In this episode, Brad and Dustin delve into the true meaning of risk and why most creatives have it completely wrong. From quitting safe jobs to launching businesses with no guarantees, they unpack what actually makes something risky. Brad shares the story of nearly getting knocked out of the game after a big risk went sideways, while Dustin breaks down how false safety in traditional jobs can quietly wreck your career. Stick around as they talk about risk mitigation, building a creativ...

In this episode, Marisol Ortega joins Brad and Dustin to talk about embracing her cultural identity through bold color, designing for brands like Starbucks and Hallmark, and why she finally stopped toning herself down to fit in. They cover everything from her early days hustling Craigslist gigs to turning her home into a plant-filled, Pepto-pink creative sanctuary. Marisol shares how meeting other Mexican designers in the industry gave her permission to be herself. It’s a fun, honest conver...

In this episode, Brad and Dustin talk through the frustrating gap between creative talent and actually getting hired. With over 250 applicants for a single RetroSupply role, Dustin shares his frustrations with finding the right hire and why even the most talented creatives are getting passed over. They break down real portfolio mistakes, the myth of “just being good,” and why a little bit of smart free work can set you apart in a crowded field. Stick around as they unpack what hiring manage...

In this episode, Josh Emrich joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a thriving design career even without a portfolio, learning the government’s beer label rules when nobody asked him to, and why some of the best creative work happens when no one ever sees it. They dive into everything from Josh’s quiet-kid upbringing to obsessively modeling Star Wars ships with blinking LEDs and trench runs built into his walls. Josh shares stories about mascot disasters, hidden talents, and how ...

In this episode, JP Boneyard joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a concert series in a backyard shed, patiently emailing your heroes for 10 years straight, and why rejection isn’t scary when you have a sincere motive. They dive into everything from his tumultuous childhood to running massive art collabs like 59 Parks and the Baseline Review. JP shares wild stories about booking legends, getting mistaken for a networker (he’s not), and what it means to actually put artists first...

In this episode, Jen Hood (of Hoodzpah Design) joins Brad and Dustin to talk about making music in secret, accidentally hugging entire boardrooms, and why creative advice from people like tech bros doesn't always apply. They cover everything from the myth of being self-taught to designing physical products to starting side projects with zero budget. Jen drops hard-won wisdom about navigating creative burnout, building confidence, and staying curious, all while being her hilarious ...

In this episode, Josh joins Brad and Dustin to talk about the highs, lows, and existential crises behind running a creative conference today. From calling out “designfluencers” to chasing real, human stories on stage, Josh shares why the best speakers aren’t always the most famous. But don't worry, they also dive into important things like UFO conspiracies, wild Memphis experiences, and why post-pandemic creatives are craving connection, but not always showing up for it. Funny, honest, and f...

Mike Jones joins Dustin and Brad to talk about the realities of building a creative career while staying true to what matters most. From running Creative South to juggling family, side ventures, and health, Mike shares hard-won lessons on intentionality, delegation, and why kindness always pays off. This conversation isn’t about chasing likes or clout, it’s about learning to let go, be present, and build work and relationships that actually last. Packed with stories, laughter, and wisdom, it...

Have you ever read a quote from someone influential and wondered: “Is this actually good advice or do we just think it is because a famous person said it?” In this episode, we put that question to the test. Dustin presents Brad with a series of well-known quotes, without revealing who said them, and gets his unfiltered take on whether the advice holds up. The results? Surprisingly nuanced. Some quotes offer timeless wisdom. Others only work in very specific contexts. And a few dir...

Aaron Draplin doesn’t mince words. His ideas are as bold and unshakable as his design work. And on this sweltering afternoon in the Pacific Northwest, he was in a rare, reflective mood. From aliens to afterlives in design, Draplin opens up about what comes next after building a massive creative brand, and what it really means to start fresh. In this episode: The cosmic link between bugs, belief, and being a good humanWhat five months of dish shifts in Alaska taught him about freedomWhy ...

Why is pricing your creative work so damn hard? In this episode, Brad and Dustin get real about one of the messiest parts of being a creative: putting a price on your talent. Dustin shares the view from the other side of the table. What it’s like hiring artists who lowball themselves before he even asks. Meanwhile, Brad opens up about the internal tug-of-war between self-worth and market rates, and the uncomfortable truth that pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about identity....

Armin Vit is the sharp voice behind Brand New, one of the most widely read blogs on corporate and brand identity redesigns. As co-founder of UnderConsideration, alongside his wife Bryony, he’s spent the last two decades shaping how designers talk about design through writing, conferences, and community-building. Now, with their newest venture In-house In-focus, they’re spotlighting the often-overlooked work of in-house creative teams. In this episode, Brad and Dustin go beyond the criti...

Leaning into the Nostalgia of Our Childhood, to Help Us Make Work We Love. In this episode, Brad and Dustin ask: How can pulling inspiration from our childhood help us make work we are excited about today? They share stories of the spaces they grew up spending time in, and how the aesthetics left warm memories that influenced their creative preferences and working styles today. They explore why nostalgia is such a powerful creative tool, how it makes work feel more authentic, and ...

What if your creativity was the loudest voice in the room? In this episode of the Creative Slash Podcast, Brad and Dustin sit down with illustrator and letterer Mary Kate McDevitt to talk about aliens, simulated realities, and the messy balance between creativity and commentary. From punk shows and fake IDs to organizing art around advocacy, Mary Kate opens up about her journey from skater poser to full-blown creative powerhouse living in a Vermont farmhouse with disco balls and b...

What We Thought We Wanted: Chasing Creative Goals, Awards, and Freedom In this episode, Brad and Dustin get candid about the career goals they chased in their 20s. We talk about titles, awards, creative recognition, and how those ambitions evolved. You’ll hear stories about near-broke early careers, chasing mimetic desires (thanks, Wanting), the messy pursuit of “success,” and the quiet realization that a Coke tastes the same whether you’re rich or not. They also share how family,...

From "just a t-shirt idea" to building a cult-followed brand... meet Josh Ariza, founder of Chomp! Josh has worked with Nike, Disney, Under Armour, and more — but his biggest creative success? A weird, wild, honest apparel brand called Chomp. In this episode, he spills everything: design regrets, internet trolls, how to survive as a solo creator, and why "hard work + luck" is still the real formula. Follow Josh Ariza: https://joshuaariza.com/https://chompbrand.com/https://www.instagram...