Creative Slash

In this episode, we sit down with Trust Design, a two-person studio run by Hannah Smith and Jesse MacKenzie, to talk about how they’ve built a reputation for delivering big-agency-level work—without becoming a big agency.They share how they stumbled into starting a studio (with no clear roadmap), why they rejected the idea that design has to be cutthroat, and how discovering the creative community completely changed their trajectory. We also dig into their philosophy of “punching above your weight.” What it actually looks like in practice, and why it has less to do with talent and more to do with care. Along the way, we talk about: Why most creatives underestimate how much presentation matters  The hidden advantage of not acting like a traditional agency  How to build trust with clients before you even start the project  Why being “in-house in spirit” changes everything If you’ve ever felt like you’re too small to compete (or unsure how to stand out without a massive following) this episode is proof that you don’t need scale to do meaningful, high-level work.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

At some point in your creative career, the stakes shift.We go from just making stuff… to overthinking. Obsessing. Optimizing. And it sucks the the fun out of the entire thing.In this episode, we talk with illustrator and designer Mikey Burton about that shift. And honestly, it's refreshing, like talking to a design monk who makes everything feel like it's going to be okay.From editorial work on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver to building a career across studios, freelance, and printmaking, Mikey shares a perspective that cuts through a lot of the noise around “getting better” as a creative.We talk to Mikey about staying loose, staying human, and building a career without sanding off the parts that made your work interesting in the first place, including:The sweet spot. That moment before you fully “master” something is often where your best work lives Fight over-polishing. Why the final version is often worse than the sketch (and what gets lost in the process)Be more human. In a world of AI and optimization, why leaning into imperfection might be your biggest advantage.Sharing vs performing. How the shift from gatekeepers to social media changed what it means to “put work out there.” Careers aren’t linear. How timing, visibility, and just sticking around long enough still matter more than people admit Later in the episode, Mikey talks about everything from building a body of work over years (not weeks), to why printing in his “basement dungeon” keeps things grounded, to the strange reality of contributing to something culturally massive without it being your “purest” creative expression. Listen to this. By the time you're done you'll feel some fresh creative energy flowing through your spirit.Hey, check out Mikey Burton!View Mikey Burton's website hereFollow Mikey Burton on Instagram hereBuy his Pile O' Prints here (Brad and I did, and it's 100% pure awesome)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

What began as a personal shift toward plant-based living turned into a bigger question: what if your work could actually support the kind of world you want to live in?We talk to Jeff about building a values-driven creative career, plus a lot more, including:Bringing your beliefs into your work. How a personal lifestyle shift turned into a long-term creative choice that influenced clients and brought personal fulfillment (as opposed to just financial fulfillment).Redefine “sustainable”. Sustainable doesn't have to mean monk-like discipline. See why small businesses and imperfect efforts still matter more than people think.Niche without limiting yourself. You can build a values-based studio without boxing yourself into a tiny market. Jeff digs into practices that are fulfilling (without alienating your market).True growth inevitably takes time. Why meaningful careers are built slowly (even if social media makes it feel otherwise) Human work still matters. I think we all agree on this, but it's important to get different takes. Jeff shares why people will always value things made by people.Later in the episode, Jeff shares how his path from making Call of Duty graphics as a kid to running a purpose-driven studio was shaped less by a clear plan and more by following curiosity, interests, and a growing sense of responsibility. If you’ve ever felt torn between doing work that pays and work that actually matters, this conversation offers a more honest way to think about both.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

In this episode, we talk with illustrator and designer Tyler Pate. He has worked with brands like Adobe, Wacom, and StickerApp, and he’s built his career through steady effort, a clear process, and years of showing up for the work.There are no shortcuts in Tyler’s story. It’s about making the work, getting better at it, and sticking with it long enough for that effort to add up, whether people notice right away or not.We talk with Tyler about how to build a creative practice that grows over time, along with topics like:Staying busy on purpose, and why the work you make now can lead to opportunities years later Sharing your process, how that builds trust, and why there doesn’t need to be any "secret sauce" Using a back catalog and simple systems to stay visible without burning yourself out Keeping things *simple*, and how limits in your tools, style, and thinking can lead to better work Later in the episode, Tyler talks about his path from a small town, where there wasn’t an obvious creative roadmap, to speaking at major events. He figured things out as he went, and in the process became the example he didn’t have when he was younger.Follow Tyler (AKA The Creative Pain) on 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

