Fifty episodes. Countless lessons. One unforgettable season.
In this special finale of Season One, I look back on the wild, inspiring, and emotional journey that has been The Type Convo. From honest chats and surprising insights to creative breakthroughs and personal stories, this season has been so much more than I ever imagined.
I take a moment to thank every guest by name – from Liz Mosley and Alex Center to James Martin, Martina Flor, and so many more – each one left their mark and helped shape this space into something truly meaningful.
And while this is a goodbye-for-now, it’s also a promise: Season Two is coming, with deeper questions, new voices, and conversations that go way beyond the usual design talk.
Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this podcast. Whether you’ve been here from the start or just tuned in last week, I’m so grateful for you.
Take care, enjoy your summer – and see you soon.
This Monday Break(Through) began with a simple late-night conversation that turned into a life philosophy: keep what gives you something back, and gently let go of what doesn’t.
In this episode, I’m unpacking what that really means – how we often carry emotional weight out of guilt or habit, how to define what “gives” in your life, and why staying too long in draining spaces costs more than we think.
You’ll hear about my own quiet process of letting go, how to rethink your emotional economy, and a practical exercise to take inventory of what fills you up versus what depletes you.
This one is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or stretched thin – a reminder that it’s not selfish to live a life that gives back. It’s necessary.
What happens when a simple “no” becomes the launchpad for a whole new mindset? In this episode of The Type Convo, I talk to the brilliant Liz Mosley - designer, educator, podcast host, and Adobe Express Ambassador - about how she turned the fear of rejection into a superpower.
We dive into the story behind her 100 Rejections Challenge, why your ‘no’ is often more powerful than your ‘yes,’ and how she balances big-stage keynotes with bathtime arguments at home.
We also talk about saying no to the wrong clients, building confidence through discomfort, the surprising perks of making mistakes in public, and what kind of perfume Liz Mosley’s brand would be if it had a scent.
This one’s raw, fun, honest, and packed with creative truths.
🔗 Learn more about Liz at lizmosley.net
🎧 Listen to her podcast Building Your Brand at buildingyourbrand.net
We often hear “work hard, play hard” – but what does that actually look like when you’re building a creative career? In this solo episode, I reflect on one simple but powerful idea shared by designer Alex Center: “Take the work seriously, not yourself.”
It’s the kind of mindset that separates burnout from brilliance. In this talk, I dive into:
• Why obsessing over excellence doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor
• How to build a reputation without becoming rigid
• The freedom that comes from leaving your ego at the door
• And how joy, rest, and play are part of professional success – not distractions from it
If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, creative pressure, or just taking life too seriously – this one’s for you.
In this episode of The Type Convo, I chat with designer, brand builder, and CENTER studio founder Alex Center - whose career journey spans from shaping billion-dollar brands at Coca-Cola (hello, vitaminwater and smartwater) to launching one of today’s most culture-conscious design studios.
We dive into what it really means to lead a creative life that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and fun. Alex opens up about mental and physical well-being, the emotional cost of doing meaningful work, and why leaving corporate life was the scariest decision he’s ever made. We also talk about:
Why good branding is never the work of one genius
Whether you’re an independent creative, agency owner, or just figuring out your path, this conversation is packed with honest insight and hard-won wisdom.
📍Check out Alex’s work at center.design
📲 Follow him on Instagram: @thealexcenter
What if the key to better creativity wasn’t doing more - but doing less?
In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive deep into the real foundations of sustainable creativity: your mental health, physical habits, and the systems you build to protect your energy. From breaking free of hustle culture and burnout to practical ways you can rethink your workspace, your schedule, and your relationship with productivity - this is your designer wellbeing blueprint.
I’ll talk about:
• Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor
• How sleep, food, and movement shape your creative output
• Managing distractions, setting boundaries, and finding focus
• The power of rest, play, and unfocused thinking
• Designing a career that actually works for you - not the other way around
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the joy of creating - this one’s for you.
Plus: I share details about my live Instagram chat with Alex Center happening today at 18:30 CET / 12:30 EST, and how you can still enter our big giveaway to win a copy of Made by James and all of my fonts released by June 2025. Details at @thetypeconvo on Instagram.
Feeling stuck between being a “specialist” and wanting to explore it all? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I’m unpacking my own journey through years of creative reinvention - from web design, branding, SEO, and templates to finally landing on type design (and even that doesn’t cover it all).
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their creative identity, unsure what to call themselves, or afraid they’ll never “find their niche.” We’re talking about the beauty of evolution, the pros and cons of niching, and why not fitting into one box might be your greatest strength.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not focused enough” this one’s for you.
Birthdays can feel like pressure points. We reflect, we compare, we wonder if we’re “on track.” But what if the number doesn’t matter at all?
In today’s episode, I’m turning 39 – and instead of looking back with regret or rushing toward future goals, I’m pausing to talk about how age is just a marker, not a deadline. I share thoughts on comparison, late blooms, quiet confidence, and why your best years might still be ahead of you. If you’ve ever felt behind, too old, or stuck in someone else’s timeline, this one’s for you.
Tune in for a grounded reminder that you’re right on time.
In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with Scott Fuller – the one-man dynamo behind The Studio Temporary and the Instagram handle @studiotemporary.
