Atom Brum: Embracing Heart and Humanity in Creative AI Work — S1/E7

About this episode

In this episode, I talk with Atom Brum of Studio Heartfelt to talk about how he's built a deeply personal creative practice that blends hand-drawn illustration, needle felting, and AI tools, without losing the heart and intention that make his work uniquely his. We dig into his origin story, his workflow, why story always comes first, and what it means to stay a creative person through a period of real upheaval. Running Order • Introduction to Atom Brum and his unique artistic approach • How AI amplifies Atom's visual storytelling and character design • The multifaceted nature of AI: helpful tool vs. distracting fad • The importance of capturing emotion over technical perfection • Stories that defy Hollywood conventions, rooted in authenticity • Atom's visual and narrative style — simple moments, deep messages • Finding inspiration through everyday observation and mindfulness • The origin of the "green nose" signature and playful branding • Atom's creative background and how it influences his process • The importance of organic, unfiltered creation and embracing imperfections • Practical tools: drawing on paper, digital platforms, and AI workflows • Usin