In this first episode, we talk to Alex Normanton, Founder, Creator and Host of DOPA; about the concept behind brand the podcast series. He talks with Graham Sturt, Creative Director and Partner at D8, a strategic design and branding agency with studios in Amsterdam and Glasgow.

Alex Normanton is an independent Creative Director living in Amsterdam (with prior roles at Design Bridge, MassiveMusic and Saatchi & Saatchi). He has been working in the creative industry for over two decades and is a highly motivated, strategic and ideas-led Creative Director. He offers a wealth of award-winning experience, creativity and aptitude combined with a passion for detail, craft and aesthetic.

Graham is Creative Director and Partner at D8, a strategic design and branding agency with studios in Amsterdam and Glasgow. During his career he has held roles at a number of leading international agencies, collecting numerous awards for his work. Graham is active in the international creative community as an awards judge and collaborator, providing workshops and mentoring for emerging creative talent. A passionate advocate of Dutch design, he hosts an ongoing series of interviews with some of the countries greatest designers called ‘Dutch Design Heroes’.

Mentions: David Anderson, David Carson, Saatchi & Saatchi, Vince Frost, David Nobay, Jonathan Ellery @Browns & Bob Monkhouse.

Special guest appearance by Herman the Dog.

In conversation with Graham Sturt, Creative Director and Partner at D8 Amsterdam. In this episode, we talk about how to shift from negative thinking and self-sabotage to a more positive and fruitful head-space. Top-tips on breaking through creative block and sharing those unexpected ideas in art-board #246.

Graham is Creative Director and Partner at D8, a strategic design and branding agency with studios in Amsterdam and Glasgow. During his career he has held roles at a number of leading international agencies, collecting numerous awards for his work. Graham is active in the international creative community as an awards judge and collaborator, providing workshops and mentoring for emerging creative talent. A passionate advocate of Dutch design, he hosts an ongoing series of interviews with some of the countries greatest designers called ‘Dutch Design Heroes’.

Alex Normanton is an independent Creative Director living in Amsterdam (with prior roles at Design Bridge, MassiveMusic and Saatchi & Saatchi). He has been working in the creative industry for over two decades and is a highly motivated, strategic and ideas-led Creative Director. He offers a wealth of award-winning experience, creativity and aptitude combined with a passion for detail, craft and aesthetic.

Mentions: Michael Johnson, D&AD, VBAT, Julian Melhuish, Kevin Finn, D8 & Eugene Bay.

Special appearances: An Austrian Cuckoo Clock, Herman the Dog, a Chinese Gong and a call from a prospective client.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.