The Angry Designer Graphic Design, Freelancing, Branding & Creative Business Podcast

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The Angry Designer is an entertaining No-Bull unapologetic design podcast for Graphic Designers, Freelancers, and In-house Creative Pros ready to take their careers to the next level. Hosted by a Creative Director who built and sold a 7-figure Creative agency, this design podcast breaks down the business of design, branding, freelancing, logos, UX, strategy, AI, and more—without the industry fluff and pointless jargon. 


The Angry Designer tackles the topics other Graphic Design podcasts avoid: burnout, ageism, toxic clients, pricing, imposter syndrome, with an unapologetic take on what it really takes to build a creative career that lasts.

Whether you’ve been a Graphic Designer for decades or just starting out, get ready to feel vindicated because this podcast will challenge how you think, push you to grow, and give you the tools to design a life on your terms.


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Published 2026-05-18

Graphic Designers Are Becoming Irrelevant…Here’s Why

29 min Transcript
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A lot of graphic designers are quietly asking themselves the same question: “What exactly is my value anymore?”

Because the industry has changed fast. AI can generate layouts in seconds. Templates are everywhere. Clients think Canva makes them designers.
And the execution skills graphic designers spent years mastering are becoming easier, faster, and cheaper by the day.

So if everyone can suddenly “design"…what actually separates a professional designer anymore?

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we unpack the growing fear many designers are feeling right now, why so many creatives feel lost in the middle of this AI shift, and the dangerous mistake designers are making by obsessing over execution instead of the skills that truly make them valuable.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why graphic designers built their careers around the exact skill losing value the fastest
- The hidden reason AI is shrinking the need for production-focused designers
- The real skills that will keep designers relevant in the future of graphic design

If you’re a graphic designer, freelancer, logo designer, brand strategist, agency creative, or anyone trying to survive the future of design, this episode is going to force you to rethink where your value actually comes from.

Because design isn’t disappearing.
But what clients expect from designers already is.

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Most Graphic Designers believe talent is what gets them hired.

That if you just become the best…the most talented…the most skilled…the most obsessed with your craft…clients will magically choose you.

Except that’s not how the real world works.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, powered by Wix Studio, we sit down with Will Paterson live from Creative South to unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths in the design industry:

From imposter syndrome and client relationships, to branding psychology, YouTube credibility, Canva controversy, and what actually makes clients choose one designer over another, this conversation goes way deeper than portfolios, talent, or design skill alone.

Because in today’s creative industry, being the best designer might not be the thing that matters most anymore.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• What clients often choose other than who's the most talented
• The hidden skill graphic designers overlook that directly impacts their career success
• Why branding, communication, personality, and trust matter more than most designers realize

If you’ve ever questioned your value as a graphic designer, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered why less talented designers sometimes seem to land better opportunities, this episode might completely change the way you look at your creative career.

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Most graphic designers think getting better at design is the answer.
Better work, portfolio, ideas. 

So why are so many still stuck? Still overlooked. Still underpaid. Still sitting in meetings while someone else calls the shots.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the real reason designers hit a ceiling and why doubling down on execution is actually holding you back. This is the shift that separates designers who just deliver from the ones who lead, influence, and get paid for their thinking.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but not getting ahead, this is the reality check you’ve been missing.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why getting better at design skills is not what moves your career forward
- The critical difference between design execution and design thinking
- How to shift from order-taker to strategic designer that clients trust and rely on

This is not about making things look better. This is about thinking better.
Because the designers who win are not the ones who execute the fastest.

They are the ones who understand the problem before anyone else does.

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Most graphic designers think AI is the biggest threat to their career. Faster tools. Instant outputs. Endless variations. But that’s not what’s actually happening.

Design isn’t getting better. It’s getting faster. And now that anyone can make something look good, the real problem is harder to see. Because when everything looks good, the only thing that matters is KNOWING what actually IS good.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the real shift happening in graphic design and why most designers are dangerously unprepared for what comes next.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why AI is not the biggest threat to graphic designers and what is
- How “good-looking” design is fooling clients and hurting the industry
- Why taste and judgment are becoming the only skills that matter in modern design

This is not about learning another tool or chasing trends. This is about understanding what separates real designers from everyone else in an AI-driven world, so you can stay relevant, charge what you’re worth, and build a career that actually lasts.

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Graphic designers are asking the same question right now.
 Will AI replace graphic designers?

With AI tools generating logos, building websites, and creating content faster than ever, it’s no surprise designers are questioning their value and their future in the design industry.

But AI is not replacing graphic designers the way most people think.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down what AI can replace in graphic design and more importantly, what it cannot. This conversation goes beyond tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Canva and focuses on the evolving role of graphic designers in a world driven by automation and AI.

We explore why some designers are becoming more valuable than ever while others are being replaced, and what separates those two paths.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  •  What AI is actually replacing in graphic design and why it matters 
  •  The difference between creative execution and strategic design thinking 
  •  How graphic designers can stay relevant, increase their value, and future-proof their careers 

If you are a freelance designer, brand designer, or creative professional trying to understand how AI is impacting the design industry, this episode will help you rethink your role and where you create the most value.

The future of graphic design is not about competing with AI tools. It is about understanding what AI cannot replace and building your career around it.

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Most graphic designers think their biggest problem is bad clients, low budgets, or too much competition.

But the real issue is much harder to admit.

They struggle with client communication.

Instead of leading conversations, asking better questions, and building real relationships, many designers hide behind emails, messages, and project tools. It feels safer. It feels more efficient. But it quietly kills trust, slows down projects, and costs real opportunities.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down why avoiding phone calls and real conversations is holding graphic designers back and what you need to do to fix it.

This is not about becoming more talkative. This is about becoming more effective, more confident, and more valuable to your clients.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  •  Why graphic designers who avoid client communication stay stuck as order takers 
  •  How poor communication skills impact your reputation, income, and career growth 
  •  How to build confidence, lead client conversations, and unlock bigger opportunities 

If you want to grow your design career, attract better clients, and be taken seriously as a graphic designer, this is the skill you can’t afford to ignore.

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Aaron Draplin. Jessica Walsh. Michael Bierut.
Three completely different designers. Three completely different personal brands you can't miss. 

Why? They’ve built a personal brand that are completely forgettable.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down three of the strongest personal brands in graphic design to uncover what actually makes a designer memorable.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why most designers become forgettable and how to avoid it
What actually makes a personal brand strong, beyond style or aesthetics
How top designers use personality, conviction, and thinking to stand out

Because most designers aren’t struggling with skill. They’re struggling with being invisible, generic, forgettable. And the truth is, if you build the wrong personal brand, you don’t just get overlooked… you become forgettable.

If you’ve been struggling to stand out, attract better clients, or define your personal brand, this episode will hit different.

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Most graphic designers think their resume is getting ignored because of the competition. They’re wrong.

The real problem? Most graphic design resumes look exactly the same.

Same structure. Same buzzwords. Same safe approach that makes hiring managers lose interest fast.

And now with AI tools writing resumes, it’s even worse. Every designer sounds polished. Every resume looks professional. And somehow… none of them stand out.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down why graphic designer resumes are failing, what hiring managers are actually looking for, and how to stand out using a smarter approach to your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio.

This is not about making a better looking resume. This is about building a system that actually helps you get hired.

In this episode, you'll discover

  •  Why most graphic designer resumes get ignored and what hiring managers pay attention to 
  •  The biggest graphic design resume mistakes that instantly hurt your chances 
  •  How to use your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio together to stand out and get hired 

If you are struggling to get interviews, land design jobs, or stand out as a graphic designer, this episode will change how you approach your resume and your entire job search.

Because in a world where everyone looks qualified, the designer who stands out wins.

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You look at graphic design job posts and think one thing.

This is ridiculous.

Ten skills. Five roles. Junior pay. Senior expectations.

So you do what most graphic designers do.

You write it off.
You laugh at it.
You move on.

And just like that… you’re out.

Not because you weren’t good enough.
Because you never even stepped into the opportunity.

Here’s the part most graphic designers miss.

These graphic design job listings are still getting filled.

By another designer.

Sometimes one with less experience. Less skill. Less talent.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down why graphic design job posts look completely absurd and how smart designers approach the job search differently to turn these roles into real opportunities.

You’ll learn:

• Why graphic designers keep misjudging job posts and what you might be overlooking
• How to spot what actually matters without getting overwhelmed by the noise
• What separates designers who move forward from the ones who stay stuck

Because the designers who win are not the ones with the most tools. They’re the ones who understand what the client actually needs. And if you keep reading job posts the same way...You’ll keep missing the opportunities hiding inside them.

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Most graphic designers believe the same thing about their graphic design career. Get better at the craft. Design better logos, build stronger portfolios, eventually the money will follow. Sounds like good career advice. Except it rarely works that way.

There is a quiet ceiling in your career success that the graphic design industry never talks about. And most designers slam into it without even realizing it.

The shocking part? It has nothing to do with talent, AI, or the tools you use. It has everything to do with how designers think.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we dig into a conversation that started inside a group of highly skilled designers who all had the same fear. AI is coming for their craft. But the real problem was hiding somewhere else entirely.

Something most graphic designers never question, design schools never teach and clients quietly notice long before designers do.

If you are building a graphic design career right now, this conversation is what you need to hear!
Because if you chase the wrong thing in your design career, no amount of skill, tools, or templates will save you.

And the designers who figure this out first? They play a completely different game.

- - - - - -

The Angry Designer is a no-BS Graphic Design podcast created for frustrated creatives who are ready to ditch the fluff, destroy outdated advice, and start building a real, badass design career. Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or in-house designer, this podcast gives you the tools, mindset, and strategies to evolve in an industry that’s changing fast, especially with AI shaking everything up.

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Most graphic designers are terrified that AI will steal their creativity, their craft, and the soul of their work. But what if that fear is based on a completely broken idea of authenticity?

For years, designers have defended the process. Handmade sketches. Craft. The belief that the tools and techniques define the value of the work. Now AI enters the conversation and suddenly everyone is convinced design is losing its soul.

But here is the reality; authenticity was never about the tools or the craft. And if designers keep protecting those things like they are sacred, they are missing the one thing that actually makes them valuable.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we break down the authenticity myth that has designers fighting the wrong battle. This is not a conversation about replacing designers. It is a reality check about what actually makes a designer irreplaceable.

In this episode, you'll discover: 
- why the industry keeps confusing craft with value
- why AI is exposing a much deeper problem in graphic design
- why the future of design will belong to creatives who understand something far more powerful than tools.

If you are worried about the future of graphic design, AI in design, or the changing role of designers in the industry, this episode will challenge how you think about creativity, authenticity, and what truly makes design valuable.

Because the future of graphic design does not belong to the designers who cling to old tools. It belongs to the ones who understand what actually matters.

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Have you ever watched someone burn down their whole career while convincing themselves they’re a genius? You can see the disaster coming from a mile away but they’re so wrapped up in their own BS they think the smoke is a spotlight.

Graphic Designers do this every day. They cling to the tools they know, defend the style they hide behind, refuse anything that feels beneath them… and then wonder why they’re stuck, frustrated, or quietly irrelevant.

The saddest part? It never feels like ego. It feels like confidence… right up until the moment it blows up in their face.

This week on the Angry Designer podcast, we break down the pride habits that wreck designer careers without them noticing. If any of these feel familiar, your blind spot is already costing you.

In this episode you’ll confront:
• Why pride convinces graphic designers they’re “evolving” when they’re stuck
• How ego kills credibility with clients faster than bad design ever will
• The silent damage pride causes inside agencies, teams, and your own branding

If you think the real threat to your graphic design career is AI or juniors or the industry you’re already looking in the wrong direction. Miss this, and the only thing standing between you and failure will be you.

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Most graphic designers think ageism in graphic design is the problem. They think once you hit 40, the industry starts phasing you out. That younger designers with faster tools and bigger social followings are taking over.

If you’re a graphic designer over 40, you’ve probably asked yourself: am I too old for this industry?

But what if age isn’t the threat at all?

What if the real issue is how graphic designers have confused speed with value and bought into a narrative that keeps them insecure, divided, and easy to replace?

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the truth about ageism in graphic design, the myth that graphic design is a “young person’s game,” and what actually determines whether a graphic design career after 40 thrives or fades.

You’ll learn:

– Why “design is a young person’s game” is one of the biggest myths in the graphic design industry
 – How corporate culture benefits when graphic designers over 40 compete with younger designers
 – What experienced designers bring to branding, logo design, and creative leadership that tools and trends never will
 – The real reason some graphic designers become irrelevant long before 40

This isn’t about defending older designers. It’s about understanding what makes a graphic designer indispensable in branding, strategy, and creative direction.

Because if you think this is just about age, you’re missing the bigger shift happening in graphic design right now. And that mistake will cost you.

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AI just changed the rules again, and graphic designers are acting like nothing happened. Meanwhile the biggest AI leaders on the planet are warning everyone that the future showed up early. Most designers still think they have time. They don’t.

If you feel confident about your design career, good. Because a new question is coming for every designer. A question that exposes who actually thinks and who just pushes pixels. A question that decides who clients trust and who they quietly replace.

And here’s the scary part. Most designers still can’t answer it.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we dig into how AI is reshaping graphic design jobs, hiring, and creative roles. This is the question that will define your design career and separate real experts from template jockeys.

You’ll discover:

• Why designers keep confusing speed with value
 • The moment AI turns your portfolio into background noise
 • The reason clients will start testing you in ways you never trained for

If you care about your future in graphic design, pay attention. This isn’t about AI taking your job. It’s about whether you can prove you deserve to keep it.

Does this sound like you? If not, what feels off?

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Feeling conflicted about wanting more money, growth, or freedom as a graphic designer? This episode breaks down the hidden guilt that keeps creative careers stuck.

Most graphic designers think guilt is a good thing. That it keeps them humble. Grateful. Grounded.

Designer guilt is quietly limiting careers. It shows up when you enjoy your work, when you want more money, when you like your office, your lifestyle, or your success. And instead of owning that progress, many designers apologize for it.

They play small. They stop pushing. They convince themselves that wanting more somehow makes them selfish.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we talk about the designer guilt nobody really talks about. Not guilt from doing bad work, but guilt from having a great job, a creative career, and the ambition to want more from it.

This isn’t about ego. And it’s definitely not about hustle culture.
It’s about recognizing how guilt, comfort, and fear quietly cap your growth as a graphic designer.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why graphic designers feel guilty about success, stability, and enjoying their work
  • How designer guilt quietly limits income, growth, and long-term career opportunities
  • What it takes to stop apologizing for ambition and start owning the career you have earned

This episode is a reality check for graphic designers who feel conflicted about success, uncomfortable wanting more, or stuck between gratitude and growth. If you want a sustainable graphic design career without guilt, self-sabotage, or playing small, this conversation will hit close to home.

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Graphic designers are sabotaging their own design careers every single day and most of them don’t even realize it.

“I’m passionate about design.”
“I love feedback.”
“You know your brand best.”
“It’s still in progress.”

These sound professional. They sound polite. They sound safe. And they’re quietly destroying your authority with clients, your credibility as a graphic designer, and your ability to charge higher design fees.

What most graphic designers don’t want to admit is this: we’ve trained our design clients to disrespect us.

We hide behind buzzwords.
We avoid hard conversations.
We beg for approval instead of leading.

And then we wonder why clients question every design decision, ignore our branding advice, and treat us like order-takers instead of experts.

Most designers stay stuck here because it feels comfortable.
A few learn how to change how they communicate and start getting real respect.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the most common phrases graphic designers say to clients and what they actually mean. We expose how “nice” language, fake confidence, and vague design talk sabotage client trust, weaken your authority, and hurt your design business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why “I’m passionate about design” and “I love feedback” weaken your authority
  • How poor client communication turns graphic designers into doormats
  • The exact mistakes that cause clients to doubt your design and branding decisions

This isn’t about being mean. It’s about being honest. It’s about learning how to talk to clients like a professional, not like someone hoping to be liked.

Because if you keep hiding behind buzzwords and fake professionalism, you’ll stay stuck doing endless revisions, undercharging for your work, and wondering why clients never see you as an expert.

Your clients aren’t the problem.

Your language is.

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You THINK you’re an expert. Yet clients redesign your work. Question every decision. Run your projects. And somehow… you’re surprised?

While the industry HAS been slowly devaluing the term 'design', let’s stop pretending this “just happened.” Most graphic designers trained clients to treat them like order-takers. You rushed. You skipped strategy. You agreed with everything clients said. You focused on tools instead of thinking. You made yourself easy. Now you’re paying for it.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down why graphic designers are losing authority with clients and why graphic design is no longer being treated as expert problem-solving. We talk about branding, design careers, client relationships, and what it actually takes to earn trust and respect again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “fast and flexible” is killing your credibility and design career
 • How templates and AI changed how clients see graphic designers
 • What respected branding and graphic design leaders do differently

This isn’t about bad clients. It’s about bad positioning. If you don’t lead, you get managed. If you don’t think, you get replaced.

🎧 Subscribe to The Angry Designer Podcast for no-BS graphic design, branding, and business advice that helps you charge what you’re worth and build a respected design career.

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Graphic designers are walking into client meetings confident…and walking out confused, frustrated, and second-guessed. Not because they’re bad designers. But because what they were taught has almost nothing to do with what clients actually want. This isn’t a design problem. It’s a brutal expectation gap that nobody warned you about.

Graphic designers hate hearing this, but it needs to be said. Most of us were taught to focus on making things look good, not on making decisions that actually move a business forward. So when clients push back, question everything, or lose confidence, designers assume the client is the problem. They’re not. The knowledge gap is.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re calling out the massive disconnect between graphic design education and real-world client expectations. We break down the skills both schools or online videos gloss over, the ones experienced designers learn the hard way, and why clients assume you already know this stuff the moment money is on the table.

In this episode you'll discover
- Why “good design” isn’t enough anymore and never was
- The skills experienced designers use to earn trust that schools never teach
- How clients judge designers in the first five minutes of a conversation

This episode isn’t about school. It’s about whether you evolve or get stuck. Because clients aren’t looking for more design. They’re looking for someone who can think, decide, and lead. And if you can’t do that, they’ll find someone who can.

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Graphic Design didn’t suddenly get harder. It got cheaper.
Between AI, Canva, and speed-obsessed clients, Graphic Design has been turned into a commodity. And now, Designers are spending more time fixing broken work than actually creating meaningful work.

Most Graphic Designers are still playing the same game. Faster. Prettier. More tools. Less thinking. And now you’re wondering why clients question your decisions, rush your timelines, want to pay less, and treat design like it’s disposable. The industry didn’t lose respect for design. Designers stopped leading with strategy.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down why Graphic Design suddenly feels cheaper yet harder, why clients are more involved than ever, and why execution alone is no longer enough to survive in this industry.

In this episode you'll discover:
- Why “good-looking” design is everywhere but effective design is disappearing
- How AI, Canva, and speed culture reshaped client expectations overnight
- Why strategic thinking is now the only real advantage designers have left

If your value lives in how fast you can make something look good, you’re replaceable. If your value lives in how clearly you can think, explain, and lead, you’re not. The future of graphic design isn’t about better execution. It’s about better decisions.

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Graphic Designer burnout is killing careers. And the industry is lying about why!

Designers are crying burnout, quitting jobs, questioning their talent, and walking away from design entirely. Not because they hate graphic design. But because they’ve been told the wrong story about  designer burnout and they keep treating the wrong problem.

Here’s the part most Graphic Designers don’t realize: burnout advice trains you to blame yourself instead of the industry. It convinces designers they’re lazy. Weak. Undisciplined. Bad at boundaries. So they journal. Meditate. Take breaks. Then they walk right back into the same broken systems that burned them out in the first place.

This week, in this solo episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, Massimo breaks down why Graphic Designer burnout is being completely misdiagnosed and why most burnout advice actually makes things worse. This is not about motivation. It is not about passion. And it is definitely not about grinding harder. It is about identifying the real causes of design burnout and calling out the industry problems nobody wants to touch.

In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why graphic designer burnout is not a personal failure and never was
- The three types of burnout designers confuse and why that confusion keeps them stuck
- How the design industry protects broken systems by pushing useless burnout advice

This episode is not here to make you feel better. It is here to make you see clearer. Because if you keep calling this graphic designer burnout without questioning the industry behind it, you will either resent design or leave it entirely. And neither one is necessary.

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Published 2025-12-29

Is Graphic Design Actually Changing?

10 min
Open

Graphic Design feels off right now. Not because design is dying. Not because AI suddenly replaced everyone. But because the rules Designers trusted for years stopped working the way they used to. If you’ve felt uneasy, slower, or quietly second-guessing your instincts, this episode makes one thing clear. You're not alone.

Most Designers are reacting to the noise instead of recognizing what’s actually happening. Some are chasing speed. Some are lowering standards. Some are trying to keep up with tools instead of leading with thinking. And the Designers who feel the most uncomfortable right now are usually the ones who actually care about the work.

In this solo episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, Massimo breaks down why graphic design feels different right now, why it’s happening, and what hasn’t actually changed underneath all the noise. This is not an AI panic episode. It’s a reality check for designers who want clarity, confidence, and a future that isn’t built on shortcuts.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why graphic design didn’t change but the conditions around the work did
- How speed, templates, and AI created false confidence and devalued real thinking
- What smart graphic Designers should double down on while everyone else chases the wrong things

This isn’t just about graphic design trends or AI tools. It’s about whether you’re willing to protect standards when the industry rewards “done” over “right.” Because when the hype fades and results start to matter again, the designers who can think, decide, and communicate clearly are the ones still standing.

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Graphic Designers didn’t struggle in 2025 because of one tool, one trend, or one bad client. They struggled because everything crashed together at once.

AI accelerated expectations. Tools skipped fundamentals. Brands made public mistakes. Speed replaced thinking. And for the first time, the industry stopped hiding who actually understands design and who doesn’t.

This episode is not a prediction. It’s a year in review.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down The Big Design Crash of 2025 and what it revealed about graphic design, the design industry, and designers themselves. Not from headlines. From a full year of real conversations, real mistakes, and real patterns we could no longer ignore.

This is about what got called out, what still works, and why designers who understand strategy are positioned to win while others continue chasing shortcuts.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why AI didn’t replace graphic designers but exposed weak fundamentals and lazy processes
- How speed-first design culture lowered standards and why that shift is now permanent
- What brand failures, tool overload, and mindset gaps revealed about the future of graphic design careers

If you want to understand where graphic design actually stands after 2025, why fundamentals matter more than ever, and how designers can move forward without becoming replaceable, this episode connects the dots clearly.

No panic. No BS. Just the truth about what this year revealed and why it matters now.

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Graphic Designer Mindset is more important than ever! Graphic designers are working harder than ever, yet many are stuck, underpaid, and increasingly ignored. It feels like AI, cheaper tools, and endless competition are the problem. But that story is convenient. And wrong. The real issue is that most Graphic Designers are trying to win in an industry that has already moved on.

The reality is, most Graphic Designers Mindset is because of what they were taught to do. Perfect the craft. Add more skills. Grind harder. And yet those same designers are watching others with average work land better clients, bigger opportunities, and more respect. The difference is not talent. It is how they think, position themselves, and show up.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the five Graphic Designer Mindset shifts separating those who are just surviving from designers who are actually winning. These are the exact shifts I am drilling into my own team and the same ones I have seen protect careers through every major industry change.

In this episode you’ll discover:
- Why design execution is becoming cheaper while strategic designers are booming
- How relying on AI is quietly making designers invisible and how integrating it 
- What matters more than your portfolio

This episode is not about fixing your work. It is about fixing how you think about your role as a designer. Because the future does not belong to the busiest designers or the most technically skilled ones. It belongs to the designers who understand where the industry is going and choose to shift before they get left behind.

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Most graphic designers think they are improving simply because they are working. 
More projects. More hours. More hustle. But the reality is that many designers are quietly declining. Their design skills are getting weaker, their creativity is fading, and their career is stuck on repeat without them even noticing.

This is the silent danger no one talks about. Not AI. Not competition. Not bad clients. It is Autopilot. Graphic designers fall into the same patterns, use the same solutions, make the same decisions, and suddenly wonder why their work feels flat and their career is stuck.

But what if the real threat to your design career is not what you are doing wrong, but what you have stopped doing altogether?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we unpack the hidden decline happening in the design industry and why so many graphic designers fall into Skill Death without realizing it. This is the reality check creatives need if they want to stay relevant in a world moving faster than ever.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why Autopilot destroys creative growth and keeps graphic designers trapped in a rut
- The early warning signs of Skill Death and how to rebuild your design skills 
- The habits top designers use to stay sharp, competitive, and keep their careers moving forward

This isn't about being dramatic. It is about being honest. Because the designers who survive are the ones who challenge themselves, question their habits, and refuse to settle for repetition disguised as improvement. If you want your design skills to grow and your career to thrive, this is the episode you can't afford to skip.

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Graphic designers are not running out of time. They’re wasting it. Every day, creatives lose hours to micro distractions, fake busyness, and “death by a thousand pings.” And the worst part? Most designers don’t even realize it’s happening. This isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an industry delusion that is quietly destroying your work.

Most designers are not overwhelmed because they have too much work. They’re overwhelmed because they have zero control over their attention. Most are terrified of looking “slow,” so they glorify chaos, brag about being slammed, and hide behind busywork instead of facing the truth. A few designers learn to protect their creative flow. Most never do.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the real reasons designers feel constantly behind. Not the feel-good hacks, not planner culture. The truth. From nonstop interruptions to lack of discipline to the myth that “being busy means you’re successful,” we expose the habits that steal your best hours and crush your creative energy.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why designers confuse busyness with productivity and how it kills your work
• The hidden time-wasters that drain hours from your day without you noticing
• How to protect your creative flow so you can finally control your time instead of losing it

This isn’t just a productivity rant. It’s a wake-up call. Because if you can’t control your time, you can’t control your career. And every designer who ignores this will keep falling behind while others finally get ahead.

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Every year designers obsess over the same recycled “Logo Design Trends” and every year companies panic, rebrand, and burn piles of money trying to look relevant. Here’s the truth no trend report will ever tell you. Trends aren’t the future of logo design. They’re a giant red flag that a brand is confused, inconsistent, or unwilling to fix the real problems underneath.

And here’s the part most graphic designers will hate. The only reason trends keep winning is because too many designers keep thinking trends equal good design. Most of us would make the exact same mistakes these companies do because we chase aesthetics instead of understanding strategy. Most designers follow. Only a few actually design. Which one are you?

 In this weeks solo episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we expose why logo design trends keep distracting designers from the work that actually matters. We dig into why timeless logos survive for decades, why brands keep running toward unnecessary redesigns, and how you can stop reacting to what is popular and start building logos and careers that can’t be replaced.

In this episode you’ll discover:
- Why trend chasing keeps designers stuck as order takers instead of problem solvers
- What timeless designers do differently and how it gives them unbeatable career leverage
- How to spot when a rebrand is strategic and when it is a pointless, expensive panic move

This episode is not about trends. It is about you. Because if you think following what is fashionable will make you valuable, you’re already on the wrong side of graphic design. The HUGE opportunity is right in front of you. Designers who think deeper, question harder, and design with purpose are the ones who build logos that last, brands that matter, and careers that actually go somewhere.

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Affinity didn’t "just" go free. Canva, the same company that spent years devaluing graphic design and turning templates into “creativity,” just handed every designer on the planet a professional tool for zero dollars. And designers are cheering like this is a victory. But this move is bigger, deeper, and way more dangerous than anyone wants to admit.

Here's what we're not seeing: most graphic designers think this is just about cheaper tools. They see “free” and call it a win. But very few are stopping to ask the real questions. The uncomfortable ones. The ones that separate decorators from actual designers.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the hidden motives behind Affinity going free, why Canva is playing a much bigger game than designers realize, and how this single headline could reshape the entire future of graphic design for the next decade.

In this episode you'll discover
• The painful cost of “free” creative tools 
• How Canva used Affinity to target the next generation of designers
• The real business model behind Affinity Free 

This episode isn’t about Affinity or Canva. It’s about you. Because if you let billion dollar companies define your value, and your creative future, you’re not practicing design. You’re just participating in someone else’s ecosystem. And the consequences of being on the wrong side of this shift will hit your career faster than you think.

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Picasso once said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” It wasn’t just a quote, it was a warning. Because every great designer, from Rand to Scher to Draplin, has stolen their way to mastery. The only difference is that they knew how to do it right.

Here’s what most designers don’t want to admit... we all steal. Fonts, layouts, grids, styles, everything you create is built on someone else’s foundation. The problem isn’t theft. The problem is that too many designers steal without understanding what they’re taking. Lazy designers copy the surface. Great designers steal the soul.

This week, on The Angry Designer Podcast, we dive into the controversial art of creative theft, and why it’s not a crime but a craft. From dissecting the difference between imitation and transformation to learning how to absorb influences like a pro, we’re showing you how to steal smarter and design better.

In this episode, you'll discover:
-The unspoken rules of creative theft every designer needs to know
- Why copying can be the fastest way to build mastery
- How to transform influence into something that’s undeniably yours

Design education isn’t about learning to being original. It’s about understanding what came before you and how to make it yours. You can keep pretending your work came from thin air, or you can embrace the truth: the best designers are thieves with taste, intent, and vision.

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AI didn’t destroy Graphic Design. Designers did. We built this monster that fed AI. Every shortcut, every lazy template, every “good enough” logo fed the machine that’s now eating their lunch. Designers spent years trading thinking for trends, problem-solving for pixels, and originality for algorithms. So before we start blaming AI for stealing design, maybe we should admit some hard truths.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: AI isn’t exposing design… it’s exposing designers. We’ve been faking it for years relying on presets, copying styles, and calling it inspiration. The reason AI’s so good at design is because it learned from us. It’s not the villain. It’s the mirror showing how predictable, repetitive, and automated the industry has become.

This week on a Solo episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, Massimo breaks down how designers created their own competition and how the only way to survive is to stop thinking like machines and start thinking like designers again.

You'll discover
- How years of shortcuts and trend-chasing trained AI to replace us
- Why “inspiration” and “imitation” became the same thing and what that says about design
- How to design with intent, curiosity, and critical thinking before it’s too late

AI didn’t break design, we did. But we can fix it. The future doesn’t belong to those who resist change. It belongs to those who lead it. Real designers don’t copy, they create meaning.

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Rocky Rourke proves that you don’t need employees, investors, or a perfect plan to build a successful design studio. Just creativity, guts, and a little weirdness.

In this Live from Creative South Episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, Rocky shares how he turned his imaginary friend into a brand, his freelance hustle into a thriving agency, and his ADHD into a creative superpower.

From losing clients overnight to using ChatGPT as a fake client, Rocky’s story is proof that being different isn’t a disadvantage, it’s your unfair advantage.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How to turn freelance chaos into a real business without losing freedom
- Why personal projects often lead to more revenue than client work
- How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to simulate clients and sharpen your design skills
- How designers with ADHD can channel hyperfocus into creativity and success

Rocky is the founder of Blue Cyclops, a fully freelance-run creative studio specializing in branding, web, and illustration. He’s worked with creatives across the globe, building a business model that gives designers flexibility, growth, and control proving that freelancers can win.


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Chris Do called one of the most iconic sports logos “garish.” But here’s the truth: the only thing ugly about the Under Armour logo is how designers keep confusing personal taste with design. This isn’t about one logo, one critique, or one YouTuber. It’s about the dangerous way our industry lets opinions outweigh principles and why that mindset is killing real graphic design.

Here’s the part that’ll sting: most designers would’ve agreed with him. Because too many of us still judge work by how it looks, not by how it works. We’ve become addicted to trends, grids, and “aesthetics” instead of ideas, function, and strategy. Real designers think...the rest decorate. Which side are you on?

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we take apart Chris Do’s Under Armour critique and reveal why his argument, like most hot takes online,  misses the real point of logo design. We’re not here to hate. We’re here to remind you what good design actually means, and why “taste” will never beat thinking.

In this episode you'll discover:
- Why confusing taste with design is the biggest mistake graphic designers make
- The truth about what makes a logo work and why Under Armour nails it
- How to build design opinions on principles, not personal preferences

This isn’t about Chris Do. It’s about you; the designer who thinks good taste makes good work. Because if you’re judging logos by how they look instead of what they do, you’re already on the wrong side of design.

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Everyone thinks they’re a designer.
Your boss. Your client. That intern with Canva.
And somehow, they all think they can do it better than you until they realize they can't.

That’s the mess we’re living in.
Graphic Designers aren’t just fighting clueless clients, pretend design software or AI prompts. We’re fighting a system we helped create. Because somewhere along the line, too many of us stopped designing and started decorating. We traded questions for quick fixes, strategy for style, thinking for templates. And that’s how design lost its backbone.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re taking aim at a hard truth. It’s not just clients or AI killing design. It’s graphic designers who traded thinking for easy answers. If you’ve ever felt like a pixel pusher instead of a problem solver, this one’s going to sting.

In this episode you'll discover:
• How “good enough” design is killing creativity (and your value)
• Why real designers ask why, not “how fast”
• The one mindset shift that separates order takers from strategic thinkers

This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a wake-up call.
Because if you think a graphic designers job is to make people happy, you’ve already stopped being a designer.

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Too many designers are stuck blaming AI, TikTok, and clients. Jason Craig says it’s time to shut up and make better work. In this brutally honest episode, we talk about perspective, perseverance, and purpose in design.

Most designers think the industry’s dying. Jason Craig thinks they’ve just forgotten how good they have it. From designing for the Atlanta Braves to seeing his work blow up on SportsCenter, Jason’s proof that consistency, humility, and showing up still matter more than anything.

In this Special episode of The Angry Designers Live from Crop Con, you’ll discover:

  • Why complaining about AI and trends kills your creativity
  • How showing up every day can open doors you never planned for
  • What “designing for love and longevity” really means

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AI isn’t the future of design. It’s the biggest threat most designers don’t see coming. While everyone’s celebrating faster workflows and effortless logos, AI is quietly reshaping the creative industry, and most designers are sleepwalking straight into irrelevance. This isn’t just about tools or technology. It’s about control, creativity, and whether designers still have a seat at the table.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most graphic designers are using AI the wrong way or not at all. They’re either ignoring it completely, abusing it for shortcuts, or sitting in the “safe middle” pretending they’ll adapt later. And when AI finally outpaces them, they’ll wonder where their clients went. The few designers who do get it are evolving into something entirely new: strategic, fast, and unstoppable.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down the 3 real dangers of AI for graphic designers and what every creative needs to understand before it’s too late. Whether you’re a freelancer, agency owner, or in-house designer, this conversation will change how you think about AI and your future in design.

In this episode you'll discover
• The 3 biggest AI mistakes destroying designers’ credibility
• Why ignoring AI could cost you your creative career
• How to use AI strategically without losing your originality

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about you. The designer who either adapts and evolves or becomes a cautionary tale in the history of creative work. AI won’t replace designers, but another designer using AI will.

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Fiverr just fired 30% of its staff and announced it’s becoming an “AI-first company.” On paper, it sounds innovative. In reality, it’s poetic justice. The platform that devalued design and turned creativity into a $5 commodity just found a faster, cheaper replacement of its own bargain basement graphic designers...artificial intelligence. This isn’t just about Fiverr. It’s the clearest proof yet that shortcuts, cheap clients, and race-to-the-bottom thinking always come back to bite.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most graphic designers that helped build the monster, is now being replaced by it. By chasing low prices, skipping process, and trading craft for convenience, they became the very data that AI now feeds on. Meanwhile, the few designers who built real strategy, process, and brand value are standing strong and watching the collapse from the sidelines with popcorn.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we expose Fiverr’s AI-first announcement for what it really is: a desperate move wrapped in PR spin. We break down what it teaches every real designer about protecting their designs and their future in this AI fuel hungry environment. This isn’t just a takedown. It’s a wake-up call about how easily creative platforms can turn your work into their training data, and how to make sure that never happens to you.

In this episode you'll discover
- Why Fiverr’s collapse proves cheap design was never sustainable
- The hidden fine print that lets companies like Fiverr and Adobe use your creative work for AI
- How real designers can use AI to their advantage instead of becoming its next victim

This isn’t about Fiverr, it’s about the entire creative industry. Because if you think staying cheap, fast, and convenient is your competitive edge, you’re already designing your own extinction. The future doesn’t need more Fiverr designers. It needs thinkers, leaders, and creators who value the process as much as the product.

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Most Graphic Designers think the way to get noticed is by chasing likes, posting tutorials, or following design formulas. But James Barnard has lived both sides...the viral design influencer and the working designer. And he’s here to tell you the hard truth: clout doesn’t pay your bills, legacy client work does.

In this Live from Creative South episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with James Barnard to talk about the future of design careers, how to win client trust, and why presenting logos is more about storytelling than style.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why follower count means nothing without engagement or authority
  • How to present and defend your logos so clients can’t say no
  • Why your last impression with a client may matter more than your first

This isn’t theory. This is the real-world playbook from one of design’s most trusted voices. Lessons every designer can use to turn influence into income, and content into credibility.

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Graphic design is only projected to grow 3% over the next decade. AI is churning out logos in seconds. Bootcamps and Canva “designers” are flooding the industry. If you think that means graphic design is dead, you’re missing the bigger problem. The real threat isn’t AI or oversupply, it’s the way designers think about their future.

Here’s the part no one wants to admit: future graphic designers may be walking straight into a dead career. Students are drowning in overpriced programs, bootcamps are peddling false promises, and grads are competing against millions of cheap overseas designers. Now clients are asking if AI can do it faster and cheaper — and most designers don’t even see it coming.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we tackle the uncomfortable question every designer is asking: Is graphic design still a good career choice in 2026? We break down the fear, the myths, and the cold hard truths every designer needs to hear right now.

In this episode, you'll discover
- Why a 3% growth rate doesn’t mean design is dying but actually good
- How AI gives false confidence to amateurs and superpowers to real designers
- The one mindset shift that separates decorators from problem solvers who actually get paid

This isn’t just about “graphic design” as a career path. It’s about you. Because if you don’t evolve, if you keep clinging to the old version of design, you won’t just lose jobs you’ll lose your career. The future doesn’t need more button-pushers. It needs thinkers who can adapt, strategize, and lead.

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Most Graphic Designers think success comes from creating the perfect logo, expensive gear, or waiting to be discovered. Wrong.

The real killers of Graphic Design careers are perfectionism, overthinking, and flexing for likes instead of creating real value. With over 5 million subscribers and 1,000+ Photoshop tutorials, Unmesh Dinda, the face of Piximperfect, proves that consistency and process beat “perfect” every single time.

This week on The Angry Designer, we dig into how Unmesh built one of the biggest design education platforms on the planet without chasing trends or showing off. This is the straight truth Graphic Designers need if they actually want to grow a career that lasts.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why chasing perfection keeps designers broke and invisible
- How teaching and sharing process creates authority and opportunity
- The real limits of AI in Photoshop and why human designers still win

This isn’t fluff. It’s the reality check you need if you’re tired of waiting for perfect and ready to start building a Graphic Design career that actually matters.

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Lettering Artist Dan Lee proves that graphic design careers aren’t built on safe degrees or raw talent...they’re built on obsession and the courage to ditch the rules.

This week on a special episode of The Angry Designer Podcast LIVE at Crop Con, we sit down with Lettering Artist Dan Lee, who walked away from chemical engineering to chase design, and built a thriving career without a design degree. His story destroys the starving artist myth and shows why obsession beats talent every time.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why playing it safe can kill your creative potential
- How personal projects can launch a real design career
- Why obsession, not talent, is the secret to surviving trends and AI

If you’re ready to stop following rules and start building a career on your terms, this one’s for you.


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Every designer has heard it: “Pick a niche. Specialize. Focus.” Even on THIS podcast! But here’s the uncomfortable truth... niching alone is a trap. The wrong kind of niche doesn’t just slow your career, it cages you, makes you replaceable, and puts your future in the hands of clients, tech, or the economy.

This should sting: most of you are doing it wrong. You’re either chaining yourself to one fragile industry or boxing yourself into a single craft that AI and Fiverr can wipe out overnight. That’s why so many designers feel stuck — hustling project to project, disposable the moment the job is delivered. Few will admit it, but most are already losing the niche game.

But here’s the shift: there’s a better way. This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re blowing up the myth of niching and showing you how traditional niching is failing, and how stacking your skills makes you harder to replace, stickier with clients, and impossible to ignore.

In this episode you'll learn:

  • How industry niches can collapse and what to build instead
  • Why craft niches can turn designers into one-trick ponies
  • The skill stacking method that creates a design ecosystem clients can’t walk away from

This isn’t just about niches. It’s about whether you’re going to stay trapped in an outdated model or step into the future of design. The choice is simple: keep doing what every other designer does, or stack your skills and become the one they can’t let go of.

Subscribe to The Angry Designer Podcast for no-BS design truths, controversial takes, and the lessons that help you charge what you’re worth and build a future-proof creative career.

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Every designer chases originality like it’s the holy grail. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: originality doesn’t exist. Nothing you’ve designed is original, and believing otherwise is killing creativity faster than bad clients ever could.

Graphic designers hate to hear this, but most of you are guilty. You worship originality, terrified that influence makes your work invalid. The few designers who thrive know the opposite is true: influence fuels design, while chasing “original” ideas traps you in imposter syndrome and mediocrity.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear apart the myth of originality in graphic design, exposing why it’s nothing more than ego disguised as creativity and how this mindset is holding you back.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why chasing originality is a design trap that kills your career
  • How influence and remixing create better graphic design than “original ideas” ever will
  • The truth about imposter syndrome and why fearing influence makes you a weaker designer

This isn’t just about originality. It’s about your career. Because if you keep clinging to the myth of originality, you’ll burn out, stay stuck, and watch other designers pass you by with work that’s influenced, effective, and unmistakably theirs.

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Graphic Design isn’t about chasing trends or giving your work away for “exposure.” Scott Fuller, founder of Studio Temporary reveals the lessons he learned the hard way from turning down unpaid internships to creating logos that stand the test of time.

Scott’s story is as raw as it gets. From graduating as a valedictorian with an engineering scholarship, to walking away from stability for a future in graphic design, to nearly losing everything, eviction notices, dead-end jobs, rejection, his path to building The Studio Temporary and the time ESPN tried to take his work without credit...spoiler, he stood his ground, and that decision led him to designing for the Atlanta Hawks. Scotts story is a masterclass in resilience. 

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we get real about what it takes to survive and thrive as a designer in a chaotic industry.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why style without substance kills your work (and your career)
  • The truth about unpaid internships and “exposure” gigs
  • How to build logos and brands that actually last

Whether you’re a freelance designer, agency owner, or in-house creative, this conversation will make you rethink how you approach your work and why designers must demand more respect for their craft.

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Cracker Barrel spent $700 million on a rebrand… and within a week, they had to run back to their old logo. Designers, this isn’t just a logo fail, it’s a brand disaster! It proves how dangerous it is when companies confuse modernization with progress.

Here’s the part that should sting: most graphic designers would have made the exact same mistake. Why? Because too many of us still think rebrands are about logos, not the bigger story brands are built on.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down exactly what went wrong with Cracker Barrel’s rebrand and the lessons every designer needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why Cracker Barrel’s rebrand backlash proves logos aren’t the problem — branding is
  • The 10 WORST times to update an old logo (and how to avoid the same mistake)
  • How to tell if your rebrand should be an evolution… not a full-blown identity crisis

This isn’t about Cracker Barrel, it’s about you. Because if you think “design” alone is enough, you’re already on the wrong side of branding.

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Bad logo design is everywhere. From stretched fonts to unreadable colors, from stolen stock icons to AI disasters, the world is flooded with logos that should never have seen the light of day.

But here’s the kicker: these aren’t accidents. They follow patterns. And if you’re not careful, you could be making the exact same mistakes without realizing it.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we flip the script with a sarcastic “MasterClass” on how to create the world’s worst logo. It’s a roast, it’s a lesson, and it’s the kind of reality check every graphic designer needs to avoid being the punchline in someone else's roast.

In this episode, you'll discover

  • The most common mistakes behind bad logo design
  • How to spot (and avoid) the patterns that ruin logos
  • Why good designers sometimes still fall into bad habits

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting your graphic design career, this episode will help you see logo design disasters for what they are, and make sure you’re never the one creating them.

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Most graphic designers think their biggest challenge is competition, AI, or not getting enough exposure. The truth? Many designers are sabotaging themselves every time they open their mouths.

From vague feedback requests to filler phrases that kill confidence, these everyday habits destroy trust, weaken authority, and make even talented designers look like amateurs.

But here’s the good news...once you recognize these self-sabotaging phrases, you can cut them out and instantly raise how clients see you.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we expose the cringy things graphic designers say that sabotage their credibility and show you how to replace them with language that positions you as the expert you are.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • The most common phrases designers use that ruin trust and credibility
  • Why vague, filler language sabotages your authority with clients
  • How to stop sounding like an amateur and lead conversations like a pro

This is the wake-up call designers need. If you want clients to respect your expertise, trust your process, and pay you what you’re worth, it starts with the words you use.

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Most graphic designers think being “just” a designer is safe. But when a Reddit thread exploded over whether it’s actually risky, we didn’t just scroll past. We tore it apart!

Some takes were spot on. Others completely missed the mark and sounded like entitled designers crying because they didn't get their way (and we’re not shy about saying which is which).

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we break down the “Is Being Just a Graphic Designer Risky?” Reddit thread, calling out the most controversial opinions and revealing what really puts your career in danger. From AI replacing average work, to the trap of selling only the end product, to why skill stacking and process can be your ultimate advantage. Nothing is off the table.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why focusing only on design execution puts your career at risk
- How stacking complementary skills keeps you competitive
- The real reason some designers thrive while others fade away

Whether you’re freelancing, working in-house, or running an agency, this is your reality check on the future of graphic design. Learn how to stay relevant, charge what you’re worth, and outpace an industry that changes faster than ever.

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Most graphic designers think they understand logo design trends. But after reviewing nearly a million logos, Bill Gardner knows otherwise.

As the creator of LogoLounge, the most iconic logo archive in the design world, Bill has seen the good, the bad, and the painfully average. He’s judged tens of thousands of marks, built trend reports that define the industry, and helped shape what logo design looks like on a global scale.

So what are so many designers still getting wrong about Logo Design trends?

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we sit down with Bill Gardner to unpack two decades of logo evolution, the dangers of chasing logo design trends, and what actually makes a logo timeless. From judging 35,000 submissions per book to identifying the difference between trendy and trend-setting, Bill doesn’t just talk about design—he proves what works.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why most designers misinterpret logo trends and how it impacts their work
- The real difference between timeless logos and short-term eye candy
- How to future-proof your logos for relevance in a fast-changing design world

Whether you're an up-and-coming Graphic Designer or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom from one of the most respected voices in the logo design space.

Get ready to challenge what you think you know about logos.

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Graphic designers have mastered the art of making things look good, but the future of design demands more than pretty pixels.

The world is shifting faster than most creatives can keep up, and the biggest threat to your career isn’t AI. It’s you:
- clinging to outdated tools
- static portfolios
- a visual-only mindset 

The truth? Design is evolving beyond what you see, and those who don’t evolve with it are about to get steamrolled.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we break down what design will actually look like in the next 5–10 years and why graphic design alone won’t cut it. From spatial and sonic design to strategy, data, motion, and AI, we outline what future-ready designers need to survive and thrive.

You’ll learn:
- What the future of design will actually look like
- Why visual design is just the starting line
- What new skills clients will expect from you
- What to stop focusing on NOW

This is your Future Designer Survival Guide, brutal truths, bold predictions, and a tactical mindset shift every designer needs to hear.

Because the future doesn’t need more graphic designers. It needs creative thinkers who know how to lead, adapt, and evolve.

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Most graphic designers think their biggest threat is AI, bad clients, or lack of exposure. But the real problem? They don’t think like designers at all.

Instead, they’re still stuck in the artist mindset—chasing aesthetics, taking feedback personally, and wondering why they’re underpaid, overworked, and overlooked.

But what if one mindset shift could flip your entire career?

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we break down the Designer Mindset Shift That Changes Everything. We’re talking about the hard truth every creative needs to hear: you’re not paid for how it looks, you’re paid for how it works.

You’ll learn:
- Why embracing logic over emotion changes how clients see you
- The 6 mindset traits that future-proof designers
- How AI proves artists are replaceable—but designers aren’t
- Why thinking like a strategist makes you indispensable

This isn’t fluff. This is the reality check designers need to finally charge what they’re worth, design with purpose, and never feel replaceable again.

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Graphic designers have been fighting the wrong battle.

While the design world panics about AI taking jobs, a more dangerous threat has already arrived — Graphic Designers who know how to use AI better than you. They’re faster, sharper, and landing the work while you’re still debating whether it’s “ethical” to use the tools.

This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening right now.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we rip the mask off the real competition, and no, it’s not a robot. It’s the designer sitting across from you who embraced AI while you were still stuck in the past.

We’re not here to coddle. We’re here to wake you the hell up.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why AI isn’t the enemy but other designers are
• How to spot the new wave of competition before it blindsides you
• What skills, strategies, and mindset shifts will keep you from getting replaced

If you’re serious about protecting your design future, it’s time to stop fearing the wrong threat and start levelling the hell up.

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Designers are freaking out about AI, and for good reason. Clients are skipping strategy, bringing AI-generated logos to the table, and treating designers like disposable decorators.

But while most designers are still obsessing over execution, the smart ones are building brands, owning strategy, evolving and becoming irreplaceable.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we sit down with our friend Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co. to unpack the real shift happening in the creative world and why most Graphic Designers are totally unprepared for it.

Recorded live at CropCon 2025 in Austin Texas, Dan lays down

  • Why ignoring brand strategy is the fastest way to get replaced
  • How to build a personal brand that clients actually value
  • What clients really think when they hand you AI-generated work

By the end of this episode, you’ll know why brand strategy is your new superpower in this AI powered world, and how to use it to stay relevant, respected, and paid.

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Graphic Designers aren’t being replaced by AI.
They’re being replaced by their own clients using AI.

The real threat to a Graphic Designer isn’t AI. It’s lazy marketers, overconfident interns, and clueless execs showing up with AI-generated briefs, Frankensteined logos, and bloated brand docs pulled straight from a bot. And they expect you to clean it all up like a design janitor.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we expose the uncomfortable truth about the actual enemy designers are facing, and it’s not the tech. It’s the people using it wrong.

In this episode, we break down:

  • Why Grpahic Designers are being reduced to decorators (and how to stop it)
  • The rise of “confident garbage” and the illusion of quality
  • How to push back, simplify chaos, and reclaim your authority

If you’ve ever been handed a “professional” AI brief that made zero sense… or had your strategy questioned because “AI said so”, this one’s going to hit hard.

This isn’t just a rant. It’s a damn wake-up call.
Because AI won’t replace you.
But your client, who THINKS they know how to use AI absolutely will.

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Many graphic designers are stuck and they don’t even know it.

They price based on feelings, take feedback like a punch to the gut, and chase originality over clarity…all because they’re thinking like artists, not designers.

This mindset starts early with crayons, sketchbooks, praise for creativity and it feels right. But in the real world? That same mindset is quietly sabotaging your career.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re exposing the artist mentality that’s quietly sabotaging graphic designers keeping them broke, burned out, and overlooked. You’ll learn how to spot the subtle red flags, shift your mindset, and start thinking like a designer – strategic, purposeful, and unshakeably valuable.

By the end, you’ll know:
- The real difference between artists and designers
- How the artist mindset is ruining your reputation and pricing
- What to do instead—so you get paid, respected, and future-proofed

Whether it’s pricing your work, dealing with client feedback, or trying to stay relevant in the age of AI, this episode delivers the straight-up truth that most design schools never teach. Let go of the starving artist myth. Start thinking like a designer. Your career depends on it.


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Good design is losing.
Not by better design — but by faster, cheaper, half-assed garbage.
And the worst part? Clients are eating it up.

Welcome to the new reality where timelines matter more than talent, and “good enough” is winning over great. Designers are watching their best work get ignored while AI bots, Canva templates, and $5 Fiverr hacks get the green light.

And yeah, we might have been the ones to let this happen.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we rip into the real reason good design is losing to fast design and what graphic designers need to do to stay relevant in a world that values speed over skill.

In this episode we discuss:

- Why clients think fast = progress (and how to flip that on them)
- How designers became their own worst enemy
- A better way to deliver work without compromising quality
- The process tweak that keeps clients off Canva and on your side

If you're sick of watching garbage design win just because it's quick, this episode gives you the tools to fight back and win the long game.

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Too many Graphic Designers forget one brutal truth. Design is NOT for you, your portfolio, or even your client. It’s for their audience. Period. The client pays the bill, sure. But they’re not the one your work is for. And every time you forget that, your design gets weaker. Less effective. Easier to ignore.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we’re calling out one of the biggest blind spots in design: the end user. We break down why obsessing over client approval is killing your impact, your confidence, and your portfolio! And how to flip that mindset before it wrecks your career.

From billion-dollar branding flops to ego-driven design disasters, we expose how even the biggest companies forget who they’re actually designing for and why smart designers never make that mistake twice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why pleasing your client doesn’t mean serving their goals
- How to shift from design decorator to design translator
- The red flags that prove you’re designing for approval, not impact

If you’re tired of chasing trends, bending to bad client opinions, or wondering why your work isn’t landing, this is your wake-up call.

If you’re designing to impress other designers, or to stay on your client’s good side, this episode is the slap you need.

Because at the end of the day, design starts and ends with the end user.
Ignore that, and you're just making things pretty.

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Most Graphic Design advice is garbage wrapped in a motivational quote.

From “charge what you’re worth” to “design is storytelling,” these overused sayings sound deep but do more harm than good. They confuse young designers, create false expectations, and let lazy pros pretend they’re being profound.

