Creative Champs: Recent Episodes
Kei Maye
Hosted by Kei Maye, a digital content creator and creative coach, the Creative Champs podcast serves as an informal but straight talking resource to help you kickstart your creative careers and stay sane doing it.
Champs - in short - gives you all the creative advice you don't get in uni. Almost like a VIP backstage pass, but without the famous people.
Stories, lessons learned, resources & tips all bundled up into sweet, digestible chunks; So whether you're a freelancer, creative entrepreneur or work within the visual arts sector - this podcast has all the tools needed to give you a head start.
Hey all! I've had to make the decision to wrap up this season of the podcast to protect my schedule, my workload and my sanity. Massive thank you for your support and listenership! If you want to keep in touch, I'm on IG (@kei_maye) or you can keep up to speed with all things Creative Champs over on the website: creativechamps.co x
Hey all! In this episode we're going to be taking a look at the differences between clients and customers as well as the pros and cons of each in terms of navigating this and generating income.
Website: creativechamps.co
Hey all! In this episode we're going to be taking a look at how to work through those negative thoughts and feelings associated with execution of work, and how we match ourselves up to others - dulling ourselves down in the process. Let's talk about it.
New website launch! creativechamps.co
Hey all, apologies for skipping last week - life has been doing a LOT. Let's talk about it.
Hey all! I'm back from my travels, ready to get back into the flow of things :) This week's episode is all about pivoting! It's all about switching things up in your careers, treading new paths and trying new things, also covering some of the worries that come along with that.
*New website for Creative Champs is opening 27th April (creativechamps.co)
Hey all! This episode is all about dealing with fake friends in the industry, cliques and the feeling of wanting to be liked by everyone. We're gonna get into the nitty gritty in this episode!
Hey all! This episode will be taking a look at all things to do with accounting! Well, some of it at least! I'll be explaining why I decided to opt with limited company ownership over being a sole trader as well sharing how much I have paid for accounting services and where I found them.
If you have any questions regarding anything on this episode, head over to my instagram @kei_maye :)
Hey all! This episode takes a summarised look at how to deal with those difficult client situations; you know, the ones that sometimes cause you to question your entire career. Let's get into it!
Also, mentioned in this podcast episode was my free Basic Freelance Contract template - found over on: gumroad.com/creativechamps x
Hey all. PMDD has been kicking my butt's but for several years now and I'm ready to really talk about it. If you have deal with PMDD too - come on in, let's see how we can get through this without mashing up business in the meantime!
Hey all! This episode is all about task prioritisation! As someone who identifies as half octopus, I understand all too well the urge to do many things at once, expecting magical things while spreading myself thin. This episode goes into detail about how I've personally been combatting this! Sharing this in the hope that it will help you too.
Hey all! This week's episode is all about helping you finally get those URL's open and ready for visitors. Many of us (myself included) have been guilty of sitting on those closed websites until the subscription needs to be renewed, so here's some tips to shake out of that rut!
Resources mentioned: copyipsum.com & rocketlawyer.com
Hey all! This week's episode is all about creators over 25 and the lack of support there is for creators in older age groups. It's not cool, never has been & I want to speak about it.
Look out for the new creative champs site, where I'll be presenting the related content mentioned in this episode!
Hey all! In this episode I'll be sharing the ins and outs of how I created this podcast and keep it going. Recently, the community on IG said they wanted to hear how it's all done - so here we are!
Hey all! This episode we're gonna be taking a look at the benefits of sharing your prices on your website as well as how to make this happen when you have different rates for different clients/projects.
Hey all, hope you're well! This episode was inspired by a tweet from the amazing baby girl that is Kelechi Okafor (@kelechnekoff) speaking about the fact that as creators, we have to expend so much energy chasing late payments that we end up drained as a result. As a result of the disrespect and disregard that some companies & organisations show us by not paying us on time (and not making the effort to)
Let's get into it.
Hey all, this episode is all about navigating the dreaded January Blues that so many of deal with year upon year. This episode does tie in to the creative industry but it's also intended to be a general episode as I think the blues is something many of us feel from time to time - across industries. Here are some pointers to help you bypass these feelings this time around (and hopefully beyond!)
