CAPTN OffScript

In this episode of CAPTN OffScript I sit down with David Airey, a designer whose books, thinking, and calm perspective have shaped how countless creatives approach identity design. But we go far beyond the craft in this conversation and explore the human side of a long creative life.David talks openly about growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, finding his way through early jobs, and how traveling across Asia shifted his understanding of the world. He shares the story of building a twenty year independent career, how he learned to slow down, and why he chooses a life defined by intention instead of speed.A big part of this episode focuses on comparison, self doubt, and the quiet pressure that follows every creative who works in public. David explains why comparing yourself to other designers is never healthy and why the only comparison that matters is the one with your past self. He talks about fatherhood, family, burnout, balance, the need to disconnect, and the small moments that bring meaning back into your days.We also dive into the third edition of Logo Design Love. David walks through what it feels like to revisit and rewrite work more than a decade later, how much of the book has changed, and why designing for yourself is always harder than designing for others.This is a calm, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation about creativity, life, focus, and the choices that shape who we become. If you are a designer, freelancer, or someone trying to build a creative career without losing yourself in the noise, this episode will resonate on a different level.Tune in for one of the most grounding conversations of the season.🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.—🔗 Full show notes and episode transcript:https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e09-david-airey-on-creativity-calm-and-a-life-built-with-intention🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week, where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

In this episode of CAPTN OffScript I sit down with Mat Voyce, the designer known for his expressive type animation work and his instantly recognizable visual language. We go far beyond the craft in this conversation and dive into the emotional and personal side of being a creative today.Mat talks openly about growing up as an introverted kid, finding his way through graphic design and agency life, and slowly developing a unique style in type and motion. He shares stories from his early days, the moment he realized animation could become his thing, and how it felt to work with global clients like Disney, Nike, and Pepsi.A big part of this episode focuses on anxiety and mental health. Mat discusses the sudden spike in anxiety that changed his daily life, his experience with therapy and hypnotherapy, and the moment he decided to start medication to soften the constant noise inside his mind. We talk about overthinking, sleepless nights, worry loops, and what it really feels like to freelance when you spend most of your time inside your own head.We also explore parenthood, loneliness, the pressures of creative work, and the grounding power of simple routines. Mat shares what helps him, what he is still learning, and why he believes honesty and community can make such a difference for creatives who feel alone with their struggles.This is a warm, human, and very real conversation about creativity, fear, growth, and the quiet work of becoming yourself. If you are a designer, animator, illustrator, or someone navigating anxiety while building a creative career, this episode will resonate deeply.Tune in for one of the most personal and grounding conversations of the season.🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.—🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript:https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e08-mat-voyce-on-anxiety-creativity-and-finding-your-thing🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week — where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

Bill Gardner has reviewed more logos than almost anyone on the planet — over 450,000 through his work with LogoLounge. But behind the numbers is a deep-thinking, long-game designer who believes that real identity design isn’t about trends — it’s about clarity, consistency, and curiosity.In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Bill shares the winding story of how a childhood fascination with magic led him to branding, how he built one of the most respected identity studios in the U.S., and why most design problems start before a single sketch is ever made.We talk about the early days of analog design — cutting logos by hand, setting type with rulers, and building trust without a Behance profile. But more importantly, we explore what still matters today: how to create logos that last, how to balance subjective and objective thinking, and how to build systems that serve brands beyond the pretty mark.Bill opens up about landing clients like Kroger, Cessna, and Pizza Hut, what he’s learned after reviewing hundreds of thousands of logos, and how fishing in deeper waters has become his life philosophy — both creatively and professionally.We also explore the upcoming evolution of LogoLounge, his new book Iconic Branding, and how AI may shape the future of identity design (and why the human side still matters most).Whether you’re a young designer trying to find your place, or a seasoned creative looking to reconnect with the deeper purpose of your work — this episode is packed with practical insights, lived experience, and the kind of clarity that only comes from decades of doing the work.🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.—🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript:https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e07-from-magic-tricks-to-iconic-brands-the-bill-gardner-story🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript📸 Follow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/captnoffscript✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week — where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.#BillGardner #LogoLounge #CAPTNOffScript #BrandIdentity #DesignPodcast #VisualIdentity #IconicBranding #CreativeLeadership #GardnerDesign #DesignWisdom #LogoDesign #DesignLegacy #AIandDesign

Jennifer Taback didn’t set out to become the co-founder of one of Canada’s leading Indigenous creative studios — but that’s exactly what she’s built with Design de Plume. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Jennifer shares her journey from tech burnout to co-leading a values-driven design agency that works with clients like Indigenous Tourism Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Johns Hopkins University — all while centering Indigenous identity, storytelling, and cultural context in everything they do. We talk about what it really means to run an Indigenous creative agency: the invisible labor, the cultural weight, the moments of pushback, and the deep joy of designing work that reflects community and connection. From decolonizing minimalism to designing complex, story-rich systems — Jennifer brings a perspective that’s as bold as it is needed. She also opens up about the personal side of leadership — balancing motherhood with agency life, letting go of perfectionism, and using beadwork as a creative outlet. And in a first for this show, Jennifer brings a free gift to share with the entire design community… ✨ The Indigenous Communications Toolkit – created by Design de Plume – is now available and free to download. It’s a practical, thoughtful guide to writing and speaking with more clarity, respect, and cultural awareness. Whether you’re an agency owner, creative director, designer, strategist, or simply someone who wants to do better — this episode is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full episode notes + transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e06-redefining-indigenous-design-jennifer-taback-on-leading-with-culture-story-and-courage 📖 Download the Indigenous Communications Toolkit: https://deplume.ca/IndigenousToolkit 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ New episodes every week — subscribe, share, and stay bold. #JenniferTaback #DesignDePlume #IndigenousDesign #CAPTNOffScript #DesignLeadership #InclusiveDesign #CreativePodcast #WomenInDesign #IndigenousToolkit #CreativeStudio #DesignCulture

From art teacher to tech CEO, Adrien Piro has taken one of the most unconventional paths to the top of the design world — and she’s now leading one of the most recognized creative platforms on the planet: Creative Market. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we talk about what it really takes to lead with purpose in an industry where growth is often prioritized over people. Adrien opens up about her creative beginnings, her time building games like Plants vs. Zombies 2, and how burnout pushed her to reevaluate everything — including the kind of leader she wanted to become. Now, as CEO of Creative Market, she’s reimagining what a design platform can be. One that supports artists instead of overwhelming them. One that values transparency over metrics. One that still believes creativity is human at its core. We talk about her vision for the platform, the tension between scale and soul, the challenge of being both a parent and a public figure, and how she’s navigating the rise of AI with a strong stance on artistic integrity. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and full of quiet wisdom — the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends. Adrien doesn’t just talk about leadership — she lives it, and her perspective on creativity, business, and the future of design is something every creative should hear. Whether you’re a seller, designer, agency owner, or just someone who wants to understand the people behind the platforms — this one is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e05-destination-design-a-conversation-with-adrien-piro-ceo-of-creative-market 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

From zero agency experience to global design legends, Erik and Freddie of SNASK have built one of the boldest, loudest, and most unforgettable creative studios in the world – and they did it all by breaking the rules. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we head to Stockholm (via pink offices and sarcastic banter) to hear how SNASK became a creative cult favorite by rejecting the clean, gray minimalism Sweden is known for. From beer-fueled branding gigs to Grammy-winning music videos, they’ve proven that being loud, opinionated, and a little weird can take you a very long way. We talk about what it really means to build a creative business with integrity: staying true to your voice even when clients want you to tone it down, handling the judgment and trend-chasing of the design world, and growing a studio that’s just as serious about fun as it is about professionalism. This episode is filled with stories you won’t hear anywhere else – the origin of ShowerBeer, how they accidentally became video directors, why Erik only flies short distances, and how their talks turned into rock concerts. It’s a hilarious, unfiltered, and inspiring look into what happens when you build your brand around who you are instead of who the industry wants you to be. Whether you’re a brand builder, creative misfit, or just someone who feels allergic to corporate blandness, this one is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e04-how-snask-built-a-creative-empire-without-playing-by-the-rules 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

From galloping around the backyard as a pony-obsessed kid to running a globally recognized creative studio, Kristy Campbell is living proof that embracing your weirdness can lead to wild success.   In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Kristy shares how she turned a 100-day design challenge into Pink Pony Creative, a bold and playful brand that’s now a 7-figure business. We dive into what it really takes to grow a creative studio - balancing motherhood, managing a remote team, building strong systems, letting go of ego, and becoming a four-time Adobe MAX speaker.   This one’s for the designers, the founders, the late-night creators, and anyone ready to build something their 10-year-old self would be proud of.   🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e03-from-ponies-to-a-7-figure-brand-kristy-campbells-journey-to-pink-pony-creative   📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript   📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript   ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, I continue the conversation with James Martin (Made By James), James Barnard, Angela Lyons, and Jennifer Taback to explore how AI is transforming the creative industry. We discuss the difference between generative and assistive AI, the ethics of AI-generated design, and how technology is changing creativity, sustainability, and workflow. Jennifer shares an Indigenous perspective on digital stewardship, Angela examines the environmental impact of AI, and we all reflect on why human taste, intuition, and authenticity will define the future of design. Honest, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant – this is the conversation every designer should hear.

In this Season 2 opener of CAPTN OffScript, I bring together four leading creatives from around the world to explore the current state of design. The industry has shifted dramatically over the past two decades – from the fall of print and the rise of digital platforms to the emergence of AI and the constant pressure of personal branding. This roundtable is all about pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate the creative field today, with all its opportunities and challenges. I’m joined by James Martin (Made By James), James Barnard, Angela Lyons, and Jennifer Taback as we talk about how careers evolve, why niching too early can be risky, and what it means to stay authentic in a world built on highlight reels. We dive into the struggles young designers face, the lessons learned over decades in the industry, and the mindsets that help us keep going. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with Part 2 releasing on October 8th – honest, unfiltered, and inspiring, it’s the kind of discussion every creative needs to hear.

Fifty episodes. Countless lessons. One unforgettable season.   In this special finale of Season One, I look back on the wild, inspiring, and emotional journey that has been The Type Convo. From honest chats and surprising insights to creative breakthroughs and personal stories, this season has been so much more than I ever imagined.   I take a moment to thank every guest by name – from Liz Mosley and Alex Center to James Martin, Martina Flor, and so many more – each one left their mark and helped shape this space into something truly meaningful.   And while this is a goodbye-for-now, it’s also a promise: Season Two is coming, with deeper questions, new voices, and conversations that go way beyond the usual design talk.   Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this podcast. Whether you’ve been here from the start or just tuned in last week, I’m so grateful for you.   Take care, enjoy your summer – and see you soon.

This Monday Break(Through) began with a simple late-night conversation that turned into a life philosophy: keep what gives you something back, and gently let go of what doesn’t. In this episode, I’m unpacking what that really means – how we often carry emotional weight out of guilt or habit, how to define what “gives” in your life, and why staying too long in draining spaces costs more than we think. You’ll hear about my own quiet process of letting go, how to rethink your emotional economy, and a practical exercise to take inventory of what fills you up versus what depletes you. This one is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or stretched thin – a reminder that it’s not selfish to live a life that gives back. It’s necessary.

What happens when a simple “no” becomes the launchpad for a whole new mindset? In this episode of The Type Convo, I talk to the brilliant Liz Mosley - designer, educator, podcast host, and Adobe Express Ambassador - about how she turned the fear of rejection into a superpower. We dive into the story behind her 100 Rejections Challenge, why your ‘no’ is often more powerful than your ‘yes,’ and how she balances big-stage keynotes with bathtime arguments at home. We also talk about saying no to the wrong clients, building confidence through discomfort, the surprising perks of making mistakes in public, and what kind of perfume Liz Mosley’s brand would be if it had a scent. This one’s raw, fun, honest, and packed with creative truths. 🔗 Learn more about Liz at lizmosley.net 🎧 Listen to her podcast Building Your Brand at buildingyourbrand.net

We often hear “work hard, play hard” – but what does that actually look like when you’re building a creative career? In this solo episode, I reflect on one simple but powerful idea shared by designer Alex Center: “Take the work seriously, not yourself.” It’s the kind of mindset that separates burnout from brilliance. In this talk, I dive into:  • Why obsessing over excellence doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor  • How to build a reputation without becoming rigid  • The freedom that comes from leaving your ego at the door  • And how joy, rest, and play are part of professional success – not distractions from it If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, creative pressure, or just taking life too seriously – this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I chat with designer, brand builder, and CENTER studio founder Alex Center - whose career journey spans from shaping billion-dollar brands at Coca-Cola (hello, vitaminwater and smartwater) to launching one of today’s most culture-conscious design studios. We dive into what it really means to lead a creative life that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and fun. Alex opens up about mental and physical well-being, the emotional cost of doing meaningful work, and why leaving corporate life was the scariest decision he’s ever made. We also talk about: Why good branding is never the work of one genius The art of building a studio culture people actually want to be part of How packaging became CENTER’s superpower Working with startups vs celebrities Why minimalism isn’t about less - it’s about clarity And yes, the most famous person in his phone (spoiler: it’s Spider-Man) Whether you’re an independent creative, agency owner, or just figuring out your path, this conversation is packed with honest insight and hard-won wisdom. 📍Check out Alex’s work at center.design 📲 Follow him on Instagram: @thealexcenter

