Why Mistakes Matter: Lessons in Creativity and Mentorship with Raymond McGrath
In this episode, Susan Mann speaks with Raymond McGrath — writer, illustrator, director, musician, and educator — about his diverse creative journey. Raymond shares how he moved from hand-drawn animation into digital pipelines, and why adaptability and a willingness to learn new tools have sustained his career.They explore the role of mentorship in creative industries, the importance of mistakes as part of the learning process, and the challenges facing graduates entering animation today. Raymond also reflects on developing his own storytelling style, which centres on relationships and the natural world, and the creative process behind his beloved children’s books Big Little Blue and Kenneth and Queenie.The conversation extends to publishing, the realities of advances and royalties, the risks of self-publishing, and how authentic storytelling differs from generic content. Raymond also discusses turning Big Little Blue from songs into a graphic novel series and then into an animated TV production, sharing his philosophy on creating work that is unique, truthful, and rooted in personal experience rather than industry convention.This is an inspiring and insightful discussion for anyone navigating the creative industries, from students and emerging artists to seasoned studio leaders.Find out more about Raymond McGarth here: https://www.raymondmcgrath.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2:13:40
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2:13:40
Building the Impossible with Carl Moody of Bootleg Design
In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, I sit down with Carl Moody, co-founder of Bootleg Design, the workshop behind some of New Zealand’s most iconic large-scale builds. From restoring Auckland’s infamous “Creepy Santa” to transporting a giant Shaun the Sheep across the country, or building a 5 tonne lolly jar for Air NZ, Carl shares how his team brings wild ideas to life.We talk about the balance between creativity and practicality, the constant challenge of budgets and timelines, and why the best projects start with early collaboration. Carl also opens up about the artistry behind making things by hand, the technical problem-solving that goes into massive structures, and the satisfaction his team gets from transforming concepts into reality.With over 36 years in the industry, Carl’s stories offer valuable lessons on planning, design thinking, and the magic of execution.If you want to get in touch with Bootleg Design, find them here: https://bootleg.co.nz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:28:26
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1:28:26
From Studio Life to Being Your Own Boss: Fraser Munro on Freelance Motion Design
In this episode, I sit down with animator Fraser Munro to trace his journey from a latchkey kid watching cartoons to becoming a seasoned animator and freelancer. Fraser shares how his early love of animation led him to train at Freelance Animation School, his 13-year stint in NZ animation studios, and eventually his transition to freelancing from Foxton Beach.We talk about the realities of shifting from studio life to working independently, and what it truly means to be your own boss — from managing stress and health, to shouldering full responsibility for clients, projects, and business growth. Fraser reflects on how freelancing pushed him to expand his skills, build stronger client relationships, and rediscover his creativity. He also opens up about working alongside his partner, adapting to industry changes like social media content and AI, and why “making things look cool” still has a place in animation. We also chat about the amazing connections he has made by being a part of the Motion Designers Guild Aotearoa! This is an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone navigating the creative industry, whether you’re in a studio or carving out your own path as a freelancer.Check out Frasers work here: https://character.ninja/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:29:43
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1:29:43
Designing Outdoor Spaces for People… and Bats: Landscape Architecture with Lisa Jack
When you think “landscape architect,” you might picture someone planting a back lawn—but as Lisa reveals in this episode of Managing Creative Studios, the work goes far deeper (and sometimes even involves creating hotels for bats!).Lisa, Studio Manager at Harrison Grierson, takes us inside the world of large-scale design where ecology, culture, and community all intersect. She shares how she worked with conservationists and ecologists to design a Hamilton project that doubled as accommodation and a buffet for native bat populations—proving that good design can support both people and wildlife.We also get a peek behind the curtain of the profession, including the surprising “dirty little secret” that many landscape architects like to deny: deep down, they really do love flowers. In fact, Lisa’s passion project, The Memory Botanist, transforms special-occasion blooms into art that lasts a lifetime.This episode blends ecology, leadership, and creativity—showing how landscape architecture shapes the spaces we live in, while quietly influencing how we connect with nature (and each other).Find out more about Lisa's workplace here: https://www.harrisongrierson.com/Check out Lisa's side hustle The Memory Botanist here: https://www.instagram.com/thememorybotanist/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:00:07
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1:00:07
Making Advertising Fun Again: The Lean, Bold, All-Female Creative Agency, ANTI
In this episode Amanda Chambers takes us on a rich journey through her remarkable career in advertising and production—from her early days at Flux Animation working with her brother Brent, to executive roles at Saatchi & Saatchi, Assembly, and True. Amanda shares heartfelt stories about building creative teams, navigating agency life, and balancing compassion with leadership in high-pressure environments.She opens up about the joys and challenges of working with family, launching her agency ANTI alongside her daughter Nico and creative partner Jane Langley, and what it means to build a female-founded business doing things completely differently with a 'no douchebags' approach.We explore how she’s making advertising fun again, integrating AI into creative workflows, and fostering a culture of collaboration, fairness, and shared success. It’s a conversation filled with humour, industry gossip, and genuine inspiration for anyone navigating the advertising game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Managing Creative Studios is your go-to podcast for the people behind the pixels, pens, and production schedules. Whether you're leading a creative team or just getting started, we explore what really goes into running a creative studio—from workflows and leadership to tools, tech, and studio culture. Featuring conversations with industry pros across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific, this podcast is here to inform, support, and inspire anyone working in the creative sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand