Show Overview
Designer, dad, and creative director Chris Conley shares his unconventional journey from Apple retail to co-founding Thread, a multi-disciplinary creative studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This conversation explores the reality of creative career pivots, the challenges of transitioning from maker to manager, and building sustainable creative businesses rooted in authentic relationships.
Key Takeaways
Career transitions are rarely linear: Chris's path from Apple retail to music production to design school to agency work to co-founding Thread demonstrates how creative careers often evolve through unexpected opportunities and relationships
Education as confidence building: Design school provided Chris not just technical skills, but the confidence and critical thinking needed to defend creative work and build client relationships
Partnership dynamics matter: The complementary skills and personalities between Chris (extroverted, relationship-focused) and co-founder Zach (introverted, operations-focused) create a balanced leadership foundation
Small studio realities: Creative directors at small studios wear multiple hats daily - from account management to sales to actual creative work
Work-life ballast vs. balance: Rather than seeking perfect work-life balance, embracing seasonal intensity allows for both focused work periods and genuine rest
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
[7:30] First paid creative project: $100 logo and website for sister-in-law's wedding photography business
[12:45] Moving from Knoxville to Lancaster, PA for family - and accidentally falling in love with the city
[18:30] Going back to design school at 27 with a newborn - the reality of 100-hour weeks
[28:15] Why Chris chose local community college over prestigious design schools
[34:30] The transition from freelancing to joining Thread as co-founder
[41:15] Honest take on the "creative director" title and wearing multiple hats in small business
[49:30] Thread's profit-sharing model and why equity "means nothing and everything"
Guest Information
Chris Conley Co-Founder & Creative Director, Thread
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Website: madebythread.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/madebyconley