Creavo Cast

AI tools promised to make design easier, but for a lot of businesses they've created a new problem: designs that look generic, miss the mark, and sometimes even violate copyright. Carl has started calling the work that follows "AI rescue," and it's quickly becoming a real part of his business.

The conversation also covers what it's like to take on an intern for the first time as a solopreneur, the difference between teaching and coaching, and why mentoring the next generation of designers matters more than ever in an AI-saturated industry.

Plus, Jake and Carl talk honestly about their own use of AI tools, the real cost of replacing human workers with AI, how Google's shift to AI-first search is changing visibility for small businesses, and why sticking your head in the sand and refusing to engage with AI at all isn't the answer either.

A practical, honest conversation for designers, marketers, and small business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where it falls flat.

Want more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls.

Carl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active.

We also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them.

In this episode, we cover:

How to optimize your Google Business Profile

If you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses.

From software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean.

Jake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut.

If you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life.

They start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out.

From there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience.

They also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most.

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In this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment.

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In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape.

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In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of choosing the right CRM for managing client relationships, the essentials of email marketing, and the significance of data ownership. They share insights on networking, setting business goals, and leveraging social media effectively. The conversation also touches on the use of AI in marketing and concludes with a fun segment on hypothetical scenarios.

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00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

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In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the significance of goal setting in business and personal life, especially at the start of the year. They share their experiences with various goal-setting techniques, tools for planning, and the importance of accountability in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the idea of gamifying tasks to make them more engaging and the necessity of breaking down goals into manageable steps. As they look ahead, they emphasize the need for specificity and measurability in goal setting, while also encouraging listeners to surround themselves with supportive individuals to help elevate their ambitions.

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00:00 Setting the Stage: New Year, New Goals

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In this inaugural episode of CREAVO Cast, hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis reconnect after a six-year hiatus from their previous podcast, Rookie Designer. They discuss their personal and professional journeys during the pandemic, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industry. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and creativity in their work, the rebranding to Creavo, and their vision for future episodes that will explore various aspects of creativity and collaboration across different industries.

Scroll down to view this episode on YouTube.

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Jake's Businesses

Rookie Design Podcast - www.rookiedesigner.com

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