The Quickie - Interviews for Graphic Designers

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, Dave sits down with Sara Sun, a graphic designer, content creator, and illustrator based in Dallas, Texas. With experience spanning from boutique design studios in New Zealand to creating conceptual packaging and brand sponsorships on social media, Sara shares her journey of transitioning from traditional design roles to becoming a full-time content creator. Episode Highlights: Freelancing & Content Creation: Sara delves into her transition from working at a design studio in New Zealand to freelancing and ultimately creating content for brands like Adobe. Finding Inspiration: Sara reflects on her love for mixed media, from photography and ceramics to conceptual packaging. She shares how her time in New Zealand's creative community shaped her design style and led to collaborations with top brands. The Power of Passion Projects: The importance of passion projects and how they reignited her love for design and contributed to her growth on social media. Challenges & Lessons: Sara opens up about the struggles of working within a rigid design process, the pressure of creating content for social media, and learning to navigate client expectations. Big Wins with Adobe: Sara shares her excitement over her first major collaboration with Adobe and what it felt like to work on creative projects she’s passionate about while being compensated for it. Key Takeaways: The impact of combining different art forms to create unique, engaging content. The importance of stepping out of traditional roles to find your own creative voice. How to deal with the challenges of balancing creative freedom and client needs, particularly as a freelancer and content creator. Embracing the process of social media growth while focusing on the content you love to create. Mentioned in the Episode: Designers & Creators Sara Looks Up To: Scribbled by Sophie Kelsey Slay Design Shelly Kim Sara’s Personal Content: Check out Sara’s work on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares conceptual packaging projects and design tips. Instagram: @sara.and.misc Podcast Recommendation: Sara is currently enjoying the lighthearted and comedic vibes of Giggly Squad. Connect with Sarah Sun: Instagram: @sara.and.misc TikTok: @Sara.And.Misc GUIDE TO PRICING GRAPHIC DESIGN: // Get the FREE Guide to Pricing Graphic Design here // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, Dave chats with Michelle Muise, Art Director for the New England Patriots. With over 25 years of experience in graphic design and project management, Michelle shares her journey from discovering her passion for print and design at a young age to becoming a pivotal part of one of the most successful NFL franchises. Episode Highlights: Michelle’s Background: Michelle delves into her early fascination with vintage magazines and how that love for print led her to a career in graphic design. She shares her journey from vocational high school to her role with the New England Patriots and other Kraft entities. Navigating Challenges: Michelle talks about two significant challenges in her career—designing during the NFL player strike and struggling with her non-trendy design aesthetic in the 90s. The Biggest Disappointment: Michelle opens up about the heartache of having to destroy all the design work for the 18 -in -1 season after the Patriots' Super Bowl loss. Proudest Project: Michelle reflects on the championship banners she designed for the Patriots, explaining why they hold a special place in her heart. Embracing Change: As Michelle transitions into a mentoring role, she shares her passion for teaching young designers and how she continues to adapt in her career. Key Takeaways: The importance of staying true to your design aesthetic, even when it’s not trendy. The emotional and professional impact of losing work due to factors beyond your control. The value of mentorship and teaching in a seasoned designer’s career. How embracing change and continual learning can keep a designer's career fresh and fulfilling. Mentioned in the Episode: Instagram Accounts: Matchbooks of LA PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE //   

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, I chat with Cam Werner, also known as Canvas Cam, a self-taught graphic designer with a love for skateboarding, hardcore music, and comics. Cam shares his journey from starting a clothing brand during his skateboarding days to becoming a full-time freelance designer with Canvas Design Company. Episode Highlights: Cam’s Background: Cam discusses his early influences, including his dad, a sign painter, and how skate culture and hardcore music played a role in shaping his design career. Challenges in Freelancing: Cam opens up about the difficulties of adjusting to a post-COVID world as a freelance designer and the importance of project management in his current work. Dealing with Nightmare Clients: A candid story about a challenging client relationship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health over financial gain. The Power of Design Communities: Cam talks about the support he’s received from the design community during tough times and the value of sharing knowledge and experiences. Proudest Moment: Cam shares his experience working on the branding for the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival with Bert Kreischer, including seeing his work displayed in an arena setting. Key Takeaways: The significance of project management and communication skills in running a successful freelance business. Why it’s essential to sometimes walk away from a difficult client for the sake of your own well-being. The benefits of not gatekeeping and sharing your creative process with the design community. Mentioned in the Episode: Books: Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon Design Heroes: Benny Gold @bennygold and Lincoln Design Co. @lincolndesignco Connect with Canvas Cam: Instagram: @canvas_cam Website: Canvas Design Company PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE //   

