The Creative Shit Show crew reunites after months apart! Life threw us some curveballs this past year, prompting a break from recording, but our bond as friends is rock solid, supporting one another through thick and thin.

We hit record on a recent Zoom chat to give you an unfiltered update on our adventures. No cuts, no edits - just raw and real conversations. Enjoy the show!

Welcome to season 3 of the Creative Shit Show! In this episode, we dive into a topic that we've all talked about before, and we believe it's been on everyone's mind — and that's AI. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of AI and creativity. We'll explore the capabilities and limitations of AI when it comes to generating unique and innovative ideas. We'll also touch on some of the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the creative realm. Sit back and take a listen!

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 • “Home again home again, Jiggity Jig!” - Von Glitschka

0:11 • Intro

00:35 • Justin shares his inner feelings and paints them.

03:32 • Talking AI (Artificial Intelligence) • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

05:09 • Karens take on AI. Conclusion: Curious.

05:29 • Vons take on AI. Conclusion: Unsettled.

08:11 • Jamie's take on AI. Conclusion: Skeptical.

09:06 • Justin takes on Ai. Conclusion: Be Aware of it.

10:23 • Jamie talks about AI in the context of Grammarly and writing. • https://www.grammarly.com

12:01 • Jamie talks AI for lovers of cooking and working out recipes.

13:14 • Why Justin is super excited about AI. • https://superhuman.com

16:25 • Karen uses AI for brainstorming, exploration, and reference.

19:22 • Von likes using ChatGPT for word association, brand naming, and concept exploration.

21:41 • Using AI for other parts of a creative business.

28:09 • When it comes to AI: "Trust but verify!" - Von

29:39 • AI mimicking styles.

31:15 • Disclosing the use of AI to clients? • http://tinyurl.com/VonTalksAIinIllustrator

37:17 • US Copyright Office • http://tinyurl.com/CopyrightAiInfo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HpLT7cdlr8

38:16 • Hollywood studios using AI • https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1821641/

40:24 • Using AI for web development. • https://www.framer.com/features/ai/

45:12 • Beware of Fembots! • https://youtu.be/05bqIGdZOj0?si=DKaEYtpSmzSg-yla

45:31 • Don't freak out over AI. Grow your value beyond creative work to become more strategic.

50:24 • AI in the context of the movie 'Blade Runner.' • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpK6GcViC88

51:29 • Outro

It’s an episode of looking back to go forward. The Creative Shit Show co-hosts share their favorite moments and experiences from 2023, and what they’re looking most forward to in the 2024 New Year ahead. We’re so thankful for our amazing listeners, friends, family, and everyone who has supported us in our careers. You’re the bestest!

Have a listen, and share your favorite memories from 2023, and what’s next for you in 2024.

For this special episode, the gang is joined by Andrew Gibbs, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of the Dieline which has been delighting passionate packaging designers since 2007. We dove deep into the world of packaging and package design, honing in on the importance of sustainability and where the next generation of package designers should focus their efforts. So, grab your favorite cocktail, sit back, and get ready for some serious inspiration. The Creative Shit Show is about to begin!

Show Notes:

00:00 • “Packaging for me is the combination of the love of graphic design, stuff, products, and brands.” - Andrew Gibbs

00:08 • Intro

00:40 • What’s up with Karen? • https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/our-bios

01:45 • Von’s Loth-Cat Design • https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Loth-cat

02:44 • Our Devilish Handsome Guest “Andrew Gibbs” Founder CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of Dieline. • https://thedieline.com

05:01 • Q: How did you get so passionate about packaging?

07:08 • Justin’s Drink ‘Double Gin & Tonic’ • https://youtu.be/f--Axs_S1z8?si=e-fIRDxAFmpfbLqy

07:22 • Q: What do you think younger designers today miss about the power and impact of packaging design?

10:16 • National Geographic Cover.

12:05 • Create What’s Next • https://plasticfree.com

15:14 • Q: What are the technical obstacles of designing for packaging? • Packaging is physical, design to scale.

17:34 • YOLO! You only launch once.

18:34 • Q: Is the design community aware?

20:56 • Earth Breeze • https://www.earthbreeze.com

22:55 • Andrew smells fantastic! • https://tinyurl.com/AndrewScent

23:20 • Q: Can you single out one of the most unique package designs? • https://tinyurl.com/BeeLoopsPackaging

25:15 • Justin’s profound insight: “It never fails to amaze me how many solutions are found in nature.”

27:20 • Q: Why are global brands slow to push out sustainable packaging?

31:40 • Q: Can you share some insights on how designers can use sustainable packaging as a selling point?

34:03 • Q: What are some places you’d recommend as resources for designers? • https://thedieline.com • https://plasticfree.com • https://guacamoleairplane.com

37:23 • Print Magazine • https://www.printmag.com

39:22 • Q: What’s next for Andrew and Dieline?

43:04 • Andrew’s Shit Show Story

44:38 • Outro

Can you monetize the thing that you love AND still love what you do? In this episode, the gang explores the possibilities of intersecting things you like to do, things you want to do, and things that could make you money.

Jamie and Justin both made commitments to Von and Karen that you don't want to miss. Grab a cocktail, and have a listen.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 • Can you monetize the thing that you love AND still love what you do?

00:51 • HOW Design Live • https://howdesignlive.com

00:52 • Ribbon Worms • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08xlX3JxDcY

01:33 • Jamie shares a Venn diagram

02:32 • “There are things I love doing, and things I’m good at, but they don’t make me money at all.” - Jamie

03:45 • Jamie likes cooking.

06:09 • Nana’s Lasagne Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 lb hamburger (I use ground sirloin), browned

2 tsp oregano

1/2 c. water

1/2 lb cooked lasagne noodles (5 minutes boiling)

1/2 lb mozarella, shredded

16 oz low fat cottage cheese

1/2 chopped sweet onion

2 cans tomato soup

2 tsp vinegar

Directions:

Brown beef and onion together in a pan. Add vinegar, oregano, water, and soup. Simmer 30 minutes. In 13x9 pan, layer noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. (I do 3 layers). Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

06:35 • You tell me what is in your fridge and I’ll tell you what you can make with it.

Jamie recipe for Von:

Appetizer: Hard boil 6 eggs. Cut each in 1/2 and hollow out yolk. Place in bowl and add mayo and yellow mustard to taste. Take 1 tbs of honey and add a few shots of hot sriracha to it. Melt down and drizzle on top of deviled eggs or drizzle across plate and place deviled eggs on top.

Dinner: Finely chop up a few carrots, celery, garlic, and onions. Add 2 tbs olive oil or other natural cooking oil to a saute pan and saute the smoked sausages about 5 minutes, then add the veggies and saute until soft and sausages are browned on all sides. Add 2 cups of rice, some of that salsa verde to taste, 1 cup of beef broth, and simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and chili powder to taste. You should end up with a simple “jambalaya” type meal when completed.

Dessert: Add buttermilk and a couple of eggs to bisquick (or make your own bisquick):

6 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons baking powder 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup vegetable shortening, cubed

Warm up skillet or pan on stove and add small amount of oil heat on medium high until shimmering. Turn down to medium/medium low. Add dollops of batter to make small, silver dollar sized pancakes. Flip when batter gets pretty bubbly on top to lightly brown each side. Slather a little bit of strawberry jelly and top with whipped cream. Serve with a small portion of grapes on the side.

07:47 • Justin likes photography.

09:45 • Karen likes creating ProCreate artwork and animating it.

11:20 • Von likes working on his koi pond, reading, and writing.

14:14 • Justin wants to start painting and break dancing again.

18:59 • Karens Yoda moment. “Just move the paint.” “Live with the experience of working with the paint.”

20:20 • Actually doing what you love and making money at it.

26:38 • Karens second Yoda moment.

27:01 • Exercise the different parts of who we are.

28:01 • New chapters in life and working for the man.

32:21 • Walking 630 miles while listening to audio books.

35:43 • Tinnitus • https://tinyurl.com/TinnitusSucks

36:37 • Outro

Get ready to meet the fabulous Ilise Benun, the founder of Marketing-Mentor.com! She's the go-to guru for creative professionals who want to level up their projects and budgets. Ilise is the real deal, with over 35 years of experience teaching basic business skills like mindset, money, and marketing to solopreneurs and creatives. We're thrilled to call her a friend, and every time we catch up, she drops some serious wisdom on us. Listen, learn, and leave us a comment on social about your favorite part!

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 • Irons in the Fire Idiom: https://tinyurl.com/ironsidiom

00:45 • Intro: Ilise Benun • https://www.marketing-mentor.com

02:20 • Q: Why do you think creatives don’t like to talk about pricing?

03:49 • Q: Should we charge hourly or per project?

06:27 • No more than 25% of your income should come from one source.

07:50 • It’s not taboo, we’re in business.

08:00 • Q: Is it common for an agency to be shy or fearful when talking about money?

11:01 • Q: Do you charge more now than you use too?

12:38 • Creative irony.

15:12 • Never ask a client what their budget is.

19:07 • Q: What about disclosing cost per project type?

22:20 • Q: How do you manage a budget conversation that goes off the rails?

26:53 • Q: What would be the first steps in clearly communicating with a client.

31:30 • Q: What are some coachable moments you’d give to new creatives?

33:40 • Q: Are there generational differences talking about money?

40:29 • Overly communicating is NOT a problem.

42:43 • Ilise Benun’s shit show moment.

