In the latest episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith sits down with Brandon Triola, a creative entrepreneur and author, to explore the intersection of parenting, creativity, and the challenges posed by AI. Their conversation dives deep into the life of a dad designer, the inspiration behind Brandon’s new book, and the importance of creative expression in today’s world.

The Life of a Creative Dad

Brandon Triola, residing in Franklin, Tennessee, shares a glimpse into his vibrant family life. Married for 14 years and a father of four, his household is anything but quiet. “Our house is very loud,” he says, reflecting on the chaos and joy that comes with having an 11-year-old son and three daughters aged eight, five, and one. During a recent ice-pocalypse, he found himself working from home, relishing the time spent with his children. This experience highlights the balancing act many creative professionals face—juggling work responsibilities while cherishing family moments.

The Journey of a Creative Professional

Brandon’s journey into the creative field began in 2011, a pivotal year that marked his transition from graphic design as a hobby to a full-fledged career. He recalls the challenges of starting from scratch in a competitive industry with limited resources. “The first year was super struggling,” he admits, but perseverance paid off as he built momentum and established his consultancy, Forus. This resilience is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the motivation that family can provide.

The Motivation Behind “Save the Creatives”

Brandon’s recent book, Save the Creatives, emerges as a response to the evolving landscape of creativity in the era of AI. He emphasizes that talent has become a commodity, yet he views this as an opportunity rather than a threat. “You don’t have to be radically talented to be wildly successful,” he asserts, encouraging readers to redefine their understanding of success and embrace the uncommon keys to achieving it.

Throughout the podcast, Brandon shares the motivation behind his writing, aiming to create a legacy for his children while also empowering fellow creatives. He identifies eight uncommon keys that can help individuals thrive, regardless of their perceived talent. This pragmatic approach resonates with many, especially those who may feel overshadowed by more traditionally talented individuals.

The Importance of Community and Support

Brandon highlights the necessity of support systems within the creative community. He acknowledges the struggles of many talented individuals who find themselves at a crossroads. By sharing his own experiences and insights, he aims to guide others who feel disheartened in their creative journeys. The podcast serves as a reminder that creativity is not solely about individual talent but also about building connections and learning from one another.

Key Takeaways

Brandon Triola’s conversation on the Dadsigner podcast sheds light on the intricate relationship between parenting and creativity. His journey from a struggling graphic designer to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for many. Key takeaways include:

- Embrace the chaos of family life as a source of motivation.

- Redefine success beyond traditional measures of talent.

- Build a supportive community to navigate the challenges of creativity in an AI-driven world.

- Explore the uncommon keys to achieving abundant success outlined in Save the Creatives.

You can find Brandon’s work at:

brandontriola.com

Book: savethecreatives.com

The Dadosaurus Rex book

In the world of design and creativity, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith sat down with Joey Cofone, the founder of Baron Fig, to discuss the intersection of parenting and creativity, as well as the importance of effective tools for enhancing our thinking. This episode delves into their enlightening conversation, offering valuable insights into creativity and the challenges of balancing work and family life.

Section 1: The Journey of a Creative Mind

Joey Cofone’s journey in the creative world began with his passion for design, which led him to establish Baron Fig. Founded over a decade ago, the company aims to create tools that foster better thinking and creativity. Joey shared that his products are designed not just for artists but for anyone looking to enhance their cognitive processes. This commitment to empowering others is evident in the thoughtful design of their notebooks and tools, which encourage users to capture their ideas seamlessly.

Section 2: Balancing Family and Creativity

During the podcast, Joey opened up about his life as a father to a 20-month-old daughter. He shared the joys and challenges of parenting, particularly how it influences his creative process. For Joey, being a dad has not only enriched his life but has also shaped how he approaches design and problem-solving. He reflects on how the creativity required in parenting often spills over into his work, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in both realms.

Section 3: The Laws of Creativity

In addition to running Baron Fig, Joey is the author of The Laws of Creativity, a book that serves as a guide for individuals looking to harness their creative potential. In the podcast, he discussed some key principles from the book that can help anyone master their ideas. For instance, Joey emphasizes the necessity of creating a dedicated space for thinking and reflection, which can lead to more profound insights and innovative solutions. His practical advice resonates with anyone striving to achieve their creative goals.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The conversation between Michael and Joey Cofone highlights the essential connection between creativity and effective tools. Whether you’re a parent juggling responsibilities or a creative professional seeking inspiration, the insights shared in this episode serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our creative instincts. By embracing our roles as creators and parents, we can cultivate an environment where ideas flourish.