Rest in Peace Grandma (Irene Hazel May) <3
Happy New Year everyone! This is a round out to the year as we head into another new chapter - prepping ourselves for the new year and the things we want to explore. Hop in x
Hey all! In this episode I'm going to be sharing an experience of mine from a little while back - transparency is needed within creative industries, so here's my contribution x
In this episode, we're taking a look at ways that you can go ahead and share content that is valuable to your audience, regardless of how many years of experience you have behind you.
creativechamps.co
Hey all! This week I'm spilling some tea about awkward experiences as a workshop facilitator and how these situations were navigated. As we know...there's the good, the bad and the ugly and today...we're talking about the not-so-attractive parts. Transparency is the dish of the day.
Creative Champs Podcast is hosted by creator & educator Kei Maye.
Champs is a learning platform designed to help make life easier for creators and creative business owners from all walks of life.
Website
Click here for free downloads.
Creative Champs Podcast is hosted by creator & educator Kei Maye.
Champs is a learning platform designed to help make life easier for creators and creative business owners from all walks of life.
Website
Click here for free downloads.
Hey Champs! This is the final episode of the first series here on the Podcast - hope you've enjoyed the series! As always, feel free to shoot over any suggestions or recommendations for podcast material for the next series.
Get in touch on socials (Instagram @creative.champs)
E-mail: hi@creativechamps.co
Or the website: creativechamps.co
Biggest of love to you all! The work hasn't stopped! Look out for events and happenings over on Creative Champs website and social platforms.
Hey Champs! This episode is a frank one - all to do with recent announcements around Instagram and just existing as a visual creator on social media in general.
All opinions expressed in this episode are mine and relate to personal conversations and experiences.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! This is an 'over to you' episode where I read out anonymous content from the creative community. The topic of today's segment is all about being offered ridiculous things in exchange for payment. Mate. It's a wild one.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
Founder Instagram @kei_maye
Hey Champs! This week we're talking about client project work that has been bound by the terms of a non-disclosure agreement. Are you wanting to share the work publicly or find a way to include it without breaching the terms? If you're not sure how to go about this - this one's for you.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/creative.champs
Website: https://creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! This episode will be providing some pointers and preventative steps to deal with clients who ghost at different stages of the creative process.
This is easily one of the more annoying things we deal with - but there are ways to combat these experiences. Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! Hope you're enjoying the sunshine! This episode takes a closer look at the different components of a great design project, offering some tips on mastering your design skills to amplify results.
Mentioned in this episode: Alex Fefegha of Comuzi Lab
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! Phew this is a sticky one. This platform is consistently mentioned in visual art communities - with many freelancers unsure about whether or not they should set up shop on Fiverr.
Let's get into it.
P.S - The new website is now OPEN!
https://creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! So this episode we're speaking all about client rejection. Ooof...how do we deal with the feelings surrounding said rejection to steer things in the most productive direction?
This is something so many creators have and will have to deal with as part of the process and career development, although this doesn't change how rubbish it can feel! Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website (opening June 1st) Creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! This episode is a bit of an-hoc episode letting you all know what on Earth is happening behind the scenes. This week in particular has been absolutely jam-packed but it's not all in vain! Have a listen to hear updates.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://copyrightservice.co.uk/reg
Resources to use when searching for domain host providers to report copyright infringement and/or theft:
https://lookup.icann.org/
https://who.is/
As always you can find Champs over on Instagram @creative.champs
Or get in touch with the founder Kei Maye @kei_maye
Hey Champs! This episode is a trip down memory lane; a storytime about not really following your true path and honouring creative projects out of a false sense of necessity.
Let's get into it!
Instagram - @creative.champs
Founder - @kei_maye
Hey Champs. This episode we're taking a look at the other pandemic that's been sweeping the nation as of late - burnout.
Talking about the constant chasing of vanity metrics, engagement and what this means for our work/life balance and energy levels. Let's get into it.
Hey Champs! This episode we're gonna be taking a little look at spending styles and how these can affect how you go about setting rates for your services. This is to provide a little food for thought - what is your spending style? Do you feel bad about charging higher rates because of your spending style? Let's get into it.
Instagram: creative.champs
Founder Instagram: kei_maye
Hey Champs! This episode is taking a look at what you can do whenever a client doesn't seem to know what on Earth they want when seeking out a design project.
What should you do? What can you do? Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Hey Champs! This episode is all about finding your own sense of style as a visual artist or designer - something that so many of us getting into spar matches with.
Let's take a look at this whole 'style finding' thing and make some sense of it, shall we?
Instagram: @creative.champs
Hey Champs! This episode is taking a look at the different available options after graduating from your creative degree (or even if you pack in the course half way, whatever works for you)
Detailing some of the routes one can take outside of corporate routes that aren't actually a desirable option for many creators.
Let's get into it.
Champs Instagram: @creative.champs
Creative students and graduates - do you feel like you were taught enough about the business side of the creative industry? Considering a large majority of creative students go on to become freelancers, do you feel more could be included in the syllabus to accommodate this?
Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Founder: @kei_maye
Hey Champs! That age old annoying thing we have all gone through as creators at one point or another: needing experience to get experience & paying clients.
In this episode, I'll be sharing with you the same steps I took to secure paying clients at the start of my creative career - without needing to do unpaid internships (which I couldn't afford to do at the time anyway.)
Enjoy!
Hey Champs! This episode is all about the little things you can do and the tweaks you can make to attract clients to your creative business.
What this isn't - is a fast track. There are so many promises and guarantees of '6 figure months' and 'speedy roads to success' when really and truly, these roads often lead to nowt but crashes.
Let's get into it.
Hey Champs! So in this episode we'll be exploring the side of self employment that people rarely seem to speak on. The worries around time management and finances (to name but a few) touching on a couple of tips and things to consider as you navigate through.
Mentioned in this episode: @taylor.onlinemarketing on Instagram.
Hey Champs! This episode is all about theft. Theft of artwork, theft of content creation - plagiarism and regurgitation - all of which appears to be spiking up all over the place!
Mentioned in this episode: @elisedarma who provides marketing for business/ producer of the 300 Captions Vault.
Head over to Instagram pages: @creative.champs and @kei_maye for more support on dealing with these situations!
Hey Champs. This is a fairly short episode just touching base and discussing chronic illness/pain and navigating them while you work.
I personally suffer from digestive and reproductive system issues - so this can sometimes affect my ability to be fully present at all times - if you're reading this and you experience similar things, please know that you are absolutely not alone.
Let's get into it.
Sometimes when you have too much choice it can make things really difficult! This episode will take a deeper look into some of the website providers based on personal experience and useability.
Covered in this episode:
Wix
Squarespace
Webflow
Wordpress
Hope this helps!
If there's anything you would like to be featured or spoken about on the podcast then feel free to send an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co
As mentioned in the podcast episode 'How To Deal With Difficult Clients' masterclass is available for pre-order. Grab your reduced price entry here.
Masterclass released on Feb 10th at 7pm GMT - check your junk mail folders on the day!
Hey Champs! We've got the first guest up on the podcast talking about all things mates rates and dealing with exploitation in the creative industry.
In conversation with the talented @aliyahart (Instagram) - check out Aliyah's work and platforms over at: https://linktr.ee/aliyahart
Hey Champs - this week's episode is slightly different...
Collectively, everyone's sleep patterns seem to be absolutely wrecked - may as well make an episode!
In this instalment, we're having a little pow wow about self discipline and these wretched call outs affecting that have been plaguing the creative industry for so long.
Ooof this is a sticky one isn't it folx! Welcome back everyone! First episode of the year and we're pulling no punches! The topic is Working For Exposure - let's get into it.
Links referred to in this podcast episode: https://www.boredpanda.com/working-for-exposure-tweets/
Hey Champs! This is the final episode of the podcast for the year! This is a mini round up of what's to come, changes coming to the podcast and things to look forward to in the new year. Thank you all so much for your continued support of the podcast and for tuning in! Big love.
We'll still be active over on Instagram and website links :)
Insta - @creative.champs
Web - creativechamps.co
Hey Champs! This episode is taking a deeper look into those feelings of impostor syndrome and feeling as though you're not good enough to charge for the work you do.
Let's get into it.
Instagram page: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
E-mail: hi@creativechamps.co
The last episode of the podcast for 2020 will be broadcast on Monday Dec 14th. Season 2 will resume Monday Jan 11th 2021.
Hey everyone! So in this episode we're talking about generalists vs specialists. Touchy one and quite controversial as it's so often debated and weighed in on. Hope you enjoy this one! If you would like any topics to be considered for the podcast - send an email over to hi@creativechamps.co :)
Instagram: @creative.champs
Hey Champs! This episode takes a closer look at navigating the creative industry as an introvert - networking, attending social events and 'mingling.'
