
Meet the Creatives
I'm Rob Johnston, a designer and photographer based in New York City. I am also the founder of Meet the Creatives - ο»Ώa podcast that seeks to bridge the gap between entry-level creative professionals and the industry's best. Through the podcast, live events and various social platforms, I am building a community that connects thousands of entry-level creatives from around the world.
The show has featured guests from companies like Facebook, Google, Snapchat, Twitter, Disney, Nike, Huge, Sesame Street, 20th Century Fox, Pentagram and more.
Learn more: www.Linktr.ee/MeettheCreativesNY
Latest episodes

Feb 12, 2024 β’ 5min
Rob Johnston on Portfolio Research, Inspiration and the Case for Why You SHOULD Use Pinterest π
In a podcast episode, Rob Johnston emphasizes the importance of learning from existing creative portfolios to develop one's design skills. He suggests creating an inspiration board, using tools like Pinterest, to broaden one's visual vocabulary by exploring and remixing established designs. Rob underscores that drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources is crucial for innovation and personal growth in design.ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Feb 6, 2024 β’ 3min
The Time Machine π°
In this episode of Meet the Creatives, Rob shares his personal journey of battling self-doubt, overcoming failure, and the constant need to prove himself. He highlights the importance of self-compassion and reflection, emphasizing that life can be both a letdown and surprisingly beautiful. Rob's key message revolves around humility, patience, and finding the silver lining in failures. He discusses his own experience with job rejections, leading him to pursue his passion for photography despite financial challenges. Rob offers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to trust in their own abilities and reminding them that success takes time. He also expresses gratitude for the support of Chris Do and commits to being more honest and open about his struggles on the show.ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Feb 2, 2024 β’ 14min
From Backyard Visions to Photographing Taylor Swift's Album 'Lover': Valheria Rocha's Photographic Journey
In this insightful episode with Photographer Valheria Rocha, the conversation not only explores the challenges of starting in photography but also delves into Valheria's remarkable journey that led her to photograph the album cover for Taylor Swift's 'Lover.' Valheria shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing limitations, getting creative, and starting with whatever tools are available. The discussion highlights the significance of adapting to circumstances, learning from constraints, and staying true to one's craft. ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Feb 2, 2024 β’ 7min
Cat Wrangling with Gemma O'Brien
In this Meet the Creatives Live episode from 2020, Rob and artist Gemma O'Brien share insights on overcoming setbacks and experimentation. They also introduce their cats, who may or may not be related. ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Jan 31, 2024 β’ 6min
Overcoming Networking Fears: Julie Zhuo's Advice
Former VP of Design at Facebook, Julie Zhuo, discusses overcoming networking fears in large corporate environments. She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and approaching professionals with the right intent. The conversation highlights the significance of follow-ups and overcoming the fear of rejection in networking.

Jan 31, 2024 β’ 22min
Finding Balance: A Journey of Sobriety and Self-Discovery with Jean Batthany and Rob Johnston
In this clip from Meet the Creatives, Jean Batthany and Rob Johnston engage in a conversation about their personal journeys during the pandemic. They touch on themes of prioritizing family and making positive life changes. Both discuss their paths to sobriety and the impact it had on their lives. The conversation also delves into the importance of vulnerability, self-care, and authentic leadership in the creative industry. Jean shares her experiences with meditation, therapy, and the role of 12-step programs in her life.ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Jan 31, 2024 β’ 3min
Beyond Imagination: Navigating Nostalgia and Business with Jean Batthany
In this clip with Jean Batthany, former VP of Global Creative at Walt Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products, the discussion centers around the intrinsic value of nostalgia in storytelling and creativity. Jean shares insights from her Disney experience, highlighting the need for a balance between left-brain and right-brain thinking, where creativity is not only an artistic pursuit but also a strategic driver for business results. She emphasizes the emotional connection in storytelling, how it engages people on a deep level and aids in better memory retention. The conversation extends to the challenges faced by legacy brands, with Jean shedding light on the importance of being a brand enthusiast while also envisioning future stories for evolving audience connections.ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Jan 30, 2024 β’ 28min
LIVE Q&A in Los Angeles Featuring Neri Rivas, VP of Creative Advertising at 20th Century Fox
LIVE Q&A in Los Angeles Featuring Neri Rivas, VP of Creative Advertising at 20th Century Fox
Neri Rivas is an award-winning Creative Director whose background includes work on global and domestic marketing campaigns for theatrical film and Hispanic advertising for brands such as NIKE, HONDA, Jack In The Box and the NBA. His passion for graphic design and the arts grew from his childhood love of movie posters.
ποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.

Jan 30, 2024 β’ 6min
'Networking and Not Being Afraid of No' Julie Zhuo, Former VP of Product Design at Facebook
'Networking and Not Being Afraid of No' Julie Zhuo, Former VP of Product Design at Facebook. Overcoming fear and building relationships in intimidating work environments like Facebook or Google. Emphasizing the importance of asking for feedback and help, even if the response is 'no'. Discussing the significance of follow-up in networking and overcoming the fear of rejection by being persistent and not letting negative responses discourage personal growth.

Jan 30, 2024 β’ 15min
'Abstraction in Illustration' with Christoph Niemann, Illustrator
'Abstraction in Illustration' with Christoph Niemann, IllustratorποΈ Connect with Rob Johnston and Explore Meet the Creatives!
π Dive into the world of creativity and inspiration with Meet the
Creatives and its founder, Rob Johnston! Here's how you can stay
connected:
- π₯οΈ Meet the Creatives Website: www.MeettheCreatives.org
- πΈ Rob Johnston's Instagram: Follow @_robjohnston
- π Meet the Creatives Linktree: Explore Linktree
- π₯ Meet the Creatives YouTube Channel: Watch on YouTube
- π Rob Johnston's LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
- βοΈ Meet the Creatives Medium Page: Read on Medium
π Click the links above to discover a wealth of creative insights,
interviews, and more.