Brad Woodard and Dustin Lee

Creative Slash

A Design and Arts podcast Explicit

About the show

Have you ever wondered what secrets drive the most profound, successful, famous, and unique creatives? Then the Creative Slash podcast is for you. We dig deep to discover the high-leverage concepts, philosophies, tools, weird obsessions, and quiet daily routines that fuel their success—the stuff that rarely gets talked about publicly. You'll get an inside look at what really drives the world's greatest graphic designers, illustrators, and artists through in-depth interviews with creatives who've achieved both creative and financial success. Hosted by Brad Woodard (bravethewoods.com) and Dustin Lee (retrosupply.co), each episode feels like you're hanging out with us after hours, having the kind of conversations that happen when the work day is done. You'll walk away with fresh inspiration, new ideas, and practical advice you can actually use in both your creative work and personal life.

Newest episodes

Ep. 062 – Anna Hurley – How to Become the Go-To Illustrator and Survive the Slow Seasons

Nov 12, 2026 1 hr 46 min

Every freelancer carries the same two fears. Will anyone pick me for the work I love? And what happens when the work stops? Anna Hurley has faced both. She became the go-to illustrator at Asana, a tech company full of talented designers, then went out on her own and built a career drawing happy things for brands like Target. This year has been her slowest yet, and she's still at it. In this episode, we talk with Anna about what she learned on that path and how you can use it, whether you're in-house or freelance. You'll hear how she made herself the person every team asked for and how she plans for the months when nothing comes in. There's plenty of fun along the way too, including a few board game losses Anna is still processing. In this episode, you'll learn: How to become the go-to illustrator inside a company including what it looked like to take fast-turnaround requests from every team at Asana.How to read a creative director so your best idea makes it in front of the client, a skill she picked up in friendly competition at Hatch Design.How to set expectations with first-time clients and why she sends tighter sketches to authors who have never worked with an artist.How to prepare for the leap to freelance starting with the CPA she hired a full year before she quit.How to get through a dry spell especially the six months she went without a single job and spent drawing for fun.Whether you're still in-house or already on your own, you'll walk away with a steadier plan for the slow seasons. Anna's advice is to keep drawing and keep reaching out until the next job shows up. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Anna Hurley is an illustrator based in Berkeley, California. For more than 20 years she has made bright, playful work for brands and authors, with clients including Target and Disney. She counts her mid-century illustration heroes as a big source of inspiration. Before going freelance, she spent five years as the in-house illustrator at Asana. She is represented by Closer&Close...

Ep. 061 – Brandon Campbell – Mesmerizing Pen and Ink, Mid-Century Magic, and Drawing Without a Net

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 36 min

Most illustrators sketch first and ink later. Most of us also keep one finger hovering over undo. Brandon Campbell does neither. He puts down shapes of color, then draws straight on top in pen and ink, and whatever happens is what happened. So how does someone end up working with no safety net, and why does it look so effortless when he does it? In this episode, we talk with Brandon about his path from broadcast design at Comedy Central and CNN to a full-time illustration career built on pen, ink, and mid-century charm. On the surface it's a conversation about process. Underneath, it's about choosing your limits on purpose, protecting the fun part of the work, and not waiting for someone else to make the leap for you. Part drawing lesson, part career talk, and part three grown men arguing about circus peanuts. In this episode, we talk about: Why he starts with color instead of line and how a block of ink can do the job of an under-sketch if you let the drawing tell you where to go next.A one-star review of his coloring book from a fellow vegan upset about zoo animals, and why nostalgia and strict principles don't always get along.Getting laid off into a career including why his biggest piece of advice is to jump before someone makes the decision for you.Picking two or three colors and sticking with them for ten years and why leaning into what feels effortless can beat grinding on your weak spots forever.Endless undos versus zero undos especially when all that overworking starts showing up in the finished piece.Whether you sketch everything three times or go straight to pen, this one is a reminder that the joy in the work is worth guarding. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your art is stop fighting the parts you were never going to love. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Brandon Campbell is an Atlanta-based illustrator and designer, known online as Brand Camp. Before going out on his own, he spent years doing design and motion work for broadcast, including Comedy Central and...

Ep. 060 – Oliver Barrett – 300 Pee-wee Posters, Hidden Curses, and Getting Fired Into a Career

Oct 29, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Most illustration careers look like a straight line from the outside. Big clients, iconic posters, a portfolio full of names you recognize. Oliver Barrett's started with 300 Pee-wee Herman prints, 12 sales, and a box of leftovers he eventually abandoned in a Cleveland basement. In this episode, we talk with Oliver about how he went from Go Media's first employee to making posters and key art for Mondo, ESPN, Nike, Pearl Jam, and John Wick 4. But the real conversation is about the messy middle: quitting too early, getting fired for a mistake he made, learning to trust a client's pick over his own, and what happens to a working illustrator when AI quietly eats the big-budget jobs. Part career autopsy, part sports superstition, and part support group for anyone who's ever said yes to one more project. In this episode, we talk about: The Pee-wee Herman poster disaster and what printing 300 of them and selling 12 taught him about the real cost of making things to sell.Getting fired over a $15,000 die cut and why he says he wouldn't have the career he has now without it.The Green Room poster he pitched as a joke, including the Black Flag sketch Mondo insisted he make for real.What AI actually did to his client list, especially the big studio jobs that vanished once the images stopped looking like “mangled face soup.”Why Mark Hamill is the hardest face he's ever drawn, and when the only fix for a bad likeness is to tear the face off and start over.Whether you're chasing your first big client or wondering if the work will still be there next year, Oliver's story is a good reminder that creative careers rarely move in a straight line. Sometimes the expensive mistakes are the tuition. And sometimes the sketch you sent as a joke is the one that works. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Oliver Barrett is a multi-time Clio award-winning illustrator and designer from Cleveland, Ohio, now living in Austin, Texas. He spent nearly a decade as a graphic designer before going out on his own as an art...

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All episodes

Ep. 062 – Anna Hurley – How to Become the Go-To Illustrator and Survive the Slow Seasons

Nov 12, 2026 1 hr 46 min

Ep. 061 – Brandon Campbell – Mesmerizing Pen and Ink, Mid-Century Magic, and Drawing Without a Net

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 36 min

Ep. 060 – Oliver Barrett – 300 Pee-wee Posters, Hidden Curses, and Getting Fired Into a Career

Oct 29, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Ep. 059 – Jess Goldsmith of Women of Type – Cottage Cheese, Bob Lazar, and Why You Are the Niche

Oct 22, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Most creatives have heard the advice a hundred times. Pick a lane. Niche down. Be known for one thing. But what happens when the thing you're known for is just you? Doodles one day, glossy dimensional lettering the next, hot pink whenever the brief allows it, and a pencil hair clip you designed because you wanted one to exist. In this episode, we talk with Jess Goldsmith, the Brooklyn-raised lettering artist and illustrator behind Chick of All Trade and the founder of Women of Type. On the surface, it's a conversation about clients, pricing, and portfolios. Underneath, it's about deciding how you want to work, then holding the line, whether that means walking away from a Super Bowl job or asking a client to tell you the budget. It's part pricing masterclass, part cheese debate, and part Bob Lazar rabbit hole we didn't plan to fall into. In this episode, we talk about: Why your portfolio works like a menu and how showing work you hated doing is the fastest way to get hired for more of it.Walking away from a Super Bowl job, including the five-figure project Jess turned down, and what she did with the idea afterward.Why she tells friends exactly what she got paid especially after a friend landed a job she'd quoted at $10K and did it for $2,000."You are the niche" and why the worst advice Jess and her friends ever got was to niche down, even when your many styles start to look like one person.Business cards nobody throws away from pretzel snack bags to a spinning-wheel-of-death plush with an NFC chip in its hand to a crayon-box matchbook for Adobe MAX.Whether you're still building a portfolio or you've been freelancing for twenty years, this one reminds you that the work you choose to show, and the jobs you choose to turn down, shape the career you end up with. Also, the cottage cheese has to be four percent. Jess was very clear about that. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Jess Goldsmith is a Brooklyn-raised, NYC-based illustrator, lettering artist, and creative entrepreneur who work...

Ep. 058 – Clinton Campbell of Studio MUTI – From T-Shirt Label to Global Studio, Scattergories, and Low-Ego Leadership

Oct 16, 2026 1 hr 11 min

Illustration is supposed to be a solo sport. One person, one style, one desk. So how does a studio at the bottom of Africa keep a whole team of illustrators working under one name for fifteen years without the egos getting in the way? In this episode, we talk with Clinton Campbell, co-founder and creative director of MUTI in Cape Town, South Africa. Clint tells us how MUTI grew out of a streetwear label he started with his brother, and why the early internet mattered so much when your clients are half a world away. Underneath it is a story about building a creative business that actually works, both financially and as a place talented people want to stay. Part studio tour, part cooking show, and part three people trying to talk over a very long internet delay (don't worry, we edited the delays out). In this episode, we talk about: How a streetwear label became MUTI and what those early years taught him about making creative work that also pays the bills.The rule that kept plants, toys, and photos off every desk at MUTI until a talented new illustrator brought in his wedding photo and the floodgates opened.Redesigning Scattergories, including the “just have fun” pitch he was surprised the client picked, and why so many classic brands keep getting redrawn.Why in-person conferences feel like the antidote to a design internet that has gotten more competitive, more critical, and more anxious about AI.The chef's presses a friend carried over from the States plus Christmas cards that arrive in July and Churchill, the internet-famous studio cat.Whether you run a studio, want to start one, or just like hearing how good creative places actually work, this one reminds us that the best teams run on trust, not rules. Even the rule about plants. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Clinton Campbell is an illustrator, creative director, and co-founder of MUTI, a creative studio in Cape Town, South Africa. He grew up in Durban, studied graphic design in Stellenbosch, and started MUTI in 2011 with Mi...

Ep. 057 – Matt Dawson – An Orange in the Door, a Cobain Jaguar, and the Freedom of a Day Job

Oct 9, 2026 1 hr 37 min

The dream we were all sold was going out on your own. Your own clients, your own hours, your name on the door. But what if freedom looks different once you've lived that dream for a while? In this episode, we talk with designer and CROP founder Matt Dawson about his first-ever CROP Field Trip to Cleveland, his guitars and records, and a band that sounds like Weezer and the Pixies had a baby. Underneath it is a bigger story. After seven years of running his own thing, Matt realized his priorities had changed. He wanted more time with his family, evenings that actually ended, and room to get excited about design again. He began to see that freedom can mean a lot of things. Sometimes it's your name on the door. Sometimes it's a steady in-house job, a team that logs off at five, and the choice to say yes only to the work you actually want. It is part gear talk, part record-store hang, and part permission slip to stop curating yourself. In this episode, we talk about: Choosing a day job on purpose after seven years on his own, and why real freedom turned out to be saying yes only to the work he actually wants.Letting go of the logo-only feed and how posting records and guitars has led to better conversations with clients.Taking a group of designers on a field trip to Cleveland including a behind-the-scenes tour with the Guardians creative team and what to do with 10,000 bobbleheads that came back not quite right.A Kurt Cobain Jaguar he hopes to be buried with plus Dustin's Strat versus Silver Sky showdown and why Fender picked now to defend the Strat shape.A mystery question from Jason Craig that ends with a hotel door, an orange, and a running text thread between two friends.Whether you're freelancing, in-house, or quietly wondering if your priorities have shifted, this one is a reminder that careers don't run in a straight line. As Matt puts it, you can't lay your career on tracing paper over somebody else's and expect it to match up. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Matt Dawson i...

Ep. 056 – Tom Froese – Finding the Why in Commercial Art, Overprints, the One-Brush Brush Pack

Oct 1, 2026 1 hr 57 min

Most of us were told the same thing. Make something every day, share it, and the people will come. But what happens when you do exactly that for years, the numbers stall, the platforms change the deal, and the thing you love starts to feel like homework for an algorithm? In this episode, we talk with illustrator, teacher, and author Tom Froese about building a very public career as a self-described introvert. It starts with camera presence and resting dad face, then turns into a bigger conversation about owning your audience, scaling back, and why any of us spend our lives making commercial art in the first place. It is part career audit, part wardrobe therapy, and part airport-gate conversation that wanders into ghosts, aliens, and faith. In this episode, we talk about: Why Tom is pulling everything under one roof after years of spreading himself across Skillshare, YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, Substack, and a podcast, and why every channel now has to point somewhere.Why he moved his daily drawing practice off Instagram and onto Substack to protect it, especially once the joy started to erode.Resting dad face, eyebrow pencils, and the plaid shirt uniform and why being on camera means playing a slightly stylized version of yourself.Why "if you build it, they will come" may not hold anymore including what Tom thinks actually works now, and Dustin's case for owning your list instead of renting an audience.Aliens, ghosts, and the spiritual realm and a candid conversation about faith, doubt, and doing your work for a reason bigger than money.Whether you draw every day, quietly wonder if social media is still worth it, or just want permission to make the one-brush version of your thing, this one comes back to a question Tom asks his own students. You're spending most of your adult life making commercial art. Why? ABOUT THE CREATIVE Tom Froese is an illustrator, teacher, and writer based in British Columbia, Canada. His work borrows from printmaking, with limited colors, o...

Ep. 055 – Chris DeLorenzo – Johnny Cupcakes, a 500-Foot Airport Mural, and Learning Everything Once

Sep 24, 2026 1 hr 45 min

Most people see a slackline, a motorcycle, or a recurve bow and think, “That’s not me.” Chris DeLorenzo sees the same things and signs up for lessons. He taught himself to slackline one summer. He has a motorcycle license he has never used. For a while, he wondered if he was quietly training for the apocalypse. In this episode, we talk with Chris about his years as lead designer and art director at Johnny Cupcakes, his move into illustration for places like The New York Times, and the 500-foot mural that now greets people flying into Boston. But the real conversation is about curiosity, what happens to it when life gets busier and more settled, and knowing when your work is already good enough to stand behind. It is part career history, part client-wrangling masterclass, and part three guys talking about French chore jackets for longer than anyone planned. In this episode, we talk about: Why you should ask a designer for all their working files and how digging through Clark Orr’s messy Illustrator files taught Chris more than any class.How Johnny Cupcakes kept everything limited and still made payroll, including the tiered system that split the collectors from people who just wanted a good shirt.Why the same drawing is worth more on a wall than on a T-shirt and how mocking up the work you want to do got Chris an email from The New York Times.The time Chris told Dustin the RetroSupply logo was better the first time and why a little confidence in the pitch can save everyone a round of revisions.Whether drawing flowers is a cop-out, especially when the thing people already find beautiful is the thing you keep coming back to.Whether you are a designer drifting toward illustration, an illustrator with too many hobbies, or someone who keeps saying “that’s not me,” this one is a good nudge. Curiosity is a practice. You are allowed to try the thing before you decide who you are. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Chris DeLorenzo is an illustrator based in Massachusetts, known for simple, b...

Ep. 054 – Van Berkemeyer – Design, Music, and the Empty Chase for the Next High

Sep 17, 2026 1 hr 59 min

Van Berkemeyer has built two separate creative careers: one as an illustrator and designer, one as a musician who's had real viral hits and industry attention. He says neither one ever actually felt like arriving. In this episode, Brad and Dustin talk with Van about growing up on a small farm in rural Texas, working as a cowboy on an Oklahoma ranch as a teenager, and building BerkMade, his illustration and design studio, alongside a music career as Van Andrew. The surface topic is juggling two creative disciplines. The real conversation is about something every working artist runs into eventually: chasing a peak, hitting it, and finding out it doesn't fix anything. It's part career retrospective, part cigar-lounge philosophy session, and part reminder that the goalpost never stops moving, no matter which craft you're chasing it in. In this episode, we talk about: Why success in one creative discipline doesn't transfer the lesson to the next, and how Van's found the same empty feeling chasing wins in both illustration and music.The shoe-shopping analogy for chasing achievement, and why finally getting the thing you wanted for years lasts about as long as a new pair of shoes.What's actually real about a creative's social media persona, and why the people who look most confident online are often the most different in person.Why "jack of all trades" doesn't have to mean master of none, and how Van thinks about splitting real creative capacity across two disciplines without feeling like he's failing at both.Aliens, ice walls, and why Van isn't (technically) a flat earther — a tangent Brad and Dustin promise is "a safe space."Whatever discipline you work in, this episode keeps circling back to the same question every working creative eventually asks: once you get the thing you thought you wanted, then what? Van's answer, four and a half years sober and building two careers instead of chasing one high, might be the most useful part of the whole conversation. ABOUT THE CREA...

Ep. 053 – Christian Helms – The 99-Pack, a McDonald's Broom, and Taking the Joke Seriously

Sep 10, 2026 1 hr 34 min

A 99-pack of beer sounds like a joke. It's about as tall as Shaq and weighs eighty pounds. When Christian Helms described it to his mom, she said she didn't get it. A few months later, she called to ask if he'd seen what Austin Beerworks did. In this episode, we talk with Christian Helms, founder and creative director of Helms Workshop in Austin, about the 99-pack, Howler Brothers, a week living with Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock, and a career built mostly on naive optimism. Underneath the stories is a bigger conversation. Why is the funniest idea in the room so often the most human one? Why do you have to understand something better than anyone before you can make it surprising? And why would he rather hire a great person than a great portfolio? It is part design history, part Southern storytelling, and part confession from a man with two giant wind chimes and a painted bunting at his feeder. In this episode, we talk about: Getting chased out of a McDonald's with a broom as a Pentagram intern, and why just being in the room while Michael Bierut presents is a master class.How the 99-pack actually happened including the rule he still works by: take the joke you make at the bar with the client and make it real the next day.Why creativity is a skill, not a gift and the Edward de Bono exercise that can turn a hospital logo into a vehicle.Why AI and focus groups pull you toward the same place especially when the whole point of a brand is to not look like everything else in the category.How years of Lyme disease finally broke his micromanaging habit and why he's hired the third-best portfolio in the stack more times than he can count.Whether you run a studio, work in one, or just want your ideas to stop looking like everyone else's, this one's worth your time. The weird idea is usually the right one. Someone just has to be brave enough to make it real. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Christian Helms is the founder and creative director of Helms Workshop, a branding agency in Austin, Texa...

Ep. 052 – Bill Gardner – Stolen Magic Secrets, a $20 Rock, and Branding for Machines

Sep 3, 2026 1 hr 6 min

There are thousands of magicians who can handle a deck of cards better than David Copperfield. There is one David Copperfield. Bill Gardner has a one-word answer for why, and it turns out to be the same word that explains why one designer’s work gets remembered and another’s gets filed. In this episode, we talk with Bill Gardner — founder of LogoLounge, owner of Gardner Design, and a man who put himself through college as a working magician — about story as the actual engine underneath branding. It opens with how he got into magic in the first place, and ends on whether we are about to start designing brands for AI agents instead of for people. It is part magic-shop origin story, part masterclass in selling design to a CFO, and part quiet argument that the thing you are selling has never really been the picture. In this episode, we talk about: How Bill actually got into magic and why he could only tell the story once the magician whose props he broke into had died.The $20 rock that named an investment firm and why he set it on the table in front of the client before saying anything about design.How to answer a CFO who wants you to prove ROI including why “no, I can’t guarantee that” is the right way to open.Meeting Saul Bass at twenty years old including the thing he discovered walking down that hallway that nobody had ever written down.What happens when AI agents become the audience for branding and whether we will have to design for human consumption and machine consumption at the same time.Whether you are trying to justify your rates, name a company, or work out what is left for human designers once the machines are the ones doing the looking, this is the same question coming at you from five directions. What are people actually buying when they buy design — and what makes any of it worth remembering? ABOUT THE CREATIVE Bill Gardner is the owner and creative director of Gardner Design in Wichita, Kansas, which he has been running since 1983. The studio does nothi...

Ep. 051 – Paul Lukes – Graffiti, Getting Clean, and Why Ugly Design Converts

Aug 28, 2026 1 hr 30 min

Designers spend their careers trying to make things beautiful. So what do you do when your boss tears up the polished sign you made for the tip jar, tells you to redo it in crayon, and the ugly one makes more money? In this episode, we talk with designer, artist, and reformed graffiti writer Paul Lukes about the road from painting the streets of San Francisco to a career built on craft, community, and a published ethics page. It is a conversation about addiction and recovery, about what graffiti and client work actually have in common, and about why the job is not to make something pretty but to make something that moves people. It is part recovery story, part street history, and part very practical argument for designing things that work. In this episode, we talk about: The frozen yogurt tip jar and why the ugliest sign in the shop was the one that made the most money.Getting clean after years of trying and relapsing including the ordinary moment in a meeting that finally stuck when nothing else had.How he pulled off his biggest street piece with a little help from the crack dealers working the same corner.Why he put an ethics page on his website and what it did to the kind of clients who reach out.The design influencer pile-ons and why he thinks recreational outrage has become America's new favorite pastime.Whether you came up in a scene you had to leave, or you are just tired of making pretty things that do not work, this one goes somewhere. It is about what you keep from the person you used to be, and what a creative career looks like once you stop trying to impress other designers. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Paul Lukes is a designer, artist, and retired graffiti writer based in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is a senior designer at Bonfire Effect and runs smART minds, the studio he shares with his wife, music journalist Kyle Eustice. His fine art pulls from found materials and street ephemera the way hip hop pulls from records, layering pieces of the past into something ne...

Ep. 050 – 50 Episodes, Over 40 Creatives, and the Equation We Never Meant to Find

Aug 21, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Fifty episodes and over forty interviews in, Brad and Dustin have heard just about every piece of advice a working creative can give. About half of it directly contradicts the other half. So they went back through a year of their own transcripts to find out what was actually true underneath all of it. In this episode, Brad and Dustin mark Creative Slash’s 50th episode by digging through their own interview archive for the patterns that kept repeating: the formula almost every guest fits without meaning to, the uncomfortable realization that most of the people they admire most are not secretly geniuses, and why sitting across from forty different creatives finally talked them down from their AI anxiety. It’s part victory lap, part debrief, and part two hosts realizing they’ve accidentally been running a longitudinal study on what actually makes a creative career work. In this episode, we talk about: The “unique value + consistency + adaptability” equation they didn’t set out to find, and why every guest fits it whether they know it or not.Why the show’s best advice always contradicts itself and why hearing two very successful people say the opposite thing is the most reassuring part of the whole show.The design influencer debate that split their own comment section and what it taught them about growth requiring you to give up the thing that made you successful.Why nobody they’ve interviewed is secretly a genius, and the “surface area” theory of staying in the game long enough for opportunity to find you.How their AI anxiety quietly changed over 50 episodes, and the “provenance” idea, with an assist from a stop-motion movie studio, that explains why.Whether you’ve listened since episode one or you’re just now hitting play, this one is less a highlight reel than an audit: the patterns that held up after a year of asking the same questions, and the ones neither of them expected to admit out loud. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” ema...

Ep. 049 – John Hendrix – Sandcastles, Doubt, and Why Your Calling Doesn't Have to Be Your Career

Aug 14, 2026 1 hr 22 min

Somewhere along the way we started assuming that the thing you were made to do and the thing that pays your bills are supposed to be the same thing. John Hendrix does not think that is true, and he has spent a twenty-year career and a whole graduate program arguing otherwise. In this episode, we talk with illustrator, author, and Washington University art professor John Hendrix about making work that is too weird for the church and too churchy for everyone else, why perseverance beats talent every single time, and what changes when you stop treating your art like a monument and start treating it like a sandcastle. John gets into his path from Marvel how-to books to Eisner-nominated graphic novels, the ten years that passed before his first book existed, why he thinks school is about community rather than skill, and the emails he still gets about drawing the Holy Ghost as a small blue cartoon. In this episode, we talk about: Why your calling might not be your career and why John thinks that is fine, freeing, and a great deal healthier than the alternative.Treating your work like sandcastles instead of monuments and what changes when you stop asking whether a drawing will outlive you.The ten years between art school and his first book and why perseverance, not talent, is what actually separates the people who make it.Being too weird for the church and too churchy for everyone else including the publisher who passed on his sketchbooks for seeming suspiciously sincere.Why “I have no idea” is a complete sentence and how doubt turned out to be a feature of his faith rather than a bug in it.Whether you are deep into a creative career, quietly wondering whether you picked the wrong one, or just trying to work out why twelve productive hours still ends with the feeling that you are behind, this conversation goes somewhere worth following. It is also the only episode where you will hear about losing a national fencing bout to a sixty-five-year-old Frenchman. ABOUT THE CREATIV...

Ep. 048 – Allan Peters, A$AP Rocky & the Design Influencer Dilemma

Aug 7, 2026 45 min

In this episode, Brad and Dustin dig into the recent Allan Peters and A$AP Rocky situation, but the real conversation goes much deeper. It turns into a bigger discussion about design influencers, public criticism, jealousy, visibility, client work, AI, and why there may not be one morally pure way to build a creative career anymore. It is part industry therapy session, part internet anthropology, and part two designers trying to figure out why everyone is suddenly so mad. In this episode, we talk about: The Allan Peters and A$AP Rocky situation and why sharing a private DM might be more complicated than it looked at first.Why “fixing” famous logos makes designers so angry even when the content is educational, entertaining, and clearly working.The tension between craft and visibility and why being great at design does not automatically make people pay attention to your work.What design influencers actually do for the industry including the uncomfortable possibility that they make human design more visible in an AI-heavy world.How jealousy sneaks into creative criticism especially when someone else’s version of success looks easier, louder, or less “earned” than yours.Whether you love design influencers, hate them, or quietly watch every logo breakdown while pretending you don’t care, this episode is about the bigger question underneath it all. What do we actually value in creative work now, and how do we decide what success is supposed to look like? Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everythin...

Ep. 047 - Emily Balsley - Murals, Community Art, and Making the World Weirder in Public

Jul 31, 2026 1 hr 33 min

Emily Balsley makes art feel like something that should spill out of your sketchbook and into the neighborhood. In this episode, we talk with illustrator, muralist, and community art instigator Emily Balsley about building a creative life around color, curiosity, local projects, and the kind of ideas that make people stop on a walk and think, “Wait, who made this?” Emily gets into her path from graphic design to illustration, why she stopped calling herself a designer, how neighborhood art projects became a natural part of her work, and what it feels like to keep making physical, human art in a world increasingly full of AI-generated everything. In this episode, we cover: How Emily went from designing Schwinn bikes to freelancing, rediscovering illustration, and finally feeling like she could call herself an illustratorWhy self-initiated projects, fake briefs, and portfolio experiments can help you build the work you want to be hired forHow Emily turns neighborhood block parties, fences, manhole covers, Halloween displays, and murals into real community artWhat it feels like when a client uses AI to generate an “Emily Balsley style” mural mockup before hiring the actual Emily BalsleyWhy baseball scorebooks, horror movies, local traditions, and tiny creative obsessions all feed the same bigger creative lifeABOUT THE CREATIVE Emily Balsley is an illustrator and muralist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work is colorful, playful, bold, and full of personality, showing up across murals, editorial work, products, community projects, and the occasional neighborhood Halloween spectacle. She is also deeply involved in local creative projects, from collaborative fence murals to block party art activities to the now infamous Haunting of Commonwealth. Website https://emilybalsley.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emilybluestar Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email...

Ep. 046 – Jason Craig – Cash Flow, Chicken Bones & Making Creative Work Actually Work

Jul 24, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Jason Craig is the type of guy you talk to about freelance work, and suddenly it feels like you’re seeing the whole thing in technicolor for the first time. This episode gets into the parts of freelancing people usually skip over. Cash flow. Repeat clients. Fast little projects that keep the lights on while the big projects take forever to approve. Jason also talks about why being easy to work with might be one of the most underrated skills in design. Talent matters, obviously, but so does trust, clarity, momentum, and not making every project feel like a hostage negotiation. And yes, this conversation also somehow includes the shopping cart etiquette conspiracy, stolen grapes, closeout mustard, murals, chicken bones, and the moral weight of paying someone else to fix your toilet. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: • Why steady cash flow matters more than waiting around for perfect projects. • How to turn small jobs into steady income that comes in year after year. • Why being easy to work with is a prerequisite to building a stable, low-stress business. • How personality, weird ideas, murals, merch, and community all become part of the work. If you freelance, run a studio, or feel stuck between taking every job and waiting for the dream one, this episode will feel painfully useful. ABOUT THE CREATIVE Jason Craig is a designer, illustrator, mural artist, and speaker based in Augusta, Georgia. His work spans branding, murals, merchandise, sports, restaurants, events, and plenty of strange creative side quests that somehow make perfect sense once Jason explains them. His big, kind, and authentic personality has made him a staple of conferences and talks across the country (and an essential merch stand stop). Visit Jason’s website Follow Jason on Instagram Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creati...

Ep. 045 — Dan Lee — Leaving the “Right” Career and Building a Creative Life

Jul 16, 2026 1 hr 41 min

In this week's episode, we talk with graphic designer, illustrator, lettering artist, and all-around creative entrepreneur Dan Lee. We've admired Dan's work for years. At Creative South 2026, we finally got to sit down with him, and we walked away struck by his optimism about the creative industry, his genuine love for other creatives, and his impeccable style (he was sporting a Westersen hat from Don Clark's western wear venture — see episode 28). Here's some of what we get into: How to leave a "safe" career without feeling like you wasted everything that came before it. Dan has a degree in chemical engineering, and his escape route is a masterclass in transitioning to work you love.The simple journaling practice Dan uses to turn vague creative ambitions into real projects and clear decisions.The tested secret to steady creative work. It depends less on constantly finding new clients and more on building relationships that make you the easy choice to come back to.The one habit that makes clients want to keep working with you. And no, it's not being cheaper, faster, or flashier.The Shopping Cart Problem. The strangely addictive debate we've been having with everyone about putting your cart back. We think it goes way deeper than shopping carts. You be the judge.It's a conversation about changing direction, finding your people, serving customers well, and building a creative career without waiting for permission — or following the supposedly correct sequence of steps. ABOUT DAN LEE Dan Lee is an artist, writer, illustrator, and designer specializing in hand lettering. A Philly kid now based in Sheridan, Wyoming, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering, then taught himself to draw words instead. He's the lead artist behind moto lifestyle brand Go Fast Don't Die, and he brings an engineer's eye for structure to compositions that run from four words to a hundred. Website Instagram Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the R...

Ep. 044 – Kate Smith – How Being Unmistakably Yourself Becomes a Creative Business

Jul 9, 2026 1 hr 38 min

This episode features artist, illustrator, greeting card designer, and licensing powerhouse Kate Smith on what happens when you stop trying to make work that looks “marketable” and start making work that sounds, feels, and thinks like you. Kate talks about building a creative business from her own weird little ideas, emotional instincts, funny phrases, and need to put more joy into the world. That deeply personal approach has turned into a massive licensing career, with her work selling millions of units at retail across cards, gifts, products, and major collections, including Target. But this conversation is not just about selling a lot of stuff. It’s about how personal work can slowly become financial stability, how licensing can create more freedom, and how building a business around your actual point of view can help you live more of the life you want instead of constantly chasing someone else’s version of success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why making work that is unmistakably yours is not just a creative luxury. Kate shares how her voice, humor, emotional honesty, and specific way of seeing the world became the foundation of a licensing career that could not have been built by copying what everyone else was doing.How licensing can turn personal work into long-term stability. Kate talks about landing dream retail opportunities, creating collections for major stores, and learning how repeated licensing wins can slowly build the kind of financial foundation that gives artists more room to live, travel, experiment, and choose.Why success still comes with a “what’s next?” problem. Even after major retail wins, Kate explains how easy it is to move the goalpost, judge yourself by today’s results, or forget to enjoy the thing you once desperately wanted.Why joyful art does not always come from a joyful place. Kate’s work often says the thing she needs to hear too, whether that’s “even the sun has its ups and downs” or some tiny phrase that makes life feel a litt...

Ep. 043 – Chris Piascik – The Accidental Illustrator and the Power of Making Work Every Day

Jun 28, 2026 1 hr 26 min

This episode features illustrator, author, YouTuber, and accidental Adobe Fresco evangelist Chris Piascik on building a creative career by staying weird, making a lot of work, and refusing to turn art into a fake polished performance. Chris gets into his 14-year daily drawing project, why YouTube changed his business more than Instagram ever did, how his new book The Accidental Illustrator came together, and why being honest about your process is more valuable than pretending everything is effortless. It’s funny, loose, and full of the kind of creative advice that only comes from someone who has spent decades making art, shipping projects, reading terrible comments, rollerblading aggressively, and somehow turning all of it into a real career. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why consistency doesn’t have to mean becoming a content robot. Chris talks about how his daily drawing project started as a simple structure to help him draw more, then slowly changed the entire direction of his career.How YouTube creates deeper relationships than faster, scroll-based platforms. Chris shares how his channel helped grow his shop, sell more work, and create a community that actually feels connected to him.Why leaning into your weirdness is not a branding gimmick. From punk flyers and old cartoons to strange characters, rollerblading, toy design, and Fresco tutorials, Chris shows how your odd little obsessions can become the most valuable part of your work.ABOUT CHRIS PIASCIK Chris Piascik is an illustrator, author, designer, and YouTuber known for his bold, funny, weird, character-driven work and his long-running daily drawing project. After drawing every day for 14 years, Chris built a career that spans illustration, lettering, products, online education, YouTube, and his new book The Accidental Illustrator. He’s also one of the clearest voices online for artists trying to make digital illustration feel more natural, honest, and fun, especially through his work with Adobe Fresco. V...

Ep. 042 - Brad Stoneking - Design, Deadtooth, and Why Real Creative Work Still Matters

Jun 18, 2026 1 hr 19 min

This episode features designer, artist, and Piedmont Brand Company founder Brad Stoneking on building a creative life that doesn't run on chasing algorithms, copying trends, or pretending every designer has to be an influencer. Brad gets into his work under the name Deadtooth, how personal art differs from professional design, why production work deserves more respect, and how years inside agencies set him up to run a small studio doing serious work for big brands. It's funny, blunt, occasionally unhinged, and packed with hard-won advice for designers trying to build something real. In this episode, you'll learn: Why visibility isn't the same as momentum (and why posting constantly doesn't build a career).Why print fundamentals and production skills still matter, especially when so many young designers learn software before craft.How Brad thinks about long-term clients and why the real work often starts after the logo, once you become the person they trust with everything else.About Brad Stoneking Brad is a designer, artist, and founder of Piedmont Brand Company, a small studio that helps brands move fast and make useful, well-built work. He also makes art as Deadtooth, where he gives himself room to go weirder, louder, and more personal than client work allows. With nearly three decades in design Brad brings a mix of craft, experience, humor, and a healthy distrust of anything that turns creative work into performance instead of practice. Visit Piedmont Brand Follow Piedmont Brand on Instagram Follow Deadtooth on Instagram Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and US...

Ep. 041 – Goodtype – Magic, Momentum & Building a Creative Business on Your Terms

Jun 11, 2026 1 hr 41 min

When we sat down with Ilana Griffo and Katie Johnson of Goodtype, we expected to talk about typography, online education, and what it’s like to run one of the most recognizable brands in the creative space. And we did. But there is so much good stuff underneath that. Funny, inspiring stories and philosophies that will change how you think about your creative business. In this episode, we talk about: How Goodtype grew from an inspiration account into a thriving creative business. Prioritizing what felt like it would bring joy, simple experiments, and the first hires that leveled up their work.Why chasing every platform, trend, and opportunity isn't good for anyone. Sometimes it feels like Goodtype is everywhere, but the secret is actually how Ilana and Katie learned to simplify.How to define success on your own terms. The phrase has become a little empty but these ladies are doing it by balancing ambition, fulfillment, and work that still feels magical after it becomes your job.Whether you’re just starting to build your creative business or in the messy middle, trying to figure out what to do, you'll love this episode. Get ready for a conversation full of laughs and a reminder that there isn't a right way to do it. ABOUT GOODTYPE Goodtype is a creative education platform, design studio, and global community for lettering artists, designers, and type enthusiasts. Led by Ilana Griffo and Katie Johnson, Goodtype provides courses, events, resources, and inspiration designed to help creatives build meaningful careers doing work they love. Follow Goodtype on Instagram Visit Goodtype online Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service stu...

Ep. 040 – Jeremy Slagle – Family, Creativity & Turning Interests Into Opportunities

Jun 4, 2026 1 hr 42 min

In this episode, we sit down with designer, illustrator, and longtime Creative South community member Jeremy Slagle to talk about building a creative career by following curiosity wherever it leads. From raising two graphic designers under the same roof to turning a pickleball obsession into real client work, Jeremy shares how some of the biggest opportunities in his career came from personal projects, side interests, and ideas that initially seemed too small to matter. We talk about the value of creative communities, why portfolios should be filled with real work instead of just class assignments, and how pursuing the things you're genuinely excited about can open doors that strategic career planning never could. Jeremy also shares his perspective on parenting creative kids, the lessons he's learned from more than three decades in design, and why showing people what you want to be hired for is still one of the most powerful career strategies available. Along the way, we discuss Creative South, remote work, building expertise through passion projects, and the surprising connection between pickleball and creative entrepreneurship. About Jeremy Slagle Jeremy Slagle is a designer, illustrator, and creative director with more than 30 years of experience helping brands tell their stories through thoughtful design and illustration. Based in Columbus, Ohio, he's also an avid pickleball player, longtime Creative South attendee, and passionate advocate for creative community, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Follow Jeremy on Instagram Check out Jeremy's website Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like...

Ep. 039 – Lenny Terenzi – The War I Didn’t Know I Was Fighting

May 28, 2026 1 hr 46 min

For years, Lenny Terenzi built the kind of creative life designers dream about. He ran a beloved studio and screen printing shop, taught workshops to hundreds of creatives, spoke at conferences around the country, helped build creative communities, and created work that genuinely impacted people’s careers and lives. And yet underneath all of it, he secretly felt like he was failing. In this episode, Lenny opens up about discovering later in life that he had been living with ADHD his entire adult life and didn't know it. Plus, how that realization completely reframed the way he viewed his career, relationships, burnout, creativity, and self-worth. “I was fighting a war that I never knew was declared on myself.” This sentence hit Brad and I hard (and I suspect it does a lot of our listeners as well). We talk about the hidden ways ADHD can show up in creative lives: unfinished ideas, difficulty crossing the finish line, tying your identity to your work, burnout disguised as laziness, and the exhausting cycle of feeling capable of more while never understanding why certain things feel so impossibly hard. But this conversation is also about an important reframe of how we define success. Lenny reflects on shutting down Hey Monkey (the studio and workshop space he spent years building) and why he no longer sees it as a failure simply because it didn’t become a forever business. Over the years, the studio taught hundreds of people how to screen print, launched careers, created friendships, inspired other studios, and gave people a place to belong creatively. And maybe that counts for something too. This episode is for anyone who has: Struggled with burnout or creative exhaustionWondered if they’re “lazy” or brokenTied too much of their identity to their workFelt ashamed of a business, project, or career pivotAlmost without knowing it, gauge success purely by revenue and profitIt’s an honest conversation about creativity, ego, reinvention, mental health, and learning that t...

Ep. 038 – Orlando Arocena (Mexifunk) – The Man Who Changed the Look of Vector

May 14, 2026 1 hr 45 min

In this episode, we sit down with legendary illustrator Orlando Arocena (Mexifunk) to talk about building a creative career by leaning into the things other people run away from. While most designers saw Adobe Illustrator as limiting for hyper-realistic illustration work or something to outsource, Orlando saw an opportunity. He spent decades pushing the software far beyond what people thought it could do. Eventually, he became known for his coveted work with major films, entertainment brands, and some of the most recognizable vector illustrations in the industry (lots of movie posters look Photoshopped, but they're actually vector, insane, I know). Along the way, we also dig into highly actionable insights like: Why specialization can become your biggest advantage The hidden opportunities inside unpopular tools What decades of creative work taught Orlando about standing out How to build a career around curiosity instead of trends And why “breaking the rules” sometimes just means paying closer attention than everyone else If you've ever wondered whether your weird interests, niche skills, or unconventional path could actually become your advantage, then buckle up because this episode is for you. (And yes… somehow we also start with colonoscopy stories.) ABOUT ORLANDO AROCENA (MEXIFUNK) Orlando Arocena is a Mexican-Cuban-American artist and creative strategist known for his bold, highly detailed vector artwork. A 13-time CLIO recipient and 2025 Emmy Award nominee, Orlando has worked across film, pop culture, gaming, and brand storytelling, bringing more than 30 years of creative experience to his distinctive style. Follow Orlando Arocena on Behance and on Instagram Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. B...

Ep. 037 – Creative South — Community, Creativity & Why Conferences Matter

May 8, 2026 1 hr 30 min

We spent the week talking with designers, illustrators, educators, and other creative professionals from across the country about why they keep coming back year after year, what makes Creative South different, and whether creative conferences are actually worth the investment. The conversations drift from creative burnout and imposter syndrome to bizarre conspiracy theories, typography pet peeves, client stories, and the weirdly specific things only designers care about. But underneath it all is a bigger conversation about community. Why creative work can feel isolating, and how getting in a room with other creative people can completely reset your perspective. Whether you attended Creative South this year, have always wanted to go, or have never been to a creative conference at all, this episode is a candid look at what these events really offer beyond the workshops and keynote talks. Because often, the most valuable part of a conference isn’t the speakers. It’s the conversations in the halls and late-night hangs. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Wooda...

Ep. 036 – Trust Design – Punching Above Your Weight as a Two-Person Studio

Apr 30, 2026 1 hr 47 min

In this episode, we sit down with Trust Design, a two-person studio run by Hannah Smith and Jesse MacKenzie, to talk about how they’ve built a reputation for delivering big-agency-level work—without becoming a big agency. They share how they stumbled into starting a studio (with no clear roadmap), why they rejected the idea that design has to be cutthroat, and how discovering the creative community completely changed their trajectory. We also dig into their philosophy of “punching above your weight.” What it actually looks like in practice, and why it has less to do with talent and more to do with care. Along the way, we talk about: Why most creatives underestimate how much presentation matters The hidden advantage of not acting like a traditional agency How to build trust with clients before you even start the project Why being “in-house in spirit” changes everything If you’ve ever felt like you’re too small to compete (or unsure how to stand out without a massive following) this episode is proof that you don’t need scale to do meaningful, high-level work. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/vi...

Ep. 035 – Mikey Burton – Staying Human in an Over-Optimized Creative Industry

Apr 23, 2026 1 hr 26 min

At some point in your creative career, the stakes shift. We go from just making stuff… to overthinking. Obsessing. Optimizing. And it sucks the the fun out of the entire thing. In this episode, we talk with illustrator and designer Mikey Burton about that shift. And honestly, it's refreshing, like talking to a design monk who makes everything feel like it's going to be okay. From editorial work on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver to building a career across studios, freelance, and printmaking, Mikey shares a perspective that cuts through a lot of the noise around “getting better” as a creative. We talk to Mikey about staying loose, staying human, and building a career without sanding off the parts that made your work interesting in the first place, including: The sweet spot. That moment before you fully “master” something is often where your best work lives Fight over-polishing. Why the final version is often worse than the sketch (and what gets lost in the process)Be more human. In a world of AI and optimization, why leaning into imperfection might be your biggest advantage.Sharing vs performing. How the shift from gatekeepers to social media changed what it means to “put work out there.” Careers aren’t linear. How timing, visibility, and just sticking around long enough still matter more than people admit Later in the episode, Mikey talks about everything from building a body of work over years (not weeks), to why printing in his “basement dungeon” keeps things grounded, to the strange reality of contributing to something culturally massive without it being your “purest” creative expression. Listen to this. By the time you're done you'll feel some fresh creative energy flowing through your spirit. Hey, check out Mikey Burton! View Mikey Burton's website here Follow Mikey Burton on Instagram here Buy his Pile O' Prints here (Brad and I did, and it's 100% pure awesome) Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click...

Ep. 034 – Jeff LoPilato – Values, Sustainability & Building a Creative Career That Actually Means Something

Apr 16, 2026 1 hr 23 min

What began as a personal shift toward plant-based living turned into a bigger question: what if your work could actually support the kind of world you want to live in? We talk to Jeff about building a values-driven creative career, plus a lot more, including: Bringing your beliefs into your work. How a personal lifestyle shift turned into a long-term creative choice that influenced clients and brought personal fulfillment (as opposed to just financial fulfillment).Redefine “sustainable”. Sustainable doesn't have to mean monk-like discipline. See why small businesses and imperfect efforts still matter more than people think.Niche without limiting yourself. You can build a values-based studio without boxing yourself into a tiny market. Jeff digs into practices that are fulfilling (without alienating your market).True growth inevitably takes time. Why meaningful careers are built slowly (even if social media makes it feel otherwise) Human work still matters. I think we all agree on this, but it's important to get different takes. Jeff shares why people will always value things made by people.Later in the episode, Jeff shares how his path from making Call of Duty graphics as a kid to running a purpose-driven studio was shaped less by a clear plan and more by following curiosity, interests, and a growing sense of responsibility. If you’ve ever felt torn between doing work that pays and work that actually matters, this conversation offers a more honest way to think about both. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling...

Ep. 033 – Tyler Pate – The Hidden System Behind Consistent Creative Growth

Apr 9, 2026 1 hr 34 min

In this episode, we talk with illustrator and designer Tyler Pate. He has worked with brands like Adobe, Wacom, and StickerApp, and he’s built his career through steady effort, a clear process, and years of showing up for the work. There are no shortcuts in Tyler’s story. It’s about making the work, getting better at it, and sticking with it long enough for that effort to add up, whether people notice right away or not. We talk with Tyler about how to build a creative practice that grows over time, along with topics like: Staying busy on purpose, and why the work you make now can lead to opportunities years later Sharing your process, how that builds trust, and why there doesn’t need to be any "secret sauce" Using a back catalog and simple systems to stay visible without burning yourself out Keeping things *simple*, and how limits in your tools, style, and thinking can lead to better work Later in the episode, Tyler talks about his path from a small town, where there wasn’t an obvious creative roadmap, to speaking at major events. He figured things out as he went, and in the process became the example he didn’t have when he was younger. Follow Tyler (AKA The Creative Pain) on Instagram Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what...

Ep. 032 – Shea O’Connor – One for Me, One for Them (Balancing Personal Work, Clients & Creative Growth)

Apr 1, 2026 1 hr 47 min

In this episode, we talk with illustrator Shea O’Connor about building a creative career that grows through personal work, community, and consistency over time. She shares how she approaches social media as a place to explore ideas and connect with people while building work that attracts the right opportunities. We get into how she balances personal projects with client work and how that balance shapes her creative direction and business, plus a lot more, including: “One for me, one for them.” How balancing passion projects with strategic work actually fuels growth Why social media works best when you treat it like a portfolio and not a popularity contest Building an engaged audience instead of chasing bigger numbers Creating work that attracts licensing deals, agents, and brand partnerships Why people can feel when you are trying too hard and how to avoid it Shea also talks about how her priorities have shifted as her career has grown. She focuses less on doing everything and more on doing the right things well. She shares how she is thinking about licensing and passive income as a way to grow without trading more time for money. If you have ever felt stuck between making what you love and making what sells, this conversation offers a clear and honest look at how those two things can support each other. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired b...

Ep. 031 – Rob Zilla – Sports, Systems & Making Your Own Luck in Creative Work

Mar 26, 2026 1 hr 22 min

In this episode, we talk with illustrator Rob Zilla, whose work spans pro sports teams, major brands, and a career built on discipline, adaptability, and doing the work (whether anyone’s watching or not). No shortcuts, no chasing trends. Just years of sharpening skills, building systems, and finding creative parallels in unexpected places (like sports, teaching, and even rejection). We talk to Rob about building a creative career that actually lasts, plus a lot more, including: Drills build skills. Why the boring reps are the real difference-maker for creatives Rejection is fuel. How to turn setbacks, limitations, and even spite into momentum Credit is currency. Why visibility matters just as much as the paycheck AI as a tool (not a crutch). Using it to communicate ideas without losing your edge Business over talent. Why knowing contracts and money matters more than perfect techniqueLater in the episode, we get into creative careers in the real world. We're talking contracts, net terms, getting paid, and why young artists should think twice about how they position themselves from day one. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing clients, frustrated by the system, or unsure how to turn your skills into something sustainable, this conversation offers a grounded (and honest) perspective on what actually works. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, t...

Ep. 030 – Chris Lee – Toys, Taste & Building a Creative Career Without Chasing Clients

Mar 19, 2026 1 hr 39 min

In this episode, we talk with illustrator and toy designer Chris Lee (AKA The Beast is Back), who built his career mostly through word of mouth and steady visibility. No cold emailing campaign, no hard sell, just years of getting better at what he does, following what genuinely interested him, and putting the work out where people could find it. We talk to Chris about making great work that you stand behind, plus tons more, including: His early obsession with toys, aquariums, and tiny made-up worlds turned into a real career. Advice people love to give creatives, especially "just make what you love," and where that starts to fall apart. Protecting the work you care about while still paying the bills.Later in the episode, we talk about physical products and why so many people want to skip straight to mass production. Chris explains why starting small usually makes more sense, both creatively and financially. If you've been doing all the usual things and still feel stuck chasing work, or you're trying to figure out how a personal obsession turns into a career, this conversation offers a different way to think about it. It's honest, practical, and a lot less polished than the usual creative-career advice, which is probably why it lands. Enjoy the episode, and if you love toys, nostalgia, and design, be sure to follow Chris Lee on Instagram. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSuppl...

Ep. 029 – Thomas Marnin (MarninSayor) – Toy Design, Donut Cats & The Magic of Their Pike Place Shop

Mar 12, 2026 1 hr 35 min

In this episode, we talk with Thomas Marnin, co-founder of MarninSayor, a toy shop inside Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The shop grew out of a passion for handcrafted toys and the nostalgia of classic donut shops. In this episode, we talk about: How a tiny pencil sketch and a handmade toy turned into a product they could actually sell.What it’s like building a handmade brand piece by piece. From sewing toys to designing packaging to creating a retail space inspired by the characters.Why Pike Place Market is such a unique place to start a creative business, and how its “meet the producer” philosophy helps small makers thrive. Practical lessons that come from turning a small creative experiment into something people genuinely want to buy.If you’ve ever tried to turn a side project into something real, or wondered how a simple creative idea slowly grows into a business, you're going to love this episode. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Ep. 028 – Don Clark (Invisible Creature) – Obsession, Risk & Starting Projects You’re Not “Ready” For

Feb 26, 2026 1 hr 28 min

What happens after you “make it”? This week, we sit down with Don Clark of Invisible Creature to talk about creative longevity, building brands from scratch, and why your obsession might be the only real compass you need. Here's some of the stuff we dig into: How Don built a 27-year studio career (without ever pitching for work)The tension between dreamer energy and financial realityWhy sometimes you need to start things you have “no business” startingThe punk rock DIY ethic behind his new Western apparel brand, Westersen.And what changes when you hit your “second mountain”Don shares how he turns curiosity into real products (toys, watches, pencils, apparel), how he sources partners when entering completely new industries, and why he believes great artists aren’t asking “where do I start?” They’re already obsessed. f you’re a designer or illustrator wondering whether you should finally start the thing you keep thinking about, whether you’re too old to pivot, or how to take creative risks without blowing up your life, this conversation is for you. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clar...

Ep. 027 – Dan Kuhlken of DKNG - Texture, Taste & The Business of Staying Creative

Feb 19, 2026 1 hr 21 min

A lot of creatives are feeling it right now: the market shifting, projects slowing down, the fear of asking “wait… is it just me?” causing a spiral into the anxiety void. This week, we're thrilled to get to talk to one of our heroes, Dan Kuhlken of DKNG. We'll dig into what it actually looks like to stay sharp (and sane) through years of creating, risk-taking, and what it's critical to let go of to move forward. We go way behind the curtain into the technical Illustrator work, the screen-printing mindset, and the less-glamorous reality of running a two-person studio that has to keep the lights on. We also talk about insecurity (yes, even legends struggle with it). the real kind. The “99 kind comments, 1 brutal comment, and now I’m questioning my whole identity” kind. Here are some of the most tasty nuggets to listen for: How Dan built a non-destructive letterpress tool in Illustrator using graphic styles + the appearance panel (and, yes, you can own it).“Gatekeeping is a choice” and why sharing process usually makes everyone better (don't hide your secret sauce, it ends up working against you).Dan’s take on insecurities, including envy and jealousy, and how to turn them into an energy drink for your creative soul (instead of letting it eat you alive).Why halftones/textures exist, and why Dan thinks design is as much about construction as looks.The delegation dilemma. What happens when growth starts requiring skills you didn’t need to build the thing in the first place.[Bonus Story] The Flight of the Conchords poster moment and the surreal full-circle “pinch me” of musicians collecting your work. If you’re an illustrator/designer trying to stay good through changing seasons or you’re deep in the “how do I make this look human?” Illustrator rabbit hole, hit that play button! And if you want more of the behind-the-scenes thinking like this, the Creative Slash newsletter is linked in the show notes. Get our five-part “Off the Record” email series. It's FREE and packed...

Ep. 026 – Brad & Dustin — The Clues Hiding in Your Obsessions

Feb 12, 2026 1 hr 35 min

This might be the most vulnerable episode we’ve done. If you’ve ever felt like you’re a strange mix of interests… and haven’t figured out how they’re supposed to fit together — this one’s for you. After 25 interviews, we realized something The real pattern in creative careers isn’t in portfolios. It’s in the weird stuff. So in this episode, it’s just us. We dig into our own obsessions. Magic tricks, antique hunting, grade-school nostalgia, expensive tools, and self-doubt. Then connect the dots we hadn’t fully connected before. Here's what we're digging into: The fifth-grade teacher who changed Brad’s lifeWhy not feeling “smart” shaped what he builtHow magic tricks led directly to RetroSupplyThe difference between curating a persona vs. being alignedWhy your hobbies might be clues (not distractions)If you’ve been trying to “find your thing” and it keeps feeling elusive, this conversation might shift how you see your own life. In fact, it was the catalyst behind our NEW 5-Part Off the Record Email Series. In the series, learn the creative philosophy, habits, and weird obsessions that quietly shape creative success, featuring industry experts like Aaron Draplin, Mary Kate McDevitt, Jen Hood, and more. Yes, take me to the 5-Part “Off the Record” Email Series Plus, we'll send you an email about every new Creative Slash episode including stories from the creatives, links to recommended resources, and products recommended by your favorite creatives. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from...

Ep. 025 – Nathan Yoder – Choosing Craft in a Rushed World

Feb 5, 2026 1 hr 45 min

We sat down with Nathan Yoder and, somehow, the chat immediately swerved past tools and trend-talk into the good stuff: craft, philosophy, faith, and how to make work you actually care about in a world that keeps yelling “faster.” Nathan’s an analog-first illustrator, but the real takeaway isn’t how he works, it’s why. He’s thought hard about what matters, what he wants to put into the world, and how to stay honest inside that… even while tech (and now AI) keeps rearranging the furniture. In this episode: Why analog still mattersHow philosophy shows up in the workAI: navigating it without spiralingSpeed vs. meaning (the eternal knife fight)Making choices that match your valuesIf you’re feeling weird/pissed about AI… tired of trend-chasing… or trying to hang onto the part of making that made you fall in love with it in the first place, this one’s for you. You’re allowed to slow down. Think deeply. Make the kind of work you can stand behind. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental)...

Ep. 024 – Travis Robertson – Taking More Swings Before You Feel Ready

Jan 29, 2026 1 hr 42 min

This episode caught me off guard. Travis Robertson has done things that are, honestly, a little intimidating. Not just successful creative intimidating but hey-I-watched-you-in-movies-as-a-kid intimidating. The kind of stuff that makes you wonder if you’re qualified to be in the room. So yeah, I was a little nervous. But less than a minute after meeting him, it felt like talking to an old buddy. And as we talked the cool stuff he's done Travis kept talking about how he just… tried things. He wanted to be in movies. He saw an ad in the back of the newspaper. Faxed in an audition (which already tells you how long ago this was). Months later, it worked. No sacred path. No years of training under a master. Just a willingness to take a swing. And once you hear that, you start seeing the pattern everywhere. Acting, fighting, and founding his own creative agency. Same underlying belief every time: This is figureoutable. What made this such a great conversation wasn't how impressive Travis is (although he definitely is impressive), it's how human he is about it. Self-deprecating. Curious. Not precious about his wins. Somewhere along the way, the intimidation faded and turned into permission. The big takeaway was: most of us don’t try enough stuff. Here’s some of what we talk about: Why trying things beats waiting to feel readyHow early wins quietly change what feels possibleLetting go of linear career storiesHiring for taste and curiosity (not perfect résumés)And yeah, we talk some about AI (is it even possible to avoid these days)If you’ve been telling yourself stories about who gets to do meaningful work, this episode is for you. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designe...

Ep.023 – Katie Kirk of Eight Hour Day – The Quiet Choices Behind a Studio That Endures

Jan 22, 2026 1 hr 20 min

Katie Kirk makes work that feels bright, generous, and deeply human. As one half of Eight Hour Day, she’s spent her career building a studio known for warmth, clarity, and work that quietly holds up over time. In this episode, we get an unusually grounded look at what it actually takes to sustain a small independent design studio. Katie talks candidly about how her relationship to creativity has changed, how life pressure reshapes the work, and why staying small was always the point. Here’s some of what we cover: How to build a small design studio that lasts (Eight Hour Day has just celebrated 20 years)Levers to bring in work when things are slowHow personal work quietly shapes future client opportunitiesSimple little things you can get today to help bring joy to your dayHow life, family, and creativity intersectSimple habits that support creativity when things feel heavyIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep making meaningful work without turning your career into your entire identity, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more sustainable way forward. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video...

Ep.022 – Dustin & Brad – The Great App Audit: What We’re Keeping, Quitting, and Can’t Live Without

Jan 15, 2026 1 hr 35 min

It’s a new year, and Brad and Dustin are taking inventory of their apps. In this no-fluff episode, they go deep into the creative, business, and life tools that actually made a difference in their workflows (and headspace) last year. From Adobe staples to surprise MVPs like CapCut and Headspace, they break down which apps earned their spot, which ones got the axe, and why some are just too good to quit. Expect real talk on controversial design tools, email marketing platforms, productivity stacks, and what happens when the tools start shaping the work. Whether you’re running a design business, shipping digital products, or trying to stay sane while doing both, this one’s for you. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Ep.021 - Dustin & Brad - The Creative Advice Audit: What Actually Works in 2026 (and What to Ignore)

Dec 19, 2025 1 hr 25 min

In this episode, Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard run an honest “advice audit” on the most popular guidance floating around the creative and digital creator world. We hit on ideas from people like Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Robert Greene, Alex Hormozi and other modern thought leaders. They sort through what’s genuinely useful, what’s overhyped, and what sounds inspiring but falls apart in real life when you’re juggling clients, deadlines, and a creative business. Along the way, they translate big ideas into practical habits you can actually carry into 2026 (so hopefully you’re not just consuming advice, you’re applying it). If you’re hungry for new ideas to bring into your creative work and business in 2026, you’ll almost definitely walk away with at least one author or creator whose advice makes you rethink your approach, sparks a new habit, or sends you down a rabbit hole (books, interviews, deeper work) that levels up your practice in a way you didn’t see coming. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and...

Ep.020 - Dustin & Brad - The Holiday Guilt Trip, Burnout, and Learning to Let Go

Dec 11, 2025 57 min

In this special holiday episode, co-hosts Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard sit down one-on-one to unpack the emotional chaos creatives face during the holiday season. From the thrill of hitting year-end sales goals to the creeping guilt of slowing down, they dig into the weird tension between hustle and rest. They talk goal-setting, holiday burnout, managing the “I should be working” voice in your head, and how to actually enjoy the quiet season without self-sabotage. If you’ve ever felt torn between finishing client work and making gingerbread cookies with your kids, this episode will hit home. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Ep.019 - Dave Arcade - The Illustrator Who Builds Worlds One Obsession at a Time

Dec 4, 2025 1 hr 55 min

Dave Arcade creates art that prompts viewers to pause and examine the landscape. It's the kind of work that invites repeated visits, revealing fresh details, small stories, and references to pop culture each time, all complemented by expertly executed craftsmanship. In this episode, we get an unusually honest look at how those worlds come together: from obsessing over the concept to over-engineering (and then pulling back) to self-doubt. And, finally, the satisfaction of turning ambitious ideas into reality. Dave shares how he builds complexity without losing soul, why reference and perspective are his quiet superpowers, and what happens when a commercial illustrator starts wondering where the “art” part actually begins. Here's some of the stuff we'll cover: A behind-the-scenes look at Dave's process. His detailed work can be overwhelming, but understanding his approach makes it clearer.The setup for Dave's personal arcade game system in his officeHow to strengthen your idea muscles until a simple prompt becomes a universeA sprinkling of actionable software techniques you can use in your work to get incredible resultsIf you’ve listened to podcast episodes in the past aiming to improve your own process and felt disappointed, this episode will provide value. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of...

Ep.018 – Scott Fuller – Lessons on Loyalty, Craft, and Clients Who Become Family

Nov 20, 2025 1 hr 45 min

What do world-class logo design, Junior Olympic table tennis, and a mythical quest for the perfect Boo-Berry cereal have in common? Only Scott Fuller could tie them all together and somehow make it all practical, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. In this episode, branding expert Scott Fuller lets us into his world: how he turns every client into a friend for life, why he’ll only trust barbers with beards “ten times better than his,”. We also get into the secret sauce behind how Scott instantly makes clients feel understood (sometimes in just a five-minute call). Along the way you'll hear: How to win a significantly higher percentage of clients (no salesy systems involved).How to increase your repeat customers (clients that come back over and over create consistent income and are the secret to longevity as a freelancer).How Scott builds trust faster than most designers send a proposal.Creative South memories that forged lifelong friendships.How to create iconic logos and branding by viewing the design process through a unique frame.If you’ve ever wondered how great creatives build bonds, find their people, or obsess over something as deeply as Scott obsesses over his beard… this episode is your new favorite. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to maj...

Ep.017 – Jason Carne – Funeral Homes, Metal Shows, and the Secrets of a 20 Year Career

Nov 13, 2025 1 hr 48 min

In this episode, we sit down with lettering artist and illustrator Jason Carne. From haunted Airbnbs to growing up in a funeral home, we cover a lot of ground. We also dig into how style and priorities shift over a 20-year creative career. Here’s what we get into: How to survive as a freelancer for the long haul. Yes, the feast-or-famine cycle is real. But Jason’s picked up a few tricks along the way.How to deal with horrible clients. One of Jason’s early clients requested Nazi art. Hear how he handled it (and walked away with a win).Why you should stop stressing about your career path. Jason shares what he focused on early in his career, how it made the work feel enjoyable, and why that mindset ultimately paid off.If you're starting your freelance journey, this one's for you. It’s like grabbing dinner with creative friends and getting the kind of advice that makes you feel grounded again. When you follow the work you love, things tend to fall into place. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire...

Ep.016 - The Real Risk Isn't What You Think

Nov 6, 2025 1 hr 6 min

In this episode, Brad and Dustin delve into the true meaning of risk and why most creatives have it completely wrong. From quitting safe jobs to launching businesses with no guarantees, they unpack what actually makes something risky. Brad shares the story of nearly getting knocked out of the game after a big risk went sideways, while Dustin breaks down how false safety in traditional jobs can quietly wreck your career. Stick around as they talk about risk mitigation, building a creative runway, and the underrated power of placing lot's of small bets. Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your job or just feeling stuck, this episode will shift how you think about risk, and maybe what’s actually holding you back. Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Ep.015 - Marisol Ortega - Plant Babies, Miniature Ceramics, and Embracing the Weird

Oct 30, 2025 1 hr 4 min

In this episode, Marisol Ortega joins Brad and Dustin to talk about embracing her cultural identity through bold color, designing for brands like Starbucks and Hallmark, and why she finally stopped toning herself down to fit in. They cover everything from her early days hustling Craigslist gigs to turning her home into a plant-filled, Pepto-pink creative sanctuary. Marisol shares how meeting other Mexican designers in the industry gave her permission to be herself. It’s a fun, honest conversation about staying weird, being collaborative, and creating work that actually feels like you. Enjoy! Marisol's Website: https://www.marisolortega.com/ Palma Entertainment: https://www.palmaentertainment.com/ Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Episode 014 - Why You're Not Getting Hired

Oct 24, 2025 1 hr 2 min

In this episode, Brad and Dustin talk through the frustrating gap between creative talent and actually getting hired. With over 250 applicants for a single RetroSupply role, Dustin shares his frustrations with finding the right hire and why even the most talented creatives are getting passed over. They break down real portfolio mistakes, the myth of “just being good,” and why a little bit of smart free work can set you apart in a crowded field. Stick around as they unpack what hiring managers are really looking for, how to stand out without selling out, and why clarity beats creativity when it comes to landing the gig. _____________________________________________________________________________ Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Ep.013 - Josh Emrich - Star Wars, Twinkie Costumes, and Creating Repeat Clients

Oct 16, 2025 1 hr 47 min

In this episode, Josh Emrich joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a thriving design career even without a portfolio, learning the government’s beer label rules when nobody asked him to, and why some of the best creative work happens when no one ever sees it. They dive into everything from Josh’s quiet-kid upbringing to obsessively modeling Star Wars ships with blinking LEDs and trench runs built into his walls. Josh shares stories about mascot disasters, hidden talents, and how he keeps clients around for 13+ years by actually caring about their business, not just the art. There’s childhood embarrassment, designer therapy, and the kind of advice that hits you right in the creative soul. Enjoy! Follow Joh Emrich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emrichoffice/ Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREE Click here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email series Note: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this. Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

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Ep. 062 – Anna Hurley – How to Become the Go-To Illustrator and Survive the Slow Seasons

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Podcast details

Created by: Brad Woodard and Dustin Lee
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 12, 2026
Episodes: 62
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 31 min
Explicit: Yes
Language: English

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