For our 30th episode and our first time together in person in 10 years, the gang puts on a shit show at the HOW Design Live Conference in Nashville, TN. The common thread of the conference was about celebrating human connections, collaboration, and talking about your mistakes as openly as you talk about your wins. We covered all those topics and more through Q&A with a live audience. Grab a cocktail, and listen to us LIVE at HOW Design Live.

The gang hosts the one and only Debbie Millman. We touch on many topics, including the story behind her iconic world’s first podcast, “Design Matters,” her work curating an insane list of speakers for the HOW Design Conference, and she surprised us with a sneak preview of her next project! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail while you listen to this enthralling episode.

SHOW NOTES:

Debbie Millman: DebbieMillman.com

Design Matters Podcast: https://www.designmattersmedia.com

Design Matters Book: https://www.whydesignmatters.online

HOW Design Conference: howdesignlive.com

Print Magazine: www.printmag.com

Susan Lucci - Nominated 19 times for a daytime Emmy, and finally won on her 19th try. https://www.goldderby.com/article/2023/daytime-emmys-susan-lucci-win-1999/

Paula Scher: https://www.pentagram.com/about/paula-scher

Emily Oberman: https://www.pentagram.com/about/emily-oberman

Michael Beirut: https://www.pentagram.com/about/michael-bierut

Pentagram: https://www.pentagram.com

Stefan Sagmeister: https://sagmeister.com

Santiago Carrasquilla: https://www.partizan.com/director/art-camp and http://www.santiagocarrasquilla.com/

Bryony Gomez-Palacio: https://underconsideration.com/about/

Pentagram 50th Anniversary Book: https://www.pentagram.com/news/happy-50th-birthday-pentagram

Jessica Hische: https://www.jessicahische.is

AIGA Minnesota Design Camp: https://aigaminnesota.org/committee/design-camp/

Maria Popova: https://www.themarginalian.org/about/

Debbie at HOW 2022:

Roxane Gay: https://roxanegay.com

Procreate: https://procreate.com

Karen’s Procreate LinkedIn Learning Class: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-procreate/inspire-unlimited-imagination-with-procreate?autoplay=true

Oliver Jeffers: https://www.oliverjeffers.com

Typo Berlin: https://www.typotalks.com/berlin/

What Matters: https://www.printmag.com/categories/what-matters/

Steven Heller: https://www.printmag.com/the-daily-heller/

Founders of Print Mag: https://www.printmag.com/about/

The Dieline: https://thedieline.com/

School of Visual Arts: https://sva.edu

The Print Design Awards: http://printdesignawards.com

The Creative Shit Show posse has reunited once again to chat about a wide range of topics, ranging from how to promote your own business even when you're not in the mood, to ways that AI can be leveraged to overcome creative obstacles, fine-tune your workflow, and provide some much-needed companionship during those solitary moments as a business owner. This description may or may not have been written by AI. You decide. Enjoy the show!

SHOW NOTES

Glitschka Studios: http://glitschkastudios.com

Marrow: https://marrow.is/

Rule29: www.rule29.com

Clear Brand Strategy: www.clearbrandstrategy.com

Clear Brand Coaching Community: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/coaching

Grammarly: www.grammarly.com

Fantastical: https://flexibits.com/fantastical

Von’s Desktop:

Notion: notion.so

Jasper AI: jasper.ai

ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

Dall-e-2: https://openai.com/product/dall-e-2

GrammarlyGO: https://www.grammarly.com/grammarlygo

Adobe: www.adobe.com

Branding master Marty Neumeier returns and brings with him his brand education partner in crime, Andy Starr. Marty and Andy are co-founders of Level C, the world’s most visionary brand education program. Creative Shit Show co-hosts and branding strategists Karen Larson and Justin Ahrens chat with the pair about all things brand and the Level C program, plus share other personal stories from their decades in design. Have a listen.

SHOW NOTES:

Marty Neumeier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyneumeier/

Lots of great resources from Marty: https://www.martyneumeier.com/

Andy Starr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-andy-starr/

Level C: https://levelc.org/

Level C Masterclasses: https://levelc.org/masterclasses

Book: The Brand Gap: https://www.martyneumeier.com/the-brand-gap

Book: Brand A-Z: https://www.martyneumeier.com/brand-az-book

SUBSCRIBE to get access to a free copy of Marty’s book, Brand A-Z: https://www.martyneumeier.com/subscribe

About the Bauhaus:

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bauh/hd_bauh.htm

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/bauhaus-the-school-of-modernism/6gIi8UW9Rfa-Kw

https://art.art/blog/10-bauhaus-principles-that-still-apply-today

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/b/bauhaus

Critique Magazine:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Critique%3A+The+Magazine+Of+Graphic+Design+Thinking&i=stripbooks&crid=1WH008P2DAJ69&sprefix=critique+the+magazine+of+graphic+design+thinking%2Cstripbooks%2C133&ref=nb_sb_noss