The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Sacramento-based brand identity designer Zuza Hicks of Nicely Made Studio joins Dave for a conversation about personality-driven branding, the unexpected lessons of leading a creative team, and why print is having a serious moment. Zuza brings a genuinely unique perspective to design. She's largely self-taught, holds a master's degree in social policy and journalism, and draws on her life between the US and Poland to create deeply symbolic, character-driven brand work. In this episode: -How the Polish Poster School (1950s-80s) still influences design today and what it teaches us about symbolism and working within constraints -How US and Polish design cultures differ and why historical context shapes visual identity in ways most designers never consider -What Liquid Death gets right about personality-driven branding and why being polarizing is actually the point -The hard lessons Zuza learned stepping into an art director role and why great designers don't always make natural managers -A branding project that went sideways and what it taught her about clear communication, avoiding assumptions, and having difficult conversations with clients -The resurgence of print, why tangible media carries more trust than digital Links mentioned: Polish Poster School Umanos, Seattle-based sustainable hair and body care brand Pantuniestal, Polish clothing brand with standout cultural storytelling  Sagi Haviv's logo design class on Domestika Connect with Zuza: Instagram: @nicelymadestudioWebsite: nicelymade.studio

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, we sit down with graphic designer, illustrator, and creative director Colby Clites. Colby shares his journey from Tampa, Florida, to the mountains of Colorado, where he works in the beverage and food industry, designing packaging and branding for some seriously cool products. We talk about his creative childhood (spoiler: his mom saw his design future before he did), how an Adobe livestream shaped his passion, and the highs and lows of his freelance journey. Plus, Colby shares the story of a packaging mishap that turned into an unexpected PR campaign and drops his go-to playlist for getting in the zone.  Resources & Mentions: The Playlist: Disco F**ks - LISTEN HERE Colby Clites on Instagram: @colbyclitesColby's Website: LINK HERE // Print Design Academy for Teams // Learn more here // Print Design Academy for Freelance Creatives // Learn more here

In this episode, Lucy Eden, a talented brand designer and educator, shares her journey from creative childhood experiments to building a thriving career. We dive into her insights on balancing content creation with client work, navigating challenging seasons in business, and her passion for wordmarks and typography in design. Lucy opens up about lessons learned from difficult projects, her admiration for industry icons like Paula Scherr, and her dream of building a business that supports a balanced, family-centered life. Whether you're a designer seeking inspiration or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is full of gems! Episode Highlights:Creative Beginnings: Lucy shares how her upbringing, with creative parents and hands-on exploration, sparked her passion for design and entrepreneurship. Building a Business with Social Media: Lucy discusses how consistent Instagram and TikTok posting in 2021 became the foundation for her business growth. Wordmark Love: Lucy explains her deep appreciation for wordmarks and how typography can showcase personality and emotion in branding. Lessons from Challenges: From difficult client relationships to juggling multiple career paths, Lucy offers honest reflections on overcoming obstacles and evolving her processes. Heartfelt Projects: Lucy highlights meaningful projects, including branding for mission-driven businesses like a candle company employing adults with special needs. Recommended Read: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People left a lasting impression on Lucy, helping her align goals with her values and structure her life for success.  Resources & Mentions: Lucy Eden on Instagram: @lucyeendesignLucy Eden on TikTok: @lucyedendesignLucy Eden's Website: LINK HERE // Print Design Academy for Teams // Learn more here // Print Design Academy for Freelance Creatives // Learn more here

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, Dave sits down with Sara Sun, a graphic designer, content creator, and illustrator based in Dallas, Texas. With experience spanning from boutique design studios in New Zealand to creating conceptual packaging and brand sponsorships on social media, Sara shares her journey of transitioning from traditional design roles to becoming a full-time content creator. Episode Highlights: Freelancing & Content Creation: Sara delves into her transition from working at a design studio in New Zealand to freelancing and ultimately creating content for brands like Adobe. Finding Inspiration: Sara reflects on her love for mixed media, from photography and ceramics to conceptual packaging. She shares how her time in New Zealand's creative community shaped her design style and led to collaborations with top brands. The Power of Passion Projects: The importance of passion projects and how they reignited her love for design and contributed to her growth on social media. Challenges & Lessons: Sara opens up about the struggles of working within a rigid design process, the pressure of creating content for social media, and learning to navigate client expectations. Big Wins with Adobe: Sara shares her excitement over her first major collaboration with Adobe and what it felt like to work on creative projects she’s passionate about while being compensated for it. Key Takeaways: The impact of combining different art forms to create unique, engaging content. The importance of stepping out of traditional roles to find your own creative voice. How to deal with the challenges of balancing creative freedom and client needs, particularly as a freelancer and content creator. Embracing the process of social media growth while focusing on the content you love to create. Mentioned in the Episode: Designers & Creators Sara Looks Up To: Scribbled by Sophie Kelsey Slay Design Shelly Kim Sara’s Personal Content: Check out Sara’s work on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares conceptual packaging projects and design tips. Instagram: @sara.and.misc Podcast Recommendation: Sara is currently enjoying the lighthearted and comedic vibes of Giggly Squad. Connect with Sarah Sun: Instagram: @sara.and.misc TikTok: @Sara.And.Misc GUIDE TO PRICING GRAPHIC DESIGN: // Get the FREE Guide to Pricing Graphic Design here // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

In this episode of The Quickie Podcast, I chat with Cam Werner, also known as Canvas Cam, a self-taught graphic designer with a love for skateboarding, hardcore music, and comics. Cam shares his journey from starting a clothing brand during his skateboarding days to becoming a full-time freelance designer with Canvas Design Company. Episode Highlights: Cam’s Background: Cam discusses his early influences, including his dad, a sign painter, and how skate culture and hardcore music played a role in shaping his design career. Challenges in Freelancing: Cam opens up about the difficulties of adjusting to a post-COVID world as a freelance designer and the importance of project management in his current work. Dealing with Nightmare Clients: A candid story about a challenging client relationship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health over financial gain. The Power of Design Communities: Cam talks about the support he’s received from the design community during tough times and the value of sharing knowledge and experiences. Proudest Moment: Cam shares his experience working on the branding for the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival with Bert Kreischer, including seeing his work displayed in an arena setting. Key Takeaways: The significance of project management and communication skills in running a successful freelance business. Why it’s essential to sometimes walk away from a difficult client for the sake of your own well-being. The benefits of not gatekeeping and sharing your creative process with the design community. Mentioned in the Episode: Books: Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon Design Heroes: Benny Gold @bennygold and Lincoln Design Co. @lincolndesignco Connect with Canvas Cam: Instagram: @canvas_cam Website: Canvas Design Company PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE //   

