The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Today's guest is Derek Anton, Creative Director, Designer, and fellow Canadian at Graphos in Edmonton AB. During this episode, we talk about how even at a young age, Derek would not only see great design but would wonder about the purpose behind certain decisions made. Derek also shares how he digs deeper and keeps creating and working even when he thinks he created a knockout winning design the first go around. He also shares with us a project that he is proud of where he was able to do some industrial design for a Bluetooth speaker product and what was involved with that. 

Today's guest is Steve Wahlin, he is a designer, illustrator, photographer and hobby mixologist at Ultra Creative in Minneapolis MI. Steve grew up loving music, drama, and all the arts. During this episode, he tells us how he always noticed and appreciated toy and cereal packaging. It was in college though he was really pointed in the direction of art and design. Steve shares with us the point earlier in his career where he was struggling with burnout and doubt in his creative career. We talk about what that was like and how he pulled himself out of it. He also tells us about a project where he was able to do the design for a product, but also to name the product and why that one is so special to him. Oh, and his ask-it-forward questions is legit! All I will say....or sing....is...."when a maaaannnn, loves a wooommmaaannn!" 

Today's guest is Scotty Russell. He is the gentleman behind Perspective Collective and the host of the Perspective Podcast. During this episode, Scotty tells us about how he always had a notebook with him as a kid and he was always drawing and doing art. But because he was bullied through school and by his brothers, he never shared any of it. Until he did and his talent was out there in the world. We talk design, worrying about criticism, emotional intelligence, and the freelance side-hustle. Scotty is a very motivating person to talk to and this is a great interview that will make you want to bust through whatever is holding you back!

Today's guest is Amy England who is the Sr. Designer at Elysian Brewing in Seattle WA. Elysian not only has amazing beer, but the labels and packaging are always amazing. Amy tells us about the book that really lit her passion for design and art on fire! We also talk about working in teams and how her awesome crew at Elysian work together to share and encourage each other. We also talk about naming and design for a beer and how that should be done. It could also be a fun exercise for any beer drinker to try. We get into talking about the pro's and con's of working in the agency setting vs. in house at a company, what Amy prefers and why. 

Today's guest is Jason Hildre, Sr. Designer at hendlin! in Minneapolis MN. Jason and I talk about Upper Deck cards and how baseball cards were where he first started noticing design. We also talk about 90's hip hop and TBT, you know it, Throwback Thursday. Jason tells us about a time in his career where he wasn't quite happy with what he was designing for his job, so he took it upon himself to create some fake brands and design for those brands in areas he wanted to be known for. It worked! We also talk about animation and how it is a skill that Jason is working on. He shares a story with us about an animation that he did for a large conference and how that went, and how it was received. 

Today's guest is Kiel Tillman. He is the owner, designer, illustrator, and mural artist at Tillman Creative Co. on the Gold Coast in AUS. During this episode, we talk about how surf culture, skate culture, and playing with laser cutters all contributed to Kiel's creative path. Kiel tells us about a recent speaking gig he had at the Typism conference and what that was like. We talk about how he was able to get the attention of the WuTang Clan on a tour they were doing in AUS and how he ended up designing stuff for them. He also tells us a couple of stories where things didn't go smooth. One involves a "tax" punch in the gut after his best year ( I see you freelancers ), and the other involves a live painting project he was working on for a Jägermeister event....live...

Today's guest is Jordan Coon, Partner and Designer at Brethren Design Co. in Tulsa OK. The other partner for Brethren is his brother Jeremy who lives in St. Louis MI. During this episode we talk about the remote working partnership and how they handle that. Jordan also gives us his intro to design story through punk bands and skate culture. Jordan also shares a story with us about a web design project that went sideways at an agency he used to be a part of and I can feel the nerves from his experience. We chat about finding your place in the design world, Pepperoni Porter, Déjà Vu Lunch, and the Bang Bang...

Today's guest is John Stiff, a Sr. Designer and Illustrator at Ultra Creative in Minneapolis MN. John has done it all...seasonal home decor design, design for Hallmark, mylar balloon design, in-store display design, screenprint design, food packaging, and illustration.  He grew up in a sports family but by the time he was 10 or 12yrs old, he was designing logos and patches. John and I talk about art history and how it was the place that he really connected with design. John also shares with us the struggles he had when changing from seasonal design to the rush and hustle that can sometimes come with agency or studio life. 

Today's guest is Nick Vargas, a freelance Visual Designer living in Santa Cruz CA. For the last 22+ years, Nick has been a professional tattoo artist which was his gateway to design and illustration. He still does tattoos but has a focus on design and illustration also. During this episode we talk about surf and skate culture and the inspiration that has been on his career. Nick and I also talk about something we both struggle with, balance between work, goals, and family. We also talk about a project that Nick did for a fitness studio and just keeps on giving. He explains what he means by that. 

Today's guest is Scott Carslake. Scott is the Co-founder and Creative Director at Voice in Adelaide AUS. During this episode, we talk about Scott's rural childhood and the creative things he would get up to on the farm. He had always enjoyed design and being creative, but there was one book that really lit the design fire for him. He tells us which one it was, and why. Scott co-founded Voice over 20 years ago now and he tells us about their best year ever, and the decision they made after it that caused a big shift in their business. We also learn about a project that Scott and his team were a part of that did not go well. Thing four guys working on a jewelry brand targeting women. Those, and many more great stories from Scott in this episode.