Navigating crises of confidence and rediscovering creative joy with Camille Walala

How has the pandemic changed you? For artists of course, the question extends to their practice too – with possible answers encompassing everything from changes in sources of inspiration and work-life balance to the actual work they create. None know the experience of re-contextualising your artistic output during the pandemic more than multi-disciplinary designer Camille Walala, who ran into somewhat of an “artistic crisis” during the period. The latest episode of the It’s Nice That Podcast kicks off with how the designer navigated this creative burnout, quickly steering into fascinating insights on how to trust your instinct, lean into the joy of creating and the importance of saying no.

As a designer with a singular, instantly-recognisable aesthetic, Camille also talks to our editor-in-chief Matt Alagiah about how her crisp patterns have shifted in their form of late. Camille tells us all about swapping masking tape lines for looser methods of painting, embracing mistakes and welcoming work that looks “a bit more human than a design on the computer,” says Camille. Next, we hear from the designer about the burden of strict adherence to a creative style, as well as some anecdotes about pushing for the riskier creative direction on collaborative projects.

A conversation full of advice for young creatives, including how to stand your ground to a client and foster a sustainable work schedule, episode eight of the podcast takes us through the highs of Camille’s joyful practice and the relatable lows – a combination which the designer says is ultimately key to any creative’s career.

Finishing off the podcast is our latest Nice Note from Johnny Paton, the creative director of Kingdom and Sparrow, recorded in Falmouth, Cornwall. This week, we hear about how the location’s serenity and diversity became an unexpected source of inspiration for the director. For listeners looking to hear a longer version of the interview with Camille, you can do so by signing up to Extra Nice, It’s Nice That’s membership programme. To find out more, head over to the Extra Nice pages of our website.