Episode 98
Brand Story Podcast

Keeping Creativity Alive

featuring Brian Thibodeau

Creative Director, Designer

Brian Thibodeau, Creative Director, Designer, discusses what drives creativity and creative work with our president, Steve Gilman.

Creativity takes many forms. Sometimes it looks like storyboards and strategy, other times it’s paint on canvas or a classroom full of new ideas. In this episode, we sit down with Brian to explore how art and strategy overlap, how teaching keeps ideas fresh, and why empathy is at the heart of great creative work. Brian shares stories from his time in agencies and his own studio, insights from his Art of the Audience and Purpose Labs workshops, and how projects like The Quarantine Portraits reminded him of the power of connection.

It’s an honest look at the restless, rewarding nature of creative work — and a reminder that curiosity, community, and a willingness to keep experimenting are what keep creativity alive. Whether you lead a team, design brands, or simply want to stay inspired, this conversation is a reminder that creativity thrives when you stay curious.

About the Guest

Brian Thibodeau

Creative Director, Designer

Brian is a creative director, designer, and educator who has worked with teams at The Martin Agency, Ogilvy, McGarryBowen, and many others, doing work for clients like Nissan, Disney, Dodge, and Walmart. He also has his own studio called B Thibbs, where he helps brands embrace creativity while also teaching the next generation of creatives through educational workshops.

Quickfire Q&A

How did The Quarantine Portraits come together?

Brian: I started sharing these live streams of me just painting. And then I was asking someone to do a livestream together and hang out while I paint them. Then those turned into conversations. We just started putting out a cold call like, “Hey, who wants to jump on and I’ll paint you?”

You’ve been an in-house creative director, you’ve done the agency thing, and now you’re an independent creative director. What’s that like?

Brian: The creative path is a varied and dynamic and mysterious and unexpected journey. But luckily, part of what we do is problem-solving, right? That’s really what you’re hiring us for when we work for a brand or agency, so that’s kind of how I see my career. It’s just a series of problems that I solve.

About The Host

Steve Gilman

As the President of Gravity Group, Steve is passionate about helping brands reach their goals through honest, creative marketing and powerful brand stories.

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