Why does nostalgia in design feel so good? In this episode, we explore the resurgence of retro in branding and packaging and why it’s capturing the hearts (and wallets) of consumers today. From the psychology behind nostalgia to standout examples like Chobani’s earthy, vintage look and Burger King’s playful retro rebrand, we dive deep into how brands are using the past to shape their future.

We’ll also share tips for experimenting with nostalgia in your own work, the risks of overdoing it, and when retro just isn’t the right fit. Whether you’re a designer curious about this trend or a brand strategist looking to connect more meaningfully with your audience, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how to make nostalgia work for you!

In this episode, I dive into how designers can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of AI. While AI continues to shape the creative industry, there are four essential human traits—emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, taste, and judgment—that still give us a competitive edge. I share real-world examples, explore how AI falls short in these areas, and provide actionable tips on how you can harness these traits to elevate your creative work. Tune in for insights on how to future-proof your career and continue making meaningful, human-centered design.

This episode is a special takeover! I first met Matt Tjokro and Finn Evans, two incredibly talented young designers, at an Adobe Creative Retreat earlier this year. These two made such an impression on me that I had to hand them the mic to share their journey. In this fun and insightful episode, Matt and Finn dive into their creative paths, life in art school, and how they’re moving forward in their design careers.

From defining what professionalism really means to finding and seizing creative opportunities, they’ll share their take on making it in the design world. Expect lots of laughs, fresh perspectives, and some seriously inspiring advice for anyone on a creative journey! Don’t miss Matt and Finn’s unique look at what it means to build a career as a young designer today.

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In this episode, I sit down with award-winning illustrator and lettering artist Jess Goldsmith to talk about building a career that celebrates experimentation, authenticity, and community. Jess shares her journey from working with major brands to founding Women of Type, a global community for women and non-binary creatives, all while embracing the mantra that “you can be whoever you want and still be successful.” We dive into the power of storytelling in design, how to navigate trends without losing authenticity, and what it really means to be a creative in a constantly evolving industry.

Tune in as Jess and I discuss her belief that you don’t have to fit into one box as a designer, and explore how embracing different paths can fuel both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to break new ground in your creative journey, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

Find out more about Jess Here!

In this episode, Cezar and I reflect on our experience reviewing over a hundred portfolios at an Adobe Creative retreat, where we were inspired by the next generation of young designers. After seeing their work and hearing their questions, we decided to dive into three major topics that kept coming up: whether formal education matters, the power of storytelling in design, and how to navigate trends while creating timeless work. Join us as we share insights, personal stories, and practical advice for budding creatives and seasoned pros alike!

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On Episode 6 of The Next Level I chat with Drew Ordway from Impossibly Awesome Design Co. about the untraditional route to a career in design. We discuss the importance of embracing the unknown and leaning on your community for support. 

IG:

https://www.instagram.com/impossiblyawesomedesign/

Website:

https://www.impossiblyawesome.design/

Bristol Brewing Project:

https://www.impossiblyawesome.design/work/world-peace-death-ray

The War of Art:

https://a.co/d/2IUKiXl

The Freelance Manifesto: https://a.co/d/9ZFYXiv

In today’s episode, I’m hanging out with my new buddy Tyler Pate, an awesome designer and illustrator I met through Adobe Live and Create Now events. Tyler’s a master at balancing a full-time gig as an art director with running his own design side hustle, "The Creative Pain." We’re chatting all about personal branding, marketing yourself as a creative, and how putting yourself out there can lead to some pretty cool opportunities. It’s a laid-back convo filled with insights and advice for anyone looking to grow their creative career!

https://www.instagram.com/thecreativepain/

Join us for an exciting episode where we dive into the branding journey of a truly charming project! In this episode, I’m joined by my cohost Mikelle as we explore the creative process behind crafting a nostalgic and inviting restaurant brand. From initial concepts to final designs, we’ll share insights, challenges, and the magic that went into bringing this unique vision to life. Tune in to hear how we transformed an idea into a memorable brand experience and discover the key elements that made this project special.

Join me as I sit down with the visionary James Martin in this electrifying episode focused on revolutionizing the design education industry. As a design educator myself, I wanted to chat with James about his bold plans to transform how young designers are trained and equipped for the job market. We dive into what’s broken in the current system and explore his innovative solutions to address these critical gaps.

In this inspiring conversation, James and I compare notes on the challenges budding designers face today. We discuss personal experiences that ignited our passions for change and the creative strategies we believe will help young designers thrive. From hands-on learning to real-world applications, James outlines a new path forward that promises to reshape the future of graphic design education.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the current state of the industry, packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Whether you’re a student, educator, or design professional, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to support this revolutionary movement. Don’t miss out on this exciting discussion with James Martin!

Website

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of logo design with the renowned Bill Gardner, owner and president of Gardner Design, and founder of LogoLounge.com. Bill has been at the forefront of logo trend analysis for over 15 years, meticulously researching thousands of logos from designers worldwide to produce the highly anticipated annual Logo Trend Report. Join us as we explore the latest trends from the 2024 report and gain insights into the evolving landscape of logo design.

Bill shares his expertise on how the role of logos is shifting within brand ecosystems, moving from centerpieces to complementary elements within a broader visual strategy. We discuss the rise of inventive wordmarks, the impact of digital media on logo design, and the increasing influence of AI in creating dynamic, multi-dimensional logos. From gradients and animations to the playful adoption of human characteristics in logos, Bill provides a comprehensive overview of the trends that are shaping the future of branding.

Trend Report