In the Making

Teresa Au chats with artist and creative director Jason Naylor live at Adobe MAX 2024. They talk about the power of yes, betting on yourself, and what it means to open your heart. Plus Jason shares the personal messages behind his extremely colorful murals, how he found his style, and why he doesn’t seek out inspiration.

This bonus episode features graphic designer and content creator Emma Orhun speaking at the "Twisted by Design" event organized by the Ottawa Design Club this spring. Emma shares how she overcame her scientific background and got comfortable with the subjectivity of art; why she invented the Tamawatchi, a Tamagotchi with the functionality of an Apple Watch; and how designing a pair of Nikes changed her career.

For this bonus episode, host Teresa Au shares a conversation between design superstar and In the Making guest Chris Do and graphic designer Liz Mosley. Liz candidly reveals how Chris’ (very polite!) refusal to appear on her podcast inspired her to take on a personal challenge of gaining 100 professional rejections in six months. The surprising result: Liz’s changed mindset and newfound confidence led to acceptances, sponsorships, and opportunities, and even some nos turning into yeses! To bring it full circle, Chris invited Liz onto his podcast The Futur with Chris Do to share the inspiring story.

Teresa Au checks in with Instagram’s favorite photo director, Emily Keegin, about how photographers are doing these days. They look at how AI is just the latest technical breakthrough in the medium, what people can do that AI can’t, and the best way to think about trends. Plus, Emily shares tips for creators and solopreneurs to find and create great images.

For this bonus episode, host Teresa Au shares chats hosted by her Adobe colleagues Kladi Vergine and Elise Swopes. First we hear from Jack Watson, a brand designer, solopreneur, and social media star–all at just 21 years old. Jack shares how he discovered design tools, his foray into concert promotion, and how an international retailer found his work. Next, eclectic artist Dewey Saunders describes his artistic journey from pen-and-ink to collage to digital design. Plus, Dewey shares his musician origins, how he’s influenced by music, and why he’s a go-to collaborator for musicians like Future and Anderson .Paak.

For this bonus episode, host Teresa Au shares talks from Adobe MAX London, Adobe’s flagship event in Europe for learning and inspiration. First we hear from Rachel Sale, a UK-based illustrator who is currently an Adobe Creative Resident at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Rachel shares what it’s like to actually work in a museum, have access to museum resources, and display her work there. Next, filmmaker Margot Bowman shares her artist's journey with the concept of permission--who needs to ask for permission to be creative? Who has the power in that dynamic? Margot’s conclusions are both empowering and surprising.

Teresa Au talks to psychotherapist Sarah Ahmed, aka Tiktok’s @the.poc.therapist, about how creatives can navigate the emotional side of putting yourself, and your work, online. Sarah is beloved by her followers for dispensing advice on relationships and self-love, so she knows first-hand how hard it can be to weather social media’s nasty comments and unpredictable algorithms, plus our own insecurities. Her strategies for protecting your mental fitness will help you enjoy all the best aspects of sharing your creativity with the world.

In the Making kicks off season two with Teresa Au interviewing Vanessa Rivera of The Life of AIVAX about her whimsical Photoshop art and how she balances a time-consuming creative career with a family as a working mom. Vanessa talks about creative tools that save her time in her work, how she and her family left their home to travel in Europe for two years, how to set limits on her work life, and how to find joy and connection in a lonely world as a creative.

Teresa Au chats with Emmy-winning design superstar Chris Do about his pivot from design to teaching, his education platform The Futur, and all the things he didn’t learn in design school. You’ll hear all about how Chris’ 2M+ social followers inspire his content, and Chris answers questions from design students. Plus, Chris opens up about why now is the time for him to share his personal story as a refugee, what really fuels his work, and how he recharges.

What’s it like to pay off $50,000 in debt, ditch your 9-to-5, travel the world, create educational content, and build community in the process? Teresa Au speaks to Financial Hype Woman and content creator Berna Anat about how she did all that and how she’s planning for tomorrow. Berna also shares how our emotional relationship with money impacts our decisions, her strategies for budgeting, saving and retirement, and what to do when the creator life doesn’t love you back.

When is it better to keep your side hustle on the side, and stay with your day job? Teresa Au speaks to UX designer-by-day, illustrator-by-night Miranda Wong about the pros and cons of working a second shift in a creative field. Miranda shares her strategies for time management, why her illustration business makes her better at her day job, and the hidden rewards of meeting customers and vendors in real life.

When a new creative venture is percolating in your mind, it might make sense to move to a more affordable or more nurturing area. Teresa Au speaks to Shannon Maldonado, who quit fashion design and New York to head home to Philadelphia and start her business YOWIE–it began as an online shop, and is now a design studio, store, and hotel. Shannon shares her strategies for finding and fostering community while you grow your creative business.