Kiser Barnes
Chief Creative Officer · Partner · Creative Director · Cco
10 articles · Nov 2024 — May 2025
Quotes
“We're living in the age of the creative generalist.”
“Structure, mentorship, and space to learn how to think.”
“The next era of creative success will be defined by those who think strategically and adapt fearlessly.”
“Be humble and stay wildly curious.”
“Don't be afraid of AI—tinker with it, play with it, understand it.”
“Kerning might be a bit overrated.”
“Every creative should have a nemesis.”
“Creativity should act as a form of rebellion against fear-based narratives, with humility and generosity as essential companions to innovation.”
“I'm really energised by some of the internal creative experiments we're running.”
“Speed and adaptability are crucial.”
Articles & interviews
- "Creative Agencies Shift from Specialists to Valued Generalists"
Creative Boom · May 28, 2025
The article explores whether the creative industry is moving beyond the age of the specialist toward a new era of generalist creatives. Through interviews with agency leaders, it argues that the most valuable professionals today are 'T-shaped'—those who combine deep expertise with broad, strategic understanding. AI, tighter budgets, and evolving client needs are driving this shift toward adaptable, collaborative talent.
- "Is University Still Vital for Creative Careers in 2025?"
Creative Boom · May 27, 2025
The article explores whether university remains the best route into the creative industry in 2025. Featuring insights from creative leaders across agencies, it concludes that while formal education still offers structure and mentorship, self-taught and alternative paths are increasingly valid. The piece highlights accessibility, evolving technology, and the importance of time and practical experience in shaping creative careers.
- Key Traits for Future Creative Leaders Revealed
Creative Boom · May 27, 2025
The article by Tom May explores the evolving traits that will define the next generation of creative leaders. Through insights from leading designers and creative directors, it identifies key qualities such as strategic thinking, adaptability, taste, vision, emotional intelligence, courage, and authenticity as essential for future success in the creative industry.
- Leaders Offer Essential Advice to Creative Graduates
Creative Boom · May 19, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May compiles advice from leading creative directors and studio founders for graduates entering the design industry in 2025. The piece highlights themes of self-kindness, authenticity, personal branding, leadership, and embracing technology such as AI. Contributors from studios like SomeOne, Red Antler, and Fold7Design share practical insights for navigating the evolving creative landscape.
D8SomeOneOutlawcareer|industry_advice - "EP148 The Spark: Kiser Barnes Talks Creativity, Nostalgia, and Nemeses"
Creative Boom · May 8, 2025 · Interview
Episode 148 of The Spark, Creative Boom’s podcast, features Kiser Barnes, partner and CCO at Red Antler. In this short conversation, Barnes discusses lessons from influential creatives, shares his views on kerning and nostalgia, and reflects on the role of optimism and authenticity in an AI-driven world.
Red Antlerbranding - Kiser Barnes Discusses AI's Impact on Creative Industry
Creative Boom · May 5, 2025 · Interview
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, Katy Cowan interviews Kiser Barnes, partner and chief creative officer at Red Antler, about creativity in the age of AI. They discuss how technology is reshaping storytelling, advertising, and branding, while emphasizing the enduring importance of human connection and authenticity. The conversation offers an optimistic view of how creativity can thrive amid rapid technological change.
Red Antlerbranding - "Creative Boom Podcast Season 9 Hits 1M Downloads with Stars"
Creative Boom · Apr 28, 2025
Creative Boom announces the launch of Season 9 of its podcast, celebrating one million downloads since its 2020 debut. The new season features leading creative figures such as Michael Johnson, Emma Barratt, and Kiser Barnes, alongside sponsorship from the School of Communication Arts. The article highlights the podcast’s evolution, new guests, and the refreshed bonus segment 'The Spark'.
- "Design Studios Share Exciting Trends for 2025"
Creative Boom · Nov 11, 2024
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May gathers insights from leading design studios about what excites them for 2025. Themes include sustainability, AI as a creative enabler, motion design, mentorship, and a renewed focus on simplicity and experimentation. The article paints an optimistic picture of a design industry embracing purpose, innovation, and human connection.
- Studios Face Major Challenges in 2025: Leaders Share Strategies
Creative Boom · Nov 6, 2024
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May explores the biggest challenges design studios will face in 2025, from AI disruption and client pressures to talent retention and market saturation. Leaders from studios like SomeOne, Red Antler, and Motto share insights on staying relevant, balancing technology with creativity, and maintaining sustainable business practices. The article highlights adaptability, differentiation, and human creativity as key survival strategies for the coming year.
- 2025 Design Trends: Insights from Creative Leaders
Creative Boom · Nov 4, 2024
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May gathers insights from leading creative directors and founders to forecast the major design trends for 2025. The article highlights AI’s growing role in final design output, a counter-movement toward handcrafted and human-centered design, and a renewed appreciation for craft and experimentation. It reflects an industry balancing technological innovation with authenticity and physical experience.