Wake Up Excited! Finding Balance in Design, Creativity and Life with Aaron Draplin
Oct 9, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Aaron Draplin, a legendary graphic designer known for his thick-line style and creator of Field Notes, shares insights on creativity and work-life balance. He discusses the challenges of burnout, financial stability, and the scarcity mindset. Aaron emphasizes the importance of redefining success, prioritizing joy, and managing personal projects alongside client work. He reflects on life transitions, the value of family, and the necessity of planning sabbaticals to recharge creatively.
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Own Your Platform
- Aaron rebuilt his site on Squarespace to own his work and avoid platform volatility.
- He prioritized showing portfolio and merch together so his presence isn't dependent on social apps.
Authenticity Versus Performance
- Authentic sharing feels different from performative platform-driven content and is motivating for both speakers.
- Both Brad and Aaron resist performative tap-dancing and prefer intrinsic, authentic output.
Save Tiered Runway Before Downshifting
- Calculate your baseline monthly expenses and save that amount before quitting or downshifting.
- Build small staged savings (first $5k, then $10k, etc.) as practical runway to avoid being forced back into bad choices.