What if the key to better creativity wasn’t doing more - but doing less? In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive deep into the real foundations of sustainable creativity: your mental health, physical habits, and the systems you build to protect your energy. From breaking free of hustle culture and burnout to practical ways you can rethink your workspace, your schedule, and your relationship with productivity - this is your designer wellbeing blueprint. I’ll talk about: • Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor • How sleep, food, and movement shape your creative output • Managing distractions, setting boundaries, and finding focus • The power of rest, play, and unfocused thinking • Designing a career that actually works for you - not the other way around If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the joy of creating - this one’s for you. Plus: I share details about my live Instagram chat with Alex Center happening today at 18:30 CET / 12:30 EST, and how you can still enter our big giveaway to win a copy of Made by James and all of my fonts released by June 2025. Details at @thetypeconvo on Instagram.

Feeling stuck between being a “specialist” and wanting to explore it all? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I’m unpacking my own journey through years of creative reinvention - from web design, branding, SEO, and templates to finally landing on type design (and even that doesn’t cover it all). This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their creative identity, unsure what to call themselves, or afraid they’ll never “find their niche.” We’re talking about the beauty of evolution, the pros and cons of niching, and why not fitting into one box might be your greatest strength. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not focused enough” this one’s for you.

Birthdays can feel like pressure points. We reflect, we compare, we wonder if we’re “on track.” But what if the number doesn’t matter at all? In today’s episode, I’m turning 39 – and instead of looking back with regret or rushing toward future goals, I’m pausing to talk about how age is just a marker, not a deadline. I share thoughts on comparison, late blooms, quiet confidence, and why your best years might still be ahead of you. If you’ve ever felt behind, too old, or stuck in someone else’s timeline, this one’s for you. Tune in for a grounded reminder that you’re right on time.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with Scott Fuller – the one-man dynamo behind The Studio Temporary and the Instagram handle @studiotemporary. From leaving a mechanical engineering scholarship to launching his own studio from the back of a sign shop, Scott’s journey is all about grit, faith, and the relentless pursuit of iconic design. We talk about: The moment he nearly gave up on art – and what pulled him back His analog-first process using Field Notes and Sharpies What “iconic” actually means to him (and why trends don’t last) His love for storytelling through logos, signs, and visual systems Family, faith, discipline – and how it all ties into his creative life Scott’s work with brands like Coca-Cola, Monotype, and the Atlanta Braves proves that design built with purpose never goes out of style. Note: In a few parts, the audio isn’t perfect – but I’ll be adding a full transcript of the conversation very soon for anyone who prefers to read along. 🎙️ Listen in and get inspired by a conversation that’s equal parts practical and powerful.

In this solo episode of Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth many creatives are quietly struggling with: being a great designer just isn’t enough anymore. From brand strategy to video editing, SEO to motion graphics, designers today are expected to wear every hat in the creative studio—and it’s exhausting. I talk about why the industry shifted, what that means for your career, and most importantly, how you can stay relevant without losing yourself in the process. The answer isn’t “do more”—it’s get clear. This one’s for every creative who’s ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or like they’re falling behind. You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth that keeps surfacing in almost every conversation I’ve had with my podcast guests - and in my own life: no one really has it all figured out. Not the viral creatives, not the award-winning designers, not even the people we admire most. Behind every beautiful portfolio and curated Instagram feed are moments of doubt, unfinished work, and quiet confusion. From Ian Barnard to Carly Salzman to Adam Bosley and Will Paterson, every guest has shared some version of this same experience: they’re still figuring it out, just like the rest of us. This episode is a reminder that your path isn’t broken just because it’s messy. In fact, that mess might be where your best ideas come from. I talk about letting go of the myth of “one day,” the dangers of comparison, and why embracing uncertainty can actually set you free. If you’ve ever felt like you should be further along or like everyone else has it together - this one’s for you.