For more guides on networking as an introvert, there are posts on the @creative.champs instagram page and also on the founder of Creative Champs' page / @kei_ maye
Hey Champs! This week has been a bit of a funny one for so many of us! This episode takes a closer look at the impact of social media and the feeling of 'overcrowding' and 'saturation' within the digital space.
Hey Champs!
In this episode we're gonna be taking a dive into the fear of saying 'no' - and ways to overcome this! You have the right to have your boundaries respected and sometimes...this means saying no.
Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Web: creativechamps.co
by founder Kei Maye / Instagram: @kei_maye
Hey all! This week's episode takes a look at the different things success means to different people. Not subscribing to society's overarching ideals of 'success' and what it looks like.
What does success mean to you?
Instagram - @creative.champs
Web - creativechamps.co
E-mail - hi@creativechamps.co
Hey all! This episode is all about the icky topic of 'mates rates' - do you charge your friends less? Do you expect them to pay full price like everyone else?
Let's get into it.
Instagram: @creative.champs
Website: creativechamps.co
Hey all! This episode is all about the crippling fear of failure. How many times have you stopped yourself from starting? How many times have you worried about falling flat on your face? This episode is a quick message for you.
Hey Champs! This episode is for those of you who want to create for a living but for one reason or another, simply don't want to freelance!
So many of us have been conditioned to believe that one HAS to work freelance to make any sort of headway - I'm here to tell you that's simply not true!
Hey all! I was asked on Instagram to speak a little more about my journey through different design fields and how I navigated this. Sharing this story in the hopes that it may jog some thoughts or ideas to help you slide tackle your way through too.
Hey everyone! This episode takes a look at pivoting, switching things up and exploring our different interests.
Who remembers being told to 'pick something and stick with it' for eternity?
Let's get into it.
Hey all! This episode is taking a look at securing the bag as an artist and dealing with the feelings of guilt and 'greed' that can come along with this.
Short and sweet - secure the bag, friend!
Hey all - so this episode is a biggie. Taking a closer look at exploring creative practice with a lack of support from loved ones, as well as fear to go ahead and take that leap due to the false perception of 'job security' - a lot to dig into!
Hey all, this episode is all about the wondrous world of Print On Demand, covering all the areas that aren't often spoken about. From payouts to delivery times - I've got you covered!
Please feel free to get in touch if there is something you want to be covered on the Champs podcast, either via DM on Instagram (@creative.champs) or via e-mail - hi@creativechamps.co
Love x
Hey all, what it do? This episode is a follow on from the 'Anxious about raising rates' episode, talking a little more about the thought of scaring clients away, or dealing with resistance when raising your rates.
Mentioned in this episode is the Creative Pricing Formula Kit with straight up formulas for a number of pricing strategies (all of which have been carrying me for over half of my creative career). Currently available at an introductory rate until Sep 11.
Head over to creativechamps.co/pricing-formula-kit for more details on the bundle - and if you have any questions that aren't answered there, drop an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co
xx
Dealing with people who blatantly copy your ideas or your work is a pain in the bum. Dealing with poachers who jack your content and ride off into the sunset is another blemish - but this episode will get a little deeper into how you can manage this and deal with any feelings around it.
Formula Pricing Kit available now on the website: creativechamps.co
Thankyou all for tuning in! Catch up next week! x
Hey all! This episode is all about Value Based Pricing. What it is, how effective it is and how you can go about including this pricing strategy as part of your structure.
Looking for formulas to work out your own rates across different pricing methods? On August 11, not only will the Creative Champs website be open, but the Creative Pricing Formula kit will also be up for grabs. You'll be able to do away with your pricing stresses once and for all!
Hey Champs!
This episode is all about juggling your creative endeavours, or 'side hustles' as they're more commonly known along with your jobs.
Offering some tips and strategies to help you manage and structure your time to help you get the best out of yourself throughout the process.
Hey all, this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside do-
Okay so it's actually about the time I was faced with the decision between going for what may have been a 'big' opportunity or listening to my gut that was telling me something wasn't quite right.
Who can relate?
Get in touch over on the instagram: @creative.champs
Or drop an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co
Website opening up next month!
Hey all! Never ending revisions are the bane of any freelancers life - tune in for 3 top tips to minimise the endless back and forth. Giving you more time to work on other projects and snip away the unnecessary back and forth.
For more content to help you on your creative journeys, head over to the instagram page @creative.champs created by @kei_maye.
Love x
Hey! So this episode is by you all! Sharing your stories about moving from employment to self employment and the things you've achieved as a result.
Thankyou all so much for submitting your experiences!
Listed below are the handles of those mentioned in this episode (in no particular order):
@mi_handyman
@freshandfearless_uk
@marca_design_
@rochellecreative
@knttd_london
@elizabethrachael
@dasilvadesign
@boomproductionservices
If there's anything you would like to be explored on the podcast, send an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co or drop a dm on instagram @creative.champs
X
Hey all! This episode explores the different elements you will need to have successful collaborations, eliminating any nonsense that may try to crop up. Squashing all the disagreements and bull from the equation to make way for progressive and peaceful working relationships.
If there is anything you would like to be explored on the podcast, send an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co or drop a dm on the instagram page @creative.champs
See you on the next one!
Hey all! This episode covers all the necessary T's & C's. The agreements and all the 'paperworky' things in between.
From scope creep to non disclosure agreements, listen for a rundown on the things you need to include in your creative contracts.
Free Creative Contract Template & 20 Free email templates for freelancers and creative entrepreneurs available on the Creative Champs Instagram page (@creative.champs)
Hey all! In this episode I'm having a little chit chat with you about the motivation behind Creative Champs and what prompted me to create this platform.
This speaks about how my past experiences led to this moment in time and how Champs will attempt to affect positive change in the creative community!
If there's anything you would like to be covered within the podcast, drop an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co or get in touch on the instagram page @creative.champs.
In this episode, I will be reading out your freelance horror story submissions, sharing not just the low points - but also the lessons learned. Keep an eye (or ear out) for more call outs! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode, you are affecting positive change in the creative community!
*As the majority of contributors wanted to remain anonymous, I felt it best to provide anonymity across the board for this episode. If you would like your name/pages to be featured - get in touch and I will include you in the episode summary :)
This episodes explores in-depth methods and tips to navigate through those creative blocks that plague so many of us.
What do you do when you're working on a client project and your ideas dry up, how do you go about getting the cogs spinning? Grab yourself a hot drink and let's get into it.
If there's anything you would like to be explored within the podcast, send an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co or get in touch on Instagram @creative.champs
Love :)
This episode takes a look at the fears and anxiety behind raising rates, offering solutions and methods to apply these changes, communicate your value and get paid more for the work you do.
Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes!
If there is anything you would like to be explored on the podcast, send an e-mail over to hi@creativechamps.co or head over to the Instagram page @creative.champs
Love :)
If there are any topics you would like to be covered on the podcast in relation to the creative arts - drop an e-mail to hi@creativechamps.co or head over to the instagram page: @creative.champs
See you on the next episode!
This episode is about that time I got taken for an absolute mug during a freelance design project.
I've also shared what this experience has taught me and how it has moulded me over the years.
Sometimes your crappiest experiences teach you your biggest lessons!
This is a freelance horror tale from the crypt, grab a cuppa.
See you on the next episode!
This is part of the Price It Right series, centred around pricing, rates and everything finance within the creative industry.
Episode 2 of the Champs podcast takes a closer look at hourly rates as a pricing method for freelancers. Exploring the pros and cons of this pricing model.
If you're wondering how to go about setting your own hourly rates - I've got something to help you do just that - so grab yourself a biro and get ready to take notes!
Mentions: Artists Union England
Rates of Pay (as mentioned in this episode) available on their website here: https://www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
If there are any topics you would like to be covered on the podcast in relation to the creative arts - drop an e-mail to hi@creativechamps.co or head over to the instagram page: @creative.champs
See you on the next episode!
UPDATE May 2020: Since the recording of this episode in Feb 2020, Paypal have finally updated their seller protection policy for intangible items and digital goods which is fantastic news for visual artists and designers.
The tips outlined in this episode still apply as a method of safeguarding and to equip you with the evidence and material you will need in case of a chargeback attempt.
There isn't a single thing friendly about 'friendly fraud.'
Also known as 'chargeback scams', this type of fraud can stunt your finances and negatively impact your creative business.
Any topics you would like to be featured on the podcast?
Drop an e-mail to hi@creativechamps.co.
Welcome to Creative Champs Podcast family! Expect episodes every Sunday, packed with valuable tidbits and helpful takeaways.
Look out for opportunities to be featured on the show - this is your platform as well!
If you would like any topics to be covered on the podcast, head over to the social spot on Insta: @creative.champs.
See you on the next episode!