Episode 293 - Zuza Hicks - Brand Designer - Nicely Made Studio - Sacramento CA

Sacramento-based brand identity designer Zuza Hicks of Nicely Made Studio joins Dave for a conversation about personality-driven branding, the unexpected lessons of leading a creative team, and why print is having a serious moment. Zuza brings a genuinely unique perspective to design. She's largely self-taught, holds a master's degree in social policy and journalism, and draws on her life between the US and Poland to create deeply symbolic, character-driven brand work. In this episode: -How the Polish Poster School (1950s-80s) still influences design today and what it teaches us about symbolism and working within constraints -How US and Polish design cultures differ and why historical context shapes visual identity in ways most designers never consider -What Liquid Death gets right about personality-driven branding and why being polarizing is actually the point -The hard lessons Zuza learned stepping into an art director role and why great designers don't always make natural managers -A branding project that went sideways and what it taught her about clear communication, avoiding assumptions, and having difficult conversations with clients -The resurgence of print, why tangible media carries more trust than digital Links mentioned: Polish Poster School Umanos, Seattle-based sustainable hair and body care brand Pantuniestal, Polish clothing brand with standout cultural storytelling  Sagi Haviv's logo design class on Domestika Connect with Zuza: Instagram: @nicelymadestudioWebsite: nicelymade.studio