Mark It 2 Me

Host Joe Baron sits down with Cleveland muralist and illustrator Lisa Quine for a conversation about how she built a mural business that actually works and what she's doing now to get back to the creative work that fills her up. From landing the Cleveland Guardians to writing a book to designing a Phantom of the Opera cover, Lisa's career has never followed a straight line. That's kind of the point.What we cover:How Lisa went from chalkboards and lettering to 150+ murals and countingThe Cleveland Guardians mural trilogy — and how Progressive Insurance got involvedWhy she invested nearly five figures in SEO and how it's paying offHer approach to presenting one concept (and why it works)Balancing commercial work with the creative identity underneath itWhat makes a truly great art director or creative director to work withThe solo art show coming in November — A to Z, every letter a chapterRapid fire Questions: favorite books, paint markers, and more!Timestamps / Chapters0:00 — Intro1:52 — Lisa's reaction to the intro2:13 — The Third Cleveland Guardians mural5:25 — Balancing two brands in one mural8:18 — Painting a Cleveland Guardians mural than T-shirt9:05 — Throwing out the first pitch. Twice.11:31 — From chalkboards to murals: how it happened13:25 — Outdoor vs. office murals15:18 — How Lisa actually gets work19:04 — Staying current without chasing trends24:21 — Presenting one concept vs. multiple directions27:19 — What clients are like when they've never worked with a mural artist30:50 — What makes a great art director to work with33:47 — What people don't expect about painting murals38:04 — Smart business cards40:34 — Big Magic, ideas, and the cost of not executing43:26 — The Dreamy Castles deck of cards (still in progress)47:32 — Lisa Quine, published author of Vintage Hand Lettering51:44 — Designing the cover of Our Strange Duet for Andrew Lloyd Webber's team55:09 — ABC Around CLE: painting letters with Posca markers on canvas57:30 — Speaking at conferences and building authority (or not)1:01:15 — The November solo show: A to Z, the full story1:04:06 — Craft but Struggling1:06:11 — Rapid FireFollow UsLisa Quine is a Cleveland-based muralist, illustrator, and author known for bringing strategy, joy, and bold design to blank spaces. Named Best Artist in Cleveland in 2024, she's completed over 150 murals across the US and internationally, collaborated with brands including the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers, DoorDash, Meta, Mercedes-Benz, and the Holiday Inn, and authored Vintage Hand Lettering.Website: lisaquine.comInstagram: @lisaquineLinkedIn: Lisa QuineTikTok: @lisaquineJoe Baron - Creative Director of the design and marketing New York boutique agency Branded Baron and host of Mark It 2 Me• Website: brandedbaron.comInstagram: @brandedbaronMark It 2 Me Websitehttps://markit2me.com/

 In this episode, Joe Baron speaks directly to the listener and breaks down eight lessons gathered from Jalen Brunson's postseason, covering how confidence is built, what pressure is really telling you, why sacrifice is the strategy, and the 0-0 mindset that carried the Knicks to a championship. These lessons were there when Jalen Brunson walked into his post-game interview especially after Game 4 in the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. It wasn't about basketball. It was a leadership philosophy. Whether you're managing a team, running a creative business, or just trying to grow your career these principles apply. Brunson demonstrated every single one of them under the highest pressure possible. Here's what you can take from it. Topics covered:— Confidence comes from work ethic, not the moment— Pressure as a signal, not just a feeling— How the best leaders think about worst-case outcomes— Chasing wins over accolades— Sacrifice as a leadership strategy— Work ethic across roles and titles— Why doubters don't deserve your energy— The 0-0 mindset and what it looks like professionallyChapters0:00  —  Intro — A Leadership Manual, Not a Basketball Story0:33  —  Who Is Joe Baron / Branded Baron + Mark It 2 Me1:13  —  Setting the Scene2:12  —  Lesson 1: Confidence Comes From Your Work Ethic2:35  —  Lesson 2: Pressure Means You Stopped Preparing3:03  —  Lesson 3: Think About the Worst Outcome — Then Move On3:32  —  Lesson 4: Stop Chasing Accolades. Chase Wins.4:00  —  Lesson 5: Sacrifice for Your People Pays Off4:52  —  Lesson 6: Your Work Ethic Doesn't Change With Your Role5:17  —  Lesson 7: The Doubters Don't Deserve a Response5:53  —  Lesson 8: You Never Know What's Possible If You Keep Working6:46  —  The 0-0 Mindset7:29  —  Branded Baron Insight + Outro CONNECT WITH US:Connect with Joe Baron:BrandedBaron.comSign Up to the Newsletter:https://eepurl.com/iT2gyYMark It 2 Me Website:https://markit2me.com/Key Takeaways• Confidence is the byproduct of preparation• Pressure that paralyzes you is almost always a preparation problem.• The best leaders absorb friction, pass the credit, and take the blame. That's the job.• The 0-0 mindset means resetting after every win and every loss and only the next task exists.• Most creative careers stall not from lack of talent but from a premature stop. Keep chipping away.