In this episode of "The Quickie Podcast," we sit down with Todd Wikle, a talented designer from Asheville, North Carolina. Todd shares his journey from youth pastor to graphic designer, highlighting the influence of family, the challenges of self-teaching, and the importance of creative community. We dive into his most proud project, discuss his inspirations, and explore how personal experiences shape his design approach. Todd also shares some of his favorite resources and insights for aspiring designers. Key Moments from this episode: his move from youth pastor to graphic designer The influence of family and childhood creativity on his career The challenges of self-teaching graphic design The importance of a creative community and collaborative environment a project for a local rock band and why he is so proud of it Inspirations from record labels like Humblebeast and Daptone Records The impact of Aaron Draplin's Skillshare class on Todd's career Todd's favorite book for design inspiration Burger toppings Memorable Quotes: "I definitely had a creative childhood and super, super thankful for it." "You don't have anything to prove to anybody. My art isn't about me; it's about something bigger than me." "Teaching yourself is not impossible. If you see the opportunity to buy a class from a designer you respect, it's definitely worth it." CONNECT WITH TODD: Instagram: CLICK HEREWebsite: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE //  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Humblebeast Records Daptone Records Charles Bradley Aaron Draplin's Skillshare Class

This weeks guest is Dustin Noden. He is the Creative Director at Lincoln Design Co. and cofounder of KernClub. During this episode we talk about his journey to the design field and how it wasn't through a traditional schooling path. He gets into his early inspirations, the random job offer he got because he knew Photoshop a bit, and the direction that job pointed him in.  We also talk about the excitement of being a new dad and the challenges of figuring all that out and finding a new balance.  Dustin also gets into a brewer project that he was a part of that went off the rails after 11 revisions and what that felt like. And on the flip side, he shares a project that is pretty fresh on his mind that he is really proud to be a part of. All that plus even more stories in this episode. Dive into this rad conversation, the 3rd and final live episode from Creative South. Dustin's a rad dude and I know you'll dig this one.    THE LINKS Dustin Instagram: CLICK HEREKernClub Website: CLICK HERELincoln Design Co. Instagram: CLICK HERELincoln Design Co. Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

This week's guest is Orlando Arocena, but you might know him as Mexifunk. He is a Mexican-Cuban-American Vector Artist. We met for the first time at Creative South, where we ended up recording this epic episode. He has done work for some names you might recognize...Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Adobe, MGM, Hulu. Plus he is an 11-time Clio award winner.  You will find this episode to be loaded with stories.  Rolling the dice with Adobe stories Jack Nicholson stories starting his commercial illustrator career stories supporting fellow creatives' kinda stories and dozens more...seriously.   We get into the lessons learned in these situations, the tough times, the projects he's proud of, and all the other good stuff you know we get into on this show.  This might actually be the longest episode ever, to the point that the batteries on the audio recorder died mid-recording. But we both just wanted to keep chatting! You will love this one.  THE LINKS Mexifunk Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Ben Pavey. He is a Graphic Designer and Team Lead of Brand Experience at OCAS out of Guelph ON. Fellow Canadian Gent! During this episode we talk about his early celebrity from being in an Olsen Twins movie and a mosaic moose that started his creative journey. But we also get into some of the hard-hitting story telling you are used to.  Including a website project that he was super proud to present, but was very quickly told "oofff, this isn't going to go well for you". He shares what he missed and what he learned from that experience.  Ben also shared a project with us for the perspectives conference where we put together some optical illusions that were really impactful for the event. We also talk about the days of Limewire and how ben would rip albums, burn them to CD's, and then create his own CD label and jewel case insert.  This is the first-ever in-person interview that was live on location at Creative South in Columbus GA. I know you'll love it! THE LINKS Ben's Instagram: CLICK HERE Ben's PaperHomes Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Brad Stoneking. Owner and Designer at Piedmont Brand Co.  During this episode we dive into his journey from metal band guy to design dad. Including a conversation about why pivoting to working for himself was the toughest time in his career so far. We also talk about the design job he had where the walls were crumbling around him and what he did.  Brad also shares a story about a project where he had the opportunity to brand the town that he grew up in. Pretty rad! Brad is a riot to chat with and this episode was so much fun, I know you'll dig it.  THE LINKS Piedmont Instagram: CLICK HERE Piedmont Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Jake Paul. A self-taught Graphic Designer from the UK.  During this episode we talk about how he was pursuing a career in law or banking before making a hard right turn and becoming a graphic designer.  Jake shares some of his wins, his fails, and what his parents' response was when he told them he didn't want to pursue law or banking anymore. He also tells us about his time working for some of the most well-known teams out there like Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, and Manchester United.  We then dive into a story about a banner project that went sideways, the jump he made from a shoe company to an agency and why it was the toughest time in his career. Oh, and about a super steep learning curve for a presentation he needed to make to Red bull.  Had a great time in this episode. *NOTE* There is a tiny audio delay in this one between our back and forth.  THE LINKS Jake's Instagram: CLICK HERE Jake's Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is CJ Cawley. A super talented, kind, fun, energetic and amazing human from the UK.  During this episode we talk about his journey to freelance design and cooking it up in design school. You'll appreciate that sentence when you listen to the episode ;)  CJ also shares with us how the skateworld was his gateway to design and what he appreciated about it. He also talks about how breaking things, literally, helped him grow!  Then into a story about agency life eating away at him and why, and his experience working with a UK resort on a project that never saw the light of day! ahhh! CJ also talks about why he started to share everything along with a whole bunch of other great stories.  We had a blast in this episode and you will too!  THE LINKS Ian's Instagram: CLICK HEREIan's Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Ian Paget, but you might know his as @logogeek, or as an Author, or a Podcast Host, or as a talented designer. During this episode we talk about helping creatives make a living doing logo design and how he never intended to actually go full time freelance.  Ian also tells us about personal struggles that he was facing, how they weighed him down and why, and how he managed to continue with his career and business. He also shares a story about working with Cambridge University and why he is so excited about it! Lots of great stories in this one! Be sure to check out the links below to see Ians Book "Make a Living Designing Logos" and all his social links too! THE LINKS  The Book: CLICK HEREIan's Instagram: CLICK HEREIan's Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Josh Kenyon, Owner and Creative Director at Jolby out of Portland OR.  During this episode we talk about why he wanted to work for Disney since he was 6 years old and the agricutlural design studio he worked at and how it has helped him in his career to this day.  Josh then talks about a diagnosis he received and what dealing with that was like. But also how design and creativity helped him through treatment. Loads of story telling in this episode from Josh's career in the creative industry. Business owner struggles and lessons, life lessons, all the good stuff you have come to expect from The Quickie.   THE LINKS  Jolbys Website: CLICK HEREJolbys Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Shelby Temples, founder of HeWillNeverGoHungry.com - PS. You gotta go check out his website. Insanely good.  During this episode we talk about a contest for creating album artwork for Janet Jackson...that he won...but was underage to participate...and because of that they had to go to the next person.  We also talk about Nylon Magazine and why it was so influential to him, and the balance between making money, paying the bills, and feeling fulfilled. That balance between fulfilment and survival.  Also some chat about CBD Hotsauce, business wins, design fails, and all the good stuff inbetween. Shelby is a fun dude with stories to share! Enjoy.   THE LINKS  Shelbys Website: CLICK HEREShelby on Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Summit // LifeTime Access if you missed it // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Jason Snell. He is an artist, designer, motion designer, and all-around rad dude!  During this episode we talk about why Covid was such a tough time for him, the Run DMC project he was a part of, as well as early career mentors and inspirational design projects.  We also talk about movie posters, comic books, and an Amazon project he was a part of that went off the rails.  This episode is loaded with laughs and great stories from Jason's career so far. I first met him in person at the Into the Woods event in the Summer of 2023. He has this genuine natural curiosity about the people around him, what they do, and what gets them excited. He's a rad guy to be around for sure! THE LINKS  Jason Snells' Website: CLICK HEREJason Snells' Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Get on the Print Design Summit Waitlist // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Abi Connick. She is a Brand Designer and a Design Content Creator based in the UK. She has an incredible YouTube channel delivering tonnes of value to Designers. Check the link below.  During this episode, we talk about how she was laid off early during Covid, what that meant for her, and the trajectory it put her on.  We also talk about understanding social media and content creation and what it can do for your design business. Abi then shares how she has been struggling with imposter syndrome lately, what is causing it, and what she is doing to work through it.  Plus so many more stories about her design career and her growth on YouTube and social media.  This was a rad conversation especially for me because Abi was one of the first YouTube design content creators that I watched and was inspired by before starting our Print Design Academy channel.  THE LINKS  Abi Connick YouTube: CLICK HEREAbi Connick Website: CLICK HEREAbi Connick Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  Get the FREE Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts HERE // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Tim O'Connor. He is the Graphic Designer at ChaosInked and the owner and Graphic Designer behind The Last Drop. A clothing company supporting people recovering from addiction.  During this episode, we get into Tim's story of struggling with addiction and how it affected his career, how meeting Aaron Draplin really inspired him, and why he started The Last Drop.  We also talk about how impactful networking and events are for your career, and our experience at Into the Woods put on by Lincoln Design Co. Tim then shares a story about a project where he had to change the color of a Tube in 100's of photos in a catalog.  Tim also just started a podcast interviewing business owners living a sober lifestyle called The Last Drop Business Podcast, find it at the link below.  A great, really honest conversation that I know you will enjoy.  THE LINKS  The Last Drop Clothing Website: CLICK HERETim Instagram: CLICK HEREThe Last Drop Podcast: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  Get the FREE Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts HERE // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE // 

