Skip to content
Rule of Thirds podcast artwork

Rule of Thirds

by Rule of Thirds

Welcome to Rule of Thirds, where we have conversations about art, design, and culture, brought to you by three graphic designers: Berns, Mike, and Jude.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Feb 5, 2025. Source feed.

Subscribe Bookmark

Episodes

  1. Reflecting on Four Years Before our Talk at the V&A

    With their talk at the Victoria and Albert Museum around the corner Berns, Mike and Jude return after a 6 month hiatus to reflect on the past four years of becoming rule* of thirds. Discussing their journey with the podcast, new changes and their careers as graphic designers who have become...

  2. We Designed Daily for 30 Days...

    Berns, Mike and Jude reflect on their 30 Day Design Challenge and share their experiences (12:40), talk about artists appropriating Basquiat and the relationship popular modern artists have with popular culture (29:30). They also discuss the toxic dynamics between hypercritical audiences and the...

  3. Define 'Black British'

    As Black History Month comes to a close the guys reflect on some of the events they've attended to celebrate the month (03:10), why some professionals/artists may not like to label themselves as a "Black professionals/artists" (11:30), DJ AG and the resurgence of Grime culture (22:20) and what it...

  4. Black Art & Activism

    In today's episode, we speak about the relationship between Black Art & Activism and what role this plays in society today!

  5. Preserving Culture Through Archiving

    The art of archiving memories through visual and audio formats is important to preserving culture. We speak about this and more in today's episode of the Rule of Thirds!

  6. More Collaboration, Less Ego

    It's October which means Black History Month is here in the UK. The guys highlight some of the great things happening with Black British arts and media and also think about what the culture needs to continue pushing things forward. The 30 Day Challenge is underway, you can join at anytime for the...

  7. How Are Your Boundaries?

    This week Berns brings up a question from a recent video shared by filmmaker and YouTuber Nneka Julia. "How are you navigating boundaries this season?"Video from Nneka Julia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjNF_WZtBqM For more subscribe and follow us on: Instagram:...

  8. What Creative Season Are You In?

    This week, the guys open up about where they feel they are in their creative journeys. Are they on the brink of an exciting new chapter, or grinding it out in the trenches of their current season? They explore the challenges, the triumphs, and what it truly means to embrace the season you're in....

  9. Are You Intentional With Your Art?

    Are you creating just for the sake of it, or is there a deeper meaning driving your art? In today’s culture, many creatives wrestle with the balance between artistic intention and the pressure to make money. Is your art rooted in purpose, or is profit the driving force? We discuss this and more…

    more
  10. Creatives & Self-Sabotage

    The age-old battle between creativity and self-sabotage... You have this amazing idea, but somehow, you've convinced yourself that you're not ready. Maybe you think you don't have the right resources or that the timing isn't perfect—sound familiar? We've all been there. In today's episode, we're...

  11. Slave Who?

    Yeah, you're probably reading the title, like what's going on ere? Well, this week, Mike took a trip to the theatre with our friend Obehi to watch a rather 'interesting' play—more on that in the episode! We also discuss the launch of a clothing brand with a controversial name, one that would…

    more
  12. Deadpool, Wolverine, Eastenders and...Scousers?

    Another week and another chaotic conversation. Before hitting up a BBQ the lads discuss their thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine and their thoughts on the MCU at the moment and shows that they are watching where Jude shares that he has never seen Eastenders? Insane.

  13. We Can't Afford To Have Hobbies?

    This week, the guys return with another chaotic episode! Jude vents his frustrations with "playing the game," and the crew dives into their thoughts on the rat race and the impact of capitalism. They discuss how artists like Kanye and Beyoncé, along with influencers, have mastered the system. The...

  14. Money Changes Your Values?

    In this week's episode, the boys dive into a bit of politics and discuss the optics around President Biden dropping out of the presidential Race, as well as his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris (09:10), The global regression of values and the rise of nationalism around the world…

    more
  15. Many Men: How Optics Shape Opinions?

    This week, we're diving into how optics shape reality in media and politics. We chat about the wild attempted assassination on Donald Trump and how this event's reception impacted Trump's optics compared to his rival, President Biden, who’s been struggling in the polls due to his debate...

