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

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 LEEDan 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 InstagramJoin 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