Jason Frostholm is a graphic designer, educator, and former podcast host based in Mobile, Alabama. He did his undergrad at the University of South Alabama, went back for his master's during the pandemic, and spent several years teaching design full-time at a local Jesuit institution. His thesis focused on integrating business principles into design education — and it shows in how he structures his courses. He's worked in-house at an engineering firm, run a referral-based freelance practice, and attended Creative South (where he and Joe first crossed paths). He's still designing, still teaching, and still thinking hard about how to set the next generation of creatives up for the real thing.Guest Info & LinksWebsite: jasonfrostholm.comStudio: ildisdesign.comSocial: @jfrostholmChapter Timestamps00:00 Cold open — production work & the reality of design jobs00:15 Welcome to Mark It 2 Me + intro of Jason Frostholm01:13 What made Jason want to teach03:45 Teaching to each student differently06:22S ketching — paper vs. digital, and why it still matters10:44 Students as clients — why that framing is wrong13:27 Writing creative briefs (and making students write them)16:4 8What design schools are missing: the business side21:43 What new designers don't understand about the job23:59Being proactive, following up, and not waiting for work to appear29:27 Tools don't make the designer — the Canva debate33:50 Presenting work: why students hate it and how to fix it36:44 Production work, in-house reality, and entry-level truth39:27 Advice for landing your first design job42:27 Conferences, workshops, and always be learning43:57Rapid fire QuestionsNotable Quotes"Most design jobs out there are either production or in-house. Landing a huge client and becoming the next Draplin is few and far between."— Jason Frostholm"My job is to facilitate an environment where they can discover [their process] for themselves. There's no right or wrong process."— Jason FrostholmFind Jason at @jfrostholm on social and jasonfrostholm.com. His studio is at ildisdesign.com.Mark It 2 Me is hosted by Joe Baron of Branded Baron.BrandedBaron.comFollow the show, leave a review, and if this episode hit — share it with someone who's still in school or just starting out.

OverviewJason Carne has been doing lettering professionally for two decades. His client list reads like a mashup of a record store, a sports bar, and a spirits cabinet — and that range isn't accidental. It's the result of staying a student of lettering long after most people would've gotten comfortable. In this conversation, Jason and Joe get into how that career actually gets built: the early days doing hardcore merch, the pivot toward packaging and branding, the Stanley Cup project that came in during COVID and somehow still landed, and the ongoing challenge of positioning yourself without losing what makes your work yours.Key TakeawaysJason started in design through the NJ hardcore and metal scene ( making flyers, album art, and MySpace layouts for friends' bandsThe Stanley Cup project came through Fan Brandz (via a conference connection with Mike Sulik), got shelved when COVID hit, and was quietly approved once sports resumedWhen he works with big names (Harley-Davidson, NHL, Wu-Tang ) he's rarely talking directly to them. There's always a layer between. Know what you're claiming and how.Closer and Closer reps him; roughly 50% of his work comes through them, the rest directHe's currently repositioning his site to focus on two things: high-end spirits packaging and logo/branding workCarmel Type Co fonts (including Botanist, Railroad Company)The Lettering Library to preserve lettering and design from the past.His ideal art director gives some guardrails, then trusts the creative like the positive experience working with Joe BaronWhen work slows down: focus on personal work, fill gaps with less glamorous jobs, and reach back out to clients you already have relationships with"Give me some guardrails, but trust me enough to do my thing." - Jason Carne0:00 - Preview0:04- Intro1:19 - Influence of the Hardcore Scene on Design2:34 - Tom was everyone's 1st friend3:01 - Creative Challenges in High-Stake Projects4:12 - The Stanley Cup Project5:45 - Working with Smaller Agencies vs. Big Brands7:50 - Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations8:52 - Lettering is Easy12:52 - Relationships in the Creative Industry16:57 - Quality Work and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome19:45 - Client Needs vs. Personal Vision22:19 - Marketing Yourself as a designer25:10 - Art Representation28:26 - Navigating NDAs30:07 - Jason Carne's Type Foundry33:08 - The Business of Fonts35:57 - Preserving Design History with the Lettering Library40:02 - Art Directors nailing it like Joe Baron44:46 - Adapting to Slow Periods45:18 - Rapid Fire QuestionsConnect with UShttps://markit2me.com/Jason Carnehttp://jasoncarne.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncarneBehance: https://behance.net/jasoncarneJoe Baronhttps://www.brandedbaron.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandedbaron

Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo — Owner and CSO (Chief Sandwich Officer) of Deli Fresh Threads — joins Mark It 2 Me to talk about building a concept-driven apparel brand rooted in nostalgia, packaging experience, and real-world community.From launching KnightMare Apparel at the University of Central Florida in 1997 to founding Deli Fresh Threads in 2013, Biggie shares lessons learned from nearly three decades of entrepreneurship. He breaks down how turning a sandwich into a brand universe led to restaurant partnerships, monthly SandwichEatUp events, and a loyal following built through connection — not just content.We dive into:• Why packaging is marketing• The power of community over paid ads• Hard lessons in production and inventory• Expanding beyond parody into sports-inspired designs• Transparency in small brand building• What it really means to measure successThis episode isn’t about sandwiches, it’s about turning a product into a place.CONNECT WITH USGuest InfoAnthony "Biggie" BencomoWebsite: http://delifreshthreads.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/delifreshthreads/Host InfoJoe Baron Website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/Mark It 2 Me Website: http://markit2me.com/instagram -   / markit2me  

In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe Baron continues his discussion with logo designer, author, and Logo Geek founder Ian Paget.The episode picks up as Ian shares the thinking behind his book, including an overlooked intermediate step in the logo design process that helps clients better understand creative decisions. From there, the conversation expands into self-publishing, his Kickstarter experience, and the realities of using Amazon KDP.Joe and Ian also discuss design awards, industry trends, and why designers should focus less on gatekeeping and more on helping the next generation grow. The conversation ends with some fun conversation on pop culture and history as Ian discusses his fandom for Star Wars and meeting Mark Hamill as well as Stan Lee and moon walking astronaut Buzz Aldrin.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• The missing “intermediate step” in logo design• Why Ian wrote his book and what designers should take from it• Lessons from launching a Kickstarter campaign• Pros and cons of Amazon KDP and print-on-demand• Why community matters in creative careers• Thoughts on design awards and industry credibility• Easy hack to win design awards• The problem with “fixing” brand logos• Why sharing knowledge matters• Getting an autograph from Buzz Aldrin• What Mark Hamill is really like• What makes a good logo• Ian talks about his logos• Does it matter if you go to school for design0:00 - Preview0:10 - Intro0:46 - New Book and Presenting Concepts11:35 - Awards and how to win them20:21 - What makes a good logo - Logo Reviews32:42 - Ian talks about his logos39:53 - Not going to University for Design44:12 - 16 Year Old Me would learn AI Tools50:07 - Running a Science T-shirt Company52:31 - Moon Landings and Buzz Aldrin56:16 - Star Wars Fan59:31 - Meeting Stan Lee1:01:58 - Leaving a LegacyConnect with Ian PagetWebsite: https://logogeek.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/logogeekConnect with Joe Baron / Branded BaronWebsite: https://www.brandedbaron.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaronConnect with Mark It 2 Me PodcastWebsite: https://www.markit2me.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markit2meListen to Part 1If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 of this conversation where we discuss:Mental health in the creative industryThe reality behind “fixing” brand logosWhy creative block might not actually existThe importance of community

What does it actually take to build something meaningful as a creative without burning yourself out in the process?In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with logo designer, educator, and founder of Logo Geek, Ian Paget, to break down the early stages of his journey to building a respected platform within the design community.We talk about how he got started in graphic design, the realities of freelancing, and what it takes to stay consistent long enough to see real progress.A major part of this conversation also focuses on mental health. the pressure creatives face, the importance of work-life balance, and why taking care of yourself is just as important as developing your skills.Ian shares insights on overcoming creative block, why it’s often more about mindset than ability, and how building a supportive community can change the trajectory of your career.This isn’t a conversation about shortcuts or overnight success. It’s about the long game, building something sustainable, staying grounded, and creating work that actually lasts.If you’re a designer, freelancer, or creative trying to find clarity in your path while protecting your mental well-being, this episode will resonate.Connect with us:Ian PagetWebsite: https://logogeek.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logogeek/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianpaget/Joe BaronWebsite: https://www.brandedbaron.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandedbaronMark It 2 MeWebsite: https://markit2me.com/Instagram: instagram.com/markit2meIn This Episode, We Cover:Ian Paget’s journey into graphic designFrom warehouse job to building Logo GeekThe realities of freelance design and early career growthMental health in the creative industryWork-life balance and avoiding burnoutCreative block and why it’s often a mindset issueThe importance of community for designersStaying consistent and building something over timeAbout the PodcastMark It 2 Me explores how working creatives turn their work into brands, careers, and creative communities.

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Brianna Calero, founder of Pastel Creative and Fractional CMO, to unpack what real strategic marketing leadership actually looks like.We talk about the difference between visibility and authority, why most companies chase acquisition instead of retention, and how serving your “super fans” can build stronger revenue than chasing mass audiences.Brianna shares how she transitioned from wanting to be a pastry chef to becoming a growth engine for founders, how she approaches market intelligence before building strategy, and why she believes discernment is more profitable than hype.We also dive into marketing alignment, authenticity in business, and the mindset shift that separates sustainable growth from hustle culture.If you’re a founder, creative, or marketer trying to build authority instead of just traffic this conversation is for you.Guest InfoBrianna Calero - https://pastelcreative.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/pastel-creative/Host InfoJoe Baron - https://www.brandedbaron.com/Mark It 2 Me instagram - https://instagram.com/markit2me

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with New Jersey's Larry Krayn an attorney, street photographer, curator, and rapper known as IL Lusciato.Larry opens up about rediscovering his creative identity after building a legal career, releasing his album Life’s Legacy and A World Not For Everyone, and embracing the idea that none of us are one-dimensional.The conversation explores:Releasing music after 10+ years and overcoming self-doubtBalancing a professional career with creative passionThe rise of Newark as a cultural hubBuilding community through Grit GalleryBreaking through gatekeepers by creating your own platformWhy thinking like a beginner can elevate advanced creative workThe tension between art and algorithms in the social media eraThis episode is about confidence, proof of concept, creative resilience, and embracing all dimensions of who you are.Follow Larry Kraynhttps://www.instagram.com/xquisite_grit/http://youtube.com/il_lusciatoDon't forget to follow Joe Baronhttps://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/https://www.brandedbaron.com/Mark It 2 Me Podcast Instagram account - https://instagram.com/markit2me

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with designer, dad, and community builder Michael Smith, founder of Dadsigner, host of The Dadsigner Podcast, co-owner of R5 CoLab, and creator of two successfully crowdfunded children’s books.They dive into what it really means to build community, not just online, but in real life. Michael shares how a lonely coffee shop routine turned into launching a coworking space that prioritizes intentional connection. From setting clear expectations with a community handbook to fostering genuine engagement through pre-scheduled events, he explains why structure is essential to making culture work.The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and the mental tug-of-war creatives face between making meaningful work and monetizing everything. Michael opens up about:The importance of hiring an accountant earlyWhy crowdfunding is really a marketing tool in disguiseWhat surprised him most about launching on KickstarterHow personal creative projects can have value years laterWhy professional growth isn’t just about titles and promotionsThe tension between ambition and family presenceThey close with rapid-fire questions (including the official dad sneaker debate) and reflections on what it means to build something sustainable both in business and at home.This episode is about ownership, intention, and creating community that actually feels real.You can follow Michael Smith on Instagram, Threads, and Youtube at @dadsignerHis website: https://www.dadsigner.com/You can follow the Mark It 2 Me official instagram: @MarkIt2MeYou can follow Joe Baron specifically at @brandedbaronThe website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/

Joe Baron sits down with Creative Director and founder of the Artoholiks, Iquan Worthington, for a real conversation about creativity, leadership, ego, A.I., and long-term sustainability in the creative industry.Iquan breaks down why your full-time job should be treated like your biggest client, how setting boundaries protects your creativity, and why most designers misunderstand agency vs. in-house dynamics. He shares hard-earned lessons from building an agency, working inside a fast-growing Fintech company, and why "take all the work, figure it out later" isn't always what it seems.They also dive intoThe truth about designers "fixing" brandsWhy A.I. isn't your enemy and what actually isThe importance of ego management in creative leadershipCommunity building through flag football and art eventsWhy authenticity beats clout chasingPlus the return of the "Rapid Fire Questions" segment.You can follow Iquan Worthington athttps://www.everydayimdoodling.com/On his personal instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iquanwOn the Artoholiks instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theartoholiks/You can follow the Mark It 2 Me Podcast instagram at https://www.instagram.com/markit2me/Follow Joe Baron on instagram https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/And his creative agency website https://www.brandedbaron.com/

In this conversation, Joe Baron and Ryan Roghaar explore the evolution of Ryan's career from agency owner to consultant, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships over transactional networking. They discuss the significance of intentionality in networking, the concept of the '10-year overnight success,' and the balance between work and personal life. Ryan shares insights from his experiences in the music industry and the freelance landscape, highlighting how personal connections can lead to opportunities. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire questions, revealing Ryan's personality and preferences.

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Anderson Bluu to talk about the unexpected start of his creative career, how an injury during a kids’ game led him into art and design, and eventually to designing multiple sneaker exclusives with Foot Locker.We break down the full process behind the Foot Locker x Diadora Ice Cream Collection, from pitching the idea and designing during the pandemic to creative direction, lifestyle photography, fast timelines, and the in-store release.In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Anderson Bluu to talk about the unexpected start of his creative career, how an injury during a kids’ game led him into art and design, and eventually to designing multiple sneaker exclusives with Foot Locker.We break down the full process behind the Foot Locker x Diadora Ice Cream Collection, from pitching the idea and designing during the pandemic to creative direction, lifestyle photography, fast timelines, and the in-store release.0:00 - Intro2:28 - Injury & Artistic Exploration4:02 - The Rise of Art Prints5:31 - Foot Locker Collab7:20 - Designing the G.I. Joe Sneaker Collection9:12 - Working with Diadora Sneakers10:27 - Creating the Ice Cream Sneaker Collection12:44 - Production during the Pandemic14:20 - Marketing and Storytelling in Sneaker Design18:07 - Is Pinterest good or bad for artists28:36 - Creative Freedom and Challenges in Marketing Campaigns31:17 - Creating a lifestyle sneaker photoshoot37:50 - Washington Square Park Photos - The Good and bad41:39 - Finalizing the photos42:37 - The Pop-Up Shop at Foot Locker45:33 - Ice Cream Collection Feedback48:47 - Pitching a new design and what could have been51:32 - Advice for Aspiring Designers and Artists54:43 - Future Endeavors*CONNECT WITH US*Guest InfoAnderson BluuWebsite: https://bluudreams.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anderson_bluu/Host InfoJoe BaronWebsite: https://www.brandedbaron.com/Mark It 2 MeWebsite: http://markit2me.com/instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mark_it_2_me_podcastAffiliated LinksEvery creative needs to hydrate while working.Salty Water Electrolyte Drink - https://amzn.to/49jq4Q0More Creative Academy's founder Michael Janda's BooksCreative Business: Sanity Systems by Michael Janda - https://amzn.to/4cZwvsABurn Your Portfolio: Stuff they don't teach you in design school, but should - https://amzn.to/4tMoQ8kBuy Ian Paget's Book - Make A Living Designing Logos - https://amzn.to/42beylZBUY the Deli Fresh Threads Racing Tee discussed - https://delifreshthreads.com/products/deli-fresh-racing-tee