheatre.com/
Stir Events https://www.eventsbystir.co.uk/
Enjoy your festive season, whatever you might celebrate, and if you would like support with your creative project or would like me to speak at your event then please contact me directly at jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
You can follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
Or get in touch on LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jason-ward-creative
In this episode we look at how sharing creative credit can make us more Confident in our Creativity.
You have probably heard it when people accept awards and then make speeches thanking their colleagues, their family, the Director, the Academy, their hairdresser, their dog’s hairdresser …etc
We might laugh at how many people are being thanked and sometimes we might even think that it is a bit over done BUT Sharing creative credit is really important for all of us in the creative industries for many reasons.
Every creative has experienced the sensation of having creative credit taken by someone else so I look at ways to help us cope with that situation as well as helping you to understand how sharing creative credit will help you become a more in demand, successful and confident creative.
The episode is inspired by an article I read by Amy Gallo called How To Respond When Someone Takes Credit for your Work which appeared in The Harvard Business Review. You can find the original article here: http://bit.ly/3VTplfe
Please feel free to get in touch if you need creative support or would like me to speak at your event.
jasonwardcreative@gmail.com
You can follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
linkedin.com/in/jason-ward-creative
Today’s episode is called what’s your story and it was inspired by a homeware and antiques store in Brooklyn called The Six Bells
We are going to look at how we create and tell the stories about our work and brand - and why this is important
I always work with my consultancy clients on refining their elevator pitch - getting that explanation of what they do down to a simple one liner that helps them achieve clarity for themselves and their customers, clients and audience.
But today we are going to super size our elevator pitch into a whole story. There are two creative exercises for you to try out that will help you create and develop your story. This will give you more clarity and also help you explain what you do with an authentic, compelling and creative story.
To learn more about The Six Bells and to complete the first exercise click on the link:
https://bit.ly/3AtsWHO
This episode was inspired by an article I read in Vanity Fair about entrepreneur Audrey Gelman and her store The Six Bells. This is the link to the original story by Emily Jane Fox:
https://bit.ly/3x5Z4AL
If you would like support with your creative business or with getting creativity into your business contact me directly at:
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
Follow me on Instagram
@jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
This quick bite episode is super concentrated and will help you gain even more clarity about what your creative business does. This will help you communicate more effectively with clients, customers and audiences.
As you create more work you will be equipped to better assess the potential of what you are creating.
Subscription to Confidently Creative is totally free - sponsorship is welcome! Please let me know how much you are enjoying the show and feel free to share the episode far and wide.
Look out for details on brand new Confidently Creative community events by following me on Instagram
@jasonwardcreative
Or contact me directly if you would like specific support with your creative business.
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
www.jasonwardcreative.com
In this episode we talk about one of the trickiest subjects that all creatives face - SHOULD WE EVER WORK FOR FREE!
My main objective is to make sure that you have the right information to help you make an informed choice about when and why you might work for free.
Please don't panic if you have been asked to work for free because it has happened to everyone from those just starting out right up to Hollywood superstars.
This episode covers FIVE main areas to help you make more informed and confident choices:
Remember subscription to Confidently Creative is free and sponsors are always welcome!
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a review and feel free to share the podcast so we can positively help as many creatives as possible
You can follow me on Instagram
@jasonwardcreative
Drop me a line
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
www.jasonwardcreative.com
In this episode I give you FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS to help you focus your creative work on the people who will love and value it the most.
We talk about how the slogan “Something For Everyone” could be hampering the creative and commercial development of your business
We look at how Disney Theme Parks and TEDTalks both achieved huge success by focusing on specific audience groups and how we can use their lessons to help us succeed.
Don't forget to subscribe. leave a review and share Confidently Creative so we can help more people succeed.
You can follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
Or drop me a line if you need personalised support;
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
www.jasonwardcreative.com
If you need help putting together your perfect pitch and are unsure about what to include or how to structure it then this is the episode for you
We look at my TOP THREE TIPS FOR A PERFECT PITCH and answer some frequently asked questions
The good news is that we are going to use our creative story telling talents BUT we are also going to learn why we need to open with our big finish
STEP ONE: What is your Pitch About - being clear with your message
STEP TWO: Define your Audience - How to connect with a variety of stakeholders
STEP THREE: Put your Big Message first - how to lead with your finale and then use story to support it
Follow me on Instagram for insights,inspiration and updates on upcoming Confidently Creative Community events
@jasonwardcreative
Book an exploratory call with me to discuss how I can help you grow your creative business jason@jasonwardcreative.com
Thank You For Listening
www.jasonwardcreative.com
We look at the work of some of my Creative Heroes: Kate Bush, Stephen Sondheim and David Bowie. We draw on their experience and success to help us discover and develop our own Creative Vision. We then learn how a strong Creative Vision will benefit our Creative Business
This episode was inspired by the resurgence in popularity of Kate Bush after featuring in Stranger Things. This led me to look at her body of work together with Bowie and Sondheim to better understand how Creative Vision is not static but a constantly evolving force.
If you would like individual support please email me:
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
Instagram @jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
What are the 5 most important actions that you can take to start and run a successful creative business? The episode is full of super concentrated high value information that will help you get your creative business to the next level. Everything is based on real world consultancy experience that has proven to be successful for creative companies at all stages of their development.
If you need personalised support with your Creative Business please email me directly at
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
You can follow. me on Instagram for creative tips and inspiration
@jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.
Don't forget to like and subscribe Confidently Creative and thank you for listening
The Drop is a great new show on BBC IPlayer presented by R&B legend Miguel and the wonderful Clara Amfo. The show teaches all of us creative entrepreneurs some wonderful lessons about how to make our businesses better.
A group of seriously talented streetwear designers have to not only make great clothes but have to express their creativity and values through stand out branding.
I help you discover how expressing your creative values in your work will attract you the audience you want and help you earn more from your creativity. But first you have to establish what your values are!!
Please drop me a line with any feedback you may have or if you would like more personalised support.
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
You can follow me on Instagram for daily tips and creative inspiration
@jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
In this episode we look at a simple hack that will get you on track to gain a whole load of CREATIVE TIME and help you develop your business!
Just by looking at your daily tasks in a slightly different way and getting in your boss headspace you will find yourself with so much more time to be creative.
This episode is based on my successful creative consultancy work with many clients and I hope the information I share will be as useful to you as it is to them!
Please drop me a line with any feedback you may have or if you would like more personalised support.
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
You can follow me on Instagram for daily tips and creative inspiration
@jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
Welcome to Confidently Creative, the podcast for all creative entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Jason Ward, and I will be sharing my experience, knowledge and mistakes from over 30 years of working with some of the most creative people and companies in the world.
I have been lucky enough to create and consult across a range of projects from experimental theatre to Disney and the World's leading Cruise lines to up and coming visual artists and theatre writers.
Enjoy the show and please send me your feedback or let me know if you would like personalised support
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
Instagram @jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
Sam Ryder is an immensely talented singer songwriter who had one of 2022's biggest hits with the epic song Spaceman. The story of how he became the UK's musical hero teaches all of us the importance of using hard facts and data to support our delivery of incredible creative solutions.
Solving Not Selling will help you look at how you develop both the commercial and creative sides of your business.
For tailored support with your creative business please drop me a line;
jason@jasonwardcreative.com
Follow me on Instagram @jasonwardcreative
www.jasonwardcreative.com
Check out more of Sam Ryder's work at:
www.sam-ryder.com
@samhairwolfryder