In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer, we tear apart the most misleading sayings in the graphic design industry, line by line.

You’ll discover:
• Why “Do what you love and the money will follow” is a trap
• How “Good design sells itself” actually screws over talented creatives
• Why “The client is always right” might be the worst lie you’ve ever believed

This episode isn’t about nitpicking words, it’s about exposing the phrases that shape careers in all the wrong ways. If you’re tired of cliché wisdom, fake gurus, and advice that leads nowhere, this one’s for you.

By the end, you’ll know what to ignore, what to challenge, and how to think for yourself in a sea of copy-paste career advice.

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Graphic designers love to blame AI, cheap clients, and garbage logos for the downfall of the industry. But what if those things are actually your biggest opportunity?

While most designers are panicking about race-to-the-bottom pricing, automation, and template trash flooding the market, a small percentage are flipping the script and using it all to their advantage.

In this episode of The Angry Designers LIVE at Creative South, we sit down with two of the most popular Logo Designers; Allan Peters and James Barnard, to break down how designers can not only survive this chaos but dominate it.

From navigating Fiverr clients to using social proof as ROI, to the real debate between one-concept versus 15-concept logo presentations, this episode delivers brutal truths, tactical gold, and industry insights straight from two legends who have been through it all.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to:
• Flip cheap work into long-term high-ticket clients
• Build authority while others build excuses
• Create logos that stand the test of time while others chase trends
• And turn AI into a tool, not a threat

This isn’t about fear. It’s about fire.
It’s time to stop blaming the game and start mastering it.

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The most common misconception of being a graphic designer?
To “make things look good.”

That mindset is exactly why clients are moving on. Fast.

AI can make things look good, faster, and cheaper. And customers are quickly flocking to a "Good enough" mentality.

In this unapologetic episode of The Angry Designer, we expose the dangerous gap between what designers think clients want… and what clients actually need in today’s AI-fueled, shortcut-obsessed world.

We’re diving deep into:

  • Why execution-first designers are being replaced by “good enough”
  • What today’s clients really value (hint: it’s not your color palettes)
  • How to shift from being a pixel pusher to a strategic powerhouse
  • The first move every future-ready designer must make

If you’re still handing off logos and layouts without asking deeper questions, your days are numbered.

But if you’re ready to solve real business problems, lead with strategy, and think bigger—you won’t just survive. You’ll own the damn future.

This episode kicks off a multi-part series on becoming the future designer—smarter, sharper, and impossible to ignore.

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Graphic designers pour blood, sweat, and sleepless nights into their portfolios—only to be ghosted, passed over, or worse… completely forgotten. The harsh truth? Good design doesn’t speak for itself. And if your portfolio isn’t telling a story, it’s telling the wrong one.

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Angry Designer, we expose why most design portfolios fail—regardless of how good the work is—and what actually makes creative professionals unforgettable.

Straight from our experience reviewing student portfolios at CropCon 2025 in Austin, we break down the real problem with Graphic Design portfolios. You’ll learn why storytelling is your secret weapon, how to lead with personality, and the exact framework to pitch like a pro—whether you're just starting out or 20 years in.

Forget the fluff. This is the portfolio reality check you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The 3 deadly mistakes killing your portfolio pitch
  • Why being memorable matters more than being perfect
  • The storytelling structure that gets designers hired

If you’re tired of being overlooked, underestimated, or just plain forgotten—this one’s for you.

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Most Graphic Designers think they know logo design, until they see how the legends did it.

While the internet’s flooded with trend-chasing tips and lazy logo lists, the truth is: there are laws. Rules. Principles. And the greats like Paul Rand, Saul Bass, Massimo Vignelli lived by them. That’s why their work still hits decades later, while most logos today barely survive a rebrand cycle.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we dig deep into the 18 Irrefutable Laws of Legendary Logo Design. Not recycled advice, but timeless lessons pulled straight from the icons of our industry such as Saul Bass, Paul Rand, Massimo Vignelli, Josef Müller-Brockmann, Milton Glaser, Herb Lubalin, Cipe Pineles, Sylvia Harris, Lella Vignelli, James Barnard, Scott Fuller & Allan Peters.

If you're tired of generic design fluff and want to level up your thinking, craft, and confidence, this episode will give you the firepower. These aren’t just logo tips — they’re the rules that turn good designers into great ones.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • The foundational truths behind logos that last
  • Why most designers unknowingly sabotage their own work
  • And what it actually takes to earn the title of "Logo Designer"

Whether you're designing for clients, building your portfolio, or trying to future-proof your Graphic Design career, this episode will help you ditch the guesswork and design with purpose.

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Most graphic designers are told to niche down, play it safe, and follow the damn rules. Pennybridge did the opposite—and built a global, wildly successful studio from a surf town outside Australia’s big cities.

This isn’t your typical design story.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with the unapologetically raw, fiercely independent founders of Pennybridge—a creative powerhouse known for high-energy branding, punk rock vibes, and logos that landed them clients like Porsche, Wu-Tang, and Red Bull.

But behind the bold visuals and Blink-182 posters is a brutally smart business strategy that every designer needs to hear.

We dive deep into:
• Why “niching down” is overrated—and how to stand out without selling out
• How Pennybridge built a design studio around lifestyle, values, and vibe
• The real reason clients trust them with million-dollar brands—and why most designers never get that chance

By the end of this episode, you’ll rethink what it means to run a design studio, how to attract dream clients without compromise, and why your edge is your advantage.

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Graphic designers chase inspiration like it's gold—but most are flushing it down the drain without even realizing it.

You feel the rush after a conference, a workshop, a killer keynote... but days later?
Poof. It’s gone. And you're back to the same-old grind.

But what if that crash wasn’t inevitable?
What if you could actually capture that inspiration—and turn it into real, unstoppable growth?

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear into the brutal truth about why most designers waste perfect inspiration after events—and how YOU can break free from the endless hype-and-crash cycle.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • How to lock in inspiration before it slips away
  • Why most designers crash after events—and how to avoid it
  • A simple 3-step system to turn creative highs into real growth

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to lock down your ideas, build unstoppable momentum, and transform a moment of hype into a lifetime of growth.
No excuses. No wasted potential.

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Graphic Designers used to be the chosen ones—the creatives, the artists, the ones who thought differently. But times have changed. AI is generating. Clients are prompting. And the gap between relevance and replacement is closing fast.

Most Graphic Designers? They don’t even see it coming.
They’re still fussing over colors and kerning while AI pumps out results in seconds. And the real kicker? Clients don’t care how it was made—just that it’s done.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we expose the brutal truth behind why Graphic Designers are being replaced by AI—and the ONE shift that separates those who’ll thrive from those who’ll fade into irrelevance. It’s not your tools, your talent, or your timeline… it’s how you THINK.

You’ll learn how to:
 • Identify the new creative divide that’s catching Graphic Designers off guard
 • Shift from pixel pusher to strategic thinker before it’s too late
 • Use AI as an ally, not a replacement
 • Elevate your role from executor to problem-solver

The Graphic Designers who survive this shift won’t be the flashiest—they’ll be the smartest.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what it takes to stay valuable in a world that’s evolving faster than your next deadline.

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Most graphic designers are still designing logos like it’s 2005. And it shows.

In an era where logos are viewed more on screens than on paper, following outdated design practices isn’t just lazy — it’s costing you clients, credibility, and cold hard cash.

But here's the truth: the logo game has changed. Permanently.
And if you're still handing off flat JPGs and calling it a day, you’re already behind.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we break down the 3 new rules of modern logo design — the unspoken deliverables separating real pros from pretenders still stuck in the print era.

From responsive layouts and animated reveals to AI-ready assets your clients don’t even know they need yet, this episode gives you the edge to level up your design packages and future-proof your work.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why static logos are a one-way ticket to irrelevance
• What “AI-ready” actually means for your logo files
• How to upgrade your deliverables and charge more doing it

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to adapt, evolve, and stand out — while the rest get left behind in the noise.

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Pricing your Graphic design work shouldn't feel like rocket science—but for most Graphic Designers, it’s a total mindfk! 

Hourly? Project-based? Value-based? Everyone online's got an opinion, but let’s be honest—most of that advice is either incomplete or flat-out wrong, let alone providing you a game plan or roadmap on how-to charge for graphic design work. No wonder designers stay stuck, undercharging and second-guessing their worth.

In this solo episode of The Angry Designer, Massimo blows the lid off the pricing BS and gives you a straight-up, battle-tested roadmap to charging what you're ACTUALLY worth.

You’ll learn:

The real reason you need to start with hourly pricing (and how it sets you up to win)

When to switch to project pricing without guessing or screwing yourself

Why most designers aren’t ready for value-based pricing—and how to earn your way there

How retainers can save your sanity, stabilize your income, and turn clients into long-term partners

No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just hard-earned truth from a designer who built a 7-figure agency from his parents’ basement—without selling his soul.

By the end of this episode, you’ll stop wondering what to charge—and start pricing with confidence.

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What happens to your creative career when life hits hard? Graphic designers are taught how to build brands, craft visuals, and make things look amazing. But no one teaches us how to survive when life punches us in the face.

Whether it’s grief, family emergencies, burnout, or just life being a complete dumpster fire, most creatives are one bad week away from total collapse, and they don’t even know it.

In this raw solo episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, Massimo shares a brutally honest, deeply personal episode about the sudden loss of his father—and how that moment tested everything he built. What could’ve been a career killer became the ultimate stress test.

Learn how to bulletproof your design career with real systems, client boundaries, team structure, and backup plans—whether you run an agency, freelance solo, or work in-house. This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s about freedom.

From agency owners to freelancers to in-house Graphic Designers, this episode is a wake-up call. If you don’t have an emergency plan in place, your career is a ticking time bomb.

We’re breaking down how to:

  • Build systems that actually protect you
  • Train clients and teams to thrive without you
  • Stop being the damn bottleneck in your own life

No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just raw, real talk from someone who's living it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll either start building your emergency plan, or realize you’re already playing with fire.

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Most Graphic Designers love lettering. But almost none of them know how to turn it into a real career.

They dabble. They post. They dream. But they never make the leap. Why? Because the design industry sold you a lie—that passion alone is enough to succeed.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re back with world-renowned Lettering Artist and Graphic Designer Martina Flor to expose the brutal truth about turning creative lettering talent into a profitable business. From freelancing and branding to building a global lettering empire, Martina breaks it all down.

She shares how she went from unknown designer in Berlin to working with Adobe, Vanity Fair, and The Washington Post—by treating lettering like a business, not just a skill.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why most Graphic Designers fail to make money with lettering
• The step-by-step process this Lettering Artist uses with real clients
• The massive difference between lettering, type design, and calligraphy (and why it matters)

If you’re a Graphic Designer stuck posting pretty work with zero results, this episode will light the fire you need to finally make lettering your career.

Listen now and learn what it really takes to succeed as a Lettering Artist.

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Graphic designers think they know typography. You pick a font, tweak some kerning, and boom—you’re a type expert, right? Wrong.

Most designers are blind to the power of lettering, and it’s keeping them stuck in the same sea of mediocrity. While they tinker with fonts, lettering artists are out there crafting custom letterforms, charging premium rates, and landing clients like Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, and Adobe.

This week on The Angry Designer, we sit down with Martina Flor, a world-renowned lettering artist who built a global empire by breaking the rules. She ditched the generic designer path, took massive risks, and carved out a niche that most designers overlook.

In this episode, we dive into:

  • The massive difference between lettering and type design
  • How specializing can make you more valuable than 99% of generalist designers
  • Why waiting to be “discovered” is a fantasy—and how real success is built
  • The one mindset shift that took Martina from unknown to industry leader

If you’re tired of blending in and want to build a career that actually excites you, this is the episode you need to hear.

Listen now & take control of your design future!

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Hustle culture has convinced Graphic Designers that working at 100% all the time is the only way to make it. Spoiler alert: it’s NOT.

Graphic designers are burning out, overworking, and grinding themselves into the ground—all in the name of “success.

Truth Bomb: More work ≠ better work.

Enter Hara Hachi Bu—a centuries-old philosophy that has kept people thriving. It’s the secret weapon designers NEED to build a more profitable, creative, and stress-free career.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we break down:

  • Why most designers are working too hard—and getting LESS from it
  • What Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs & Marie Kondo understood that most designers don’t
  • The Japanese rule that will save you from burnout & make you a better designer
  • How to work 80% but earn 100% (or more!)

If you’re tired of being overworked, underpaid, and stuck in a never-ending cycle of stress, this episode is your wake-up call. It’s time to work smarter, design better, and actually enjoy your damn career for years to come.

Less stress. More impact. Smarter work.
 Hustle is dead—it’s time to design smarter, not harder. Tune in now.

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Graphic Designers – Burnout is NOT what you think!

You feel drained, uninspired, and ready to throw your laptop out the window. You tell yourself you’re overworked, underpaid, and stuck in an industry that’s sucking the life out of you. But what if burnout isn’t about the workload at all?

What if YOU are the problem?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we rip apart the biggest burnout myths holding designers back. From toxic hustle culture to the brutal reality of setting (or failing to set) boundaries, we uncover why most designers are running themselves into the ground—and how to flip the script before it’s too late.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • The real reason burnout is destroying graphic designers
  • Why working less won’t fix the problem (and what will)
  • The hidden mindset shift that stops burnout in its tracks
  • How to take back control of your design career – without quitting

If you’re tired of feeling like a design zombie, this episode is your wake-up call. Burnout is optional—IF you know how to fight it.

Tune in and learn how to fix it NOW!

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Graphic designers love to complain about brand guidelines, tight budgets, and impossible client restrictions—but what if those so-called limitations are actually the secret weapon to better design?

That’s right—constraints don’t kill creativity; they fuel it. The best designers, the best agencies, and even the biggest tech disruptors in the world all use limitations to push boundaries, innovate, and create legendary work.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we dive into:

  • Why unlimited options kill creativity instead of enhancing it
  • How designers can leverage constraints to produce their best work
  • 8 game-changing ways to impose artificial limitations that force next-level thinking

From historical design movements to billion-dollar AI startups that dominated with fewer resources, we’re proving that less is more—if you know how to use it.

So whether you’re sick of project restrictions or just looking for a creative edge, this episode will flip your perspective on what’s actually holding you back (spoiler: it’s not the client).

Join the revolution—subscribe now, or keep designing the same way and wonder why it’s not working.

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AI is already replacing some Graphic Designers—and if you’re not paying attention, you could be next. The scary part? Most Graphic Designers are making it easy for AI to take their place. Whether it’s by ignoring it, misusing it, or pretending it’s not happening, too many are sleepwalking straight into irrelevance.

Meanwhile, the smartest Graphic Designers are flipping the script—using AI to work faster, think bigger, and dominate the industry. The question is: Are you falling behind, or are you using AI to your advantage?

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we rip apart the hype and lay out the brutal truthwho AI is actually replacing in graphic design. You'll discover:

  • The two types of AI tools—one that makes you unstoppable, the other that makes you obsolete
  • How to use AI to become an absolute weapon in design instead of a victim of automation
  • The worst mistakes Graphic Designers are making with AI that are costing them their future

If you’re ignoring AI, you’re making a mistake. If you’re using it the wrong way, you’re making a bigger mistake. This episode is your wake-up call—before it’s too late.

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Most Graphic Designers LOOK—but the best Graphic Designers SEE OPPORTUNITIES.  Pros see patterns, strategies, and opportunities. They understand why things work—not just how they look.

Most designers are stuck in surface-level thinking, obsessing over aesthetics while missing the bigger picture. If you’re only focused on making things look good, you’ll never break out of the ‘just a designer’ trap—stuck doing low-level work while other designers move ahead. The real game-changers in Graphic Design don’t just create—they SEE OPPORTUNITIES.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we’re exposing the #1 skill that separates struggling designers from those who land the best clients, bigger paychecks, and creative freedom—seeing opportunities where others don’t.

We’re breaking down 10 ways to SEE the world like a top designer, where you’ll discover:

🔥 How to spot hidden opportunities that most designers ignore
🔥 Why great design actually works (not just how to make things pretty)
🔥 How to train your eye to think like a strategist, not just a pixel pusher

If you want to break free from being just another Graphic Designer and start seeing the world like a pro, this episode is your wake-up call.

👉 WATCH NOW on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your fix.

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Graphic designers are taught to create, not sell—and that’s exactly why so many talented designers stay broke. The harsh reality? Talent alone won’t make you successful.

The industry is full of insanely skilled designers who struggle to make ends meet while less talented ones cash in—because they get it: design is a business.

And no one understood that better than Andy Warhol.

Warhol didn’t just create art—he built a brand, scaled his work, and turned creativity into cold, hard cash (while actually enjoying the ride). While traditional artists clung to their so-called “purity,” Warhol mass-produced art in his legendary Factory, treating his career like an enterprise. And guess what? It worked.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we tear into:

  • The 4 Warhol strategies designers can steal to scale, market, and sell better
  • Why branding yourself is just as important as the work you create
  • The myth of originality—and why Warhol proved it doesn’t matter

It’s time to stop thinking like a starving artist and start thinking like a creative entrepreneur. If you’re sick of being overlooked while mediocre designers make bank, this is the episode for you.

Hit play and start building your Warhol-level empire.

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For freelancer Graphic Designers, the grind is real—low-paying clients, endless revisions, and that sinking feeling of being stuck. But Kady Sandel knows a thing or two about breaking free. Starting her journey hustling on Craigslist, Kady turned $65 logo gigs into $35K projects and built a thriving creative agency.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re joined by Kady Sandel, a Freelance Graphic Designer turned agency owner who went from hustling on Craigslist to landing massive clients and building a thriving creative business. Together, we dig into why so many freelancers hit a ceiling and the brutal truth about what it takes to scale.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How to set higher rates and land premium projects

• The power of niching down and targeting the RIGHT clients

• Real strategies from Kady’s journey—from Craigslist hustler to six-figure deals

If you’re ready to ditch low-paying clients and start commanding the rates you deserve, this episode is your no fluff guide to scaling for success.

It’s time to learn from the best, embrace the hustle, and charge what you’re worth.

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Imagine if your clients kept using your logos for 35 years. Thirty. Five. Years. While most logos barely survive a decade, Saul Bass created designs so timeless they’ve outlived designers’ entire careers. How? By following six unshakable rules that most graphic designers overlook.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we take you on a no-bull deep dive into the legendary Saul Bass’ approach to logo design. Forget the fluff and pretty pictures—this episode is about substance, strategy, and creating designs that actually matter.

Packed with fiery rants, actionable takeaways, and a fresh perspective on how design can solve real business problems, this episode is your blueprint to:

  • Understand why Saul Bass logos were built for longevity—and yours should be too.
  • Discover the 6 unshakable rules of logo design that Saul Bass mastered.
  • Learn how to design with purpose, avoid trends, and create work that endures decades.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and mindset to elevate your logo game and leave your mark on the world—just like Saul Bass.

Stop designing throwaway logos. Start building 35-year icons.

🎧 Listen now and unleash your inner design legend.

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Difficult clients are the bane of every Graphic Designer’s existence. From passive-aggressive emails to last-minute demands that make you question your Graphic Design career, they test your patience, creativity, and sanity. But here’s the hard truth: avoiding these clients-from-hell isn’t the answer—it’s learning how to handle them like a pro.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we dive headfirst into the chaos of working with the worst of the worst design clients and the hellish situations they drag Graphic Designers into. We’re exposing the 5 types of evil clients that haunt your inbox and the no-BS tactics you need to outsmart them.

Here’s what we’ll tackle:

  • The passive-aggressive manipulators who derail projects with subtle digs
  • The blame-shifters who throw you under the bus faster than you can say “deadline”
  • The know-it-alls who think Canva makes them creative geniuses
  • The gaslighters who rewrite history and deny approvals
  • The fire-starters who thrive on chaos and last-minute emergencies

This episode isn’t just about venting—it’s about a Graphic Designers survival. Packed with true stories, sharp advice, and actionable strategies, it’s the ultimate Graphic Designers playbook to survive, thrive, and take back control of your graphic design career—even when dealing with the absolute worst clients.

Own the situation, crush the chaos, and remind them who the real creative expert is.


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Every Graphic Designer starts their career with that fiery passion. The spark that makes them bold, unique, and ready to take on the world. But somewhere along the way, most Graphic Designers lose their edge. Whether it’s the grind of endless revisions, playing it safe to please clients, or letting the fear of failure hold you back, the result is the same: your work gets stale, and your confidence takes a hit.

But what if losing your edge wasn’t the end of the road? What if it’s the wake-up call you need to reignite your creativity and take your career to the next level?

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with legendary bad boy designer, James Victore, to uncover why so many Graphic Designers lose their spark—and how to get it back. From smashing outdated industry norms to owning your weirdness and turning creativity into your ultimate weapon, this episode is a rallying cry for designers ready to fight back.

In this episode you'll learn:

  • The hidden traps that steal your creativity (and how to break free)
  • Why playing it safe is the death of great design
  • How to lead your own creative revolution—and make your work irresistible
  • The surprising power of embracing your weirdness and letting it shine in your work

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to reclaim your edge, spark your creative revolution, and take the design world by storm. Are you ready to fight back?

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Graphic designers often underestimate the power of branding—but did you know Christmas itself is the ultimate masterclass in branding, centuries in the making?  Forget the twinkling lights and holiday cheer; the Christmas brand wasn’t built overnight, and its roots are a wild mix of designers, commercialism, and clever marketing strategies.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we’re unwrapping the untold stories behind how Graphic Designers and capitalism joined forces to create the juggernaut we call Christmas. From the origins of the Christmas tree to how Coca-Cola redefined Santa Claus, we dig into the design decisions and commercial twists that shaped the holiday we know today.

In this episode, we’ll cover:
- The shocking role graphic designers played in shaping Christmas traditions
- How commercialism turned the holiday into a global brand
- Surprising lessons graphic designers can take from the evolution of Christmas branding

By the end, you’ll see how even the most commercialized brand in history can teach valuable lessons to Graphic Designers about creativity, storytelling, and the power of design. Love it or hate it, Christmas is a designer’s dream—and this episode breaks it all down.

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Burnout: the silent killer of graphic design careers.

It creeps in slowly, disguised as endless revisions, soul-sucking clients, and monotonous work. Before you know it, you're questioning everything: Why did you get into design? Is this even worth it anymore?

But here’s the hard truth: burnout isn’t the problem—it’s how you’re handling it.

In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear down the myths about burnout and give graphic designers the real, no-nonsense playbook to fight back. Packed with hard-hitting truths, actionable advice, and a few well-timed rants, we’ll help you rediscover the passion that made you fall in love with design in the first place.

From breaking free of soul-sucking clients to reigniting your creativity, we cover:

  • Why most designers burn out—and how to avoid it
  • The one mindset shift that will change everything
  • How to dump soul-sucking clients and focus on what lights you up
  • Why reigniting your passion isn’t just about design—it’s about YOU

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to ditch the burnout and embrace the badass creative you were born to be.

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Graphic Design is full of tough decisions—fonts, colors, clients who don’t pay, deadlines that laugh in your face, and software that feels like it’s out to ruin your life. But what happens when you’re forced to choose between bad and worse?

In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we crank up the heat with 25 no-win ‘Would You Rather’ scenarios guaranteed to make every Graphic Designer squirm. 

Brace yourself for a fun ride as we expose the quirks, frustrations, and downright absurd realities of being a graphic designer. It’s fun. It’s painful. It’s 100% the therapy session you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why design decisions feel like emotional warfare.
  • What your answers say about who you are as a designer.
  • That sometimes, you just have to laugh to keep from quitting.

Grab a drink, loosen up, and prepare to laugh (or cry) at the absurdity of it all—because sometimes, being a designer means embracing the chaos. Let’s see how tough you really are.

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Feeling Burnt Out or Stuck in a Design Rut SUCKS. But here’s the brutal truth: MOST Graphic Designers are sabotaging themselves. Grinding through bad clients, chasing endless projects, and staying trapped in the same broken patterns, all while wondering why things never change.

It’s time to face reality with some tough love.

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re tackling the issues that terrify Graphic Designers most. Joined by coach and creative expert Matt Essam, we unravel the myths about burn out, the design business, expose the traps keeping creatives stuck, and deliver practical, BS-free strategies to break free and take control. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why creativity alone will NEVER be enough to succeed
  • Dangerous myths keeping Graphic Designers trapped in mediocrity
  • How to build a Graphic Design business that WORKS for YOU
  • The mindset shift every Graphic Designer needs to escape the grind

If you’re tired of feeling burnt out, making excuses, feeling stuck, and ready to do the work, this episode is your roadmap out. The only question is: are you bold enough to listen?

Check out Matt's podcast, Creative Courage, for more insight for creative business owners:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

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"Not all clients are created equal"—a truth every Graphic Designer discovers sooner or later. Whether it’s a small, scrappy startup or a sprawling corporate giant, working with different-sized clients presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

But how do you navigate these extremes without losing your sanity (or your creativity)?

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re breaking down the fundamental differences between working with big and small clients. From the red tape of approval processes to the creative freedom (or lack thereof), we’ll guide you through the pros, cons, and strategies for thriving with these clients no matter who’s on the other side of the table.

  • Discover why small clients aren’t just "stepping stones" but gateways to creative freedom
  • Learn how big clients can offer stability—and the hidden pitfalls to watch for
  • Get insider tips on navigating scope creep, managing expectations, and building lasting relationships with both client types

Packed with our no-holds bared advice, fiery insights, and a bit of ranting, this episode will leave you equipped to tackle any design client, big or small, with confidence.

By the end, you’ll understand the game-changing differences between Big vs Small clients and how to use this knowledge to elevate your Graphic Design career. 

So grab your coffee (or Bourbon) and tune in!

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Forget about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul - there is a BIGGER rivalry for Graphic Designers: Mac vs PC. For decades, Graphic Designers have worshipped at the altar of the Mac—it's been the gold standard for Graphic Designers, the non-negotiable creative tool, right? But is that reputation still deserved, or are designers just caught in the cult of Mac? Do you really need a Mac for Graphic Design?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive into the ultimate creative rivalry: Mac vs PC. Do you really need a Mac to be a great Graphic Designer, or are you just paying for the brand? We're tearing down the hype and dissecting the hard facts to uncover:

  • How Mac's slick tradition turned into a Graphic Designer status symbol
  • The raw truth about performance, price, and longevity between MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and Surface for Graphic Design
  • Which computer is right FOR YOU!
  • The ONE thing Mac has that PCs can’t touch—and why it might be a game-changer


Whether you're a loyal Mac diehard or a PC tinkerer, it's time to question what really matters for your creative career.

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ChatGPT AI was made for Graphic Designers, helping them go further, faster, and deliver at levels they never thought possible. But only a few are taking full advantage, and they’re already propelling themselves ahead of the pack.

While some Graphic Designers fear it’ll make them lazy or irrelevant, the truth is, ChatGPT AI is the ultimate game-changer—freeing up time for the creative work that matters and pushing your design process further than ever before.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re calling out misconceptions, breaking down myths, and giving you the inside scoop on ChatGPT AI for Graphic Designers, including:

- Why fearing AI will only set you back – discover how AI can handle the mundane so you can focus on the parts of design process that truly matter
- The intersection of efficiency and authenticity – AI can’t replace your intuition or unique creative vision; it’s here to amplify it
- How a Graphic Designer’s role is evolving – step into the future, where AI lets you become the creative director of your own work, a maestro in full control

From streamlining research and discovery to sparking fresh ideas through brainstorming, we’ll show you how ChatGPT AI is built to make Graphic Designers look like rock stars. If you’ve been hesitating to embrace this new tool, now’s the time to level up. Grab your drink, buckle in, and get ready to rethink what it means to be a Graphic Designer in the age of AI.

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Forget the Branding BS and start embracing what truly sets you apart. 
In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of branding and personal authenticity with none other than Anneli Hansson. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Anneli sheds light on how brands and designers alike can cut through the corporate jargon and connect on a human level.

Anneli takes us behind the scenes of her journey—from a small island in Sweden to working with billion-dollar brands—and unpacks why most branding advice out there is missing the mark. Together, we tear down the myths that keep designers stuck in the order-taker role and discuss how to shift from being a task-doer to a problem-seeker, helping you build a brand that actually connects.

By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How to create authentic branding without getting lost in corporate BS
  • The real difference between branding and marketing—and why it matters
  • Proven strategies to take control and start solving real problems for clients

Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about branding and give you the tools to take your design career to the next level.

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Graphic designers have been cornered for far too long—boxed out of web design by coding barriers, developers who just don’t get it, and platforms that never really worked for us. The web was always meant to be a designer’s playground—so why did we walk away from it?

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into the biggest missed opportunity in graphic design and why reclaiming the web is no longer optional—it’s essential to your survival. Whether you’ve tried building websites before and felt burned, or you’ve avoided web design altogether, we're here to shatter those fears and encourage graphic designers to reclaim web design.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why web design should have always been under your control
  • The real reasons designers abandoned the web—and how to fix it
  • How no-code tools are making web design easier than ever (no developer required)
  • Three easy steps to start offering web services today—and get paid what you’re worth
  • Why embracing web design now could be the difference between staying relevant or falling behind

By the end, you’ll understand why your design journey has to evolve—and how the web could be the key to taking your business to the next level. The future is wide open for designers—if you’re ready to claim it.


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graphic design, web design, layout design, no-code tools, design tools, future-proof design, graphic designer career, reclaim web design, design trends, designer tools, website design, creative control, design future, layout mastery, online design tools, website building for designers, digital design, design skills, hybrid designer, design evolution, web design tips, creative business growth, design strategy, branding and web design, design career growth, graphic design opportunities

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What if the reason you’re not landing the right Graphic Design clients is because you’re too busy trying to be someone you’re not? Too many Graphic Designers focus on trends, what’s hot, and what they think clients want. But what if clients are looking for exactly what you’re not giving—your true self?

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we’re exposing how being fake costs more than it earns and why authenticity is your secret weapon. How staying true to your values attracts better clients, and how saying "no" to the wrong work opens the door to bigger, better opportunities.

You’ll learn:

  • The Danger of Selling Out vs. Scaling Up – How compromising your values can stall your career.
  • The Power of Authenticity – Why being yourself attracts better clients and bigger opportunities.
  • Saying NO to Say YES – How setting boundaries creates space for growth and success.

Don’t let inauthenticity ruin your design career! Listen now and learn how to thrive by staying true to your values, attracting the right clients, and building a business you believe in.

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Ever come across a logo and think, "Damn, that brand needs help"? You’re not alone. Designers can spot when a logo is dragging a brand down, but most clients don’t see it—until you show them.

This week on The Angry Designer, we hand you the ultimate playbook to spot failing logos and use that knowledge to land more rebrand deals. Packed with brutal truths, strategic insights, and no-BS advice, we’ll teach you how to identify outdated logos, pitch rebrands like a pro, and close deals.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why outdated logos are costing clients
  • The key logo red flags to watch for
  • Why updating logos is a goldmine for designers
  • The emotional impact of logos that fail to connect
  • How to present rebrand opportunities without offending
  • The secrets to closing the deal

By the end, you’ll have the tools to spot failing logos, approach clients with confidence, and boost your reputation and income.

Get ready to turn design weaknesses into business wins!

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Think juggling a full-time Graphic Design job, a side gig, and a family is tough? Try doing all that while building one of the hottest Graphic design conferences in the U.S.!

This week, on The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with Matt Dawson—founder of CropCon, Austin’s badass Graphic Design event, and the creative mastermind behind StayGray Ponyboy. From the gritty world of landscape architecture to the highs and lows of Graphic Design, Matt’s journey is all about hustle, passion, and refusing to settle for anything less than authentic success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • No-bull strategies for keeping your cool while growing multiple creative brands
  • Secrets to carving out a brand identity that actually cuts through the BS in a crowded industry
  • Real talk on how the design landscape is evolving and what it means for building brands that last
  • How to unleash creativity without burning out—even when you're scaling your business to the next level

If you’re a Graphic Designer tired of the usual industry BS and ready to build a career that actually excites you, this episode is a must-listen! Stick around for the rapid-fire round at the end—Matt drops some seriously fun, unfiltered insights you won’t want to miss.

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Tired of feeling like a pixel-pushing robot, stuck in an endless design loop? Most Graphic Designers focus on making things look good, but the real game-changer is how you think.

This week on The Angry Designer, we’re breaking down 25 powerful ways to take control of your creative process and think like a true graphic designer. It’s not just about crafting the perfect logo or sleek layout—it’s your mindset that separates trendsetters from trend-chasers.

You’ll learn how to:

•Balance creativity with constraints to spark inspiration
•Embrace feedback (even the harsh stuff) as a tool for growth
•Break the rules with intent to uncover uncharted ideas

If you’re ready to stop chasing trends and start setting them, grab a drink, sit back, and dive into 25 ways to truly think like a designer.

Got your own thoughts on graphic design thinking? Drop them in the comments below—we love hearing from you! And don’t forget to subscribe for more no-nonsense advice every week.

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Tired of swimming in a sea of underpaid gigs and endless competition? If you’re ready to stop blending in and start dominating the design game, you need more than just talent—you need a killer strategy.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we dive headfirst into one of the most powerful, no-BS ways to crush the competition and charge what you're worth: discovering your industry niche. This episode promises not to be full of theory-driven fluff - but real, actionable steps on how to become the go-to expert in a specific space, helping you unlock higher-paying clients, reduce competition, and finally ditch those low-ballers.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:
- Why niching down into an industry is the secret weapon for success.
- The 7 steps to identify and own your industry niche.
- How finding an industry niche doesn’t limit your creativity—it boosts it.

Get ready to transform your design career and elevate your game by niching into an industry you can dominate, flourish in, and love every minute of.

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We live in a world where TikTok and Instagram reels are teaching designers how to shortcut their way through creativity. But let’s be real – following so-called 'design recipes' does nothing but turn you into a copycat.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we rip apart the dangerous trend of social media design hacks and formulas, showing why they kill true creativity.

We’re here to help frustrated designers break free from the cookie-cutter mold and actually think for themselves. Forget the 'one-size-fits-all' formulas – this episode is all about learning how to develop your own creative instincts, trust your gut, and build a design process that’s uniquely yours.

Tune in as we walk through:

  • Why following design recipes is holding you back
  • The difference between design education and technical tricks
  • How The Angry Designer helps you build confidence by thinking critically and creating your own solutions

We’re not here to give you shortcuts – we’re here to help you grow into the badass, independent designer you’re meant to be.

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What makes a creative truly unstoppable? Is it laser-sharp focus, an unrelenting drive, or the ability to embrace vulnerability in a world obsessed with perfection? Chris Do has built his empire by mastering all three.

In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Chris Do, a visionary, entrepreneur, and designer who has influenced creatives worldwide. You’ve seen his content all over the internet, but in this 200th episode of our podcast, we peel back the layers to reveal the real Chris Do— From growing up as an introvert to becoming one of the most respected voices in design and business, Chris opens up about his unique path, the power of single-tasking, and how he navigates the challenges of a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

You’ll learn:

- How Chris's focused mindset became the driving force behind his global influence.
- The surprising passions that fuel his creativity and keep him grounded.
- His no-BS advice for finding success without losing your authentic self.

Don’t miss this conversation—it’ll change how you think about success, creativity, and staying true to your own path. Whether you're a designer hustling to find your voice or a creative looking for inspiration to level up, this conversation with Chris Do will give you the insights and fire to push through the noise and thrive.


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Trolls, critics, and the sting of harsh feedback—every graphic designer faces it, but how you respond can make or break your creative spirit. Social media has amplified the voices of both admirers and haters, and navigating this minefield without losing your creative freedom is a challenge.

But what if you could turn those brutal moments into fuel for your creative fire?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tackle the dark side of social media, the impact of trolling, and how to leverage constructive criticism to your advantage. Armed with real-world examples, fiery advice, and no-nonsense strategies, we’re here to help you build a thicker skin and keep your creative freedom intact.

In this episode, we cover:
- How to identify and deal with internet trolls versus constructive critics
- The importance of developing a thick skin as a designer in the digital age
- Strategies for handling harsh feedback without compromising your creative vision
- The difference between negative feedback that helps you grow and noise that holds you back

From spotting the difference between destructive trolling and valuable feedback, to mastering the art of resilience in the face of criticism, this episode is packed with insights that every designer needs to hear.

By the end of this episode, you’ll discover how to filter out the noise, use criticism as a tool for growth, and keep your creative vision sharp—even in the face of relentless online critics.

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What happens when four of the sharpest minds in design come together to critique the world’s most iconic logos? You get a conversation that’s as insightful as it is unfiltered.

This week on The Angry Designer, we’re shaking things up with a Design Dialogue featuring industry heavyweights James Barnard, Kristy Campbell, Will Paterson, and yours truly. We’re putting our favorite—and not-so-favorite—logos under the microscope, dissecting what works, what doesn’t, and why some designs stand the test of time while others miss the mark.

But it’s not just about logos. We’re diving into the philosophy behind design, the importance of brand identity, and how even the most controversial rebrands can spark a heated debate. And yes, we’re not holding back—whether it’s praising a nostalgic gem or tearing apart a logo that just doesn’t cut it.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

  • The most iconic and controversial logos and why they evoke such strong reactions
  • The philosophy of brand identity and its impact on design success
  • Real-world examples of logo rebrands that worked—and those that flopped
  • How top designers handle critique, feedback, and the internet’s harshest trolls

By the end of this episode, you’ll see design through the eyes of experts who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what makes a logo truly great. So if you’re ready for some candid design talk and a few laughs along the way, hit that play button and join the conversation.


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What makes Graphic Designers truly thrive? Some believe it's community, passion,  the power of connection. And the Creative South Graphic Design Conference is one place that truly exists.

In this episode, we sit down with Big Mike Jones, the mastermind behind Creative South, a design conference that’s more than just an event—it’s a movement that brings creatives together, and gives back like never before.

Big Mike Jones, founder of Creative South, joins us to share the story of how a small local event in Georgia grew into a thriving hub for creatives from all over the world. But that's just the beginning—Mike's journey isn't just about conference organizing; it's about embracing community, giving back, and balancing a creative life with unexpected ventures, like running a hot dog restaurant!

You’ll learn:

- The origins of Creative South and the challenges Mike faced turning it into a major design event
- How to build and maintain genuine connections in a world obsessed with likes and followers
- Mike's unique approach to juggling multiple roles without losing sight of his passion for design and community

So, whether you’re sketching out your next big idea, cruising through your commute, or just looking for some creative inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Get ready to be inspired by Big Mike Jones and discover the power of building a creative community that truly matters.

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In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we’re pumped to welcome a returning guest, Dan Janssen - founder and creative director of Lincoln Design Company. Known for its bold, unapologetic, highly illustrative, in-your-face design style, Lincoln Design Co. has become a powerhouse in the creative industry, pushing the limits for top-tier global brands like Monster Energy, Mountain Dew, Mattel, Nerf, Fortnite, Harley Davidson, and so many more.

Join us as we dive into Dan’s story, exploring the highs and lows of building a successful design studio, his approach to leading a creative team, and the philosophy behind Lincoln Design Co.’s unique style. We’ll also discuss the growing importance of motion design in branding, the challenges of handling difficult clients, and the lessons learned from project failures. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just a fan of killer design, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

This episode includes:

  • The journey of founding and growing a successful design studio.
  • Strategies for leading a high-energy creative team.
  • The importance of sticking to a structured process, even when excited about a project.
  • Insights into the world of motion design and its integration with traditional graphic design.
  • The value of transparency in learning from mistakes and making your brand more relatable.

Tune in to hear Dan’s story and get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Lincoln Design Co. one of the most rad design studios out there.

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As a Graphic Designer, your quirks might just be driving everyone around you crazy—and you might not even realize it. From obsessing over tiny details to turning every conversation into a design critique, these habits can make you hilariously frustrating to the rest of the world.

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re turning the spotlight on YOU—the quirkiest, most annoying graphic designer around. Let’s face it: your love for loud glasses, endless coffee cups, and critiquing every font in sight might be driving everyone else nuts—but that’s what makes you a designer, right?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why your obsession with tiny details is both a blessing and a curse

- The hidden reasons behind your relentless need to overanalyze everything

- How to embrace (or at least understand) these habits that make you uniquely… you

So grab your coffee (we know you have one) and tune in. This episode is all about the quirks that make you, well, you. And trust us, you’re going to want to hear this!

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Every Graphic Designer dreads the mistakes that could derail their career. But what if you could see those pitfalls before falling into them?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we’re taking a hard-hitting look at 25 surefire ways to destroy your Graphic Design career, and how you can avoid them. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why centering all your text and using too many trendy fonts can make your designs unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

- How being arrogant and making unsolicited changes to client brands can quickly alienate your customers.

- Why inconsistency is the enemy of good branding and how to maintain a strong, cohesive look.

Packed with real-life anecdotes and practical tips, this episode will guide you through the minefield of graphic design blunders. From understanding the importance of clear messaging to the dangers of ignoring constructive criticism, we cover it all.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for avoiding career-killing mistakes and turning potential disasters into opportunities for growth.

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In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we are honored to host Kaila Pettis. Also known as KP, Kaila is a brand marketing and creative visionary with a dynamic career that spans various industries. From sports to sneakers, Kaila's creative direction and strategic marketing have left an indelible mark.

Kaila's impressive resume includes her current role as a pioneering marketing leader in the sports industry, where she brings innovative and inclusive strategies to the forefront. As a sports addict, sneakerhead, and creative directHER, Kaila's passion and unique perspective have driven her to break barriers and set new standards in marketing.

Join us as we delve into Kaila's journey, exploring her experiences and challenges as a trailblazer in the sports marketing world. We’ll discuss her approach to brand building, her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her insights on leading successful marketing campaigns.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

- The significance of representation and diversity in marketing leadership.
- Strategies for creating impactful and inclusive marketing campaigns.
- Insights into the sports marketing industry and what it takes to succeed.
- Kaila’s journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Tune in to be inspired by Kaila’s groundbreaking achievements and her dedication to empowering others through her work.

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Typography is the game-changer that can transform any Graphic Designer from good to extraordinary. Mastering type is the key to stepping up your game and making your designs truly stand out. If you're ready to elevate your designs and creating work that demands more attention, this episode is your ticket to success.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we're diving deep into the world of type with 20 game-changing tips every graphic designer needs to know. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, these insights will revolutionize your approach to typography and design.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- The secrets to choosing the perfect font family and making killer font pairings
- How to establish a visual hierarchy and balance text with white space
- Practical tips for maintaining consistency and avoiding common pitfalls

Packed with no-nonsense advice, real-world examples, and our signature fiery style, this episode is a must-listen for any Graphic Designer serious about elevating their game. By the end, you'll have the tools and confidence to take your Graphic Design skills to the next level and create typography that makes a lasting impact.

Get ready to level up and make your typography truly unforgettable.

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Has Adobe's latest actions crossed a line with Graphic Designers? Being technologically overwhelmed is one thing, releasing feature, after feature, after feature. But now with Adobe's latest shady practices in the news, it's clear — Adobe is no longer the champion of designers. 

So, why are technologically overwhelmed Graphic Designers not leaving Adobe, despite numerous, high-quality alternatives?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into why Graphic Designers feel so technologically overwhelmed and discuss the soft and psychological barriers that keep us tied to Adobe. 

We'll break down:
• Adobe's Impact on the design community
• Adobe's recent controversies shaking its foundation
• Why Designers Stick with Adobe regardless
• Practical Steps for Change

Join us as we explore how to reclaim control of your creative tools, overcome technological overwhelm, and decide if it's time to make a switch. Packed with fiery advice, tactical strategies, and real-life success stories, this episode is your roadmap to navigating the turbulent waters of design technology.

Stay creative, stay angry, and stay loyal—to yourself, not just your software.

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In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we sit down with Josh Lewis, a talented illustrator and children's book author who has just released his latest book, "Ray's Big Day." Josh brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to his work, aiming to inspire wonder and curiosity in young readers.

With over 12 years of experience in the children’s market, Josh has collaborated with global clients, creating engaging and educational content across various mediums including children’s books, magazines, board games, and more. He has worked with notable clients such as Running Press Kids, Penguin Random House, and Highlights for Children, showcasing his versatility and dedication to making learning fun and accessible.

Josh is not just an illustrator but also a seasoned designer and art director, having co-created and art-directed Compassion Explorer Magazine. His passion for storytelling and visual arts shines through in every project, making him a standout figure in the industry.

Join us as we explore Josh’s journey, from his early days in illustration to becoming a celebrated author and artist. We’ll delve into the creative process behind "Ray's Big Day," his approach to blending art with education, and his tips for aspiring illustrators looking to make their mark in the children’s book industry.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

  • The importance of creating engaging and educational content for children.
  • Insights into the process of writing and illustrating a children’s book.
  • The challenges and rewards of working in the children’s market.
  • Strategies for building a successful career as an illustrator and author.

Tune in to be inspired by Josh’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to fostering a love for reading and learning in young audiences.

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Asking for a promotion can be nerve-wracking experience for Graphic Designers—it’s like stepping into the ring, ready to fight. Whether you're aiming to move up in your agency or looking to climb the in-house ladder, the process can feel brutal and, if mishandled, can leave you doubting your worth.

But what if there’s a way to nail the ask and come out victorious?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive headfirst into the art of requesting a job promotion. We’re bringing you a blend of no-nonsense advice, actionable strategies, and real-life stories to help you master the ask and secure that next step in your career.

From the worst ways to ask for a promotion (don’t ambush your boss in the bathroom!) to the best tactics that show you're ready for the next level, this episode is packed with everything you need to prepare for and execute the perfect promotion request.

By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the knowledge to approach your boss confidently, present your case clearly, and turn your ambition into reality. Tune in and learn how to turn your hard work into a well-deserved promotion with The Angry Designer podcast.

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Is procrastination holding back your creative potential or could it actually fuel a Graphic Designers creativity?

Every Graphic Designer knows the guilt of procrastination—it’s like an invisible force that stalls your creativity and progress. We've all been there, pushing deadlines and finding distractions instead of diving into our work. It feels like a bad habit we just can't shake, and the guilt that follows can be overwhelming.

But what if procrastination is actually a secret weapon in disguise?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into the surprising benefits of procrastination and how it can actually fuel your creative fire. Packed with advice, practical tips, and eye-opening studies, this episode could be your guide to turning delays into creative breakthroughs: 

From understanding the psychology behind procrastination to real-life stories of design legends who harnessed it for their success, this episode is brimming with insights to help you embrace and leverage your procrastination.

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In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we are thrilled to introduce Jess Goldsmith, an award-winning illustrator, lettering artist, and art director based in NYC. With a vibrant and colorful style, Jess has made waves in the design world, working with global clients to create eye-catching visuals. Her passion for amplifying important causes such as mental health, gender equality, and LGBTQAI+ issues shines through in her work, making her a true advocate for change.

Jess is also the owner and curator of Women of Type, a thriving community dedicated to promoting the work and voices of underrepresented women and non-binary artists in the typography and lettering space. Through Women of Type, Jess has created a platform that not only showcases stunning work but also fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for artists to connect and grow.

Join us as we dive into Jess’s journey, from her beginnings in the art world to becoming a leading voice in the design community. We’ll explore her creative process, the challenges and triumphs of working on meaningful projects, and the impact of her advocacy work. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned designer, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights from one of the industry's most dynamic talents.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • The importance of using art to amplify social causes and create impactful messages.
  • Strategies for building and nurturing a creative community.
  • Insights into the world of typography and lettering from a leading expert.
  • How to balance commercial work with passion projects that drive change.

Tune in to hear Jess’s story and get inspired by her dedication to both her craft and her causes.

Angry Designer LIVE brings you event-based interviews with designers, speakers, and guests from top creative events. This series continues with an exclusive session from Creative South 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

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Ever wonder why you’re not getting that juicy design job promotion you think you deserve? If you're feeling stuck and frustrated in your job, we've got the straight talk you need to hear.

We’re smashing the myths that are holding you back from that well-earned promotion and revealing what really makes employers sit up and take notice. It’s time to ditch the entitlement and face the hard truth: promotions are earned, not given.

  1. Uncover the brutal reality behind job promotions and eliminate the misconceptions that sabotage your career.
  2. Learn six power moves that will skyrocket your career, making you indispensable no matter where you are.
  3. Get the raw, unfiltered truth on how to showcase your worth and command the promotion you deserve.

Stop whining and start winning. Tune into this no-BS episode of The Angry Designer Podcast now and take control of your career trajectory!

The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

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From winning brewery design competitions to reigning as the QUEEN of beer label design, Jen Borror reveals how a small favour for a friend ignited her passion for beer label design. 

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we had the pleasure of having a conversation with a graphic designer who niched into an industry traditionally dominated by dudes - and she's killing it.
 
From her initial struggles and the 100-day Instagram challenge that reignited her creative spark to landing her first client and launching Hoot Design Studio, Jen’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The importance of niching down & how it can lead to rewarding and specialized work
  • How to balance creativity with commercial demands in the graphic design industry
  • Insights into the process of beer label design, from initial sketches to final product
  • The challenges and triumphs of freelancing, including dealing with difficult clients and the highs of winning awards
  • The importance of hand-drawn illustrations in a digital age
  • The unique relationship between a brewer’s craft and a designer’s vision

Tune in to be inspired by Jen’s journey and her relentless pursuit of design excellence in the craft beer industry.

The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

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In this episode, we chat with Dave Hopkins, a dynamic force in the graphic design community. Dave is the host of "The Quickie Podcast," where he interviews talented graphic designers, illustrators, and creative directors, quickly—usually in 30 minutes or less. On his show, you can hear from freelancers to creatives at world-renowned businesses and agencies, discussing their wins, fails, lessons learned, and what inspires them.

But that's not all. Dave is also the founder of the Print Design Academy and the host of the Print Design Podcast. Through the academy, he shares his passion for print design, educating designers on everything from file prep to holding the finished product in their hands. Dave's expertise in print and packaging design is unparalleled, and his academy offers invaluable resources for designers looking to excel in this niche.

Dave has a fresh, innovative approach to teaching design, which has helped many, including myself, rethink the role of design educators. His unique perspective and dedication to the craft are truly inspiring.

Ready to dive into the world of print and quickie insights? Tune in to hear Dave’s journey, his insights on print design, and his relentless pursuit of creative excellence.

Angry Designer LIVE brings you event-based interviews with designers, speakers, and guests from top creative events. This series continues with an exclusive session from Creative South 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

#Adobe Illustrator #branding #creative inspiration #creative pr #design career #design software #design tips #design trends #design tutorial #freelance design #graphic design #graphic design podcast #logo design #Photoshop tips #typography #visual identity

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Ever feel like Canva's DIY approach is turning everyone into a "designer" including your  customers? It's a slap in the face for pros who see their craft being butchered by templates and shortcuts.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tackle the real problem with Canva: not the tool itself, but the false confidence it gives non-designers. We'll break down why using a DIY tool isn't even in the same league as having real design expertise and how this misconception is shaking up our industry.

In this no-BS episode, we're diving deep into:

  • The seductive appeal of Canva and why it’s a trap
  • The glaring differences between a tool and true design expertise
  • How to school clients on the real value of a professional design process

Loaded with raw insights and brutal truths, this episode is a must-listen for any graphic designer feeling the heat from DIY tools. We’ll arm you with the ammo to defend your craft, highlight your value, and keep clients coming back for the real deal.

Tune in to learn how to turn the Canva conundrum into your competitive edge, proving that real design expertise can't be templated.

- - - - - - - - - -

The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

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Graphic designers are taught the golden rules of logo design—simplicity, minimalism, versatility, timelessness. But what if the key to creating a logo that lasts for centuries lies in breaking these very rules?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of the oldest logos that are still in use, yet break every design rule. From the cultural icons of the past to the pitfalls of today’s blanding trend, we uncover the secrets behind logos that stand the test of time...centuries for that matter.

Join us as we dissect the 25 oldest logos currently in use, explore the unique factors that contribute to their longevity, and share actionable tips for modern designers to design new logos with lasting impact. 

Whether you're a seasoned graphic designer or just starting out, this logo design episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire you to think beyond the rules when designing your next mark. 

Tune in and transform your logo design approach with The Angry Designer podcast!

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In this episode of Angry Designers Live, we sit down with Nick Longo, a Southern California native and passionate branding expert. As a co-host of the Deeply Graphic Designcast and the producer and host of Office Hours on Adobe Live, Nick is a familiar voice in the design community, offering insights and guidance to designers worldwide.

Nick currently leads Longo Designs, a branding studio specializing in strategic, storytelling design for the food and beverage industry.  Nick has honed his craft over years of dedication and creativity working with brand giants like Kellogg’s, Kohl’s, Burger King, Macy’s, Kraft Foods, DreamWorks, and Starbucks..

Nick's expertise doesn't stop at his studio. He's a design instructor at his alma mater, California State University, Northridge, where he shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation of designers. 

On a personal note, Nick has helped me rethink my opinion on design educators. His fresh, innovative approach to teaching design has changed my perspective, highlighting the crucial role educators can play in shaping future designers.

Tune in to hear Nick's journey, his approach to storytelling through design, and his relentless pursuit of branding excellence.

Angry Designer LIVE brings you event-based interviews with designers, speakers, and guests from top creative events. This series continues with an exclusive session from Creative South 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

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While Graphic Design projects can be fun and exciting, they are often limited and the relationship short lived.  What if there was a way Graphic Designer can provide more value,  generate better work, and unlock lucrative opportunities?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tear down the fluff and give you a straight-up guide to adding broader branding services to your skill set. Get ready for angry experiences, advice, and practical strategies to help you transition from designer to brand strategist.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why expanding into branding is crucial for designers
  • Why Graphic Designers are perfect to offer brand strategy
  • How to create and deliver a compelling brand promise
  • Practical steps to integrate branding services into your offerings

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to boost client satisfaction and command higher fees offering higher value services that you already have the ability for.

Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights—and start transforming your design career today.

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Graphic designers face a relentless industry—it's not just about creativity, but about survival. From cutthroat competition to ever-evolving trends, burnout, toxic work environments, the pressure can feel overwhelming. But what if mastering a few key survival skills could turn the tide in your favor?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we serve up a no-nonsense guide packed with essential survival skills every graphic designer needs to succeed. We’re cutting through the fluff and delivering hard-hitting advice to help you navigate the toughest aspects of your career.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Graphic Designers could be at risk in todays economy
  • A reality check to call out bull in the industry
  • 9 hard hitting survival skills every Graphic Designer should follow

Through a mix of no-bull advice,  real-world stories, experiences, and tactical strategies, we’ll show you how to transform your approach to your career. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to not just survive, but thrive in the Graphic Design industry.

Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights—tune in and start building the career longevity and rates you deserve.

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Angry Designer LIVE is event based interview sessions performed with designers, speakers, and guests at Creative events. This series is from Creative South 2024 held in Columbus Georgia.

This episode we feature one of the most truly special guests we've ever had. Joining us is Sophie Mills, the talented founder of @GCGrumpyFrog! 🐸

At just 10 years old, this is Sophies 2nd year at Creative South - not as a guest, but as a vendor! Her Grumpy Frog brand of lovable characters were available as pins, stickers, merch and much more. 

From doodling in procreate to building her Grumpy Frog family, Sophie shares her aspirations for the future and even offers some of the most practical, valuable advice for fellow Graphic Designers.

This episode may be short, but it's packed with sweetness and wisdom you won't want to miss!

Catch it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or click the link in our bio to listen.

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Graphic designers know the sting of losing a client—it's like a slap in the face that can shake your confidence. Every graphic designer will face client loss at some point. Whether it's due to budget cuts, better offers elsewhere, or plain old bad chemistry, the impact feels brutal and, if left unchecked, can lead to imposter syndrome.

But what if that brutal moment is actually a hidden opportunity?

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we lay out a battle plan to not just survive, but thrive after a client walks out the door. Armed with a mix of fiery advice, tactical strategies, and inspiring comeback stories, this episode is loaded with everything a graphic designer needs to turn a loss into a significant gain.

From strategic rebound tips to real-life success stories of design giants who transformed losses into legendary comebacks, this episode is packed with so much valuable information to transform your lowest lows into your highest highs.

By the end of this episode, you will discover how every setback is a setup for a comeback, helping you find the lessons hidden in each challenge.


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Angry Designer LIVE is event based interview sessions performed with designers, speakers, and guests at Creative events. This series is from Creative South 2024 held in Columbus Georgia.

In this first, official episode, meet Kristy Campbell, the no-nonsense brand identity specialist and graphic designer shaking up the industry from The Stables in Orewa, New Zealand. With over a decade of experience and a degree in Graphic Design and Animation, Kristy leads a fierce all-female team with an unapologetic drive.

Sick and tired of the mundane in-house design gigs—imagine being chained to one set of fonts and a bland three-tone palette—Kristy decided enough was enough. She launched a 100-day design challenge on Instagram to reignite her creative spark, shared her bold creations, and landed her first client. Just like that, her freelance career took off like a rocket.

Kristy’s #1 mission with Pink Pony Creative? To craft unforgettable and unmistakable branding and visual identities for bold businesses ready to make waves. But she doesn't stop there. Kristy is on a crusade to educate the masses about the power of cohesive and consistent aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of a personal brand. She preaches the gospel of strategic, branded design elements and marketing collateral, and she rocks her own branded Pink across everything she touches, proving the impact of personal branding.

Ready to learn from a true industry rebel? Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Kristy’s journey and her relentless pursuit of design excellence.

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Ready to get an edge on your next Graphic Design Interview or portfolio review? Job interviews are hard, and so few tell us what they're actually looking for, where people go wrong, and why some never get call backs.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast,  we talk all about our experiences in interviewing hundreds of graphic designers over the past 25 years for positions in our creative agency - zfactor. 

We cover the important points that have stood out over the years to us, provide some interview advice, portfolio advice, and what we feel you should do from start to finish to get that job.

From nailing your portfolio presentation to mastering tricky questions, this episode reveals tips and tricks you won’t want to miss out on.

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Think social media is just fun and games? Think again. It can sometimes require thick skin, tenacity, and the courage to do your thing no matter what any one says. No one embraces this idea more than the ultra animated and entertainingly educational CJ Cawley!

Join The Angry Designers In part 2 of our awesome chat with CJ Cawley, a super talented Graphic Designer, where he reveals his experience with the dark side of social media and shares his strategy to dealing with personal hate messages and negative comments.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Social media can be a game changer for Graphic Designers, giving them a chance to showcase their creativity, personality and brand!

Meet CJ Cawley, a super talented graphic designer who’s all over your social feeds. He has captivated audiences across various platforms with his dynamic and engaging content that is not only gaining tons of followers but also winning everyone's hearts. CJ Cawley mixes fun stuff with neat design tips in videos that blend education with entertainment, and people just can’t get enough of it.

Tune into The Angry Designer Podcast for the first part of a riveting and humorous dialogue with the one and only CJ Cawley. We’ll dive deep into his personal and professional journey, exploring his early challenges and his path to becoming a successful freelance designer...not to mention rice and ketchup.

Join us as we uncover the stories behind CJ Cawley's viral success and get to know the man who’s made learning design as entertaining as it is enlightening!


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Published 2024-04-22

The Power of Community in Graphic Design

27 min
Open

Ever wondered how top designers stay inspired and on top of their game? The key, to unlocking your full Graphic Design potential, to an endless amount of inspiration, support, and resources isn't a tool or software–it's community.

In this LIVE recording of The Angry Designers Podcast, the duo leave the great white north, and travel over 1500km to Columbus, Georgia for the Creative South Graphic Design Conference.  

With a conference motto of 'Come as Friends, leave as Family', the designers discover:
- what makes Creative South so special
- experience what community actually means 
- the importance it has in a Graphic Designers future

 Joining a Graphic Design Community Could Be the Best Decision of Your Career! United, We Design! 

This episode spins off a Brand new series of Live Event Interviews called, The Angry Designer LIVE, which will run each week along side our regularly scheduled podcasts.


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Ever wonder why some crazy, talented Graphic Designers struggle with their careers while other, less talented Graphic Designers have long, fulfilling and successful careers? 
Is it merely luck, or is it the unwavering commitment to growth that sets them apart?
In the dynamic world of graphic design, talent alone isn't enough.

Join us this week on The Angry Designer Podcast as we dig into why hustling and relentless determination are the true secret ingredients to becoming a successful in Graphic Designer.  In this eye-opening episode, we discuss:

The Talent Myth:
We unpack the dangerous belief that sheer talent is the only path to making it big in graphic design, and why this couldn't be further from the truth.

Reality Check:
How determination, hard work, and constant learning often eclipse raw talent. We dive into what hustle really means for graphic designers, and how it can launch careers to new heights.

Defining Hustle vs. Talent:
Discover the components of hustle that can push your design limits, from skill development to resilience, and why they’re more critical than you think.

The Reputation Riddle:
Is being known for talent or for hustle better for your career? We explore the long-term effects of both reputations in the graphic design industry.

Real-Life Hustlers:
Be inspired by stories of famed hustlers who triumphed over rejection and failure, from Thomas Edison's perseverance to J.K. Rowling's rise from rejection.

Design Icons’ Secrets:
Find out how legends like Paula Scher, Massimo Vignelli, and Milton Glaser hustled their way into design history, and why talent was only part of their success stories.

The Pitfalls of Talent Alone:
Understand the limitations of relying solely on talent and how it can hinder growth, adaptability, and opportunity.

Underdogs & Late Bloomers:
Celebrate the victories of the less naturally gifted who've hustled hard to carve out their place in the design world.

Cultivating the Hustle Mentality:
Get practical tips on developing a hustle mentality to propel your graphic design career forward, from goal setting to building a personal brand.

So, are you ready to hustle your way to the top? Tune in, get inspired, and let's transform your graphic design journey from ordinary to extraordinary! 



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‘Fake it till you make it’ - a phrase we've all heard a million times. But for graphic designers, what does it really mean and is it ethical?

Originally it was about projecting confidence and optimism, even when you're still honing your skills. But in the digital age, could a more literal interpretation - outright pretending to be something you're not - have a place in graphic design?

In this episode of The Angry Designers, the duo cover the direction, this once positive phrase, has now taken in the online world. Sit back and listen as the guys cover:

• unpacking the fake it till you make it matra
• interpretation today of fake it till you make it
• its impact on Graphic Design, New Designers & Seasoned Pros
• when 'faking it' is still ok
• cultivating a culture of authenticity

This episode will make you rethink who calls themselves experts online.

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Are Google fonts a Graphic Designers best friend, or Graphic Design Trap?

On one hand, they provide Graphic Designers with free use of responsive, high quality fonts for use in print or online, with the most open commercial font licenses available. On the other hand...it's Google? A company that hasn't always been known for it's business ethics.

Join The Angry Designers as they debate what is either a Graphic Designers best friend, or worst nightmare: Google Fonts. In this episode, the not-so dynamic duo cover:
- Ridiculous font prices
- Typeface vs Font
- Open source fonts vs paid license
- what's best for the customer

By the end of this episode you will either pledge your allegiance to using Google fonts for Graphic Design - or swear against the tyrannical regime that is Alphabet?

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What would you consider a big opportunity for a Graphic Designer - A new logo? How about that PLUS ongoing brand development, secured future design work,  a big pay day, & long lasting client relationships.

Offering web design services is not what it use to be - and within reach of virtually every single Graphic Designer.

Join The Angry Designers this week as we continue our conversation with the webs most popular Graphic Designer Turned Web Designer, Josh Hall.

From humble beginnings to website rock star success, a successful company acquisition and now successful business coach, Josh has been on an incredible journey that we can’t wait to share. In this episode 2, we chat about:
– How to secure future work as a Graphic Designer
– How to bill for a website
– The technical options you have
– AI and websites

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Can Graphic Designers offer Websites? Do Graphic Designers actually need to learn code, or do they already possess the skills needed to successfully make it offering UX, websites, web strategies,  and Web Design?

Join The Angry Designers this week as we have a conversation with the webs most popular Graphic Designer Turned Web Designer, Josh Hall.

From humble beginnings to super star success as a web designer and business coach, Josh has been on a journey and we can’t wait to share it with you. In this Part 1 of 2, we chat about:
- Josh's journey from Graphic Designer turned Web Designer
- Importance of good design skills for web sites
- The dollars of it all
- No-code websites for Graphic Designers

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Ever felt like your creative spirit is being crushed under the weight of a horrible creative director or a toxic studio environment? You're not alone! 

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of Graphic Design studios and the bosses that haunt them. From nightmarish creative directors to soul-sucking studio cultures, we uncover what makes an environment not just challenging, but downright horrible for graphic designers.

In this week’s episode, the guys sit down to explore the dark corners of creative work environments, identifying the red flags of scary bosses and toxic studios. Through riveting stories and candid discussions on all things scary from micromanagement and favoritism to workplace drama and gossiping, we discuss how to navigate these treacherous waters without losing your love for graphic design or your sanity. 

Whether you're a Seasoned Graphic Designer facing your own boss battle or a Jr Graphic Designer eager to avoid the pitfalls of the profession, this episode is packed with strategies, insights, and a healthy dose of Scotch fueled stories to guide you through the toxic fog. 

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Are Graphic Designers the real masterminds behind UX design?  

Ever wondered how similar a Graphic Designer's intuition is to a UX designer's strategy? Spoiler alert: It's like comparing spray paint to stencils. We're here to argue that maybe, just maybe, Graphic Designers have been doing UX Design all along – they just didn't brag about it on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, we're diving deep into the rabbit hole where lines blur between Graphic Design and UX Design, challenging everything you thought you knew. We're peeling back the layers of design history to:
- uncover the untold story of UX's origins
- the similarities between Graphic & UX design principles
- when a UX Designer is unnecessary
- benefit of Cross-disciplinary design skills
- where to start with UX Design

Learn why embracing a UX mindset might just be the secret sauce you've been missing.

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Have you ever wondered if as a Graphic Designer, you should dive into web design? Does the thought of coding intimidate you, or are you curious about alternative ways to offer web services? This episode is a Graphic Designers guide through the digital dilemma.

We're cutting through the noise to explore if Graphic Designers need to add web design to their skill set, if there is more to the web design process other than coding, and whether coding is even a must-have skill in today's design world. With modern tools making web design more accessible, we delve into how you can expand your creative services without becoming a coding expert.

Join The Angry Designers as we weigh the pros and cons on if Graphic Designers should offer Websites and Web Design services. 

Packed with actionable advice, the guys cover: 
- different ways a Graphic Designer can get into Web design
- other digital opportunities 
- web design process without coding
- no-code website options

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This week, we reveal one of our BIGGEST secrets responsible for the 7 figure success of our Graphic Design agency, zfactor. 

Spoiler alert: It's NOT about crafting a killer business plan. And it's definitely NOT about writing a killer mission statement, or even worse a vision statement. 

We're pulling back the curtain to reveal the core of our creative brand: the zfactor tenets.

These aren't just your run-of-the-mill principles; they're the beating heart of our agency's identity, guiding everything from our design philosophy to our business processes.

Join The Angry Designers, as we share how our design tenets sky-rocketed our agency, our 13 tenets, and how you can craft your own!

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Ever wondered why some Graphic Designers get ghosted by their clients? 
What could a Graphic Designer possibly have done to have a customer break up with them?

In this  weeks episode of The Angry Designer Podcast 'Why Graphic Designers Get Dumped by Their Clients,' we uncover the hilarious truths behind client-designer breakups. 

From the honeymoon period's nervous excitement to the old married couple's comfortable silence, we navigate the journey of client relationships gone wrong. 

Learn what not to do unless you're aiming for that breakup. In which case, follow our "List of things Graphic Designer can do to get DUMPED by your client".  With insights wrapped in laughs, this episode is a must-listen for every designer looking to laugh and learn.

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From Humble beginnings to YouTube Stardom, Will Paterson is a recognizable name & face amongst Graphic Designers across the world! 

With almost 900 videos and 10+ years on YouTube, Will Paterson makes being a Graphic Design Influencer look easy. But is it?

Tune into part 2 of our EPIC conversation with Will Paterson as we discuss in more detail life as a YouTube sensation, running a business, and of course our patent pending quick-fire questions!

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With close to 1 million subscribers on YouTube, few people have influenced as many Graphic Designers as Will Paterson. 

Get ready, for a behind the scenes look with the most down-to-earth Graphic Design  YouTuber, behind many viral videos like "I Paid 5 Logo Designers On Fiverr To Design The SAME logo".

From school struggles to YouTube fame, Will Paterson's Graphic Design career has been an extraordinary journey, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Tune into part 1 of our EPIC conversation with Will Paterson as we uncover the story behind his YouTube success, his less than conventional roots as a graphic designer and why he’s so keen to share his knowledge and give back to the design community.

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Everyone says AI will replace Graphic Designers - but ChatGPT can actually make a Graphic Designer better! Dive into the world of Graphic Design AI as we discuss how ChatGPT isn't just a buzzword—it's a game-changer for graphic designers!

Whether you're brainstorming brand concepts, researching competitor industries, developing mind-blowing strategies or writing copy for your next gig, discover how mastering ChatGPT can transform the way you design. We're tearing down the myths and revealing how AI can amplify your creativity, not stifle it.

Join your favorite Canadian Graphic Design duo as we delve back into the turbulent topic of Graphic Design AI - ChatGPT to be more specific. In this episode, the Designer Lumberjacks cover topics like:

  • ChatGPT in Graphic Design
  • ChatGPT Limitations
  • Graphic Design help
  • Business Advantages
  • Prompting tips 

If you haven't yet created an account and tried ChatGPT for yourself, by the end of this episode you will!

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We went on a deep dive into Graphic Designer Jessica Walsh's Design Manifesto entitled "10 rules for great branding and design" and THIS is what we learned:

Known for her bold, innovative approach and as a beacon of creativity in graphic design, Jessica Walsh has redefined the standards of visual communication. We dissect the key elements of her manifesto, discussing how it challenges conventional norms and inspires designers of all levels.

Join the Angry Designers as they unpack the Jessica Walsh Design Manifesto, and extract practical insights and lessons from her manifesto that you can apply to your own Graphic Design journey.  

Whether you're a budding Graphic Designer or a seasoned pro, there's something in Walsh's philosophy for everyone. Join us as we unpack the wisdom and wit of one of the most influential designers of our time.

Download the manifesto here: https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/manifesto-and-walsh


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Over the holidays, we used Midjourney to create a graphic novel – ready to find out what we learned on how Graphic Designers can use AI? 

Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the power of AI for graphic design and discovered both the benefits and the headaches! 

This week, join The Angry Designers as they share their experiences using AI. In this episode, we delve into how tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT are reshaping the design landscape. Discover how-to leverage these AI tools to elevate your Graphic Design work. In this episode, we cover:

- Problems using Midjourney for Graphic Design
- How Midjourney AI can help Graphic Designers
- Tips on using AI for Graphic Design
- Prompt tips for Graphic Designers

Whether you're a seasoned Graphic Designer or just diving into the world of design, this episode is packed with insights on using AI to refine your artistic process.

Perfect for:

  • Graphic Designers seeking to incorporate AI into their creative process
  • Design enthusiasts curious about the impact of AI on the Graphic Design  industry
  • Creative professionals looking to streamline their workflow with AI

Subscribe for more insights into the intersection of creativity and technology, and hit the bell to stay updated on the latest trends and tools in graphic design.

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At some point as a Graphic Designer, you’re gonna to come across the clients that are walking talking red flags, that often lead to regretful experiences. 

But how can graphic designers differentiate between a dream client and a potential nightmare? How can a Graphic Designer get more of the right clients and fewer of the wrong ones?

From reducing payment risks to fostering long-term growth, learn why vetting clients is more than just about the money for Graphic Designers.

Join the Angry Designers this week as they navigate the treacherous terrain of client vetting, giving you the inside scoop on how Graphic Designers can identify the good, the bad, and the downright disastrous clients.

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While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, a Graphic Designers creativity and inspiration can really take a hit after a crazy year of work, technology and clients.

All Graphic Designers deserve a break!

But keeping your creative inspiration fresh even throughout the festive season can keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to starting 2024 off excited and full of ideas.

Finding creative inspiration for Graphic Designers can be easier said than done though, right?

Join The Angry Designers for another Graphic Design inspirational episode in this Retro Rewind, designed to revive and recharge your creative inspiration over the holiday season.

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Discover the Timeless Genius of Legendary Graphic Designer, Massimo Vignelli. 

Dive deep into the world of the Godfather of Graphic Design Massimo Vignelli, and explore how his groundbreaking principles revolutionized modern graphic design. This episode is a must-listen for every graphic designer seeking inspiration from Vignelli's iconic legacy. 

Join The Angry Designers this week as they unpack Massimo Vignelli's ethos of simplicity, functionality, and timeless beauty, and see how they apply in today's design landscape. In this episode, the guys cover:

- Massimo Vignelli's early beginnings
- Popular Massimo Vignelli quotes
- 5 Principles of Massimo Vignelli
- How they apply to modern Graphic Design

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, there's wisdom in Vignelli's approach that transcends time. 

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The holiday season can really take its toll on graphic designers.  From tight deadlines & client emergencies to running out of money or creative burnout. Not all Graphic Designers are left feeling merry and bright.

If only someone provided some Strategies to not only survive, but soar through the holidays!

Join the bearded gents this week as they uncover the whirlwind of challenges Graphic Designers face during this merry season! 

From those nail-biting tight deadlines to juggling multiple projects like a pro, this week The Angry Designers are diving into the biggest stressors and the savvy strategies that help keep our creative engines running this holiday season.

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What does it take to stay humble when your brand reaches Legendary Graphic Design ‘A-list’ status? How do you stay grounded when Nike, Hasbro, WWE, Nickelodeon, Hot Wheels and Mountain Dew come knocking at YOUR door?

Get ready for MORE from the man behind the legendary agency as we dive into the truth of what it’s like to run your own studio, nurturing kick-a** talent, advice for graphic designers and much, much more!

Join The Angry Designers for part 2 of an awesome conversation with Dan Janssen  @danlincolnco - Creative Director and Founder of @lincolndesignco

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Graphic Designers can work a decade to land a global brand. Imagine having 20+ knocking down your door? Get ready to look behind the curtain at one of the leading Graphic design agencies today!

Lincoln Design Co is a LIVING LEGEND Creative Agency. Working with huge brands like  Nike, Hasbro, WWE, Nickelodeon, Hot Wheels, Mountain Dew, Monster Energy, Nerf, Tony Hawk, Universal, (to name a few).

In this Part 1 of 2 episodes, we're thrilled to have a conversation with the one and only Dan Janssen @danlincolnco - Creative Director and Founder of @lincolndesignco

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What are the upcoming  2024 Graphic Design & Logo trends for Graphic Designers to follow - or are they worth following at all?

Graphic design and Logo trends can be an effective tool for a designer, but rely on them too much and you'll find yourself in dangerous territory. 

Graphic design trends can create anxiety and derail good design, while logo design trends can damage a brand. So are they good or bad? 

Join the bearded Canadians for another ANGRY episode, where we shine a spotlight on the BIGGEST Graphic Design & Logo trends you can expect to see in 2024, and why the pressure of following them can have a huge impact on a designers career and wellbeing!

.

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When your Digital File Management is done right, it can make you a MUCH better designer.

Nailing your Digital File Management can set you free from tedious hours spent searching for lost files, and boost your efficiency through the roof, and allow you stay in the creativity zone .

Picture this: a world where 'untitled_document_245' is banished, and 'final_final_version_FINAL' is nothing but a distant memory.

Join the Angry Designers for a Retro Reboot as they shine a light on file management, why it’s important for graphic designers, different types of storage, tips and tricks for file management…and more!

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Published 2023-11-06

How Graphic Designers Can Sell Whitespace

50 min
Open

Whitespace in a design. Graphic Designers love it - but struggle to sell it because many customers think it's wasted space. 

Whitespace is a silent partner that can make or break a design, yet it's misunderstood by many.

So why is it such a controversial topic between designers and clients?
Why do so many clients write it off as wasted space? Whitespace is not wasted space.

This week, we're demystifying whitespace and helping Graphic Designers sell it!

Join the bearded gents as they uncover the most common myths behind whitespace, unveil why it's so important to master and reveal their secrets for how to sell the idea of whitespace to your customers.

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Published 2023-10-30

Graphic Design Horror Stories

31 min
Open

Find out what keeps Graphic Designers up at night! Customers, Computers, Software Ghosts and Crashes...Graphic design can be a scary business - downright terrifying! 

In this podcast episode of the Angry Designer, the cackling Canadians explore the scary side of graphic design, as they uncover the things that keep graphic designers up at night and share 12 hair-raising graphic design movies. 

Don't miss this Hilarious, Horrific Halloween Graphic Design special! 

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There is a gold mine waiting for Graphic Designers - and it's in PowerPoint Presentations!

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, PowerPoint presentations are an integral part of the business world. Whether it’s for sales presentations, investor decks, or even customer proposals, a kick ass PowerPoint Presentation can make all the difference - and are a perfect opportunity for Graphic Designers.

Often people hear the word ‘PowerPoint’ and cringe, but this week we’re here to show some appreciation for the fine art of creating an awesome presentation!

Join the Angry Designers as they Slide into Success and show you how you can unlock the hidden potential of PowerPoint. In this jam packed informative episode, the guys uncover topics like:
- The importance of PPTs
- Core principles 
- 15 common mistakes
- PPT Practical Tips and Tricks 

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Nailing your Graphic Design Portfolio can make the difference between scoring your dream client, project,  job or making business cards at Kinkos. 

Whether you're pitching a client, or in a job interview,  truth is, no matter how good you are and how great your work is, it won't just speak for itself! 

But what are people looking for? 
Isn't your website enough?
How far back do you show your work?
F*&k it - just show it all, right?

With over 100s of portfolio reviews at zfactor, join The Angry Designers this week as they hold no punches back, on what it takes to build a Winning Graphic Design Portfolio.  The Bearded Canadians discuss what makes the difference between "your hired" and "your fired" including:
- Important core components of a portfolio
- Digital vs Physical
- Porfolio creation checklist

By the end of this episode, you will be able to put together a portfolio that will provide you the confidence to win you more clients and land better jobs. 

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The misconceptions - or delusions - customers have about Graphic Designers are both flattering and absurd.  These eyebrow-raising comments often leave us scratching our heads wondering 'how could they honestly believe that? 

While what we do may look glamorous or fun, we understand the reality of the graphic design game can be a LOT different than what customers consider it to be .
So what do customers REALLY think it is we do all day?

Strap in Angry Designers because this one is RAGE inducing. Join The Angry Designers as they channel their inner design therapists and address these misconceptions head-on!

Prepare for some laughs, some sighs, and a whole lot of "WTF" moments!

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What does it take to run a successful Graphic Design and Branding agency? Or better yet, to be invited to speak at Adobe Max not once, but TWICE!

Saddle up for the second half of our amazing conversation with social media sensation Kristy Campbell.

From her thoughts on the future of AI in graphic design, her secrets to success, business wins & business fails to her upcoming talk at @adobe MAX, we uncover it all in part 2 of an epic conversation with the AWESOME @kristy.thepinkpony, Founder and Chief Designer at @pinkponycreative 🙌

Join The Angry Designers for part 2 of a VERY special episode filled with a ton of laughs, life lessons & Kristy’s infectious personality 😁

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Saddle up, Angry Designers - this week we're heading back down under for another kick-a** guest episode!

This week, we're joined by the AWESOME @kristy.thepinkpony, Founder and Chief Designer at @pinkponycreative 🙌

With over 8 years of industry experience, Kristy has made her mark on the graphic design world. From yoga, fitness and health, to food, fashion and commercial property, Kristy's journey has taken her across a huge range of industries.

Following her INSANE social media success, Kristy set up Pink Pony Creative, blending her awesome personality into a successful business.

Ready to be inspired and get a sneak peek into the mind of a design maverick? 

Join us tomorrow for part 1 of an EPIC conversation with Kristy as we cover her insane journey, social media success, starting a business and the story behind the ICONIC Pedro the Pink Pony

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Get ready to unlock the ultimate secret to success in the world of design!

As a graphic designer, you need a pretty diverse set of skills under your belt if you want to go pro, but the most VALUABLE skill might not be what you think...

Creativity? Design skills? Typography?
Sure, they're all important, but what is the number one skill you need to learn to guarantee success as a graphic designer?

Join The Angry Designers as they dive deep into a topic that has the power to transform your design game - a skill that often goes unnoticed, yet it's the secret that can supercharge your career!

By the end of this episode, you'll learn what it takes to be busier than ever, charge more, and have a longer, better design career.

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How do I get MORE! More Graphic Design work, more customers, more projects, more money? It's a question we hear ALL of the time.  

The problem comes when designers focus on finishing a job and immediately start hustling for the next one. Sure, you've done the work you're contracted to do - but then what? And it's not just about asking; it's about acting. What are you doing that's separating you from the next graphic designer? 

Enough work to sustain you for a lifetime is closer than you think! 

Join The Angry Designers this week as they uncover their tried and tested strategy for bagging yourself MORE work and how to make yourself indispensable! In this episode, the bearded Canadians talk about their business strategy for providing zfactor 25 years worth of quality, profitable and exciting work!

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To hand over, or not to hand over - that is the question for Graphic Designers.

Shakespeare himself might struggle to answer this!

There’s an age-old debate over native file sharing, and it’s a clash of perspectives that every designer faces 🤔

Clients ask for native files for a whole number of reasons, from printing requirements to future edits and even legal compliance.

But, designers have their reservations. They worry about the integrity of their creations,  loss of income and so much more!

So, how do you handle your working files? Do you willingly give them along with a ginormous side helping of trust, or do you keep your files close to your chest?

Join the bearded bros as they tackle the tricky topic of sharing native files with customers and the cases for and against handing over working files: both good, and bad!

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Remember when AI was just a "buzzword"? AI is quickly becoming part of our everyday lives, and for Graphic Designers there are 2 options - embrace it, or get left behind.

AI isn't just a trend—it's a game-changer! It's like having your own personal design sidekick on steroids, helping you refine your graphic design game, skyrocket your efficiency and feed your creativity 

Join The Angry Designers for another AI-xciting episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, where the guys lift the lid on AI - the good, the bad, and how it can elevate your graphic design career. In this episode, you'll learn about:
- How businesses and Designers should use AI
- Similarities between AI the Industrial Revolution
- Copyright
- How a designers role will change
- Where designers should start with AI

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We're dropping even MORE from our awesome conversation with Social Sensation, Logo Designer James Barnard @barnardco

An award-winning Graphic Designer, Seasoned Freelancer, Design Educator, Dad and owner of Barnard.co, James had a less-than-traditional introduction to the industry.

With over a decade in the industry, James has designed creative content for some of the UK’s biggest titles, including The Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Men’s Health, Empire, Cosmopolitan, The Times and many more.

Join The Angry Designers for part 2 of our EPIC conversation with the one and only James Barnard, where we talk about everything from AI, to award wins and his viral TikTok rise to Graphic Design stardom!

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Hold onto your seats as we are SUPER excited to be joined by the amazing Logo Designer James Barnard @barnardco

Award-winning logo designer, seasoned freelancer, design educator, dad and owner of Barnard.co, James had a less-than-traditional introduction to the industry.

Join us tomorrow for part 1 of an awesome conversation with Logo Designer James Barnard, as we uncover the man behind the mastery, talking about his backwards beginnings in the industry, his freelance journey, a feature in logo lounge and everything in between!

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Have you ever experienced something a client did that just felt...Cringy? 

Strap in as we dive head first into the unbelievable world of jaw-dropping, face-melting, and eye-twitch-inducing remarks we all too often encounter from our Graphic  Design clients! 

Brace yourself. From backseat designing to client-splaining,  The Angry Designers share some of their most ridiculous, Cringy client stories they've experienced or heard. Guaranteed to deliver the Ick-factor, join the bearded bears  as they go through their list of 25 cringeworthy things clients say or do to Graphic Designers!
 

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X is in - Twitter is gone, along with 4 billion dollars of brand recognition. Has Elon Musk gone mad or is he a genius?

Join The Angry Designers this week as they chat about the internets hottest topic - Twitter rebranding to X. In this episode all about branding the gents discuss:
- Harley Davidsons new logo
- New X logo
- Successful rebrands
- Elons plan revealed
- 5 key elements to a successful brand

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Pricing a logo can be a NIGHTMARE. How can some Graphic Designers claim to charge $100,000 for a logo, and others struggle for $1000!

With so many pricing misconceptions out there, it's no surprise so many Graphic Designers are getting it wrong, leaving thousands on the table. 

Strap in for a no holds barred Angry Designer 101 as the dapper gents lift the lid on REAL logo pricing. In this episode, Massimo and Shawn uncover the struggles of pricing a logo and discuss topics like:

- why Graphic Designers struggle to price logos
- what 6-figure logo Designers aren't telling you
- zfactor's 3 part logo pricing
- 3 actual projects price breakdown


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Published 2023-07-17

25 Years Owning a Graphic Design Agency: Top 10 Lessons

54 min Transcript
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The Graphic Design industry has changed a LOT in the last 25 years - several times over. We're talking about the transition from print to digital, the gig economy, the introduction of social media, and even the mind-blowing creation of stock photography.
(Anyone remember the days when you had to go out and photograph your own textures? )

In part 2 of another exciting Angry Designer double episode, we reflect on the challenges we've faced over 25 years owning & running a Graphic Design Agency, some of our most memorable moments, and our top 10 lessons for businesses.

Join us this week for part 2 of another nostalgic special as we pull back the curtain on 25 years in the Graphic Design business!

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Get ready, Angry Designers, as zfactor hits 25 year milestone in business!

Learn about what it took to make zfactor a successful creative agency. From the early days in Massimo's parent's basement, to almost crashing out, to landing their first billion-dollar client, strap in for one hell of a ride as the Angry Designers reflect on 25 years in the industry.

Join us this week for part 1 of a nostalgic special, as we dig into the nitty-gritty of what it’s REALLY like to build an agency.

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More and more often, we hear designers referring to themselves as 'award-winning designers' - but what does that actually mean?

Does being an award-winning designer make you successful? Does it get you better work, more money and recognition from your peers, or is it the adult equivalent of having your drawing hung on the fridge? 🏅

Strap in Angry Designers, because this week we are hitting you with a VERY angry episode, where  Massimo and Shawn climb the podium and tackle the world of industry awards, to explain why they might not be as prestigious as they seem. In this episode of The Angry Designer, the dynamic duo tackle:

- Using awards as a metric of success
- The process of awards
- What's missing in design awards
- True success as a Graphic Designer

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Strap in and get ready for more from the unapologetically awesome James Martin - Part 2!

Graphic designer, educator, author and co-founder of Baby Giant, & the person behind the Made By James brand, James Martin is a legend in the graphic design space.

Not one to shy away from more hard-hitting topics, in part 2, James continues to share more about his life, his craft and his plans for the future.

Join us for part 2 of an epic conversation with the one and only - James Martin!

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Published 2023-06-20

Made by James: A Conversation with James Martin Part 1

43 min Transcript
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On this guest episode of The Angry Designer, we have a conversation with none other than the AMAZING @made.by.james James Martin.

One of our design heroes and the unfiltered, self-titled NonConformulator of Logos - we are very excited to welcome James to the podcast.

Graphic designer, educator, author and co-founder of @babygiantco, James has earned his status as one of the modern-day giants of the design industry.

With clients including music heavy-hitters The Chainsmokers, Michael Ray, and Carter McLean, and brands such as Bishop Slayer Oyster Stout and Plastic Freedom, Martin isn't one to gate keep the secrets to his success.

Talking everything from life and work to inspiration, design process and beyond, you DON'T want to miss this one - it will leave you speechless!

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Aren't you tired of always being told what to do to become a BETTER Graphic Designer, or to design a better Logo, or to be a better Freelancer?

There is so much self help out there - our minds become numb to it! What if however, there was a list so ridiculous, that to be successful, you just had to do the opposite?

In this weeks episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we enter a world of opposites - providing you a detailed list of how to DESTROY your career as a Graphic Designer, forcing you to think of how ridiculous choices can actually be? 

WARNING: Side effects of listening to this episode may include uncontrollable laughter, an urgent need to improve your design skills, and a sudden appreciation for sanity. Proceed with caution, and remember, this episode is for entertainment purposes ONLY! 




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Changing a logo can be a big deal. It's not just an image, it's the face of a brand. It's how customers spot you in the crowd.  And way too often, new logos are received with rejection, screams, and genuine anger!

But hold on, logo change doesn't always mean an extreme makeover!

In our experience running zfactor, we're all about the "Logo Trinity", 3 degrees of a logo makeover. 

So how do you know which one is best for your client? What's the best way to pitch a logo change that won't leave them running for the hills?

This week, on The Angry Designer, the bold Canadians pull back the curtain on their tried and tested methods, and uncover their three degrees of a logo change.
In this not-so-angry episode, the guys cover topics like:

- Tell tale signs your customer needs a new logo
- 3 Degrees of a logo change
- How the Trinity of logo change helps you and customers
- How to pitch a new logo

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Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out - printing is something that every Graphic Designer should be clued up on. It is the basis of where so many design principles come from, our history, our future? So why have Graphic Design Colleges failed to teach even the basics? With print making a HUGE comeback in all areas, are Graphic Designers being short changed in their schooling?

In the firing line this week - 10 things Graphic Designers NEED TO KNOW about printing.

From the classic charm of letterpress to the mind-blowing wonders of digital, get ready to dive into the colorful world of print. In this episode of The Angry Designer, the pulp loving purists take you through their Top 10 guide, Graphic Designers must-know about printing.

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Published 2023-05-22

How-to Make Infographics that Rock!

50 min Transcript
Open

Infographics are the RockStars of visual communication. 

They combine the power of data, the sweet sweet melody of storytelling, with a performance of stunning visuals into the 2nd most powerful visual communicator (next to video). 

But with so many horrible examples out there, how do you ensure your infographic will deliver a legendary performance?

This week on The Angry Designers  the gents explore infographics and why they've become so popular! In this episode, the bearded duo cover topics like:
- Why are infographics so popular? 
- Problems with current infographics
- Advantages of using infographics
- The different types of infographics
- Process to create an infographic that Rocks!

At the end of this episode, you'll be running out to find the next project that can take advantage of an infographics. 

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Graphic Design has become plagued with the oversimplification of brands, referred to as Blanding, resulting in Graphic designers feeling uninspired, bored & lacking creativity.

Get ready to break free from the monotony of oversimplification, and discover a creative solution that breaks the mold and commands attention! Return the creativity back into Graphic Design with Maximalism!

Join the oh-so progressive Angry Designers as they explore the vibrant world of Maximalism in branding & Graphic Design, where complexity reigns and creativity knows no bounds. In this episode, the ever so inspired Canadians cover:

- the current state of blanding
- defining Maximalism in graphic design
- compare Minimalism to Maximalism
- benefits of using Maximalism in graphic design
- 9 tips for Graphic Designers on how create a Maximalist design 

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There is so much to LOVE about being a Graphic Designer. So we thought that LOVE deserved its very own episode 🙌.

We've scoured the depths of Reddit and pulled out some of the most inspiring quotes from fellow designers, talking about what they LOVE about graphic design.

From designing and presenting to problem solving and attitudes around the space , join the bearded gents this week as they delve into what makes this career & industry so damn amazing!

This episode will have you laughing, learning, and falling even more in love with graphic design than you already are (if that's even possible).

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Your Personal brand as a Graphic Designer is like a fingerprint that sets you apart in the crazily competitive Graphic Design industry. We used to think that personal branding was nothing more than a buzzword - but the truth is, developing a strong personal brand can be a game-changer for your career!

Not only does it help you stand out from the crowd and attract kick-a** clients, it also allows you to inject your own authentic self into your work - something you NEED to do if you want to get ahead in this game.

Join the Angry Designers tomorrow as they pull back the curtain on personal brands and how embracing a personal brand helped Massimo shape zfactor into the successful agency it is today. In this episode, the guys will cover:

- What is a personal brand
- Differences between a personal brand & company brand
- 5 reasons why graphic designers NEED a personal brand
- Steps for a graphic designer to create a personal brand

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Brandmarks (or abstract marks) are redefining the way we approach logo design. They are designed to be instantly recognizable, memorable, and adaptable across a number of platforms and mediums - exactly what you need in a digital world 

As far as logo design, how do they stack up against Wordmarks and Lettermarks?

Why do the modern-day logo giants like Draplin, Allan Peters and James Martin emphasize Brandmarks in their work?

In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded behemoths as they try to tackle the future of logo design: Brandmark vs Wordmark vs Lettermark? In this episode, the gents cover:

- What is a logo
- What is a Brandmark, Wordmark, Lettermark
- Strengths and weaknesses of each
- Aaron Draplin, Allan Peters, James Martin
- Brandmark Logo design process

By the end of this episode, you'll have all the information you'll need to present different Logo options to your clients, and being able to recommend which they should go with. Cha Ching!!!

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Published 2023-04-17

Managing Your Mental Health for Graphic Designers

48 min Transcript
Open

Do you feel like the graphic design industry is driving you insane? Are you on the brink of burnout? It's no secret that the job can be high-pressure and demanding, but what happens when that pressure becomes too much to bear? 

You're not alone. 

Join us as we break the silence and start a much-needed conversation about mental health in the design world. In this episode of the Angry Designer, the bearded brutes tackle the taboo topic of mental health in graphic design head-on. 

Sharing their own struggles, Massimo & Shawn offer no-holds-barred insights, and even offer up some practical tips for staying sane in a high-stress industry.

If you're a designer struggling with anxiety, stress, or burnout, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. 

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Published 2023-04-10

Design Like Water: Graphic Design Lessons from Bruce Lee

48 min Transcript
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When you think of Graphic Design, Bruce Lee might not be the first person that springs to mind, but the guy was (and is to this day) a legend.

His dedication to his craft and philosophical ideas changed the landscape of martial arts, and so much of what he stood for translates to the world of graphic design!

In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded brutes  for another kick-a** episode where they explore what we, as Graphic Designers, can learn from the great Bruce Lee, and how to Design like Water. Through this episode you will discover:

- similarities between the arts
- the importance of simplicity
- Self expression and being true to your nature
- Adapting to change
- Dedication to your craft
and many more philosophical sayings

By the end of this episode, you will sing like a cat when you design like Bruce!

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This week we’re back with MORE from our awesome conversation with the iconic Logo Creator, Brand Artist,  Badge Master and Graphic Designer Allan Peters.

MORE of his insane career
MORE advice for designers
MORE on his upcoming book

…and one CRAZY story that left us speechless.

Catch the second part of our awesome conversation with Graphic Designer, Allan Peters.

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Published 2023-03-27

A Conversation with Graphic Designer Allan Peters

70 min Transcript
Open

With a Graphic Design career spanning over 20 years that has included small agencies, large agencies, in-house at Target to then becoming one of the most recognizable brand and badge designers of our time, Allan Peters is one of the most influential (and humble) Graphic Designers in the world today. Period.

Be it for his appreciation of historic designers like Paul Rand, to his passion that has carried him through the most insane times, Allan Peters is a true gentleman who has firmly cemented him as a giant in the graphic design space.

Now releasing his first tell-all book on his process later in 2023; Logos That Last, we were SO excited to chat with Allan about his life, his insane career and what the future holds.

Join the Angry Designers as we talk career, design, life, influence & Draplin with Graphic and Brand Designer Allan Peters. 

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From reduced stress & increased productivity, to unlimited creativity, a Graphic Designers workspace directly reflects creativity!

While some of us might thrive in the local coffee shop or a shared hot-desking workspace, others need the routine and collaboration of a dedicated space that they can make their own.

Join the Angry Designers where they explore the importance of creative workspaces, and why it's all about achieving a creative atmosphere. In this episode, the Graphic Design Duo turned Interior Decorators cover topics like:

- Creative Environment vs Creative Atmosphere
- Benefits of having a dedicated workspace
- Key Components of a good workspace
- Building your space

By the end of this episode, you'll be running to your TV to watch HGTVs Hottest new Design Duo...not...just head to YouTube and that'll be enough.

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Arrogant, Pretentious, Toxic Graphic Designers - chances are you either know one, or have been one yourself at some point in your career.

Sure, it's easy to get cocky or overconfident every now and then, but if you're arrogant 24/7, YOU are the problem.

The truth is Arrogant Graphic Designers are tarnishing the design space and fuelling the stereotypes that a lot of us have tried hard to break.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded gents for a fury-filled episode exploring arrogance in graphic design, why some Graphic Designers embrace it, and arrogant behaviours you should be aware of and actively avoid.

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Do you describe yourself as a Graphic Design Ninja? Pixel Guru? How about Creative Rockstar?  If you do, stop. Just stop.

We get it, Graphic Designers are creative and having a fun or quirky job title can help you stand out…but it isn’t necessarily a good thing. More often than not, it is full of bad intentions and even worse repercussions!

In this VERY Angry episode of The Angry Designer, the guys discuss the Rise of Ridiculous Job Titles in Graphic Design and why they’re a problem within the industry, for employees and for employers. Follow along as the guys cover topics like:

  • Problems with the Industry
  • Sneaky employers
  • Why a title can be a source of stress
  • Tips on creating a good job title
  • How to create a good job title


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Published 2023-02-28

How-to handle BAD Graphic Design feedback

67 min
Open

Bad Design Feedback from your customers - something that you can't escape as a graphic designer, but also something that can make or break the relationships you have with your clients.

Don't get us wrong, bad feedback doesn't always have to be NEGATIVE feedback, but it does mean the way feedback is given can be a WHOLE other sh*t show.

So how do you deal with sh*tty feedback, and how can you change the feedback your client gives you so you can improve that customer relationship long-term?

In this episode of The Angry Designers, the gents take you to school for some bad feedback 101 as they share their own experiences and top tips they've gained over the past years for combatting lousy feedback.

With all this new information in hand, this episode will leave you begging for some bad design feedback!

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Are you ready for even MORE Good, More Bad and More Ugly Truths of Graphic Design, Graphic Designers and The Graphic Design Industry? 

Join The Angry Designers as they continue on their quest to uncover the three sides to Graphic Design that EVERYONE has or will come across throughout their career.

In this 2nd half of the popular episode, the dudes share their advice on accepting the Good, preparing for the Bad, and embracing the Truths of Graphic Design .

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There are three sides to a career in Graphic Design: The Good, the Bad, & The downright Ugly.

While we strongly believe there is no better career than being a Graphic Designer, the truth is that this industry is nuanced, and you’ve got to be ready to take a whole ton of sh*t alongside the good - and somewhere in there, you'll find the truth.

Knowing what to expect from each side of the industry and accepting the ugly truth can save you a whole lot of pain throughout your career and gain you a whole lot of reward!

Settle in for Part 1 of another epic Angry Designer two-part special, where the bearded brutes will be counting down 10 (of 20) of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Graphic Design.

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Renowned Graphic Designer Paul Rand's career spanned over 60 years. From humble beginnings to winning the heart of Steve Jobs, Paul Rands career was nothing short of legendary.

This week, we head deeper into the genius of Paul Rand, looking at his life, his work and counting down 10 pieces of career advice for graphic designers that are as current today as they were 50 years ago. 

In this episode,  they reveal more of the mastermind behind Paul Rand, 
covering topics like:
- self-education
- personal branding
- embracing new technologies
 and much, much more!

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A legend of the space with a Graphic Design career spanning over 60 years, Paul Rand's designs shaped some of the biggest and most memorable brand logos to date, including industry giants like IBM, ABC, UPS, ENRON, Westinghouse, and of course, the still to this day questionable NeXT 👀

There was a method behind Paul Rand's magic, and he used these methods to create timeless and enduring logos that have withstood the test of time.

Join the bristled brutes in this episode of The Angry Designer, as they pay homage to the legendary Graphic Designer Paul Rand, sharing his 4 key design principles and his iconic 7 step logo test, that was responsible for revolutionizing the world of corporate logo design.

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There are good logos, there are bad logos, and there are logos so terrible that they're amazing 😆

Twitter Blue recently came out of left field with THE most bizarre logo choice (like, seriously, how do you find words to describe that synth wave nightmare?!)

It got us thinking, what makes an effective logo? What type of logos do consumers prefer? Descriptive or Non-descriptive? 🤔

Spoiler alert - it may not be what you think 👀

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded beasts launch into the topic of descriptive vs non-descriptive logos, taking you through the advantages, challenges and examples of both, and what a recent Harvard Business study has to say about it all! 

This episode will provide you with such new material to present your customers that they will gladly throw an extra 10% more budget to your project!

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Are you ready for 15 more expert-recommended tips for Graphic Designers to increase their efficiency?

Learning to become a more efficient Graphic Designer can make a HUGE difference in your output, and in how much time you spend on the things that really make a difference to your career or business.

Last week, the Angry Designers dove into the first half of their tried and tested tips on how to be a more efficient graphic designer.

In this Sanford & Son inspired episode of The Angry Designers, the guys  cover the 2nd half of 30 Graphic Designer Efficiency Tips. The bumbling brutes cover the areas of Design Projects and The Graphic Designer!

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The start of a new year is an awesome opportunity to look at how we can AMP UP our graphic design game over the next 12 months. This year, we're going to see a lot of changes in the industry, with new technologies, techniques, and even AI to contend with - you've got to be able to keep up or you'll get left behind. But who has the time?

One of the best ways to start? Nail your efficiency to GET more time!

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the dudes tell all their secrets on how to improve your efficiency as a graphic designer with tried and tested tips in 4 key areas of Graphic Design: 

Operations
File Management
Graphic Design Projects
Graphic Designers

By the end of this 2 part series, you will be doing twice as much work in half the time! (well...how about more work, with less effort...lol)

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What does the future look like for graphic designers? 

Is it fully reliant on AI? Will there even be such a thing as a human graphic designer?

The truth is, the graphic design game is developing at a crazy rate, and with new technologies emerging up all the time like ChatGTP or Dale-2, the future of graphic design is far from certain.

Join the bearded futurists for a deep dive into what the future looks like for graphic designers, and chat about how you can future-proof your graphic design career.

A new episode of #TheAngryDesignerPodcast drops tomorrow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and YouTube, or click the link in our bio to listen!

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That bizarre whiskey and chocolate fuelled period between Christmas and New Years can really throw a Graphic Designers creativity outta whack.

Your creative juices can feel TOTALLY drained after a crazy year of work, technology and clients. We all deserve a break, right?

While keeping your creative inspiration fresh throughout the festive season can keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to starting 2023 off excited and full of ideas, finding inspiration can be easier said than done!

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the gents share their tactics for finding (and staying) creative. This inspirational episode is designed to help you find ways to revive and recharge your creative inspiration over the holiday season without actually working. 

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Graphic designers - treat yourself this year to the perfect gift!
It's the most wonderful time of the year - especially when you get a Graphic Design related present that is uniquely you.

But what gifts do Graphic Designers REALLY want? What things should YOU have on your Christmas list? Should it be something practical? Something funny? Or how about something that'll help improve your skills?

In this episode of The Angry Designer,  join the festive fellows for their countdown of 20 gifts every graphic designer wants to find under the Christmas tree - or to treat themselves to!

As promised, our list and links below!
(BIG note: we are in no way sponsored, affiliated or making a penny on any of these gift ideas. They are completely unbiased except for the fact we love them!)

Shawns List
Staedtler® Mars® Technico 780 Leadholder

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen

DDC-012 "Factory Floor Issue Longhand Set"

Draplin Design Co. - Space Shuttle Poster Ki - 16th Edition

Booq Daypack

This Mug!                               

Desk pad

Wrist Support

Senneiser Headphones

Edifier Speakers


Massimos List
Old School pencils

Lamy Multi-Functional Pen

Rotring 3 in 1 pen pencil

Lapel Pin

Nix Mini Color Sensor

Logo Modernism

Fidget Toys

MasterClass

Pixel Art Wall Stickers

Desk Toys

Whiskey Tumblers

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Published 2022-12-13

2023 Logo Design Trends...or Trash?

61 min
Open

If there are two words in graphic design that shouldn't go together in a sentence, it's 'logo' and 'trends'. Sure, there's a time and place in design for trends, but when it comes to a logo, you need that sh*t to stand the test of time.

Trends come and go, and every year we see new whacky ideas pop up or popular trends from days gone by come back to haunt us . What's to say that logo trend from 2023 won't be outdated in 6 months when the next big thing comes along?

Strap yourselves in for a VERY angry episode where the guys share their thoughts on the biggest 2023 logo design trends to look out for (or actively avoid), as well as some of the general design trends you can expect to see in the next 12 months!

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Color is something a lot of graphic designers struggle with - including us.
But color is one of the most, if not THE most important design aspects for a brand!

Schools may teach us color theory and how to use a color wheel - but are they teaching us about the big picture stuff and even more importantly HOW to choose the right color?

This week on The Angry Designer, the bearded brutes go beyond the basics, uncovering how you can pick the perfect color for your projects! In this episode, the colorful guys cover:

  • What school taught us
  • Color Psychology
  • How to know if the right color is appropriate for your brand
  • 3 step process in choosing the perfect color

And as promised, here are the 3 apps discussed in the podcast
https://imagecolorpicker.com/
https://mycolor.space/
https://coolors.co/

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Are you slipping as a Graphic Designer? Picked up a bad habit or 2 that has turned you into a Bad Graphic Designer? It's a topic so broad, it deserved two episodes, and this one isn't one you want to miss!

There are a few telltale signs that you're driving dangerously close to bad graphic designer territory - It's up to you whether you ignore them and risk your career for the easy life, or tackle that sh*t head on and become a better designer for it!

Join the Angry Designers for an extra-angry episode as they tackle part 2 of the top signs you're becoming a bad graphic designer - as they finish off with bad Designer Habits to watch out for.

By the end of this episode, not only will you be provided with a list of Design, Typography and also DESIGNER habits to be aware of, but you may also be aware of what NOT to do, and how to get back to a happy place. 

Also, do people read this far down?

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Whether you've been a Graphic Designer for 2 years or 20,  it's easy to get some bad habits. Getting a bit too comfortable, getting a little sloppy, cutting a corner here, there - then laziness kicks in and before we know it, we've turned into a sh*tty designer. 

So, how do you avoid ruining your game and your reputation? What are the warning signs to watch out for and take notice of before it's too late? They are often small habits in design, type or in your attitude that creep up to a whole lotta trouble.

In this episode of The Angry Designer,  the bearded gents jump into part 1 of another awesome double episode, as they share the top signs that you're becoming a bad Graphic Designer. 

By the end of this episode, not only will you be provided with a list of Design & Typography habits to be aware of, but you may also be begging for a sneak listen to the 2nd half...just saying.

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Published 2022-11-15

Do real Graphic Designers use Canva?

40 min
Open

Digital design platforms like Canva and the NEW Adobe Express are becoming more and more popular, with a massive amount of ready-made designs available for the masses to tap into.

Hey look, Canva can be great for a small business that needs a quick, disposable design. It's constantly evolving and introducing new capabilities (more recently including text-to-image AI). In the right hands, it can an awesome tool.
But we have to ask - does tweaking a few colors here and adding a few shapes there give you the right to call yourself a graphic designer?

On this episode of The Angry Designer, we dig deep into software that has made many Graphic Designers VERY ANGRY - Canva. In this episode, the guys discuss:

  • Why Canva upsets Graphic Designers
  • What Canva does and does not do
  • The super evil Adobe implication
  • How to use Canva to your benefit

This episode may or may not turn a leaf on your feelings towards Canva, but one things for sure...Adobe is still evil.

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Are you ready for More Graphic Design. More Inspiration. More Advice. More Janda! 

Please join us for the second half of our epic conversation with the awesome Michael Janda  @morejanda

Join the bearded beasts and their extra special guest as they tackle topics such as Covid's impact on creativity, the threat of AI to graphic designers and the importance of paying just as much attention to your creative strategy as you do to your color palettes.

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What does it take to go the distance as a Graphic Designer? Start an agency, sell an agency, and then become a Celebrity Graphic designer? We go deep with Michael Janda, talking about life, business, design, comic books and everything in between, while we also celebrate our 100th episode! 🙌

Michael is a true testament to the graphic design grid, proving that hard work and dedication really do pay off. Working his way up from small-time gigs, to Senior Creative Director at Fox Studios, Michael eventually founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Selling his agency in 2015, Michael now teaches the art of his craft to fellow designers, with two best-selling books under his professional belt.

Join us for an extra special episode where the bearded brutes sit down with award-winning creative director, designer, agency owner, author, mentor and all-round awesome dude - Michael Janda.










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How do I deal with a sh*tty creative boss? It's something we get asked about A LOT. 

We see so much advice online from people who'll tell you to screw 'em, check out mentally, quiet quit, mess with their stuff, go behind their backs...it's TERRIBLE advice.

Sure, your boss might be an a**hole, but how you deal with them is a direct reflection on YOU. Ultimately, it's YOUR reputation that's on the line when you go up against a sh*tty boss.

Check out this fury-filled episode where the bearded beasts rant about sh*tty bosses and provide you with some solutions on how to deal with them. In this episode, the Gents cover topics like:

  • Examples of a horrible boss
  • The problem with horrible bosses
  • The types of horrible bosses
  • Solutions to deal with them

This episode may not have you wanting to hug your jerk-of-a-boss, but it will help you grow out of the experience into a better future.

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Mac vs PC. Left Brain vs Right Brain. Logical vs Creative. There are so many stereo types (dare we say myths) to describe the relationship between Designers & Developers.  

Coders, Programmers, Developers are often overlooked in the design space. They aren't the ones getting  the credit for how great something works. Yet, they're the ones working away behind the scenes, making sure those great designs have some kick-ass functionality to them.

Despite our differences, at the heart of it all, designers and programmers both serve the same goal - to create awesome solutions to solve our client's problems.

On this episode of The Angry Designer, we close the divide between Art and Science and pay tribute to our late, great Sr Programmer, and discuss why you should keep your coders close. In this emotional episode, the guys discuss:

  • Similarities between designers and programmers
  • The history of Art & Science
  • Common myths of our relationships
  • Our daily work flows
  • Commonalities between both

This episode may bring you to tears, but will no doubt bring light to the fact that we are not as different as we thought.

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What separates good graphic designers from GREAT designers? What makes a successful graphic design career or a successful agency? 

It's not being a fantastic designer with unlimited creativity.
It's not mastering illustrator & photoshop. 
It's not having mad business skills or being gifted with clients.
 
Grab a drink, settle in and join Massimo as he flies solo on this week’s episode of The Angry Designer (not to worry, Shawn will be back soon).

Listen in as he reminisces on his career from the early beginnings to zfactor being acquired, and drops some tried and tested advice on how you can grow from your experiences.

This episode will either motivate you to kick-ass, or have you running for the hills.



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Should Graphic Designers be Generalists or should they be Specialists?

Why wouldn't you take any job or customer that comes your way? Why limit your client-tele, your creative freedom, your potential for greatness! 

A lot of graphic designers are wary of specializing, but from personal experience, finding a niche and sticking to it was the best damn decision zfactor ever made - to the tune of 7 figures!

Join The Angry Designers for another absorbing episode where the bearded brutes uncover the Riches in the Niches - why Graphic Designers should specialize. In this podcast episode, the guys uncover:
- what it means to specialize
- types of specializations
- the benefits of specializing in an industry niche
- how to go about finding your niche

This episode will have you digging deep, to see if your personal interests can lead to a profitable future.

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Starting out in Graphic Design can be tough. Everyone wants bigger, better customers -but bigger, better customers want to deal with bigger, better businesses!

So how do you get out of this vicious cycle? How do you portray big business energy while still a start-up, and snag those all important clients? Is this what Fake-it until you make it means?

Join The Angry Designers as they discuss how zfactor beat start-up stigma. With first hand advice and tricks of the trade from the bearded beasts, the podcast episode covers:

- what is start-up stigma
- how to beat it
- tips on how to present yourself
- tips on how to present your business
- how accounting makes you look big

PLUS - the guys have some BIG BIG news to share. TOO big to mention here. 

After this episode you'll snag those BIG customers like a pro - size doesn't matter (he he)

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You know them to recognize them - but Brand Mascots aren't right for your clients. Or are they?

From Tony the Tiger to Ronald McDonald - Brand Mascots have captured the hearts of people globally! But they're just for kids right? No serious brand would ever consider using one would they?

Join The Angry Designers as they discover the wonderful world of Brand Mascots. In this not-so-angry episode, the gents tackle the fun topic of Brand Mascots, and talk about:

  • Difference between a logo and a mascot
  • 3 types of mascots
  • Why mascots work so well
  • Talk serious science
  • B2B vs B2C
  • How to create the right mascot

Be careful! After this episode, you may actually start looking for opportunities to pitch a mascot!

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Join The Angry Designers as they discuss even more ANGRY topics with the King Graphic Design Underdog himself Mr Aaron Draplin. 

How does he feel about all those talks he has under his belt? What’s next for Aaron? Is he a Mac or a PC guy? All this and more on the next episode of The Angry Designer Podcast!

Don't forget, you can also WATCH The Angry Designers over on YouTube 

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While we're not your typical "interview" podcast, Aaron Draplin is not your typical 'celebrity' graphic designer - which is why we felt there was no one else better suited to be our first guest.
 
In this episode, we go deep - past the typical interview or industry questions and learn about what makes Aaron Tic, what keeps him up at night, and what the future holds. From personal to professional and everything in between, we learn about the man behind the larger-than-life legend. 

Founder of the iconic @fieldnotesbrand and graphic designer extraordinaire whose portfolio includes some of the biggest brands on the planet like Nike, Burton Snowboards, Esquire, Red Wing and the Ford Motor Company, Aaron Draplin is what we aspire to be. 

We are honored to present this first part of a 2 episode Conversation with Aaron Draplin.

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As a Graphic Designer, being a perfectionist is good, right? Spending countless hours on details no one would notice, obsessing over just the right amount of whitespace, waking up in the middle of the night questioning your decisions, second guessing your final product even AFTER sending your concepts to your client. This is good, right?

Whether your reasoning is because you want to be like Draplin, Do, Janda, Beirut, or that your customers deserve nothing less than perfection, or that YOU don't want to deliver anything less than perfection,  these beliefs surrounding perfection in Graphic Design can cloud your better judgement.  
 
In this perfectly imperfect episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded brutes dive headfirst into the perfectly frustrating topic of Perfectionism in Graphic Design, and untangle the myths that surround the idea of perfection and why it's all a load of bull! Jam packed with stories, ideas, bourbon (and the name of our first interview guest), the guys cover:

- How being perfect is not something to brag about
- 4 reasons perfection is BAD
- Nike and Apple's perfect design
- What is a perfect design
- How to create a perfect design

This podcast will leave you accepting you're not perfect,  and give you a more relaxed approach to being a perfect Graphic Designer.

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It's inevitable - ALL Graphic Designers will experience a crappy client (or 10). Even after 25 years of owning and operating a creative agency, they STILL come around! Luckily, we've gotten pretty damn good at spotting them, and protecting ourselves. 

Join The Angry Designers this week for another furious episode, as we take you through our top 15 lessons learned from dealing with bad Graphic Design customers across the years. Listen, laugh and get angry as we share the things YOU can do to ensure better client relationships, better project experiences & avoid being taken advantage of. Learn from our painful mistakes.

When life giving you lemons - you turn those lemons into lessons!

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Logos tend to be a soft spot for Graphic Designers. But have you noticed that ALOT of the big brand logos all seem to be looking the same lately?

From big tech, to high fashion, logos have substituted creativity for simplicity...but is this a good thing? Are they genuinely being creative, or could there be other factors involved?

Join this fuelled episode of The Angry Designer as the bearded boys try to unpack this era of oversimplified logos. In this feisty episode, the guys cover topics like: 
- Is data more important than creativity
- Are logos selling their souls
- 5 reasons why 
- Advice to rise above

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Published 2022-08-09

Are Graphic Design Awards Good or Evil?

40 min
Open

How often have you looked at award winning design work and wondered "How the heck did that win?"  Love them or hate them, awards are a part of the Graphic Design industry...but should they be?  

From superficial judging criteria and nepotism, to entry fee's and heart aches, are Graphic Design Awards really all they're cracked up to be?

Join the Angry Designers for another furiously fun filled episode where they put Graphic Design Awards in the firing line. In this episode, the guys cover:

- Are Graphic Design awards important
- What exactly is a design award
- Reasons why design awards are good
- Reasons why design awards are bad

Whether you're thinking about entering a design contest, or just frustrated from past experiences, this episode will help you keep your eye on the prize -> your customer.

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Do you need a graphic design degree to be considered a REAL graphic designer? 

While a degree in graphic design CAN open some doors and give you theoretical knowledge of the industry, how much can it really teach you about what it takes to become a great graphic designer? Can we really be relying on decades-old syllabus' taught by a has-been teacher who refuse to get with the times?

Join the Angry Designers in this rage filled episode on the positives and negatives of schooling for a Graphic Designer.  In this furious episode, the guys go on about:

- what school provides 
- what school doesn't provide
- a look at the numbers
- myths about the benefits of design school


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Graphic Designers love logo design projects. Some are great, but oh-so-many are just...visual pollution. And it's not surprising considering all-to-often designers jam in as many possible effects to create a logo version of the Nyan Cat.

Where does a graphic designer start to ensure they don't go too far in creating an amazing logo that will rock for your client? 

In this Logosode of The Angry Designer, Shawn & Massimo share their tried and true Logo Design Principles that have propelled their logo design projects from $500 to over $20,000. In this episode, the guys cover:
- why logos are important to companies
- what makes a good logo
- logo design principles
- what makes a logo trendy
- what to avoid when designing logos

Whether you're just starting, or have been successfully designing logos for years, this episode has something for everyone. 

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Every now and again, an awesome graphic designer comes along and shakes things up in the industry. Aaron @draplin is one of those dudes.

A larger-than-life personality, known for his simple yet undeniably eye-catching logos, and creator of the iconic @fieldnotesbrand, Draplin has worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet, including Nike, Burton Snowboards, Esquire, Red Wing and the Ford Motor Company. So who better than to gather some graphic design field notes from than the self-titled 13-trick pony himself?!

Join the Angry Designers as we discuss some of Draplin's most kick-a** advice for graphic designers, tackling topics from client relationships, to design tips and beyond.

If we don't make you rebel against Graphic Designer stereotypes - Aaron will!

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Published 2022-07-12

Networking Tips for Graphic Designers

53 min
Open

Networking - is it a word that strikes fear into the heart of a Graphic Designer, or do you jump at the chance to get out there and meet like-minded creatives and clients? 

For a Graphic Designer, networking is SO important for building your business, your personal brand, your contact list but it also isn't something that comes naturally to a lot of creatives who are used to being tucked away behind the safety of a screen (even more so in a post-pandemic world). 

Join The Angry Designers for another bourbon fuelled episode, where the guys tackle the oh-so scary topic of Networking for Graphic Designers. In this episode, the beardos provide tips and advice from on the easiest and most effective ways to network in the graphic design space including topics like: 

- Why Network 
- Generic networking vs Deep networking
- 4 tips on better networking for Graphic Designers
- Networking for Introverts

This episode will get you talking....again :)

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Too many Graphic Designers reach the top of their Career, only to fall HARD when they begin to neglect all the things that made them great to begin with.

From sh*tty customer service, to straight up refusing to get on board with the latest technology - career killers are out there, and trust us when we say you DON'T wanna get caught out by them.

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded brutes combat career killers, what they are and give you practical advice on how to avoid them! Topics for this episode include: 

  • The mistakes Tesla is making
  • The fall of BlackBerry
  • 8 Career killers to watch out for
  • 1792 & the  french revolution


A little less design, a little more business, but an equally entertaining bourbon fused episode.

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Published 2022-06-28

Graphic Design Associations: Help or Hype?

48 min
Open

Graphic design associations - are they helpful, or just full of hype?

For some industries, associations play a pretty important role in solving problems, setting standards, and improving conditions within that industry. But do we REALLY need them in the graphic design world?

In this podcast episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded brutes take a no holds barred look at graphic design industry associations, why they exist, who they ACTUALLY serve, and whether or not they really are just a bunch of bull! This episode covers:
- The role of industry associations
- Reasons why people join associations
- Same benefits, no membership needed
and so much more!

If you ever thought about joining a graphic design industry association, listen to this episode FIRST.  Buckle up fellow designers, this one is an ANGRY episode.

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Published 2022-06-21

25 ways to annoy a Graphic Designer

76 min
Open

Keep Calm, and Design on! Graphic designers spend a lot of energy staying calm to all the little (or giant) annoyances we deal with on a daily basis.

You might find it hard to believe, but even our joyful Angry Designers spend a lot of their days annoyed…at projects, at clients, at themselves…the causes of annoyance are ENDLESS.

Taking a light approach to a heavy topic, in this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, the bearded gents countdown 25 ways to annoy a graphic designer. 

You may laugh, you may cry. But no doubt you will relate to 5, 10 or 25 of these annoyances that make our industry as entertaining as a flea circus!

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For graphic designers to survive and thrive in the modern world, they NEED to be able to expand their skills to keep up with digital elements of the game. For many of us - that now includes websites.

But does that mean we need to know how to code websites, or simply just understand the basic principles of coding?

Join The Angry Designers as they dive into the world of Code; a land of opportunity or regret for Graphic designers? In this episode, the bewhiskered beasts discuss:

- different types of digital design shops
- the importance of coding skills as a modern-day graphic designer
- front end vs back end
- advantages of understanding code as a graphic designer

This episode will help you get bigger projects, stay ahead of your competitors, and do just enough to master code, without being a coder

More exciting topics at www.theangrydesigner.com

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Can AI artificial intelligence really take the place of a graphic designer? 

There's a lot of anxiety circulating these days around the future of graphic design, with more advanced AI systems showing up in the design space.

Dalle 2 and Google Imagen are text to image AI software that can convert a phrase to a beautiful image equal to (or better) than most digital designers.

What does the future of Graphic design look like, and what graphic design jobs will be replaced? 

Join the Angry Designers as they question whether graphic designers need to fear technology and AI, or if it's time for graphic designers to embrace AI, and what that could mean for the future of the industry

In this episode, the bearded futurists cover:
- famous designer Nikolay Ironov
- Purpose of AI
- Dalle 2 & Google Imagen
- Nutellas successful AI experiment
- How we are already using AI

This episode may have you packing up your current gig - be prepared! 

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There are graphic design greats, then there are graphic design LEGENDS like Michael Bierut.

Partner at Pentagram design in NYC for 25 years, Beirut is the master of iconic logos and flexible branding systems for globally recognized brands, like MIT, Mastercard, Verizon and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

So who better to bestow words of wisdom upon the graphic design world than him?

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded brutes unpick the mastery behind Michael Beirut, taking you through 10 of his best pieces of advice for graphic designers.

You won't want to miss this one! 


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Be it lack of business knowledge, sellers guilt or simply confidence, money is a tough topic for graphic designers to navigate.

In this episode of the Angry Designer, the bearded design-bankers discuss some of the biggest mistakes they've made pricing & quoting projects. In this episode, the guys will cover
- biggest game changers for zfactor billings
- common pricing mistakes
- recommendations for better pricing moving forward

This episode may make you laugh, may make you cry, but it WILL help you make money!

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Money - the thing we all love to have, but HATE to talk about.

For creatives, money can be a really difficult area to navigate. Are you charging enough for your work? Are you charging too little? How do you begin to put a price tag on your skills, knowledge and experience, without scaring off clients? 

In todays episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded lumber-jack wannabe's chow down on the often unsavoury topic of money. In this first of two podcast episodes, the guys will cover topics like: 

  • Money - the necessary evil
  • Sellers guilt
  • Lack of business knowledge
  • Pricing models
  • How zfactor charges


By the end of this episode, you will have a better idea of the different models of pricing with some new insight into how else to bill - while making you hungry for the 2nd episode (that you'll have to wait until next week for).

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Sometimes, Graphic Designers get those clients who know JUST the right things to say. to Whether it's completely innocent, or straight up disrespectful, somethings you should just NEVER say to a graphic designer!

In this ANGRY episode, the bristled beasts rant their way through some of the most irritating things that you'll hate to hear throughout your career as a graphic designer. Making light of some of the most commonly heard things graphic designers hate to hear, the guys laugh and rant about their most memorable and favourite.

Rants, stories, laughs, and sharing the most powerful way for graphic designers to stop getting taken advantage of is only a download away. 

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Published 2022-05-03

Graphic designers guide to Dynamic Logos

51 min
Open

Some brands believe modifying the logo is taboo and would damage the brand. One should NEVER touch the logo.  But how many times have you seen a wide logo jammed into a square space, or a tall logo sitting empty in a website header?

But therein lies the problem - for so long we've been told to keep a logo consistent - that static is best. These days, that simply isn't always true.

In this episode of The Angry Designer,  the rant about the transformative world of dynamic logos, and how to create logos in your own projects that are adaptable and responsive!

The future is dynamic - and your brand is no different. 

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If there's one thing that can make or break a design, it's a font. Fresh graphic designers often overload them, experienced designers take them away, and for a lucky few, font choices are just second nature.

But have you ever really thought about WHY we use the fonts we do?  Why certain font choices and styles can impact our audiences so dramatically, the composition, the mood?

Turns out, there's a whole art to the psychology of fonts, and it is FASCINATING!

In this episode of The Angry Designer, the wanna-be lumberjacks take a deeper look at how fonts effect our unconscious emotions and how to make sure you're choosing the right fonts for your own projects! 

In this podcast episode, the gents will cover: 

  • What is font psychology
  • How fonts affect perceptions
  • Primitive and priming
  • Gestalt theory
  • how to chose the RIGHT font

You will be amazed at how much research and time people have actually put into this topic that we - superawesome graphic designers - just take for granted. 

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From disastrous Graphic Designer interview experiences, to what agencies are looking for in interviewees, we had SO much to rant about when it comes to this topic, we had to make 2 episodes out of it!

In this 2nd episode of Interview Tips for Graphic Designers, Bearded gents will rant about:

  • Tips for Introverts during an interview
  • Things to do AFTER an interview
  • zfactor interview questions
  • Types of Interviewees to avoid being
  • Questions to be prepared to answer


This episode will provide you experienced insights, practical advice, and will leave you a new sense of confidence to approach new potential employers & customers with!

The latest episode of The Angry Designer Podcast is available NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or available on our website at TheAngryDesigner.com

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What's absolutely terrifying, haunts your dreams and sucks every bit of confidence from your soul? Graphic Design INTERVIEWS!

There are some among us who show no fear in the face of a potential employer or new customer, but for a lot of graphic designers, the reality is that interviews can be scary as sh*t!

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, the bearded gents tackle the terrifying topic of interviews & share with you their expertise and experiences as both interviewers and interviewees! In this first of two episodes, the guys will rant about:

  • 3 types of interviews
  • What zfactor looks for in candidates
  • Redflags in an interview
  • Disaster interview experiences
  • What to do before, during & after an interview


This episode will provide you experienced insights, practical advice, and will leave you a new sense of confidence to approach new potential employers & customers with!

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Getting to grips with the technical aspects of the design game takes time, patience and skill. But what about the people skills required, your ability to manage yourself, or your self awareness? 

Some argue these skills are what separate Junior designers from Senior!

Join The Angry Brutes as we go one step further and bring you the top soft skills that are absolute game changers for graphic designers! (Yes, we know 'soft skills' is an awful term, tune in to hear some of our...alternative suggestions).

In this jam packed episode, the dudes cover:
- What the heck are soft skills
- 7 Soft skills that are great to have
- How to develop & grow these skills
- Alternative names 

This episode will leave you in tears (laugh or cry), and truly make you aware of your inner beauty...or beast.

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What comes to mind when you hear the term 'wireframes'? 

Bet it probably has something to do with websites, apps or UX design, right? But why should it stop there?

In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, the bearded gents take you through the world of wireframes - why they're so darn useful for graphic designers, and how to use them RIGHT so you can make sure you're nailing your designs from day one.
 
In this episode, the guys cover:

  • What is a wireframe
  • Is it just faster to skip them?
  • Benefits of wireframing ALL projects
  • How to include in your process


If you're building a house, you don't jump straight into fabrics and color schemes before you've even decided on the structure, so why would you start laying out creative without that same foundation.





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Graphic design seems easy to get into, but it takes a lifetime to get REALLY good at it.

But what if just a FEW TIPS could make you look like a PRO and take your graphic design game to a new level?

Join The Angry Designers they share game changing tips to advance newbie designers by years.  In this episode, the gents break down tips in 4 categories from:

  • Design
  • Layout
  • Color
  • Typography


Whether you're a total beginner or you're in the early years of your career as a designer, these universal list is what separates the Jrs from the Pros!

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Published 2022-03-15

How Graphic Designers can own a Bad Creative Brief!

51 min Transcript
Open

Creative briefs – something all graphic designers are familiar with, but that many also dread.

Some creative briefs are AWESOME – sharp, concise, to the point and full of valuable information. Others are a disaster and make you almost want to pass on a job (or even worse, a client).

So, what do you do when a bad creative brief lands on your desk? Do you pass on the job, or can you turn it around and own that project? 

Join The Angry Designers where they tackle the topic of dealing with bad creative briefs! In this episode, the beardos cover:

  • the purpose of the creative brief
  • the many different types of terrible creative briefs
  • how to handle a bad brief and OWN the project

This episode will empower you to tackle any creative brief and leave you pumped to take ownership of your next opportunity!

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Password management SUCKS 🤦‍♂️

There's no way around it - it's time consuming, it's awkward to keep on top of, and we can GUARANTEE that far too many of you reading this right now use the same damn password for all of your stuff, right?

With so much at stake if it all goes wrong it is CRUCIAL you have your password game on when it comes to keeping those passwords smart and secure

Join The Angry Designers for a fascinating look at the frankly freaky topic of password management. In this episode the bearded gents cover: 

  • How Hackers often Crack Passwords
  • Top ways accounts are hacked
  • Critical thing to do with your Password
  • Best practices

By the end of this episode, you will be a force to recon with for anyone to hack your system!


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Published 2022-03-01

Apple - why have you forsaken Graphic Designers?!?

54 min Transcript
Open

In our not so humble opinion, a Mac should ALWAYS be a graphic designers tool of choice, but Apple don't always make it easy for us. 5 OS changes in 5 years? Dude, c'mon...

Join The Angry Designers for a REALLY angry episode, where the gents really go to town on the love/hate relationship between graphic designers and Apple, and the not so fun quirks that often leave us pulling our hair out in frustration 🤬

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Published 2022-02-22

Don't bail! Alternative career ideas for graphic designers

53 min Transcript
Open

For many graphic designers, there comes a time when you sit back and wonder if it's time for a change 🤔

But should you jump ship into a completely new career? Or should you use those highly transferrable skills you've gathered along the way to pivot into a new area of the creative world?

This week, the Angry Designers discuss some of the career moves YOU could make if graphic design no longer feels like your jam.

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Pitching your idea. Presenting your creative.
All Graphic designers have to do it but not all Graphic designers like to do it.

What does it take to take your pitch to the next level and leave your clients wowed?

Join The Angry Designers for another furiously fantastic episode, where they discuss The Art of the Presentation and how to pitch your creative.

In this episode, the Angry Designers discuss:

  • why designers hate pitching
  • tips for a solid presentation
  • zfactor's pitch


This episode will leave you excited for your next pitch opportunity and will help you take your next project to the bank. 

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Have you ever realized JUST how much time you've wasted SEARCHING files, images, logos or other project assets? That every project ends up in a Where's Waldo searchathon?

Join the Angry Designers tomorrow as they cover the not-so exciting topic of file management! In this episode, the gents strive to make File Management Sexy! Well...one can only hope...but it's a necessary discussion that needs to be addressed!

In this podcast episode, we will cover:
- Why this is important for Graphic designers
- Different types of storage
- Folder management
- Naming conventions
- How to avoid the need for a DAM
- Tips and tricks

Be it exciting, sexy, or just necessary, this episode will make you a little more boring, but also a little more organized!

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Published 2022-02-01

Biggest lessons we've learned as Graphic Designers

62 min Transcript
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The world of a graphic designer is constantly evolving which requires you to learn new things each project.

Even a seasoned graphic designer will learn new things every day, both in  technical skill, and just straight up life lessons! (It isn't always easy to master the patience of a saint when a customer is asking you to make the black more blacker, make the logo bigger, enlarge the font by 5% ).

In this weeks episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we talk about the biggest lessons
we've learned as graphic designers over the past 20+ years, share our industry knowledge, and a few laughs and rants along the way.

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At what point do you decide the time is right to fire a toxic customer? How do you know when enough is enough?

Is it when they've royally pis*ed you off beyond repair? 
Is it when they continually believe they know (and can do) your job better than you? 

It's a tricky balance when it comes to difficult clients, because let's face it, being an as*hole isn't a crime (unfortunately).

On this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, the bearded bears rant about a topic that no one wants to ever come to terms with; when it's time to fire a customer and how to call that professional partnership a day.

  • In this episode, you will learn
  • when it's time to end  the relationship or put up with it
  • the types of toxic customers to fire
  • things to consider before you do
  • how to fire a customer - the nice way

There are times in a Graphic Designers career when to discard and move on from continually being berated by toxic customers - this episode will hopefully help you identify those times.



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Sometimes a great flick with the right amount of story, music, and pop culture is all you need for inspiration. 

The only problem is that there's such a huge amount of content to stream (much of it a snor) that the best stuff can get lost in the mix. 

Join the Angry Designers as they share a top 10+ list of Graphic Design Movies & Documentaries for Designers & Creative entrepreneurs to find their inspiration for creativity, motivation to get sh#t done or determination to succeed!

Check out The Angry Designer Website for a list recap and more information on each Graphic Design Movie & Documentary covered.

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Published 2022-01-11

Traits of really really successful Graphic Designers

69 min Transcript
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The best graphic designers come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life. But what do they all have in common? They all share a core set of traits - the same traits that transform a good graphic designer, into a kick ass awesome designer!

But what are those traits, we hear you cry?

Join The Angry Designers as they share their top 10 traits of really really successful Graphic Designers. In this episode, the bearded not-so-buff guys share:

  • where this list came from
  • the traits (you'll have to listen to find those out)
  • what it takes to go the distance


This episode will make you realize traits you have, you want to work on to get better at, and ones you need. 

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The beginning of a new year ALWAYS touts a ton of new bullsh*t trends your brand, logos, designs need to follow. How many of these actually empower good design or do they just create visual pollution. 

This week on The Angry Designers, the beardos take us back to design basics and refresh our fundamental design skills, bringing you our top 10 graphic design commandments that will have you creating consistent, top quality work, everytime 🙌

This episode will leave you reinvigorated knowing that following good design commandments will keep your work pure, while following trends will lead to hell for your career and your clients.

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The clock is counting down, the ball is dropping and 2022 is almost upon us. And with it comes some really, really sh*tty design trends.

Join The Angry Designers as they take you through the top 2022 ugly design trends you’re gonna be seeing EVERYWHERE! Buuuuut hopefully not. 

Spoiler alert: a lot of colors, mismatched fonts, and icons

This episode will leave your head spinning heading for the hills when someone asks you to implement the latest design trends to their work.

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Who delivers presents at Christmas? Who led the reindeers with his shiny red nose? What do we put presents under on Christmas eve?

While it's nice to believe these traditions have been around since the beginning of time, the brand of Christmas has been the perfect storm of different cultural traditions, literacy and retail!

Join The Angry Designers this week as they come together to love and hate on how retailers may in fact have stolen Christmas. In this episode the bearded Santa wanna-a-be's discuss:

  • The brand of Christmas
  • Influence of retail
  • Christmas origin stories

and so much more!

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays. 

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Do you often find yourself falling back to using the same type tricks in your work? Whether you think it looks cool or not, you're falling prey to your own safety net. You know it's safe, you know people will nod in acceptance, but does it make you a better designer? Does it push yourself into new uncharted territories?

Join The Angry Designers this week as they tackle a Top 10 list of Letterforms that you need to free yourself from! In this episode you will learn about 

  • why we use these techniques
  • why you should stop using them
  • list of the top 10 overused letterforms


You will laugh. You will cry. And you will feel guilty that you used some (if not all) of these ideas more than once.

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What does it take to keep a customer for decades? Is it only about customer service or is there more to it? 

Join The Angry Designers as they discuss the reality (or secret) of zfactors longest running client relationships and what it took to keep them and the secret to the single greatest driver of new business opportunities. In this charged up episode you will learn about:

  • Customer for life idea
  • 3 types of clients
  • Secret to a Customer for life
  • Why you should never sell to a customer

This episode will give you a new way to look at customer relationships that will last a lifetime!

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Around every corner, you hear a new story about someone losing their job to some new, disrupting technology. From retail, to finance, to even web design - it seems no industry is safe from the futurists relentless pursuit of "The wrath of the Robots?"

Join The Angry Designers as they break apart modern day technology in the hopes of revealing if Robots are coming for a Graphic Designers job.

In this episode the bearded bros talk about:
- The Grid Automated website
- Bust techno terminology
- Explain what robots can & can't do
- Advice on how to prevent Skynet from taking your job

This episode will help you watch all of the episodes of Terminator with a new found sense of confidence and fearless attitude that Arnold will not be back. 

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The BBC has made headlines again with its latest logo rendition - proving that as important as a new logo is, so is it's launch!

Join The Angry Designers in this episode of Dope or Nope where they provide an un-objective review of the NEW BBC logo!  

With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you wanting to tune in  for more.

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We’ve all seen countless lists online of Great Designers you NEED to know. But while those lists tell us WHO they are, they very rarely tell us WHY they are so important. WHAT they taught us. What makes them Graphic Design Heros!

Join the Angry Designers as they continue their countdown to reveal their top list of legendary Graphic Designers past & present, and WHAT mark they left on Graphic Design. 

You will learn about:

  • Who they are
  • What they were known for
  • Famous works
  • What mark did they leave on Graphic Design


You will laugh. You will cry. But most of all, you will have a new found appreciation for some legendary designers.

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Rand. Vignelli. Bass. 

You often HEAR about these great graphic designers, but do you really know what they contributed? What they are known for? What mark they left on graphic design?

In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, the beardos reveal their top list of legendary Graphic Designers past & present, and WHAT mark they left on Graphic Design. 

You will learn about:

  • Who they are
  • What they were known for
  • Famous works
  • What mark did they leave on Graphic Design


This episode will leave you yearning for more - and good thing too...because there is a Part B coming next week!

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"Don't play with your food" is what we've been told - but Pringles Chips (or Crisps) were meant to be played with, from their shape to their packaging. Now the brand and icon is fun and playful, but not globally equal - what gives?

Join The Angry Designers in this episode of Dope or Nope where they provide an un-objective review of the New Pringles logo and packaging...both versions! 

With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you hungry for more.

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Have you ever contemplated throwing in the towel as a Graphic Designer? That, possibly the daily grind of long days, short deadlines and countless revisions has finally taken its nasty toll on you and its time to consider something else for a career?
 
Join The Angry Designers in this not-so-angry episode as they tackle the TOP 15.2 reasons (of over 60) on why being a Graphic Designer Rocks. In this lengthy but uplifting podcast episode, the Gents review the Highlights of being a Graphic Designer.

If you're in need of some ra-ra-ra I rock, some motivation, or just reminders of why this industry (despite all we put up with) is still the BEST career choice for creatives, you have to listen to this episode 100 times! Ok fine...1 should do.

Stay Angry

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Have you ever spent more time searching for the perfect font than actually designing? The excessive surplus of fonts have created a nightmare for designers (and confusion). 
Famous legendary designer Massimo Vignelli said  "New fonts have created Visual pollution".

Join The Angry Designers as they battle against lazy designers who rely on fonts instead of good designs. This episode will shock you as they cover:

  • The problems with having a giant font list
  • How fonts create lazy designers
  • Visual Pollution & Massimo Vignelli
  • Global brands and the fonts they use
  • Type vs fonts
  • How to make your design bark


This episode will challenge you, shock you, and enlighten you to a new state of design. 

Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and on our website!

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Digital first my A$$...nothing is more frustrating than trying to match an online brands color, with a printed output.  Why is it that those amazing colors you see on screen print out so pale and washed out? Or how you can't seem to find the right hex code to match that brochure you've been asked to match?

Join The Angry Designers this week as they take you back to school to Colors 101 where you will learn the differences between CMYK, RBG, Spot and Hex colors. In this episode the bearded gents cover:

  • The differences
  • Why a digital first attitude is wrong
  • Print vs Digital
  • Best file formats for each
  • Tips on how to convert colors

You will leave this episode enlightened, with a new sense of Martha Stewart color mastery.

Check out our Instagram for tips, tricks and laughs and stay tuned for our YouTube channel. 

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A piece of Americana. A muse for Warhol. A target for Banksy. Love the taste or hate it, how does a simple unassuming can of soup become such a global phenomenon. And with so much attention, who would dare mess with it?

Join The Angry Designers in this episode of Dope or Nope where they provide an un-objective review of the New Campbells soup logo and packaging. 

With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you hungry for more.

Check out the new podcast on Spotify, Apple podcasts or click the link in our bio to visit our website.




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Is a Logo the same thing as a Brand?  No matter where you look, people seem to think Logo & Brand are interchangeable...but the truth is - THEY ARE NOT!!!! 

Join the Angry Designers as they cover this ever confusing, and infuriating topic. In this episode the Gents discuss: 

  • What is a logo
  • Why is it important to a brand
  • What is a brand
  • Branding in 3 parts
  • How to make more money without being a brand strategist

This episode will no doubt give you new perspective on the topic, new things to discuss with your clients, and ways to get more money from your logo projects. 

You will leave this episode clearer, smarter & with the potential to make more money!

Stay Angry

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The design industry is plagued with buzzwords, fancy new processes, and everyone trying to coin the next big shiny thing. Where does term Design Thinking fit into all of this? Is it a legit thing or just another fancy packaged process to what we already do?

Join the Angry Designers in this episode as they DeBunk the term Design thinking and try to explain it in a way that is meant to be understood vs the fancy descriptions you read on the web. In this charged episode, they cover:

  • Breakdown the term
  • The history of design thinking
  • The 5 step process
  • Ridiculous buzzwords associated with
  • Solutions / Avoidance

This episode should leave you with a clearer understanding of What is Design Thinking, and if it's something you need to know.

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There is an evil plague that is making it's way through the business world - making it increasingly difficult to understand your peers!  It's  leaving its mark across emails, texts and even worse, in person. We are talking about Buzzwords. 

Listen in as the Angry Designers laugh their way through something we're all guilty of using, but few are proud to admit to. In this new Angry podcast the Gents cover:

  • what is a buzzword
  • what is a Buzzard
  • why people use them
  • the kind of people who use them
  • tips to stop using buzzwords

This episode will reveal if buzzwords are merely a guilty pleasure of yours, or if you are an addict. Be aware!!!

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Does being a humble designer automatically mean you suffer from imposter syndrome or is that the highest form of confidence? Are arrogant designers more successful?

Catch this fired up episode of The Angry Designer as they cover the topic of Humility vs Arrogance as a designer. In this podcast the beards cover:

- Humility vs Arrogance
- what is confidence
- is humility a sign of imposter syndrome
- which works better in a team
- signs how to spot humility vs arrogance

This episode may have you choosing which team you belong to and possibly discover a new found sense of confidence. 

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As design experts, we spend SO much of our time sweating the small stuff. Does that pixel look weird? Should I move that letter a fraction of a cm to the left? Is that font bold enough?

Reality check. Those things just DON'T MATTER as much as we think they do! There are more important things to customers than perfection.

Join the angry designers as they unravel the mystery of the poison of perfection, why it exists in the minds of creators, and not in the minds of customers. In this episode we cover:

  • why it's unattainable
  • why we think we need it
  • the poison of perfection
  • solutions to avoid it

You will leave this episode with more free time and happier clients (and hopefully less stress)

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Good artists copy, great artists steal. This popular saying has been parroted by Steve Jobs and even Pablo Picasso. While having your work copied is said to be flattering - plagiarism just sucks. But where is the line?

Join the Angry Designers as they share their opinion (and a few choice words) on design, inspiration and plagiarism. In this new Angry podcast the Gents cover:

  • Why designers steal
  • Real life examples of billion dollar theives
  • How to prevent yourself from stealing others work
  • How to prevent others from stealing yours!

You will leave this podcast feeling good that you are not plagiarizing others work won't feel guilty looking through dribble for inspiration. 

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Get yourself ready for a dose of nostalgia, we’re heading back to the 80s and dissecting the sh*t outta the Los Angeles logo.

Join The Angry Designers for another charged up episode of Dope or Nope, as they give an objective review of the NEW Los Angeles tourism logo. With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you horny for more.

Check out the new podcast on Spotify, Apple podcasts or click the link in our bio to visit our website.

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They are NOT Myths...logos can cost more than Houses, Mansions, even a whole damn Island! 

From the iconic Nike Swoosh to the broadcasting giants across the pond at the BBC, this week The Angry Designers rant about the ridiculous stories behind some of the world’s most expensive logos, as well as answering the question – what is it exactly that makes a logo so damn expensive?

On this episode, the bearded beasts cover:
- What is it that influences the cost of a logo?
- The origins of a few of the most recognizable (and eye-wateringly expensive) logos
- Why the hell are some logos so expensive?


WARNING! This episode comes with some shocking price tags that may just leave you speechless. Listen with caution…

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It never fails - just when you think your work load is full and you can't fit anything else in, a customer calls with an emergency ask! Why? How? Dont' they plan for these things? Regardless of the oversight, designers are regularly challenged with tight deadlines and turn arounds - it is as part of the industry as Adobe. 

Join the Angry Designers as they provide a to-do list of how to approach last minute requests, get things off your plate and make it happen. Don't turn them down when you can become a hero your client can rely on.

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At what point does the the meaning behind a logo go too far. If you have to explain it, does it really work? If you're a billion dollar brand - do the same rules still apply?

Join The Angry Designers in this episode of Dope or Nope, as they give an objective review of the NEW Pfizer logo and brand system. With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you horny for more!

Be sure to check out The Angry Designer podcast on our Spotify, Apple podcasts, or at our website.

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You're tempted to try but know you shouldn't. The allure of this months trending font gets you and you try  just one. Then another. Next thing you know, you're binging on fonts! Struggling to choose the right one in your own personal library of hundreds  that is grows daily, and then BOOM! You've gone too far.

Today, fonts are as widely available as stock photography and vectors. And with thousands of trending fonts, It's hard not to be allured to use them in your artwork. But when have you gone too far? When does your love of fonts begin affecting your work?

Join the Angry Designers as they cover being a Fontaholic - and knowing when you've got a problem. In this episode, you will hear about:

  • What is a Typophile
  • Top used fonts on internet
  • Google fonts vs typekit
  • 100k font mistake
  • How to use headline fonts properly


This font will have you either have you searching for more fonts, or pairing down your collection.

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To use stock photos, or NOT to use stock photos. That is the questions!
 Do you use stock photography, or hire a real photographer? Which site to use, which license to buy. Finding the right stock photo is an art form all to it's own.

Join this loud episode of The Angry Designer where the guys tackle Stock Photography - a graphic designers friend! In this episode they cover:

  • history of stock photography
  • is Ghetty the king of stock?
  • different types of licenses
  • tips on choosing stock photos that don't suck


From being sued for using photos, to ridiculous images, this episode will leave you laughing, crying, and maybe a bit in pain...but in the end of it all, you'll be able to use Stock Photography like a champ!

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Net 30 pleeeease? Have you ever had to chase a client to get paid for work you've done, or even worse, been stiffed altogether?

Join this fiery podcast of The Angry Designer where the guys tackle Getting Paid! In this episode we cover:

  • why this happens to designers
  • warning signs
  • excuses clients give
  • strategies on ensuring you get paid 

From losing money, to stories of deadbeat clients and getting even, you will realize it happens to all designers, big and small. You will laugh, cry, be disgusted and hopefully save yourself heart ache and dollars. 

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Have you ever looked at an award winning piece of work and wondered WHY?  HOW? My works better than that?

Join the Angry Designers as they tackle the oh so subjective Design Awards topic. In this episode, the bearded beasts cover:

  • why design awards even exist
  • what's wrong with design awards
  • the awards you should be concerned with
  • how to deal without having an award


This episode should leave you with a few laughs, realizations, & a sense of accomplishment even without ever winning an award.

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What do you get when you cross $350 million dollars and an award winning designer? Apparently a very beautiful, but questionable logo. 

Join The Angry Designers in this charged up episode of Dope or Nope, as they give an objective review of the NEW Calendly logo and new brand system. With a few stories, rants, and laughs as always, this episode may leave you horny for more!

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Whether it's about only making things look good, to wearing thick glasses and turtlenecks, there are many common misconceptions about what design is and what designers are like. 
 
Join the Angry Designers as they tackle the topic of designer misconceptions. This episode will make you laugh, cry, feel settled or get angry!

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Published 2021-06-08

7 steps on winning a Decision by Committee

35 min
Open

Decision by Committee plagues all designers sooner or later in their careers.

The time will come when you have you present your designs to a group of ill informed decision makers who have been brought together for what seems to be no other reason than to make your life difficult, while offering no constructive criticism at all. 

Join the Angry Designers in this episode as they discuss the trials and tribulations of decisions by committee as they cover:
- why companies use this method
- list the different types of people in these committees
- 7 steps on how to win presenting to a committee
- and a conversation about ducks

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on google or on our website. #StayAngry

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Have you ever had a really bad Customer Experience with a brand & didn't tell a single person? A really bad Customer Experience spreads faster with more open ears than good ones, which is why CX is at the core of a brand!

Join the Angry Designers in their 30th episode as they tackle the topic and importance of Customer Experience. Over the course of the podcast, the bearded gents:

  • what is CX
  • what is a customer for life
  • discuss the Zappos story
  • break down the 3 key parts of a customers journey
  • offer 4 tips to take back control


You will leave this podcast with a reinvigorated sense of what a good Customer Experience can provide

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Have you ever wondered what motivated you to select one product over another - even though you have no experience with either brand?

Join the Angry Designers in this episode as they discuss the importance of good design:
- how it can directly affect sales
- how it can persuade people to act
- 7 sales opportunities to existing clients

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on google or on our website. #StayAngry

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You know you've done it! Said Sh#t that just isn't true to a customer.  From being thankful for a ridiculous deadline, to being agreeable to their creative ideas? Whether it's due to inexperience, fear, or to protect our relationships, we've all stretched the truth once or twice...or 100 times.

Don't worry - it's not just you.

Join the Angry Designers as they laugh their way through a list of common things said to clients and some advice on avoiding some of the problems that force us to lie.

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Did you ever wonder how some design companies can charge more than 10x what you do for what seems to be the same project? Or why some designers are able to charge triple your rate?

The secret to a successful career in design, being more valuable to customers and charging more for your work, has nothing to do with how talented you are as an artist. It has to do with the processes you implement!

Join the Angry Designers as they discuss the importance of process in design. 
- how it can elevate your businesses
- increase your quality & creativity
- triple your rates

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on Google or on our website. 

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The Drink Wars! One of the toughest shelf spaces to fight for. Is a brand refresh enough?

Join The Angry Designers as they wage war on Snapples new logo! Is it a natural progression for the brand,  charting new territories, or just a poor condom brand knock-off? 

This episode will leave your thirsty for more!

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It's always easier to YES than to say NO. 

But what if saying YES
- stopped your skills from getting better
- stopped you from finding better clients
- stopped you from making more money

Learning to say NO the right way will take you further and faster than any other skill you can learn in your design career. This episode will talk about when it's good to say NO, warning signs & flags to watch for, and a step-by-step way to say NO and still look like a hero.

You'll be learning to say NO all the way to success. 


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Ageism in the workplace is bigger than sexism + racism combined - yet no one ever talks about it.  
Why is there a significant drop off of designers over the age of 40? 
Are young designers cheap and disposable?
Is a career in design only for the young?  This is a very real thing that all designers deal with:  young and old.

In this episode, The Angry Designers will dispel myths about old designers, & leave you tips on how to navigate your career,  how to always be of value and never grow old. 

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Nothing is more scarier than Burnout. Burnout is a very real thing that happens to almost all designers at some point of during their career. Some recover, some never return. 

Burnout is a scary word no one likes to talk about - but talking about it is key to surviving it. This sobering episode of The Angry Designer speaks to past stories, experiences, & tragedies of burnout.

This episode will leave you with some new remedies, tips and signs to watch out for to recognize & prevent burn out. 

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Can a company improve it's brand without changing it's product - what gives?

Join The Angry Designers as they give an objective review of the NEW Burger King logo and brand. With a few stories, rants, and laughs, this Whopper of an episode will leave you hungry for more!

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Adobe dominates the design software but could they be anymore out of touch with designers?  While it's built FOR designers, it's definitely not built BY designers.

The Angry bearded dudes rant about the software we all have such a love hate relationship with - Adobe Creative Cloud. 




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Apple wasn't the first to invent the smart phone, the MP3 player, the smartwatch - yet the continuously dominate what ever market they enter! Simple - they tap into what people really want.

The bearded angry guys tackle the world of technology and the pitfalls many tech companies 
fall into when marketing their products. This episode will give you a whole new perspective on deciding what factors are important to focus on when designing for a product, brand or company. 

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Has Comic Sans been replaced? A font is one of the most important part of a designers world and can either help or hurt a brand! " The right font can provide you years of visual brand success while the wrong one will result in overhauls again and again.
What the Font" explores why designers often use Trendy fonts, the top 7 worst fonts of our time, how to use trending fonts, how to choose the right font for a design, and so much more.
This jam-packed episode has the guys hating on fonts, designs, and the poor Comic sans. 

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Published 2021-03-09

Logo Review - The New Kia logo - 5,000 years in the making

17 min Transcript
Open

Can a brand be stronger than it's logo? 

The Kia brand was once known as a budget friendly car. From it's ads, to it's logos, no one wanted a Kia, they merely settled because of it's price point.  In recent years however, Kia's cars have become technological marvels offering more value with more innovation than vehicles twice its' price tag. Has the product outgrown the brand? 

With a bit of history, some interesting new vision statements and a glorious new logo reveal event, The Angry Designers rant about the new Kia logo providing both a biases AND unbiased opinion. You don't have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate this episode.

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Published 2021-03-01

Things NEVER to say to a graphic designer

22 min Transcript
Open

Whether completely innocent, ignorance or downright disrespectful, graphic designers hear the most incredible things. 

Making light of some of the most commonly heard things graphic designers hate to hear, the guys laugh and rant about their most memorable and favourite.

Rants, stories, laughs, and sharing the most powerful way for graphic designers to stop getting taken advantage of is only a download away. 

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Published 2021-02-16

Why hire a Graphic Designer - there's now an App for that!

16 min Transcript
Open

Who needs a designer anymore - there's an app for that! 

Did you ever notice how everywhere you look, there is software trying to replace the services people provide? From graphic design to customer service and even coding - there is a misconception that you don't need a person anymore!

The gents have a go at the misconception that AI logo generating software can replace a designers role. It takes much more than logo generating software to make you a graphic designer. Using Photoshop doesn't automatically make you a Graphic Designer.

Touching on what a designer actually does, the differences between a designer & artist, limitations of software and when to use these online, budget friendly tools, this episode will leave you feeling vindicated  that your job is more secure now than ever.

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Published 2021-02-04

Logo Review - The New GM logo - what were they thinking?

19 min Transcript
Open

Is it Dope or Nope? In this first Logo review, the guys rant on the new General Motors logo (spoiler alert - what the heck?).

Discussing the history of the company, the new direction for the technology & the brand, and the aesthetics of what has become the new GM logo, the guys cover all angles providing both a biased AND unbiased opinion at the new face of General Motors.

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Published 2021-01-12

2021 Brand & Logo design trends will DAMAGE your Brand

29 min Transcript
Open

A new year ushers in good wishes, new goals, and lists of New Brand & Logo design trends to follow. But wait, we've barely implemented last years design trends?

This firey topic has the Angry Designers rant about the ridiculous nature of Annual Logo & Brand design trends

  • how trends actually damage your brand
  • provide advice to consider for your own brand,
  • where and how-to-use design trends
  • review in detail the confusion between trends and design

If you have ever felt stressed over contemplating if you should try to implement annual design trends into your brand, this podcast will leave you relieved that the consideration alone is ridiculous. Stick to your guns.

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Forget bounce rates or page breaks, people aren't even reading anymore! Whether it's a website, social post, ad or sales sheet, people are reading less and less and it's becoming a marketers nightmare!

The guys discuss some shocking stats about how digital is changing the way people process text and offer some ideas on how to play to this while cutting through the clutter and get results for your customer.

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The holidays are a time for food, family, ugly Christmas sweaters, tacky Christmas decorations and presents from if not Santa, then who?

The Brand of Christmas has evolved. New pressures of turning this beloved holiday into a Generic Secular Winter Holiday have given the gents lots to rant about as well as delivering their top Christmas design fails for the season.


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Why do people add unnecessary complexity to design solutions? Yet complex solutions often fail to get the results your technology brand, your marketing, your message is working so hard for!

The guys discuss possible reasoning for adding unnecessary complexity like Cognitive Bias, False Consensus Effect, and the Curse of Knowledge, while also sharing experiences and suggestions on how to simplify your branding, design and marketing...it's actually quite simple! 

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Have you ever been so sure of an idea, only to find out the customer doesn't like it? Or how some crazy start up ideas receive millions of dollars in investment? We all know user testing is important - even at a basic level. So how do these things happen?

The guys discuss the false consensus effect phenomenon and how it affects designers, developers and business owners. Real world stories, examples and suggestions round up this fiery topic

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Do you ever wonder how other companies become overnight success stories while you feel like you're on a never ending hamster wheel? Or why you are cranking it out  day after day while all these other people become overnight sensations? Don't stress - it may all be an illusion.
The guys discuss their experiences with overnight sensations and what it takes to become one. You will leave this episode with a new found sense of encouragement and direction to becoming an overnight sensation.

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Confucius says: Life is simple. It's people who make it complicated. 
Why do great ideas start off simple - and end up a mess!
In this episode the guys discuss Hicks law and how it applies to not only UX, but branding, logos and marketing. You'll leave with a new way to approach your work with recommendations on how to streamline your ideas and keep your messaging laser focused and effective. 

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Have you ever wondered if specializing in your design, marketing or branding career will pay off? Are you more valuable as a specialist, a generalist or in a niche? The Angry designers discuss their history, experience and paths as generalists, specialists and owning a niche branding & design agency.
This episode will no doubt enlighten your viewpoint and possibly give you a new path to consider!

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Published 2020-11-15

Good artists copy. Great artists steal.

19 min
Open

Have you ever struggled with coming up with an original idea, and feel that you are cheating by looking at other peoples work for inspiration or better yet, for ideas?

In this episode, the gents rant about how the drive for originality can actually hurt a users experience. What actually constitutes as original work - something completely unique, borrowed, or outright stolen and repurposed.

Listen in and get some new insights as to what sacrifices a designer may have to make for pushing the limits, the opportunities it can reveal, and the fails it often results in. 

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Published 2020-11-02

Don't fear the WhiteSpace

19 min
Open

Whitespace defenders - UNITE!

Make the logo bigger! Add a button there! How about a starburst there! Use that blank space. More More More info! 

We all have to contest with client apprehensions of WhiteSpace! Why do they hate it? How do you convince them to love it? How can you use it properly. In this podcast, the Gents chat about the benefits of whitespace, provide you ideas on how to explain how to defend it, and give some clear ways to use it properly in your website, ads, packaging and in general.

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Have you ever had a customer who initially loved what you pitched them, but returned the next day with so much feedback it's as though they hated it? In this episode, the guys talk about focusing in on a customers initial reaction, and why overthinking an idea can be the end of a project. You will leave with a new way to approach pitching work and an understanding on why good enough is actually great!

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Have you ever looked at someone else's logo on social media and wondered why your logos don't ever look like that? The Angry Designers talk about Logo Envy, the importance of having and following a logo design process, the realities of what you are seeing on Social media and platforms like Behance and Dribble, and how to charge more than ever for your logos. You won't feel envious of anyone else's logo again!

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We all know them, but do we really like them? We find them in Graphic design, Web design, Logo design, and UX design. Sometimes the great ones can inspire us, but often they leave us feeling inadequate and questioning if this is the right industry for us. The Angry Designer shares feelings, stories and opinions openly about the stereotypical designer that has given us all a bad name. 

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Published 2020-09-14

Google Algorithm - WTF?

8 min
Open

With so many companies relying on organic SEO, Google claims to continuously try and evolve their algorithms to provide a great experience for the end user and keep the playing field even for businesses. But are they really? 

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