Find Joey’s work at joeycofone.com

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Warren Davis III, a creative director and agency owner who runs his studio alongside his wife.

Warren shares stories from standout projects in his career, what it’s really like working with your spouse, and how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on patience, success, and time. It’s an honest conversation about the challenges and rewards of stepping away from high-pressure agency life, to focus more on raising a family while still pursuing meaningful creative work.

You can find Warren’s work at: amusing design or amusing.design

Instagram: @‌WD3.me

LinkedIn: WD3

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith welcomes Sam Vogel, a brand and web designer from Montana, who shares his journey into freelancing, the creative process behind his projects, and the balance between work and family life.

Sam discusses his experiences with various clients, including a donut shop and a craft brewery, and emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive brand identity. He also reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting, offering insights into his approach to raising his two sons.

You can find Sam’s work at samvogel.com

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Brian Athey, a creative director and freelancer, about his journey in design, parenting, and work-life balance.

Brian shares insights on managing family life with three kids, the importance of quality time, and the innovative Skylight Calendar that helps keep family schedules organized. He discusses his creative process, the challenges of freelancing, and the joy and lessons learned from being a parent.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present and building meaningful relationships with children as they grow.

Brian can be found on instagram @brianathey

In this episode of the Dadsigner Podcast, host Michael Smith welcomes guest Doc Reed. They discuss their initial connection through Instagram and the challenges of networking at events. The conversation highlights the importance of personal connections and overcoming social barriers.

Doc shares insights into his creative journey, including his work on the Netflix documentary ‘Pez Outlaw’ and the internal initiative ‘Billy’ at Method.

He also opens up about his transition to single parenthood and the impact of his late wife’s support on his career and family life.

Doc can be found on instagram at iamreedicus and his substack is Curiosity Kindling.

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Adam Grayson, a senior brand designer at Acorns and a freelance designer.

Adam shares insights about balancing family life with a demanding career, the importance of teaching children about financial literacy, and how personal experiences shape his creative work. He discusses his journey in illustrating children’s books, his health and fitness transformation, and the lessons he has learned as a father.

Adam emphasizes the significance of being a positive role model for his children and the joy of witnessing their growth and independence.

To find Adam’s work visit studiograson.com

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Brad Bishop, a seasoned designer and entrepreneur.

Brad shares his journey from working in large agencies to starting his own design studio, Torch Creative, and reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing family life while making that change as his daughter entered Kindergarten.

Torch Creative has had experience working with major sports brands and a super exciting project with Disney /Lucasfilm.

The conversation also delves into parenting insights, highlighting the importance of spending quality time with family and the pride in seeing his daughter grow into an independent adult.

To follow Brad’s work via Torch you can find them on Instagram @torch_creative

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Brad Stoneking, the founder of Piedmont Brand Company and artist at Dead Tooth .

Brad shares insights into his journey as a graphic designer, from rock bands to the corporate world and out again. He discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, his creative outlet through Dead Tooth, and how he navigates the business side of design.

Brad talks about the wake up call that COVID was for him to be a dad that was more involved than ever before. Michael even get’s this (self-proclaimed) woke dad to cry.

The conversation highlights the balance between personal and professional life, the significance of honest communication in parenting, and the value of community in the creative industry.

Find brand brand studio at Piedmont Brand Co. piedmontbrand.co

And his Dead Tooth art on Instagram at instagram.com/deadtooth.art/

In this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Jimmy Bryant, the founder of Atomic Child, an outdoor brand that features his unique designs.

They discuss Jimmy's journey into fatherhood, the evolution of his business, and the balance between being a designer and running a business. Jimmy shares insights on the importance of networking, the joys and challenges of parenting, and his reflections on success and personal growth.

The conversation highlights the significance of family, empathy, and the creative process in Jimmy's life.

Shop all things Atomic Child at atomicchild.com

Follow along on Instagram at @atomicchilddesign