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

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 somethingThe 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 SeriesPlus, 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 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