“Nobody Has a Good Idea at First” — Inside the Messy Truth of Creativity

What does it take to turn a blank space into an unforgettable experience? In this episode, Carl Rhodes—Creative Director and exhibit design veteran—pulls back the curtain on the creative journey behind today’s most engaging museums.

Starting as a painter unsure of his path, Carl shares how a willingness to explore led him into exhibition design, where storytelling, space, and technology intersect. He discusses how great ideas rarely arrive fully formed, but instead emerge through collaboration, iteration, and a bit of creative chaos.

From rethinking how visitors connect with history to shaping experiences that resonate emotionally, Carl explores how narrative and physical interaction influence what we remember. Along the way, the conversation tackles key questions: When should designers enter the process? How do you balance innovation with authenticity? And what role should AI play in creative work?

It’s an honest, thought-provoking look at designing experiences that truly connect.