This weeks guest is Dustin Noden. He is the Creative Director at Lincoln Design Co. and cofounder of KernClub. During this episode we talk about his journey to the design field and how it wasn't through a traditional schooling path. He gets into his early inspirations, the random job offer he got because he knew Photoshop a bit, and the direction that job pointed him in.  We also talk about the excitement of being a new dad and the challenges of figuring all that out and finding a new balance.  Dustin also gets into a brewer project that he was a part of that went off the rails after 11 revisions and what that felt like. And on the flip side, he shares a project that is pretty fresh on his mind that he is really proud to be a part of. All that plus even more stories in this episode. Dive into this rad conversation, the 3rd and final live episode from Creative South. Dustin's a rad dude and I know you'll dig this one.    THE LINKS Dustin Instagram: CLICK HEREKernClub Website: CLICK HERELincoln Design Co. Instagram: CLICK HERELincoln Design Co. Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Ben Pavey. He is a Graphic Designer and Team Lead of Brand Experience at OCAS out of Guelph ON. Fellow Canadian Gent! During this episode we talk about his early celebrity from being in an Olsen Twins movie and a mosaic moose that started his creative journey. But we also get into some of the hard-hitting story telling you are used to.  Including a website project that he was super proud to present, but was very quickly told "oofff, this isn't going to go well for you". He shares what he missed and what he learned from that experience.  Ben also shared a project with us for the perspectives conference where we put together some optical illusions that were really impactful for the event. We also talk about the days of Limewire and how ben would rip albums, burn them to CD's, and then create his own CD label and jewel case insert.  This is the first-ever in-person interview that was live on location at Creative South in Columbus GA. I know you'll love it! THE LINKS Ben's Instagram: CLICK HERE Ben's PaperHomes Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Academy // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Jake Paul. A self-taught Graphic Designer from the UK.  During this episode we talk about how he was pursuing a career in law or banking before making a hard right turn and becoming a graphic designer.  Jake shares some of his wins, his fails, and what his parents' response was when he told them he didn't want to pursue law or banking anymore. He also tells us about his time working for some of the most well-known teams out there like Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, and Manchester United.  We then dive into a story about a banner project that went sideways, the jump he made from a shoe company to an agency and why it was the toughest time in his career. Oh, and about a super steep learning curve for a presentation he needed to make to Red bull.  Had a great time in this episode. *NOTE* There is a tiny audio delay in this one between our back and forth.  THE LINKS Jake's Instagram: CLICK HERE Jake's Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Ian Paget, but you might know his as @logogeek, or as an Author, or a Podcast Host, or as a talented designer. During this episode we talk about helping creatives make a living doing logo design and how he never intended to actually go full time freelance.  Ian also tells us about personal struggles that he was facing, how they weighed him down and why, and how he managed to continue with his career and business. He also shares a story about working with Cambridge University and why he is so excited about it! Lots of great stories in this one! Be sure to check out the links below to see Ians Book "Make a Living Designing Logos" and all his social links too! THE LINKS  The Book: CLICK HEREIan's Instagram: CLICK HEREIan's Website: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Shelby Temples, founder of HeWillNeverGoHungry.com - PS. You gotta go check out his website. Insanely good.  During this episode we talk about a contest for creating album artwork for Janet Jackson...that he won...but was underage to participate...and because of that they had to go to the next person.  We also talk about Nylon Magazine and why it was so influential to him, and the balance between making money, paying the bills, and feeling fulfilled. That balance between fulfilment and survival.  Also some chat about CBD Hotsauce, business wins, design fails, and all the good stuff inbetween. Shelby is a fun dude with stories to share! Enjoy.   THE LINKS  Shelbys Website: CLICK HEREShelby on Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES // Free 7-day VIP Access to Print Design Mastery // Print Design Summit // LifeTime Access if you missed it // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Abi Connick. She is a Brand Designer and a Design Content Creator based in the UK. She has an incredible YouTube channel delivering tonnes of value to Designers. Check the link below.  During this episode, we talk about how she was laid off early during Covid, what that meant for her, and the trajectory it put her on.  We also talk about understanding social media and content creation and what it can do for your design business. Abi then shares how she has been struggling with imposter syndrome lately, what is causing it, and what she is doing to work through it.  Plus so many more stories about her design career and her growth on YouTube and social media.  This was a rad conversation especially for me because Abi was one of the first YouTube design content creators that I watched and was inspired by before starting our Print Design Academy channel.  THE LINKS  Abi Connick YouTube: CLICK HEREAbi Connick Website: CLICK HEREAbi Connick Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  Get the FREE Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts HERE // Print Design Academy YouTube // CLICK HERE // 

My guest this week is Amy Farrell. She is the co-founder of Times2Studio and owner of Designing Success where she teaches designers the business side of design.  During this episode we talk about growing up problem-solving, when she learned that graphic design is a real career, and why 2006-2007 was the most difficult time in her design career. Amy even shares why design business processes are so important.  We also talk about the booklet design project she was a part of that fell off the rails, why, and what she learned. This was a great conversation full of value for designers looking to start or grow their freelance design careers.   THE LINKS  Times 2 Studio Website: CLICK HEREDesigning Success Website: CLICK HEREAmy Farrel Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  7 day Free Trial of Print Design Mastery + Craft Beer Label Design Course // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE // 

My guest this week is Will Paterson. He is a Logo + Brand Designer, Author, YouTube Content Creator, and now Course Creator.  Buckle up for a story telling extravaganza. These stories include the highs and lows of his very public YouTube channel, his design career, and some of the key projects where he felt incredibly fulfilled.  Plus loads of laughs! Don't miss checking out the links below too! Will Paterson Website: CLICK HERELogo Launch Course: CLICK HEREWill Paterson YouTube: CLICK HEREWill Paterson Instagram: CLICK HERE PRINT DESIGN RESOURCES //  FREE GUIDE to Keyboard Shortcuts in Illustrator and InDesign // // Print Design Academy Website // //  Learn Print Design on YouTube HERE //