Robert Hodgin is an artist and head of research and development at Rare Volume, a design and tech company specialising in large-scale installations that blend technology with artistry.

His journey began at a science and math boarding school in North Carolina, where he quickly realized his heart belonged to art rather than physics. After attending RISD, Robert discovered a unique space where his dual interests could coexist by visualizing data in artistic ways. His work combines cutting-edge technology with human-scale aesthetics, creating immersive experiences for venues.

Robert shares candid insights about the challenges of client work, the importance of staying true to creative vision, and why following the flock of birds sometimes requires more courage than jumping out of a plane. He reminds us that even at the highest levels of creative practice, the struggle for artistic integrity remains universal

Key takeaways

• Find your intersection: Robert thrives at the crossroads of art and science, proving that seemingly opposite interests can create unique opportunities for innovation and creative expression
• Question traditional paths: Despite parental expectations and aptitude in science and math, Robert chose art, demonstrating that conventional career paths aren't always the right answer
• Human-scale technology: When working with cutting-edge tech, Robert prioritizes creating experiences that feel human and accessible rather than overwhelming or intimidating
• Data can be beautiful: There's tremendous opportunity to present data in art-forward ways rather than just functional graphs, opening new creative territories for visual storytelling
• Creative integrity is challenging: Even successful artists working on prestigious projects face clients who say they want artistic freedom but ultimately impose their own vision
• Vulnerability creates connection: Speaking authentically about failures, fears, and challenges resonates more deeply with audiences than polished perfection ever could
• Not every project is a win: Robert acknowledges that some client projects get "butchered" and you have to accept that sometimes you take the money and move on
• Embrace failure as learning: Dropping out of astrophysics twice became part of Robert's story rather than a source of shame, showing how setbacks shape our eventual path
• Scale matters: Robert's most satisfying projects like the Samsung three-story video wall and Barcelona installation demonstrate how working at impressive scales can amplify creative impact
• Stay curious about tools: Robert's approach to technology is playful exploration, testing what feels human about new tools rather than chasing trends for their own sake

Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com | desk@daringcreativity.com

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
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A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Kyle Wilkison ~

Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com | desk@daringcreativity.com

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)

November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Kyle Wilkinson shares the extraordinary story of creating Haus of Thrills' first major popup exhibition, The Clinic, in just 90 days, building his own creative universe under extreme time and financial pressure with no client brief and no guaranteed outcome.

He reveals the reality of watching his budget double, choosing 24-carat gold over fake materials, and creating an alternative to traditional gallery spaces where dopamine-fueled social commentary meets immersive experience.

Kyle's insights on the beauty of naivety, the privilege of pressure, and why knowing too much can be creativity's greatest enemy offer a masterclass in building momentum through action rather than perfection.

Key Takeaways

• Create urgency for yourself — The industry is full of ideas that never happen because there's no deadline. Setting constraints forces execution and prevents endless postponement.
• Sit in the unknown to grow — Like a plant in a crowded rainforest, you must be willing to exist in dark, uncomfortable spaces before breaking through to the light above.
• Choose your own problems — When you select your own constraints and challenges, you halve the stress because you're dealing with problems you've chosen rather than ones imposed on you.
• The beauty of naivety protects creation — Like Noel Gallagher writing "Don't Look Back in Anger," not knowing the enormity of what you're creating allows you to just do it without crushing pressure.
• Budget realism hits differently with your own money — Understanding what it's like when clients spend their money creates empathy, especially when materials like 24-carat gold cost significantly more than anticipated.
• Do it right or don't do it at all — The world doesn't need more mediocre work. If you're going to create something, commit to making it the best it can possibly be.
• Play at the level you want to reach — Using framers who work with Julian Opie and Bella Freud from day one means you're already operating at the standard you aspire to achieve.
• Pressure is a privilege — Being in a position where you can create a show in London under your own steam, doing exactly what you want, is an incredible situation despite the stress.
• If you know the answer at the start, you're doing it wrong — True creativity means not knowing the outcome. If you do, you're just replicating rather than creating something new.
• Create for yourself first, then apply strategy — You've got to want to pick up the guitar for yourself and sing the song before thinking about the broader audience or business implications.
• Build emotional resilience through pressure — The growth that comes from surviving extreme creative challenges prepares you for future projects with greater confidence and capability.

Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com | desk@daringcreativity.com

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)

November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)