EP. 58: Sam Waiting - Tattoo Artist

EP. 58: Sam Waiting - Tattoo Artist

This might be the first WDYMT where I’m in genuine pain… because today I’m literally getting tattooed while recording the episode 😅This week I’m joined by Manchester tattoo artist and Co-owner of Reign & Hail, Sam Waiting.We chat about the journey from graphic design into tattooing, the pressure of building an artistic career, the meaning behind tattoos, human connection, identity, success and what sitting with strangers every single day teaches you about people. A proper honest conversation about art, people and finding your thing.PLUS… I’m getting tattooed throughout the entire conversation, so you might hear the machine buzzing, me trying not to cry and probably a few painful moments 😂Guest:Sam WaitingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillwaitingtattoo/Subscribe:If you liked this, subscribe to WDYMT for more honest chats with creatives. Like, comment and share. Tell us about a tattoo you got!Follow WDYMT:Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wdymt_official/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@whatdoesyourmumthink?_r=1&_t=ZT-94iK53fLAPFSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UQ1fAYGya2gOpUlyXSaPk⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTubeProduced by: Kristian Shepherd & Callum Shepherd

Sheps-Tapes: Annie Atkins workshop in Dublin

Just spent 2 days in Dublin learning from the GOAT Annie Atkins about the world of graphic props and design for film. Honestly left feeling inspired as hell. From immigration documents and newspapers, to passports, ephemera and world building, this workshop opened my eyes to how deep storytelling can go through design. It reminded me why I fell in love with creating in the first place. I’ve started designing my own prop collection based around Scarface and Tony Montana arriving in America with nothing. Exploring identity, immigration, ambition and chaos through physical objects and cinematic storytelling. Who knows where this leads next… but something definitely clicked for me on this trip. Big love to Annie and everyone involved in the workshop. Dublin was special ❤️ Stories from the heart that make mums proud. WDYMT to the world 💖🌍

EP. 57: Cat How - How & How founder & CEO

This week on What Does Your Mum Think, I’m joined by Cat How, co‑founder of How & How — a studio known for bold ideas, fearless branding, and ruffling a few feathers. If you want your work to matter, not just look pretty, this episode is for you.Cat shares her journey from art journalism to building a global agency, working with purpose‑led organisations like Chester Zoo, and why playing it safe is the quickest route to invisibility. We dig into why the best brands embrace being misunderstood, how to turn criticism into creative fuel, and the fine line between confidence and ego in design.We cover:Why being disliked can be your biggest advantageConfidence vs. ego in creative leadershipChallenging founders without killing their visionHow social media encourages creatives to play smallUsing criticism as a creative weaponBuilding brands with purpose, not just polishCat also gets real about balancing agency life, leadership, family, and what meaningful work looks like stripped of noise.Stories from the heart that make mums proud.WDYMT to the world 🩷🌍–What Does Your Mum Think (WDYMT) is a podcast for anyone out here trying to make their mum proud.Hosted by Sheps, designer, podcaster, martial arts practitioner and a lifelong believer that if your mum gets it, you’re doing something right.Each episode, Sheps sits down with inspiring people who are figuring it out in this mad world, talking to the humans behind the hustle, the passion and the journey.Stories from the heart that make mums proud.–Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/wdymt_official/⁠TikTok⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@whatdoesyourmumthink?_r=1&_t=ZT-94iK53fLAPFSpotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4UQ1fAYGya2gOpUlyXSaPk⁠

EP. 56: Miles Marshall - Turner Duckworth ECD

16 years. One studio. Zero shortcuts! In this episode, I sit down with Miles Marshall — someone who’s been part of my journey from the very start. He interviewed me for my placement at Turner Duckworth… and shaped me more than he probably knows. We get into what it really means to stay the course in an industry that’s always moving. Leadership, pressure, standards, and what it takes to work in a place full of killers. This one’s about grit, growth, and iron sharpening iron. We talk: • 16 years at TD and why he stayed • What being an ECD actually looks like day to day • Leadership, mentorship, and backing people early • The culture inside TD — pressure, standards, and craft • From football captain to creative leader • Endurance, discipline, and staying power • Winning over 50 awards without losing yourself And yeah… a few mad stories in there too. This one meant a lot to me. Full circle moment. Stories from the heart that make mums proud. WDYMT to the world 🩷🌍

EP. 55: Grace Dawson - Brand Consultant & Creative Coach

In this episode, I sat down with Grace Dawson and we got into what it really means to design your life on your own terms.Grace’s story is not the obvious one. She grew up between the UK and Wyoming, moving through completely different worlds, and that shaped how she sees everything. Not the perfect student. Not the cleanest path. But always led by curiosity and stories.We talk about her time in agency life at JKR, Bulletproof and Center, and where she’s at now, building her own path as a brand consultant and creative coach.We get into what it takes to make big decisions when nothing feels certain. How to turn fear into something that pushes you forward instead of holding you back. Why your story matters just as much as the work you put out, and how putting yourself out there can change everything. We also talk about teaching, mentoring and reflection, and how those moments can actually show you what you are here to do.If you are feeling stuck, questioning what is next, or just know deep down you are meant for more, this one will land.Stories from the heart that make mums proud.WDYMT to the world 🩷