In this episode, we talk with illustrator Shea O’Connor about building a creative career that grows through personal work, community, and consistency over time. She shares how she approaches social media as a place to explore ideas and connect with people while building work that attracts the right opportunities.We get into how she balances personal projects with client work and how that balance shapes her creative direction and business, plus a lot more, including: “One for me, one for them.” How balancing passion projects with strategic work actually fuels growth  Why social media works best when you treat it like a portfolio and not a popularity contest  Building an engaged audience instead of chasing bigger numbers  Creating work that attracts licensing deals, agents, and brand partnerships  Why people can feel when you are trying too hard and how to avoid it Shea also talks about how her priorities have shifted as her career has grown. She focuses less on doing everything and more on doing the right things well. She shares how she is thinking about licensing and passive income as a way to grow without trading more time for money.If you have ever felt stuck between making what you love and making what sells, this conversation offers a clear and honest look at how those two things can support each other.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

In this episode, we talk with illustrator Rob Zilla, whose work spans pro sports teams, major brands, and a career built on discipline, adaptability, and doing the work (whether anyone’s watching or not).No shortcuts, no chasing trends. Just years of sharpening skills, building systems, and finding creative parallels in unexpected places (like sports, teaching, and even rejection).We talk to Rob about building a creative career that actually lasts, plus a lot more, including: Drills build skills. Why the boring reps are the real difference-maker for creatives Rejection is fuel. How to turn setbacks, limitations, and even spite into momentum Credit is currency. Why visibility matters just as much as the paycheck AI as a tool (not a crutch). Using it to communicate ideas without losing your edge Business over talent. Why knowing contracts and money matters more than perfect techniqueLater in the episode, we get into creative careers in the real world. We're talking contracts, net terms, getting paid, and why young artists should think twice about how they position themselves from day one.If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing clients, frustrated by the system, or unsure how to turn your skills into something sustainable, this conversation offers a grounded (and honest) perspective on what actually works.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

In this episode, we talk with illustrator and toy designer Chris Lee (AKA The Beast is Back), who built his career mostly through word of mouth and steady visibility. No cold emailing campaign, no hard sell, just years of getting better at what he does, following what genuinely interested him, and putting the work out where people could find it.We talk to Chris about making great work that you stand behind, plus tons more, including:His early obsession with toys, aquariums, and tiny made-up worlds turned into a real career. Advice people love to give creatives, especially "just make what you love," and where that starts to fall apart. Protecting the work you care about while still paying the bills.Later in the episode, we talk about physical products and why so many people want to skip straight to mass production. Chris explains why starting small usually makes more sense, both creatively and financially.If you've been doing all the usual things and still feel stuck chasing work, or you're trying to figure out how a personal obsession turns into a career, this conversation offers a different way to think about it. It's honest, practical, and a lot less polished than the usual creative-career advice, which is probably why it lands.Enjoy the episode, and if you love toys, nostalgia, and design, be sure to follow Chris Lee on Instagram.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

In this episode, we talk with Thomas Marnin, co-founder of MarninSayor, a toy shop inside Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The shop grew out of a passion for handcrafted toys and the nostalgia of classic donut shops. In this episode, we talk about:How a tiny pencil sketch and a handmade toy turned into a product they could actually sell.What it’s like building a handmade brand piece by piece. From sewing toys to designing packaging to creating a retail space inspired by the characters.Why Pike Place Market is such a unique place to start a creative business, and how its “meet the producer” philosophy helps small makers thrive. Practical lessons that come from turning a small creative experiment into something people genuinely want to buy.If you’ve ever tried to turn a side project into something real, or wondered how a simple creative idea slowly grows into a business, you're going to love this episode.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

What happens after you “make it”?This week, we sit down with Don Clark of Invisible Creature to talk about creative longevity, building brands from scratch, and why your obsession might be the only real compass you need.Here's some of the stuff we dig into:How Don built a 27-year studio career (without ever pitching for work)The tension between dreamer energy and financial realityWhy sometimes you need to start things you have “no business” startingThe punk rock DIY ethic behind his new Western apparel brand, Westersen.And what changes when you hit your “second mountain”Don shares how he turns curiosity into real products (toys, watches, pencils, apparel), how he sources partners when entering completely new industries, and why he believes great artists aren’t asking “where do I start?” They’re already obsessed.f you’re a designer or illustrator wondering whether you should finally start the thing you keep thinking about, whether you’re too old to pivot, or how to take creative risks without blowing up your life, this conversation is for you.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

A lot of creatives are feeling it right now: the market shifting, projects slowing down, the fear of asking “wait… is it just me?” causing a spiral into the anxiety void.This week, we're thrilled to get to talk to one of our heroes, Dan Kuhlken of DKNG. We'll dig into what it actually looks like to stay sharp (and sane) through years of creating, risk-taking, and what it's critical to let go of to move forward. We go way behind the curtain into the technical Illustrator work, the screen-printing mindset, and the less-glamorous reality of running a two-person studio that has to keep the lights on.We also talk about insecurity (yes, even legends struggle with it). the real kind. The “99 kind comments, 1 brutal comment, and now I’m questioning my whole identity” kind.Here are some of the most tasty nuggets to listen for:How Dan built a non-destructive letterpress tool in Illustrator using graphic styles + the appearance panel (and, yes, you can own it).“Gatekeeping is a choice” and why sharing process usually makes everyone better (don't hide your secret sauce, it ends up working against you).Dan’s take on insecurities, including envy and jealousy, and how to turn them into an energy drink for your creative soul (instead of letting it eat you alive).Why halftones/textures exist, and why Dan thinks design is as much about construction as looks.The delegation dilemma. What happens when growth starts requiring skills you didn’t need to build the thing in the first place.[Bonus Story] The Flight of the Conchords poster moment and the surreal full-circle “pinch me” of musicians collecting your work. If you’re an illustrator/designer trying to stay good through changing seasons or you’re deep in the “how do I make this look human?” Illustrator rabbit hole, hit that play button!And if you want more of the behind-the-scenes thinking like this, the Creative Slash newsletter is linked in the show notes. Get our five-part “Off the Record” email series. It's FREE and packed with the operating systems, philosophies, and tools that top creatives recommend. 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

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

We sat down with Nathan Yoder and, somehow, the chat immediately swerved past tools and trend-talk into the good stuff: craft, philosophy, faith, and how to make work you actually care about in a world that keeps yelling “faster.”Nathan’s an analog-first illustrator, but the real takeaway isn’t how he works, it’s why. He’s thought hard about what matters, what he wants to put into the world, and how to stay honest inside that… even while tech (and now AI) keeps rearranging the furniture.In this episode:Why analog still mattersHow philosophy shows up in the workAI: navigating it without spiralingSpeed vs. meaning (the eternal knife fight)Making choices that match your valuesIf you’re feeling weird/pissed about AI… tired of trend-chasing… or trying to hang onto the part of making that made you fall in love with it in the first place, this one’s for you.You’re allowed to slow down. Think deeply. Make the kind of work you can stand behind.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

This episode caught me off guard.Travis Robertson has done things that are, honestly, a little intimidating. Not just successful creative intimidating but hey-I-watched-you-in-movies-as-a-kid intimidating. The kind of stuff that makes you wonder if you’re qualified to be in the room.So yeah, I was a little nervous.But less than a minute after meeting him, it felt like talking to an old buddy. And as we talked the cool stuff he's done Travis kept talking about how he just… tried things. He wanted to be in movies. He saw an ad in the back of the newspaper. Faxed in an audition (which already tells you how long ago this was). Months later, it worked. No sacred path. No years of training under a master. Just a willingness to take a swing.And once you hear that, you start seeing the pattern everywhere. Acting, fighting, and founding his own creative agency. Same underlying belief every time: This is figureoutable.What made this such a great conversation wasn't how impressive Travis is (although he definitely is impressive), it's how human he is about it. Self-deprecating. Curious. Not precious about his wins. Somewhere along the way, the intimidation faded and turned into permission.The big takeaway was: most of us don’t try enough stuff.Here’s some of what we talk about:Why trying things beats waiting to feel readyHow early wins quietly change what feels possibleLetting go of linear career storiesHiring for taste and curiosity (not perfect résumés)And yeah, we talk some about AI (is it even possible to avoid these days)If you’ve been telling yourself stories about who gets to do meaningful work, this episode is for you.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

Katie Kirk makes work that feels bright, generous, and deeply human. As one half of Eight Hour Day, she’s spent her career building a studio known for warmth, clarity, and work that quietly holds up over time.In this episode, we get an unusually grounded look at what it actually takes to sustain a small independent design studio. Katie talks candidly about how her relationship to creativity has changed, how life pressure reshapes the work, and why staying small was always the point.Here’s some of what we cover:How to build a small design studio that lasts (Eight Hour Day has just celebrated 20 years)Levers to bring in work when things are slowHow personal work quietly shapes future client opportunitiesSimple little things you can get today to help bring joy to your dayHow life, family, and creativity intersectSimple habits that support creativity when things feel heavyIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep making meaningful work without turning your career into your entire identity, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more sustainable way forward.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

It’s a new year, and Brad and Dustin are taking inventory of their apps. In this no-fluff episode, they go deep into the creative, business, and life tools that actually made a difference in their workflows (and headspace) last year.From Adobe staples to surprise MVPs like CapCut and Headspace, they break down which apps earned their spot, which ones got the axe, and why some are just too good to quit. Expect real talk on controversial design tools, email marketing platforms, productivity stacks, and what happens when the tools start shaping the work.Whether you’re running a design business, shipping digital products, or trying to stay sane while doing both, this one’s for you.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

In this episode, Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard run an honest “advice audit” on the most popular guidance floating around the creative and digital creator world. We hit on ideas from people like Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Robert Greene, Alex Hormozi and other modern thought leaders.They sort through what’s genuinely useful, what’s overhyped, and what sounds inspiring but falls apart in real life when you’re juggling clients, deadlines, and a creative business. Along the way, they translate big ideas into practical habits you can actually carry into 2026 (so hopefully you’re not just consuming advice, you’re applying it).If you’re hungry for new ideas to bring into your creative work and business in 2026, you’ll almost definitely walk away with at least one author or creator whose advice makes you rethink your approach, sparks a new habit, or sends you down a rabbit hole (books, interviews, deeper work) that levels up your practice in a way you didn’t see coming.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

In this special holiday episode, co-hosts Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard sit down one-on-one to unpack the emotional chaos creatives face during the holiday season. From the thrill of hitting year-end sales goals to the creeping guilt of slowing down, they dig into the weird tension between hustle and rest. They talk goal-setting, holiday burnout, managing the “I should be working” voice in your head, and how to actually enjoy the quiet season without self-sabotage.If you’ve ever felt torn between finishing client work and making gingerbread cookies with your kids, this episode will hit home.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

Dave Arcade creates art that prompts viewers to pause and examine the landscape. It's the kind of work that invites repeated visits, revealing fresh details, small stories, and references to pop culture each time, all complemented by expertly executed craftsmanship. In this episode, we get an unusually honest look at how those worlds come together: from obsessing over the concept to over-engineering (and then pulling back) to self-doubt. And, finally, the satisfaction of turning ambitious ideas into reality.Dave shares how he builds complexity without losing soul, why reference and perspective are his quiet superpowers, and what happens when a commercial illustrator starts wondering where the “art” part actually begins. Here's some of the stuff we'll cover:A behind-the-scenes look at Dave's process. His detailed work can be overwhelming, but understanding his approach makes it clearer.The setup for Dave's personal arcade game system in his officeHow to strengthen your idea muscles until a simple prompt becomes a universeA sprinkling of actionable software techniques you can use in your work to get incredible resultsIf you’ve listened to podcast episodes in the past aiming to improve your own process and felt disappointed, this episode will provide value. 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

What do world-class logo design, Junior Olympic table tennis, and a mythical quest for the perfect Boo-Berry cereal have in common? Only Scott Fuller could tie them all together and somehow make it all practical, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt.In this episode, branding expert Scott Fuller lets us into his world: how he turns every client into a friend for life, why he’ll only trust barbers with beards “ten times better than his,”. We also get into the secret sauce behind how Scott instantly makes clients feel understood (sometimes in just a five-minute call).Along the way you'll hear:How to win a significantly higher percentage of clients (no salesy systems involved).How to increase your repeat customers (clients that come back over and over create consistent income and are the secret to longevity as a freelancer).How Scott builds trust faster than most designers send a proposal.Creative South memories that forged lifelong friendships.How to create iconic logos and branding by viewing the design process through a unique frame.If you’ve ever wondered how great creatives build bonds, find their people, or obsess over something as deeply as Scott obsesses over his beard… this episode is your new favorite.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

In this episode, we sit down with lettering artist and illustrator Jason Carne. From haunted Airbnbs to growing up in a funeral home, we cover a lot of ground. We also dig into how style and priorities shift over a 20-year creative career.Here’s what we get into:How to survive as a freelancer for the long haul. Yes, the feast-or-famine cycle is real. But Jason’s picked up a few tricks along the way.How to deal with horrible clients. One of Jason’s early clients requested Nazi art. Hear how he handled it (and walked away with a win).Why you should stop stressing about your career path. Jason shares what he focused on early in his career, how it made the work feel enjoyable, and why that mindset ultimately paid off.If you're starting your freelance journey, this one's for you. It’s like grabbing dinner with creative friends and getting the kind of advice that makes you feel grounded again. When you follow the work you love, things tend to fall into place.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

In this episode, Brad and Dustin delve into the true meaning of risk and why most creatives have it completely wrong. From quitting safe jobs to launching businesses with no guarantees, they unpack what actually makes something risky. Brad shares the story of nearly getting knocked out of the game after a big risk went sideways, while Dustin breaks down how false safety in traditional jobs can quietly wreck your career.Stick around as they talk about risk mitigation, building a creative runway, and the underrated power of placing lot's of small bets. Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your job or just feeling stuck, this episode will shift how you think about risk, and maybe what’s actually holding you back.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

In this episode, Marisol Ortega joins Brad and Dustin to talk about embracing her cultural identity through bold color, designing for brands like Starbucks and Hallmark, and why she finally stopped toning herself down to fit in.They cover everything from her early days hustling Craigslist gigs to turning her home into a plant-filled, Pepto-pink creative sanctuary. Marisol shares how meeting other Mexican designers in the industry gave her permission to be herself.It’s a fun, honest conversation about staying weird,  being collaborative, and creating work that actually feels like you. Enjoy!Marisol's Website: https://www.marisolortega.com/Palma Entertainment: https://www.palmaentertainment.com/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

In this episode, Brad and Dustin talk through the frustrating gap between creative talent and actually getting hired. With over 250 applicants for a single RetroSupply role, Dustin shares his frustrations with finding the right hire and why even the most talented creatives are getting passed over.They break down real portfolio mistakes, the myth of “just being good,” and why a little bit of smart free work can set you apart in a crowded field.Stick around as they unpack what hiring managers are really looking for, how to stand out without selling out, and why clarity beats creativity when it comes to landing the gig._____________________________________________________________________________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

In this episode, Josh Emrich joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a thriving design career even without a portfolio, learning the government’s beer label rules when nobody asked him to, and why some of the best creative work happens when no one ever sees it. They dive into everything from Josh’s quiet-kid upbringing to obsessively modeling Star Wars ships with blinking LEDs and trench runs built into his walls.Josh shares stories about mascot disasters, hidden talents, and how he keeps clients around for 13+ years by actually caring about their business, not just the art. There’s childhood embarrassment, designer therapy, and the kind of advice that hits you right in the creative soul. Enjoy!Follow Joh Emrich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emrichoffice/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

In this episode, JP Boneyard joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a concert series in a backyard shed, patiently emailing your heroes for 10 years straight, and why rejection isn’t scary when you have a sincere motive. They dive into everything from his tumultuous childhood to running massive art collabs like 59 Parks and the Baseline Review. JP shares wild stories about booking legends, getting mistaken for a networker (he’s not), and what it means to actually put artists first. There’s quantum physics, NBA fandom, and a pinch of Dennis Rodman. Enjoy!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

In this episode, Jen Hood (of Hoodzpah Design) joins Brad and Dustin to talk about making music in secret, accidentally hugging entire boardrooms, and why creative advice from people like tech bros doesn't always apply. They cover everything from the myth of being self-taught to designing physical products to starting side projects with zero budget. Jen drops hard-won wisdom about navigating creative burnout, building confidence, and staying curious, all while being her hilarious self. Enjoy!  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

In this episode, Josh joins Brad and Dustin to talk about the highs, lows, and existential crises behind running a creative conference today. From calling out “designfluencers” to chasing real, human stories on stage, Josh shares why the best speakers aren’t always the most famous.But don't worry, they also dive into important things like UFO conspiracies, wild Memphis experiences, and why post-pandemic creatives are craving connection, but not always showing up for it. Funny, honest, and full of “I feel that” moments, this conversation hits hard for anyone trying to stay inspired in mid-career creative life.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

Mike Jones joins Dustin and Brad to talk about the realities of building a creative career while staying true to what matters most. From running Creative South to juggling family, side ventures, and health, Mike shares hard-won lessons on intentionality, delegation, and why kindness always pays off.This conversation isn’t about chasing likes or clout, it’s about learning to let go, be present, and build work and relationships that actually last. Packed with stories, laughter, and wisdom, it’s a reminder that success isn’t just what you make, it’s how you live.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

Have you ever read a quote from someone influential and wondered: “Is this actually good advice or do we just think it is because a famous person said it?”In this episode, we put that question to the test. Dustin presents Brad with a series of well-known quotes, without revealing who said them, and gets his unfiltered take on whether the advice holds up. The results? Surprisingly nuanced. Some quotes offer timeless wisdom. Others only work in very specific contexts. And a few directly contradict each other. From designers to dictators, we explore how much weight we should give to creative advice (and why who said it, and when, changes everything).Stick around as they unpack what makes advice worth following, why context is everything, and how to tell the difference between inspiration and distraction.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

Aaron Draplin doesn’t mince words. His ideas are as bold and unshakable as his design work. And on this sweltering afternoon in the Pacific Northwest, he was in a rare, reflective mood.From aliens to afterlives in design, Draplin opens up about what comes next after building a massive creative brand, and what it really means to start fresh.In this episode:The cosmic link between bugs, belief, and being a good humanWhat five months of dish shifts in Alaska taught him about freedomWhy he won’t sell you a $200 poster (and what he sells instead)Fate vs. control: how much of success is luck, and how much is yours to claimHow he built a creative life on his own terms (and how you can too)If you’re a creative feeling stuck, cynical, or ready for a reset, this one’s for you.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

Why is pricing your creative work so damn hard?In this episode, Brad and Dustin get real about one of the messiest parts of being a creative: putting a price on your talent. Dustin shares the view from the other side of the table. What it’s like hiring artists who lowball themselves before he even asks. Meanwhile, Brad opens up about the internal tug-of-war between self-worth and market rates, and the uncomfortable truth that pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about identity.They dive into:Why asking, “What’s your budget?” still feels awkwardHow undercharging can damage trust (not just your wallet)The emotional weight behind every pricing decisionNavigating the tension between doing it for love and making a livingWhether you're freelancing, licensing, or negotiating your next client project, this episode will help you rethink how you value your work (and yourself).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

Armin Vit is the sharp voice behind Brand New, one of the most widely read blogs on corporate and brand identity redesigns. As co-founder of UnderConsideration, alongside his wife Bryony, he’s spent the last two decades shaping how designers talk about design through writing, conferences, and community-building. Now, with their newest venture In-house In-focus, they’re spotlighting the often-overlooked work of in-house creative teams.In this episode, Brad and Dustin go beyond the critiques and keynotes to explore the real Armin: the former “lazy” student who learned to bet on himself, the introvert who cold-emailed Paula Scher, and the guy who applies design thinking to his grocery cart like it’s a case study.You’ll hear about:Why being willing to sound like a “jerk” helped him build a name in designHow risk (and rejection) fueled his creative breakthroughsThe power of structure, systems, and showing up (even without “natural talent”)Why in-house designers deserve the spotlightIf you’ve ever felt the tension between staying safe and standing out, or wondered what it really takes to build a voice in the creative industry, this is the inside story.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

Leaning into the Nostalgia of Our Childhood, to Help Us Make Work We Love.In this episode, Brad and Dustin ask: How can pulling inspiration from our childhood help us make work we are excited about today? They share stories of the spaces they grew up spending time in, and how the aesthetics left warm memories that influenced their creative preferences and working styles today. They explore why nostalgia is such a powerful creative tool, how it makes work feel more authentic, and why projects tied to personal meaning are easier to sustain. Which leads them to discussing the fine line between knocking something off, and paying homage. Brad and Dustin also discuss the long-term value of passion projects, even without immediate financial payoff. By weaving in what matters most to you, your work becomes more fulfilling and resilient, hopefully reigniting some passion and uniqueness back into your work.Join the Creative Slash PatreonWant more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for:• Early episode access• Behind-the-scenes content• Bonus clips and tools• A space to connect with fellow creativesIt’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free.Join the Creative Slash CommunityBrad WoodardBrad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like Nickelodeon, Target, USPS, and NASA. 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 WrightCover art: Brad WoodardIntro animation: Seth AustinIntro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär HagströmJoin 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

What if your creativity was the loudest voice in the room? In this episode of the Creative Slash Podcast, Brad and Dustin sit down with illustrator and letterer Mary Kate McDevitt to talk about aliens, simulated realities, and the messy balance between creativity and commentary. From punk shows and fake IDs to organizing art around advocacy, Mary Kate opens up about her journey from skater poser to full-blown creative powerhouse living in a Vermont farmhouse with disco balls and barn concerts. They unpack: The risks and rewards of speaking up as a creativeWhy vulnerability online doesn’t have to mean being polarizingThe chaos-to-clarity loop behind making art and organizing a creative lifeHow a “tornado” of ideas becomes a career (and a pond full of frogs)It's real, it's hilarious, it's inspiring, and yes, you’ll probably want to move to Vermont by the end of it.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

What We Thought We Wanted: Chasing Creative Goals, Awards, and FreedomIn this episode, Brad and Dustin get candid about the career goals they chased in their 20s. They talk about titles, awards, creative recognition, and how those ambitions evolved. You’ll hear stories about near-broke early careers, chasing mimetic desires (thanks, Wanting), the messy pursuit of “success,” and the quiet realization that a Coke tastes the same whether you’re rich or not. They also share how family, burnout, and unexpected wins like Skillshare courses shaped their career paths.Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking what matters, this one’s for anyone navigating the long game of creative life.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

From "just a t-shirt idea" to building a cult-followed brand... meet Josh Ariza, founder of Chomp!Josh has worked with Nike, Disney, Under Armour, and more — but his biggest creative success? A weird, wild, honest apparel brand called Chomp. In this episode, he spills everything: design regrets, internet trolls, how to survive as a solo creator, and why "hard work + luck" is still the real formula.Follow Josh Ariza:https://joshuaariza.com/https://chompbrand.com/https://www.instagram.com/joshua_ariza/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