  16. Supacell: A New Black Narrative?

    Remember 2020, when we all suddenly realized racism was real, and companies everywhere started making big promises to be better? All those pledges, funds and activations to help level the playing field. Well thanks to moments like Black Out Tuesday and the global outcry post George Floyd, we've...

  17. Not Like Us

    MUSTARD ON THE BEAT HO! Since the Kendrick and Drake beef happened when the guys were off air, the discussion comes up after Kendrick performed at Kenny & Friends on Juneteenth. The guys chat about lyrics, talk about new habits like going to the gym and share a new segment on the podcast,...

  18. The Role of Art In Injustice

    Welcome to Season 4! The boys return after an almost seven-month hiatus, reflecting on their time away and discussing the pressing issues currently shaping the world. With numerous elections occurring globally and the rise of far-right ideologies in the West and Africa, the conversation veers…

    more
  19. Our 2023 Reflections | Daily Doses

    It's that time again... The boys reflect on their year as we come to the end of 2023, with reflections and hopes for 2024! Whatever your year has looked like, we hope this episode provides you with a dose of inspiration! Rule of Thirds returns in 2024, we hope you enjoy the holiday season!...

  20. Beyoncé! A Thief???

    As news of Hajime Sorayama calling out Beyoncé for copying his work spreads, the guys explore the question of what the difference between inspiration and stealing is. Topics explored. - Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign's album Vultures - Hajime Sorayama noting his work being copied for Beyonce's...

  21. “Dealing With Creative Burnout” | Daily Doses

    Welcome to our first episode of Daily Doses, a series of bitesize episodes from your favourite design gentlemen! We extend the conversation further from Episode 70 and discuss how to deal with creative burnout! If you are enjoying this episode, make sure to give it a like - it goes a long way!...

  22. "Creative Burnout"

    *no video episode this week* In this episode, the boys reminisce on their week and talk extensively about creative burnouts.

  23. The Secret Behind Creative Communities

    In this episode, we talk about the essence of building creative communities! How to make, maintain and lose them! If you are enjoying this episode, make sure to give it a like - it goes a long way! Haven't followed us? Go on... 😉 Follow us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod Tik…

    more
  24. No More Design Contests In 2024!

    In this episode, we reflect on our year creatively and talk about things we should leave behind in 2023! Follow us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@ruleofthirdspod Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/ruleofthirdspod

  25. How To Make Money As A Creative?

    In this episode, we talk about the realities of pricing as a creative and how clients should approach creative. We also have a conversation about potential red flags when working with clients! Follow us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@ruleofthirdspod...

  26. Qualified or Just Delusional?

    In this episode, we talk about the balance between faking it till you make it and being qualified, and if being delusional might be to the benefit or detriment of a creative. Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠ instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod Tik Tok: ⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@ruleofthirdsp... Twitter: ⁠⁠...

  27. Why Your Favourite Artist Hasn't Released Music Yet

    This week the boys theorise why your favourite artist probably isn't releasing anything new at the moment which leads into a deeper discussion of hoarding as creatives. Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠ instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod Tik Tok: ⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@ruleofthirdspod⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠...

  28. No one can critique Black Art?!

    In this episode, the boys talk about critique black art, the social repercussions and how commercialism and competition has black art in a chokehold in order to feel accepted. Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod/⁠⁠ Tik Tok:...

  29. Another Boring Black History Month?

    Happy Black History Month! In this episode we discuss our thoughts on this special month, ways we can be more intentional as a community and much more! Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod/⁠ Tik Tok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ruleofthirdspod⁠ Twitter:...

  30. Would You Put Tattoos On A Baby?

    In this episode, the boys talk about Apple TV’s slow but steady takeover in the streaming game with its content which leads to Berns asking about if our design is sustainable and can stand the test of time Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruleofthirdspod/⁠ Tik Tok:...

  31. We Have Some News To Share…

    So the boys are finally back! After a long hiatus and well earned rest, in the words of Bryson Tiller, we are back and we are better with Season 3 In this episode, the boys give us an overview of what they have been up to during their break, and what the rest of the year is looking like, as well…

    more
  32. One Amor Time Ft. davecreates

    In our last episode of season two, we are joined by the incredible artist that is, davecreates! We also discuss his album, Amor! See you in 2023 and thank you for your support ❤️

  33. Is Religion Killing Creativity?

    Religion and Creativity has had a complex history over many generations. We discuss the influence that the church has had on creativity and the implications that it has had on the creative scene.

  34. This Is What We Mean

    It’s been a while! But we are back - we catch up on Stormzy’s third studio album, “This Is What I Mean” and discuss the release of the greatly anticipated, Black Panther 2.

  35. "My Productivity Has Never Been The Same"

    Okay, be honest with yourself - how are your current levels of productivity, right now? Is it on the trajectory to a better or a regretful you? We discuss productivity and the practical tools to improve it!

  36. “Does Culture Cost 99p?”

    In today’s episode, we discuss the currency of culture and money. We also look at the rise of the streetwear brand, Corteiz.

  37. Yeah … Just Cancel Black History Month

    From our favourite songs to our thoughts on Black History Month or Black British Future Month - find out our thoughts on today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds.

  38. “My First Salary Was £20K”

    Is it possible for designers to make a really good level of income? We discuss this and more in today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds.

  39. Grand Toilet Designs

    From Grand Studio Designs to Toilet Designs, we discuss it all in today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds!

  40. Obehi Made Me Do It Ft. Obehi Ejele

    Rule of Four? We are joined by long time fan, Obehi. Disclaimer, he mashed up Jude’s mic - hence, why you wont hear him for the first 40 minutes of the episode! But you’re going to enjoy this one!

  41. Where Is My Remuneration?!

    Have you experienced being chased by a client for deliverables on a project or chasing clients to pay the invoice? We can relate too. We also speak about the rise of influencers functioning as creative directors and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Enjoy this episode and don't forget to share…

    more
  42. Nifty Fifty

    FIFTY EPISODES! We want to say a massive thanks to everyone that's tuned into one episode, a couple or all 50. We couldn't have got this far without you. This week we reflect over the past 50 episodes, where we were when we started and share some exciting news for the future. Welcome to the Rule…

    more
  43. “I Don’t Want To Think In The Cinema?”

    Do you enjoy films with hidden messages which require deep research and a deep dive through Reddit threads? Well…you’re in luck! The boys went to the cinema to watch NOPE, we discuss this and much more on today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds. Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to give us a review…

    more
  44. The Pressure is Getting WORSER

    In today’s episode, we catch up about life and delve into a discussion about the pressure of being a creative, establishing confidence and figuring out our retirement plan.

  45. A Conversation with Nwaka Okparaeke

    In today’s episode, we are joined by the living legend, Nwaka Okparaeke. We discuss her roots as a visual artist, projects, recognition and so much more. She’s been nominated for photographer of the year at the GUAP Gala, so vote for her now at GUAPGALA.COM

  46. The Creative Manipulator

    Manipulation comes in different forms but often we can forget that creatives can be the biggest manipulators. Disagree or Agree? We'd love to hear your thoughts via social media (@ruleofthirdspod on both Instagram and Twitter) or email ([email protected]). We hope you enjoy this episode!

  47. “A Black Mona Lisa?”

    What is the crossroad between politics and art and how does it shape the thoughts of our society? We discuss this and so much more in today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds.

  48. Little Miss Gatekeep

    Will there ever be an award show that truly reflects its values? Do you have all the creative resources but no work to show for it? Find out this and more in today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds.

  49. “Vecna Has A Ghanaian Headshape”

    In today’s episode of the Rule of Thirds, we dissect the latest season of Stranger Things, the influence of Kate Bush, the importance of preserving detail and so much more. We hope you’re enjoying and staying safe this summer - stay hydrated kids!

  50. A New Chapter!

    In today’s episode, we celebrate Michael’s birthday and he reflects on his goals for the year ahead. We also speak about portfolios, perfectionism and side hustles - enjoy!

About this show

Welcome to Rule of Thirds, where we have conversations about art, design, and culture, brought to you by three graphic designers: Berns, Mike, and Jude.

Hosted by

Rule of Thirds

Categories

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Rule of Thirds have?

Rule of Thirds has 90 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on May 24, 2025.

What is Rule of Thirds about?

Welcome to Rule of Thirds, where we have conversations about art, design, and culture, brought to you by three graphic designers: Berns, Mike, and Jude.

How often does Rule of Thirds release new episodes?

Rule of Thirds publishes every two weeks, based on its 90 episodes since February 2021.

Who hosts Rule of Thirds?

Rule of Thirds is created and hosted by Rule of Thirds.
Link copied