In this episode, Adam Weil talks with Dave Miller, founder of Design Citizen, about the state of the design industry amid AI disruption, shifting team structures, and widespread burnout. Dave reflects on the turbulence of 2023–2024, when layoffs in tech disproportionately impacted designers, especially leaders and researchers, and how AI’s rapid rise has changed the rules. He emphasizes that today’s environment demands continuous learning, experimentation, and self-initiated exploration. Designers who aren't actively adapting risk falling behind as the lines between design, product, and engineering continue to blur.

The conversation also explores the deeper philosophical shifts in design culture. Dave advocates for creating “white space” within teams dedicated time to play with new tools and think creatively as a long-term investment in innovation. Ultimately, Dave offers a hopeful message: despite uncertainty, designers who lean into curiosity, stay connected to their community, and embrace change will be the ones shaping what comes next.

In this episode, Ross Clugston, former C-level exec at Design Bridge and Partners, gets real about building lean, purpose-driven agencies that cut the fluff and focus on what matters: bold ideas, strong relationships, and meaningful work.

Ross shares honest takes on why saying “no” is key to creative growth, how staying small keeps client problem-solving tight and collaborative, and why a little conflict can actually lead to better outcomes. He opens up about his journey from Australia to New York, the role rejection played in building his resilience, and the common trap agencies fall into creating work that looks good in PowerPoint but never sees the real world.

He and host Adam Weil dive into the messy, rewarding side of working with clients, from global giants like Coca-Cola to niche motorcycle brands, highlighting the value of direct conversations, client education, and navigating internal politics. Ross reminds us why being present, staying human, and avoiding digital shortcuts still matter in a creative world that’s moving fast.

Belle Frank, former Chief Strategy Officer at VML, reflects on her unconventional career in advertising, emphasizing the importance of following personal interests. Starting as a foreign language major with dreams of educational television, she stumbled into advertising research. Over her 40-year career, she embraced new challenges, prioritizing team dynamics over prestige or financial gain. She advises young professionals to focus on discovering their work preferences and personal voice rather than adhering to a rigid career path. Frank also highlights the value of continuous learning and growth, sharing how her work on the Brand Asset Valuator helped shape data-driven brand strategy.

Though she may not be as widely recognized as other industry legends, Belle Frank is an immensely respected figure in advertising, particularly for her expertise in consumer insights, brand strategy, and research. Her contributions to strategic planning and brand development have had a lasting impact, shaping how brands connect with their audiences in a meaningful way.

In this podcast episode, creative director Dust LeBlanc of Locomotive discusses the evolving landscape of digital agencies, highlighting how AI tools have helped streamline strategy development and content creation. He shares insights on why smaller, agile agencies are becoming the future, as they can pivot quickly and collaborate efficiently. Dust also walks us through Locomotive's rapid website development for an electric RV startup, showcasing how a lean team adapted to tight deadlines and evolving brand elements. He emphasizes the importance of content in web design and how strategic partnerships with content-focused agencies enhance Locomotive’s capabilities.

In this episode of the Pixel Perfect Podcast, Adam Weil interviews Marcel Petitpas, CEO and co-founder of Parakeeto, about agency profitability. Marcel shares his journey from running a small agency in 2015-2016 with low margins in real estate virtual tours to founding Parakeeto to help agencies improve profitability. He explains that many agencies struggle due to outdated views treating profitability as solely a finance issue. Marcel highlights the importance of four key data sets: finance, people, project, and time tracking. Marcel concludes by emphasizing specialization, collaboration, and proper sequencing in profitability management.

This time, Adam chats with Karl Sakas, an executive coach who’s worked with hundreds of agencies worldwide to help them grow without the stress. Karl shares straightforward tips on lead generation, using AI effectively, and making events actually work for your agency. Whether you’re scaling up or just looking for ways to run things smoother, there’s a ton of practical advice in this episode.

Join Adam as he sits down with Jason Swank, who turned his digital agency into a $30 million success. Jason opens up about the ups and downs of agency life, from starting out by accident to mastering the art of growth. He'll share actionable strategies for scaling your business effectively, the importance of building a solid team, and some surprising lessons from his pilot training.

Join Adam Weil as he chats with Bill Kenney, CEO of Focus Lab, about the real-world magic of branding. They touch on everything from starting out in Georgia to nailing big-name clients, building a team that clicks, and how AI is shaking up the design scene. Bill brings a down-to-earth take on why branding isn't just business—it's personal.

Join Adam and Guillaume Hamon, CEO of REJOUICE, in an engaging conversation about changing the design industry. Hear about Guillaume's transition from finance to leading design efforts and how he's helped startups like Rivian and Oura Ring set industry standards. Explore REJOUICE's focus on quality, global talent, and a unique profit-sharing model.

Join the dynamic duo, Andy Boyden and Jerry Youngblutt, as they unveil their secret to success: the powerful "body and soul process." From their competitive art school days to revolutionizing the industry with their ROI-focused mindset, Andy and Jerry's journey is filled with triumphs, surprises, and game-changing insights.