My guest this week is Amy Farrell. She is the co-founder of Times2Studio and owner of Designing Success where she teaches designers the business side of design.  During this episode we talk about growing up problem-solving, when she learned that graphic design is a real career, and why 2006-2007 was the most difficult time in her design career. Amy even shares why design business processes are so important.  We also talk about the booklet design project she was a part of that fell off the rails, why, and what she learned. This was a great conversation full of value for designers looking to start or grow their freelance design careers.   THE LINKS  Times 2 Studio Website: CLICK HEREDesigning Success Website: CLICK HEREAmy Farrel Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  7 day Free Trial of Print Design Mastery + Craft Beer Label Design Course // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE // 

My guest this week is Christina Hall. She is the owner of Superlunar Design Co. and an all-around rad human.  During this episode we talk about MLMs, hiring VAs, not sleeping enough but still smiling, and of course all the usual awesome stories I like to get into. The wins, the fails, the mistakes, the lessons learned, the heartwarming and fulfilling project stories. All of it.  Christina has also been rocking the Instagram and TikTok worlds recently with her personality-filled content. It's awesome and you will want to go check it out. She is incredibly easy to talk to and this episode was a blast to do for you. So head over to Apple Podcast or Spotify and leave a rating and a review eh? Be cool if you did...  THE LINKS  Superlunar Design Co Website: CLICK HERESuperlunar Design Co Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  Get the FREE Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts HERE // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE // 

My guest this week is Will Paterson. He is a Logo + Brand Designer, Author, YouTube Content Creator, and now Course Creator.  Buckle up for a story telling extravaganza. These stories include the highs and lows of his very public YouTube channel, his design career, and some of the key projects where he felt incredibly fulfilled.  Plus loads of laughs! Don't miss checking out the links below too! Will Paterson Website: CLICK HERELogo Launch Course: CLICK HEREWill Paterson YouTube: CLICK HEREWill Paterson Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  FREE GUIDE to Keyboard Shortcuts in Illustrator and InDesign // // Print Design Academy Website // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE //

My guest this week is Kenzie Green. She is the founder of Kenzie Green Design and the Co-Founder of The Brief Collective.  During this episode we talk about some lessons she has learned in her career, projects that went sideways, projects that she is proud of, what she is actively learning more of now, and so much more. Especially design business, there are a couple of stories in this episode about starting, growing, and running a design business that I think you will find really valuable.  Also a super fun ask-it-forward question! If you love what you hear on The Quickie Podcast we would really appreciate it if you could take a minute to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to the show.    Kenzie Green Design Website: CLICK HEREThe Brief Collective Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  Get the FREE Print Ready Files Checklist HERE // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE //