Ep. 002 - Redefining Success: What Creatives Learn Too Late

What We Thought We Wanted: Chasing Creative Goals, Awards, and FreedomIn this episode, Brad and Dustin get candid about the career goals they chased in their 20s. They talk about titles, awards, creative recognition, and how those ambitions evolved. You’ll hear stories about near-broke early careers, chasing mimetic desires (thanks, Wanting), the messy pursuit of “success,” and the quiet realization that a Coke tastes the same whether you’re rich or not. They also share how family, burnout, and unexpected wins like Skillshare courses shaped their career paths.Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking what matters, this one’s for anyone navigating the long game of creative life.Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREEClick here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email seriesNote: 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 WoodardBrad 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 WoodsDustin LeeDustin 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 RetroSupplyCreditsAudio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad WoodardIntro animation: Seth AustinIntro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström