In this episode, Voodoo Val shares her journey as a creative professional, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the art world.
From the role of AI in enhancing creativity to the importance of community support, Val emphasizes the need for personal projects to combat burnout and maintain passion.
We also talk about self-promotion from a PR standpoint, the impact of rejections, and the balance between financial stability and creative fulfillment.
Val's work: https://www.voodooval.com/
Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg
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🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
🌍 Work with me: anika@hey.com
This week I’m solo on Able Heads, pulling together the five shifts that actually helped me move my creative business forward, without burning out or chasing every shiny trend. Think of it as a tiny, evidence-backed playbook to hit your business goals: defining success beyond money, being seen on purpose, letting form follow a clear “why,” learning out loud with drafts and feedback, and building a brand that lasts through story.
I share the exact tools I use: a five-line purpose brief before I open Figma, a simple “risky ideas” folder I ship from each week, one “process share” post that invites real replies, and a small story bank I pull from so my work sounds like me. Stuff you can try today.
Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg
👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
🌍 Work with me: anika@hey.com
Links to research:
https://hbr.org/2023/07/what-makes-work-meaningful
https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx
https://simonsinek.com/golden-circle/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34697180-dieter-rams
https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/thinkbox-research/the-long-and-the-short-of-it
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Troy Leinster has spent years in the world of type design. From working at Hoefler & Co. (now Monotype) in New York to now running his own studio, Leinster Type. In this episode of Able Heads, we talk about building a career in type, how to pitch your work to foundries like Adobe Fonts and Sandoll Cloud, and making it sustainable through teaching and licensing, and learning to step up when opportunity knocks.
We also get into how inspiration shows up in everyday places and the ups and downs of freelancing.
Check out Leinster Type: https://www.leinstertype.com/
👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
Should every creative act like an influencer to stay relevant? Flyn Tracy thinks not. In this Able Heads episode, we talk about authentic storytelling, why repurposed TikToks aren’t the answer, and how to get discovered for events like Adobe MAX.
We also cover portfolio pitfalls, building trust with audiences, and the fine line between content strategy and chasing trends.
Check out Flyn's work: https://www.flyntracy.com/
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🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
In this conversation, Fiorella Granda shares her journey from being an architecture student to becoming a successful freelance illustrator and designer, focusing on sports and community engagement.
She discusses the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of social media in her career, and how cultural influences shape her design perspective.
Fiorella emphasizes the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and intentionality in her work, while also providing insights into client relationships, pitching strategies, and the evolving definition of success.
Check out Fiorella's work: https://www.instagram.com/fiorelladoodles/
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🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
Join me in conversation with Nick Longo, design professor and podcast host, as we explore the future of design education and redefining success in creative fields.
Nick Longo is the founder of Longo Designs, a studio specializing in bold branding and packaging for food, beverage, and restaurant brands. Nick is a design instructor at California State University, Northridge, and co-hosts the Deeply Graphic Designcast and Adobe Office Hours. Through education and industry experience, Nick empowers designers and brands to push creative boundaries and lead with purpose.
Check out Nick's work: https://www.longodesigns.com/
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🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
In this conversation, Anika and Mateusz explore the intersection of design and mental health, discussing the journey of running a creative studio, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of self-care. Mateusz shares insights on how his Polish and Canadian identities influence his work, the impact of motion design on his illustrations, and the significance of journaling and reflection in maintaining mental well-being. They also delve into the stigma surrounding mental health in the creative industry, the role of AI in art, and the evolving definition of success in a creative practice.--Mateusz Napieralski is a Polish-Canadian illustrator, designer and animator currently based in Toronto, Canada. After graduating from a Motion Design degree and working for a number of design and animation studios in London, UK, Mateusz established his practice Gust of Wind Studio.Mateusz loves working with clients who’s values align with his. Some of the topics he’s passionate about include LGBTQ rights, community building, creative education and mental health.Check out Mat's work: https://gustofwindstudio.com/🔗 LINKSSubscribe to Able Heads Apple PodcastsSpotifyLet's talk on InstagramWant to be a guest?
In this conversation, Adam the Illustrator shares his journey from being laid off to becoming a successful content creator and illustrator.
We discuss the importance of storytelling in your work, the challenges of maintaining mental health while navigating social media, and the significance of authenticity in a crowded digital landscape.
Adam emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and shares his future goals, including the launch of a plushie project and an art show.
Check out Adam's work: https://www.instagram.com/adam_theillustrator/
👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
In this conversation, Alex Lazaris discusses the current challenges in the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of strategy over design.
He shares his evolving definition of success, the significance of building trust with clients, and the holistic approach to branding.
Alex also delves into the intricacies of the strategy process, client retention, and the impact of AI on branding.
He introduces his personal project, Chateau, which aims to create curated experiences, and reflects on the importance of community and authenticity in design.
Check out Lazaris's work: https://www.wearelazaris.com
👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
In this episode of Able Heads, we go behind the scenes with Mike Di Genova, founder of Work Louder — the hardware startup rethinking creative tools from the ground up. From building their first keyboard prototypes with 3D printers to launching Creator Board and Nomad[E], Mike shares the real, unfiltered story of how Work Louder came to be.
We talk about:
Why Mike chose to launch a hardware startup
The messy middle of prototyping, funding, and feedback
How embracing imperfection led to the “Make It Now” philosophy
Creator XYZ and what’s next for 3D printed gear and community-driven products
Lessons in team-building, creative risk-taking, and making stuff for the internet age
If you’re building something bold or thinking about starting, this one’s packed with real talk, wins, stumbles, and experiments that paid off.
👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
In this episode, Liz Mosley shares her journey as a graphic designer and branding expert, discussing the challenges and triumphs of working with small businesses. She reflects on her transition from a stable job to freelancing, the importance of authenticity in personal branding, and the impact of motherhood on her career choices. Liz also introduces her 'Rejection Challenge,' which encourages boldness in pitching and seeking opportunities, and emphasizes the significance of visibility and confidence in business.
Liz Mosley is a collaborative designer who helps small businesses use impactful branding to confidently promote their value and reconnect with their vision. https://www.lizmosley.net/
🔗 LINKS Podcast Website: https://podcast.ablehead.com/ Let's talk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg Want to be a guest? Reach out at https://www.anika.fyi/
Subscribe if you'd like to follow along and leave a review for the podcast. Thanks for tuning in!
In this episode, Anika and Fergie dive into bold branding, rebranding challenges, and the power of personal style. They unpack how AI is reshaping design workflows, client relationships, and personal branding—while staying true to human intuition. Fergie shares her ‘anti-beige’ approach and insights on mentorship, individuality, and mental health in the digital age.
Fergie is an award-winning designer, Adobe CC Expert who creates bold designs for unique brands. If being extra is your default, check out her work https://www.fergie.design/
🔗 LINKS Podcast Website: https://podcast.ablehead.com/ Let's talk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg Want to be a guest? Reach out at https://www.anika.fyi/
Subscribe if you'd like to follow along and leave a review for the podcast. Thanks for tuning in!
Welcome to Able Heads, the space where we dive into creative minds and unpack how people actually get things done.
In the first episode, designer Colby Clites shares his journey from aspiring musician to a successful illustrator and packaging designer. Colby highlights the significance of building relationships with print partners, talks about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields and the influence of various industries on design thinking.
Colby Clites is an independent (freelance) graphic designer & illustrator specializing in branding and packaging designs for food & beverage brands, helping them look as good as they taste.https://colbyclites.com/
🔗 LINKS
Podcast Website: https://podcast.ablehead.com/
Let's talk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg
Want to be a guest? Reach out at https://www.anika.fyi/
Subscribe if you'd like to follow along and leave a review for the podcast. See you on the next one!
Hey! I’m Anika, and this is the beginning of Able Heads, a podcast about how creative minds get things done. No guests just yet, just a quick intro to what this show is all about, who it’s for, and why I started it.
If you’re into honest, behind-the-scenes conversations about task management, personal productivity, and building something meaningful as a creative—you’re in the right place. Whether you’re freelancing, side-hustling, or running your own thing full-time, I hope this podcast feels like a helpful, inspiring space to tune into.
Feel free to subscribe for the latest episode!