The Spark: Kenny Gravillis on Creative Rules, '80s Movies and Fruit Pastilles
- S9E164
- 20:05
- July 3rd 2025
In this bonus episode, The Spark, our founding editor Katy Cowan reunites with Kenny Gravillis for a more playful, off-the-cuff chat that lifts the lid on the personality behind the creative powerhouse. With the serious stuff out of the way, it's time to talk rules, rituals and ridiculous snacks.
Kenny shares the one design rule he tries not to break (but sometimes does) and how his relationship with creativity has evolved from being a perfectionist to embracing a more open, collaborative approach with his team.
There's also a loving tribute to St. Lucia, where he escapes to reset and recharge; a flashback to his pool hustling days in the Bronx; and an unexpected comfort found in a dog named Hero, who really needs to stop biting people's feet.
We also hear about his favourite funeral song, the word he never wants to hear again (bandwidth), and the oversized bag of Fruit Pastilles that didn't survive the first half of Mission Impossible. And yes, there's a Tom Cruise story... because, of course, there is.
This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.
The Creative Boom Podcast
Host Katy Cowan sits down with designers, illustrators, animators and creative thinkers who’ve been through it all. The highs. The lows. The messy middle. No jargon or guru nonsense. Just warm, honest conversations with people who tell it like it is, and who don't mind having a laugh along the way. Come for the stories. Stay because it feels like someone finally gets it.
Meet the Host
Katy Cowan is the founding editor of Creative Boom, a global platform, podcast, and community that champions creatives and helps them build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
With over 25 years in media, PR, and marketing, she started out in broadcast journalism before co-founding digital consultancy Boomerang in 2007, working with clients including the BBC, TATA Group, and Manchester City Football Club.
In 2009, she launched Creative Boom to support creatives who felt overlooked or unsure of their path. Today, it reaches over a million people each month and has partnered with brands like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Canon, and Wix.
Now fully focused on Creative Boom, Katy is on a mission to make the creative industry feel more open, honest, and accessible. Through her work, she helps artists and designers feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.