Catt Small on Juggling Creative Projects, Staff Design, and “Procrastiworking”

from Imperfect Creatives · host Michael Carruthers

Catt Small is a staff designer who's figured out something most of us struggle with: how to juggle multiple creative projects without burning out. She's written a book, runs online courses, organizes conferences, develops games, and somehow manages to be intentional about where she puts her energy even with all of these competing interests.Also interesting is that Catt climbed to director level as a designer, then consciously stepped back into individual contributor work because she knew what gave her the most energy. We talk about how to build influence without a manager title, why validation matters before you commit hundreds of hours to a project, and how to say no to some projects so you can say yes to the right ones. Plus, practical advice on making the leap from senior to staff level and navigating workplace politics as an Individual Contributor (IC).This one's packed with insights for anyone trying to level up in their day job or figure out how to balance multiple creative projects alongside a demanding 9-5.Resources mentionedPre-order Catt's fantastic book "The Staff Designer" here: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/the-staff-designerCheckout Catt's websiteGame Devs of Color Expo (Sep 16–19, 2025)Catt's Staff Designer courseCatt's book choices: The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna and Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansMore from Imperfect CreativesSubscribe to the newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠imperfect.email⁠⁠The website:⁠⁠ imperfect.club⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ @imperfect.creatives⁠⁠⁠YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠@Imperfect_CreativesChapters(00:00): Intro(01:41): Catt's Early Programming Journey(03:31): From Web Dev to Graphic Design(06:05): Navigating Career Choices & Financial Realities(09:44): Evolving Relationship with Work & Side Projects(12:27): Balancing Multiple Projects & Avoiding Burnout(15:52): Saying No & Identity Beyond Projects(20:41): Handling External Perceptions & Self-Awareness(28:14): From Blog to Book(36:03): Staff vs. Management: Leadership & Influence(49:00): Building Influence as a Staff Designer(56:19): Game Devs of Color Expo(59:38): Resources & Final Takeaways

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 3, 2025

Embed this episode

Attribution link and audio player

NOW PLAYING

Catt Small on Juggling Creative Projects, Staff Design, and “Procrastiworking”

0:00 1:04:09

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

Trust The Grind Steve Ecker & Alec Martucci Trust The Grind explores how creatives, athletes, and business owners discovered their path to a more authentic and meaningful life. Each interview takes a close look into how these leaders overcame obstacles to pursue their calling, manage the daily grind, and make the most out of every day. Explicit Outside By Design WHEELIE This is sort of a business podcast, but it’s really about interesting people who have designed their lives to thrive outside of the corporate box we’ve been put into. This one is for the rebels, the creatives, and the reluctant leaders. This is for people who dare to live + think outside, by design. Grab a helmet and buckle your boots because we get deep.The host: My name is Lisa Slagle, and I’m a creative director, writer, and human woman dedicated to having as much fun as possible while creating meaningful, impactful work along the way. I love talking to people, asking big, existential questions, and exploring the intersection of storytelling and culture. For the last 14 years, I’ve owned a creative agency called WHEELIE, which I started from a clapped-out laptop and some soggy business cards that I used to hand out on chairlifts. It grew into a thriving company full of awesome humans, and I’ve gotten to meet and work with thousands of amazing creatives, marketing teams, VPs, CEOs, Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Imperfect Creatives?

This episode is 1 hour and 4 minutes long.

When was this Imperfect Creatives episode published?

This episode was published on September 3, 2025.

Can I download this Imperfect Creatives episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.

URL copied to clipboard!