The Angry Designer Graphic Design, Freelancing, Branding & Creative Business Podcast

From winning brewery design competitions to reigning as the QUEEN of beer label design, Jen Borror reveals how a small favour for a friend ignited her passion for beer label design. 

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we had the pleasure of having a conversation with a graphic designer who niched into an industry traditionally dominated by dudes - and she's killing it.
 
From her initial struggles and the 100-day Instagram challenge that reignited her creative spark to landing her first client and launching Hoot Design Studio, Jen’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of niching down & how it can lead to rewarding and specialized work
• How to balance creativity with commercial demands in the graphic design industry
• Insights into the process of beer label design, from initial sketches to final product
• The challenges and triumphs of freelancing, including dealing with difficult clients and the highs of winning awards
• The importance of hand-drawn illustrations in a digital age
• The unique relationship between a brewer’s craft and a designer’s vision

Tune in to be inspired by Jen’s journey and her relentless pursuit of design excellence in the craft beer industry.

The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

Stay Angry our Friends
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In this episode, we chat with Dave Hopkins, a dynamic force in the graphic design community. Dave is the host of "The Quickie Podcast," where he interviews talented graphic designers, illustrators, and creative directors, quickly—usually in 30 minutes or less. On his show, you can hear from freelancers to creatives at world-renowned businesses and agencies, discussing their wins, fails, lessons learned, and what inspires them.

But that's not all. Dave is also the founder of the Print Design Academy and the host of the Print Design Podcast. Through the academy, he shares his passion for print design, educating designers on everything from file prep to holding the finished product in their hands. Dave's expertise in print and packaging design is unparalleled, and his academy offers invaluable resources for designers looking to excel in this niche.

Dave has a fresh, innovative approach to teaching design, which has helped many, including myself, rethink the role of design educators. His unique perspective and dedication to the craft are truly inspiring.

Ready to dive into the world of print and quickie insights? Tune in to hear Dave’s journey, his insights on print design, and his relentless pursuit of creative excellence.

Angry Designer LIVE brings you event-based interviews with designers, speakers, and guests from top creative events. This series continues with an exclusive session from Creative South 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

#Adobe Illustrator #branding #creative inspiration #creative pr #design career #design software #design tips #design trends #design tutorial #freelance design #graphic design #graphic design podcast #logo design #Photoshop tips #typography #visual identity

Stay Angry our Friends
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Ever feel like Canva's DIY approach is turning everyone into a "designer" including your  customers? It's a slap in the face for pros who see their craft being butchered by templates and shortcuts.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tackle the real problem with Canva: not the tool itself, but the false confidence it gives non-designers. We'll break down why using a DIY tool isn't even in the same league as having real design expertise and how this misconception is shaking up our industry.

In this no-BS episode, we're diving deep into:

• The seductive appeal of Canva and why it’s a trap
• The glaring differences between a tool and true design expertise
• How to school clients on the real value of a professional design process

Loaded with raw insights and brutal truths, this episode is a must-listen for any graphic designer feeling the heat from DIY tools. We’ll arm you with the ammo to defend your craft, highlight your value, and keep clients coming back for the real deal.

Tune in to learn how to turn the Canva conundrum into your competitive edge, proving that real design expertise can't be templated.

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The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
Want to see more? 
See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast

Graphic designers are taught the golden rules of logo design—simplicity, minimalism, versatility, timelessness. But what if the key to creating a logo that lasts for centuries lies in breaking these very rules?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of the oldest logos that are still in use, yet break every design rule. From the cultural icons of the past to the pitfalls of today’s blanding trend, we uncover the secrets behind logos that stand the test of time...centuries for that matter.

Join us as we dissect the 25 oldest logos currently in use, explore the unique factors that contribute to their longevity, and share actionable tips for modern designers to design new logos with lasting impact. 

Whether you're a seasoned graphic designer or just starting out, this logo design episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire you to think beyond the rules when designing your next mark. 

Tune in and transform your logo design approach with The Angry Designer podcast!

Stay Angry our Friends
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Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
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In this episode of Angry Designers Live, we sit down with Nick Longo, a Southern California native and passionate branding expert. As a co-host of the Deeply Graphic Designcast and the producer and host of Office Hours on Adobe Live, Nick is a familiar voice in the design community, offering insights and guidance to designers worldwide.

Nick currently leads Longo Designs, a branding studio specializing in strategic, storytelling design for the food and beverage industry.  Nick has honed his craft over years of dedication and creativity working with brand giants like Kellogg’s, Kohl’s, Burger King, Macy’s, Kraft Foods, DreamWorks, and Starbucks..

Nick's expertise doesn't stop at his studio. He's a design instructor at his alma mater, California State University, Northridge, where he shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation of designers. 

On a personal note, Nick has helped me rethink my opinion on design educators. His fresh, innovative approach to teaching design has changed my perspective, highlighting the crucial role educators can play in shaping future designers.

Tune in to hear Nick's journey, his approach to storytelling through design, and his relentless pursuit of branding excellence.

Angry Designer LIVE brings you event-based interviews with designers, speakers, and guests from top creative events. This series continues with an exclusive session from Creative South 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
Want to see more? 
See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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While Graphic Design projects can be fun and exciting, they are often limited and the relationship short lived.  What if there was a way Graphic Designer can provide more value,  generate better work, and unlock lucrative opportunities?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tear down the fluff and give you a straight-up guide to adding broader branding services to your skill set. Get ready for angry experiences, advice, and practical strategies to help you transition from designer to brand strategist.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why expanding into branding is crucial for designers
• Why Graphic Designers are perfect to offer brand strategy
• How to create and deliver a compelling brand promise
• Practical steps to integrate branding services into your offerings

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to boost client satisfaction and command higher fees offering higher value services that you already have the ability for.

Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights—and start transforming your design career today.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
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See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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Graphic designers face a relentless industry—it's not just about creativity, but about survival. From cutthroat competition to ever-evolving trends, burnout, toxic work environments, the pressure can feel overwhelming. But what if mastering a few key survival skills could turn the tide in your favor?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we serve up a no-nonsense guide packed with essential survival skills every graphic designer needs to succeed. We’re cutting through the fluff and delivering hard-hitting advice to help you navigate the toughest aspects of your career.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Graphic Designers could be at risk in todays economy
• A reality check to call out bull in the industry
• 9 hard hitting survival skills every Graphic Designer should follow

Through a mix of no-bull advice,  real-world stories, experiences, and tactical strategies, we’ll show you how to transform your approach to your career. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to not just survive, but thrive in the Graphic Design industry.

Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights—tune in and start building the career longevity and rates you deserve.

Stay Angry our Friends
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Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
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See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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Angry Designer LIVE is event based interview sessions performed with designers, speakers, and guests at Creative events. This series is from Creative South 2024 held in Columbus Georgia.

This episode we feature one of the most truly special guests we've ever had. Joining us is Sophie Mills, the talented founder of @GCGrumpyFrog! 🐸

At just 10 years old, this is Sophies 2nd year at Creative South - not as a guest, but as a vendor! Her Grumpy Frog brand of lovable characters were available as pins, stickers, merch and much more. 

From doodling in procreate to building her Grumpy Frog family, Sophie shares her aspirations for the future and even offers some of the most practical, valuable advice for fellow Graphic Designers.

This episode may be short, but it's packed with sweetness and wisdom you won't want to miss!

Catch it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or click the link in our bio to listen.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
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See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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Graphic designers know the sting of losing a client—it's like a slap in the face that can shake your confidence. Every graphic designer will face client loss at some point. Whether it's due to budget cuts, better offers elsewhere, or plain old bad chemistry, the impact feels brutal and, if left unchecked, can lead to imposter syndrome.

But what if that brutal moment is actually a hidden opportunity?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we lay out a battle plan to not just survive, but thrive after a client walks out the door. Armed with a mix of fiery advice, tactical strategies, and inspiring comeback stories, this episode is loaded with everything a graphic designer needs to turn a loss into a significant gain.

From strategic rebound tips to real-life success stories of design giants who transformed losses into legendary comebacks, this episode is packed with so much valuable information to transform your lowest lows into your highest highs.

By the end of this episode, you will discover how every setback is a setup for a comeback, helping you find the lessons hidden in each challenge.

Stay Angry our Friends
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Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
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See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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Angry Designer LIVE is event based interview sessions performed with designers, speakers, and guests at Creative events. This series is from Creative South 2024 held in Columbus Georgia.

In this first, official episode, meet Kristy Campbell, the no-nonsense brand identity specialist and graphic designer shaking up the industry from The Stables in Orewa, New Zealand. With over a decade of experience and a degree in Graphic Design and Animation, Kristy leads a fierce all-female team with an unapologetic drive.

Sick and tired of the mundane in-house design gigs—imagine being chained to one set of fonts and a bland three-tone palette—Kristy decided enough was enough. She launched a 100-day design challenge on Instagram to reignite her creative spark, shared her bold creations, and landed her first client. Just like that, her freelance career took off like a rocket.

Kristy’s #1 mission with Pink Pony Creative? To craft unforgettable and unmistakable branding and visual identities for bold businesses ready to make waves. But she doesn't stop there. Kristy is on a crusade to educate the masses about the power of cohesive and consistent aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of a personal brand. She preaches the gospel of strategic, branded design elements and marketing collateral, and she rocks her own branded Pink across everything she touches, proving the impact of personal branding.

Ready to learn from a true industry rebel? Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Kristy’s journey and her relentless pursuit of design excellence.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
Want to see more? 
See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast