What does creative leadership actually look like today?In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative perspectives, why innovation is about building better experiences instead of chasing technology, and how curiosity fuels long-term growth.You’ll learn why generosity of time is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how personal passions sharpen creative output, and why culture, not control, builds brands that last. If you’re ready to move beyond just making work and start shaping teams, experiences, and impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in design.Kiser Links:Website: https://www.redantler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiser_barnesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiserbarnes/Tom:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/

Feeling stuck in your creative journey?** 🤔 It's a common struggle, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In our latest podcast episode, Stacey Panousopoulos shares insights from her 20 years with AIGA New York. Discover how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and find your way back to inspiration! 💡✨

What’s your go-to strategy when you hit a creative block? Let’s chat in the comments!

#CreativeJourney #AIGANewYork #DesignCommunity #Inspiration #Podcast #MentalHealth #CreativeBlock #DesignThinking #StayInspired

Graphic design has been taking a beating online, from AI panic and low-paying job posts to burnout culture and social media negativity. In this episode, Nick Longo pushes back on the noise and stands up for the design industry with clarity, optimism, and long-game thinking.

Rather than denying the real challenges designers face, this conversation reframes them through a more honest lens. Nick breaks down why graphic design is still a viable and meaningful career, how AI and easy design tools are changing the work without replacing designers, and why the job market feels broken at the execution level but not at the leadership level. He also addresses client misconceptions, revision culture, designfluencers, and burnout, while offering a more grounded way to think about longevity, value, and growth in a creative career.

This episode is about separating signal from noise, reclaiming pride in the profession, and reminding designers that the industry isn’t collapsing, it’s evolving. If you’ve ever questioned your career choice after scrolling social media, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Tom Lauro sits down with food and beverage photographer Josh Olalde to unpack what it really takes to build a creative career that lasts. From capturing authentic moments behind the camera to building trust with clients, Josh shares how craft, consistency, and storytelling become long-term advantages in a crowded industry.

This conversation goes beyond lighting tips and gear talk and digs into the creative long game, developing a recognizable point of view, building a durable personal brand, and using relationships and taste as leverage. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, or creative looking to move from executor to trusted partner, this episode is a clear reminder that longevity is built through intention, not shortcuts.

https://www.instagram.com/josh_olalde/
https://www.josholalde.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@josholalde

In our new episode, we share insights from listener feedback that helped us pivot our content strategy. 📝 Engaging with your audience is key to growth!

What’s the best feedback you’ve received that changed your perspective? Share your stories!

#PodcasterLife #ListenerFeedback #ContentStrategy #GrowthMindset #PodcastingTips

In this conversation, Brady Patterson discusses the evolving landscape of design careers and the importance of content creation in securing job opportunities. He shares his journey from graphic designer to agency owner and content creator, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt to the changing job market. The discussion covers strategies for creating engaging content, overcoming fears of sharing work, and the significance of finding a niche. Brady also highlights practical steps for aspiring content creators to start their journey effectively.

What if your creative career wasn’t about climbing a ladder, but about building leverage?

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Murray to unpack what it really means to be a Creative Athlete in today’s shifting industry. We talk about why the traditional creative path feels shakier than ever, how creators quietly rewrote the rules, and why mid-level creatives can no longer rely on titles, agencies, or permission to move forward.

Jason breaks down the mindset shift from being a task-doer to a strategic operator, how to think beyond execution, and why treating yourself like a client is no longer optional. We dig into creative independence, ownership, and how to identify the real value you bring to the table, beyond your portfolio.

If you’re a designer, art director, or creative who feels capable but capped, this episode will challenge how you think about your career, your skills, and your next move, and give you practical ways to start building a career that adapts, compounds, and stays yours.

https://www.instagram.com/jason_swet/

It’s that time of year again, and your two favorite design elves, Mikelle and Nick, are back with a sleigh full of wildly good gift ideas for creatives. In this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’re pulling out the deep cuts, the clever upgrades, and the treats that’ll make any designer’s heart grow three sizes.

From retro tech nostalgia to productivity lifesavers to “I definitely deserve this” splurges, we run through our full 2025 wishlist, why each item made the cut, and who on your studio team deserves one too. Expect laughs, unexpected gems, and maybe one or two confessions about our online shopping habits.

Whether you need the perfect gift for a designer friend, your favorite creative colleague, or just yourself because you nailed that last deadline, we’ve got you covered.

Grab the cocoa, hit play, and bookmark everything. Your cart is about to get dangerously full.

• Another Studio Stencils

  https://www.another-studio.com/collections/stencils

• Atari Gamestation Go

  https://atari.com/products/atari-gamestation-go?srsltid=AfmBOoq6M9OB6HIj2csHeLtCdAUkcaHgyzaousJwIM1n1mPAgQD3WEB_

• LEGO Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. Set (21357)

  https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/disney-pixar-luxo-jr-21357

• A6 Memobottle

  https://www.memobottle.us/products/a6-memobottle

• Manta Sleep Mask Sound (New Gen)

  https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound-new-gen

• PocketDrum 2 Plus by Aeroband

  https://www.aeroband.net/products/pocketdrum2-plus

• MacLock Retro Computer Clock

  https://theawesomer.com/maclock-retro-computer-clock/789827/

• Oakywood Magnetic Cable Organizer

  https://oakywood.shop/products/magnetic-cable-organizer?_gl=115mp605_upMQ.._gs*NQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbrQ2uGmkQMV1V8IBB0TajqyEAEYASAEEgLw1PD_BwE

• Better With Rhythm

  https://www.betterwithrhythm.com

• The Magic Patio

  https://www.themagicpatio.com

• Draplin Design Co. Posters

  https://www.draplin.com/merch/posters

• Kintsugi Reborn (Handcrafted Goods)

  https://www.etsy.com/shop/KintsugiReborn

• Imogene and Willie, Graphic Content Collection

  https://imogeneandwillie.com/collections/graphic-content

• Teenage Engineering Audio & Synth Gear

  https://teenage.engineering/products/audio-and-synthesizers

• Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators

  https://teenage.engineering/store/pocket-operators

What really happens when you hit the ten year mark in your creative career? In this episode, Nick is joined by three powerhouse designers who have each carved out their own lane in the industry, all with a decade of experience under their belts. Say hello to illustrator and licensing pro Maggie Enterrios, branding and merch designer Enon Avital, and creative director and product maker Dan Lee.

Together they unpack the real lessons a long term creative career teaches you, including the early mistakes that shaped them, the surprising wins that kept them going, and the mindset shifts that turned fear into momentum. They dig into client work, licensing, merch, side hustles that became main hustles, and how each path builds a different kind of resilience.

Listeners will walk away with practical guidance on launching products with confidence, navigating slow seasons, protecting your creative identity, knowing when to evolve your business, and building something that lasts longer than a trend cycle.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to stay in this industry for ten years, this is your hotline moment.

Dan Lee: https://www.instagram.com/dandrawnwords/

Maggie Enterrios: https://www.instagram.com/littlepatterns/
Enon Avital: https://www.instagram.com/e_known/

In this conversation, Nick discusses the unique design elements and storytelling aspects of various packaging designs. He highlights the importance of bold illustrations and effective branding in creating a memorable consumer experience.

T-Shirt Link: Here