From leaving a mechanical engineering scholarship to launching his own studio from the back of a sign shop, Scott’s journey is all about grit, faith, and the relentless pursuit of iconic design.
We talk about:
Scott’s work with brands like Coca-Cola, Monotype, and the Atlanta Braves proves that design built with purpose never goes out of style.
Note: In a few parts, the audio isn’t perfect – but I’ll be adding a full transcript of the conversation very soon for anyone who prefers to read along.
🎙️ Listen in and get inspired by a conversation that’s equal parts practical and powerful.
In this solo episode of Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth many creatives are quietly struggling with: being a great designer just isn’t enough anymore.
From brand strategy to video editing, SEO to motion graphics, designers today are expected to wear every hat in the creative studio—and it’s exhausting.
I talk about why the industry shifted, what that means for your career, and most importantly, how you can stay relevant without losing yourself in the process. The answer isn’t “do more”—it’s get clear.
This one’s for every creative who’s ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or like they’re falling behind. You’re not alone.
In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth that keeps surfacing in almost every conversation I’ve had with my podcast guests - and in my own life: no one really has it all figured out. Not the viral creatives, not the award-winning designers, not even the people we admire most. Behind every beautiful portfolio and curated Instagram feed are moments of doubt, unfinished work, and quiet confusion. From Ian Barnard to Carly Salzman to Adam Bosley and Will Paterson, every guest has shared some version of this same experience: they’re still figuring it out, just like the rest of us.
This episode is a reminder that your path isn’t broken just because it’s messy. In fact, that mess might be where your best ideas come from. I talk about letting go of the myth of “one day,” the dangers of comparison, and why embracing uncertainty can actually set you free. If you’ve ever felt like you should be further along or like everyone else has it together - this one’s for you.
What do you do when your wife is watching Downton Abbey, your newborn needs feeding, and your creative spark is burning out?
If you’re Ian Barnard—you pick up a “Calligraphy for Dummies” book and unknowingly set yourself on a path that leads to Creative Market bestsellers, fonts spotted in Starbucks, and a global community of lettering lovers.
In this episode, Ian shares how his journey from a local graphic designer to an international lettering artist wasn’t driven by trends or flashy success—but by daily practice, small bets, and staying curious.
We talk about:
• The early days of learning calligraphy with zero experience
• Building a thriving digital product business without losing the love for the craft
• Making fonts that people actually use—and one that accidentally went viral
• Teaching vs. creating vs. resting (and why Ian needs all three)
• Parenting, faith, and finding balance as a one-man creative studio
This is one of those conversations that reminds you why you started—and why it’s worth continuing, even when no one’s watching.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.
👉 Check out Ian’s work on Instagram: @ianbarnard
🌐 Explore his products, courses, and fonts at: www.ianbarnard.net
In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I share the results of a simple challenge I gave myself last week: break the phone habit. After limiting Instagram to just 30 minutes a day, I quickly realized how much time I was wasting on mindless scrolling - and how little it actually impacted my business or engagement.
But the experiment didn’t stop there. It led me to uncover another sneaky time-waster: constantly checking emails out of habit, not necessity. So I’m taking action - and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same.
If you’ve been feeling scattered, stressed, or stretched too thin, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about time, focus, boundaries, and the power of being intentional.
Plus, I share a quick announcement about this week’s live conversation with illustrator Ian Barnard on The Type Convo Instagram page - don’t miss it.
In this Monday Break(Through), I’m reflecting on a surprising insight I had after reviewing my digital wellbeing stats—I’ve been spending nearly 14 hours a week on my phone, with most of that time lost to mindless scrolling on Instagram. This episode isn’t about blaming tech or going off-grid. It’s about awareness. I talk about what sparked this realization (a powerful interview with Harbor), how small habits add up, and why our attention is our most valuable resource as creatives and entrepreneurs.
If you’ve ever caught yourself in a scroll spiral, felt guilty about your screen time, or wondered how much of your energy is going to things that don’t actually move you forward—this one’s for you. Tune in for a raw breakdown of my week, a simple action I’m taking to regain control, and an open invitation for you to do the same.
Let’s take back our time, one conscious choice at a time.
In this deeply honest conversation, Harbor Bickmore — the creative force behind That That Type — joins The Type Convo to share his incredible journey from small-town beginnings to building a bold and distinctive design career.
We dive into his early days of skating and graphic design, his decision to live without a smartphone, starting That That Type, preparing to launch Vanilla Type, and his bold philosophy about life, creativity, and self-worth.
Harbor talks candidly about why he left a ‘dream job’ at a top design studio, how he created his own definition of success, and why knowing yourself is the ultimate creative superpower.
A must-listen for anyone who dreams of doing things differently. 🎙️✨
https://www.thebestgraphicdesignerintheworld.com
https://www.thatthattype.com
In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I take you behind the scenes of a major milestone — the launch of my new Type Foundry website. But this isn’t just about celebrating a website going live; it’s about a deeper lesson I’ve learned over years of building creative projects: launch before you feel ready.
I share why I decided to publish the site even though it wasn’t finished — with missing product uploads, unfinished mobile layouts, and without a polished freebie section or newsletter signup in place. I explain why choosing progress over perfection has made all the difference not just in this launch, but across my entire creative career.
Through stories about my unexpected journey building both a design agency and a successful type foundry — neither of which were part of my original “plans” — I reveal how simply putting work into the world, even when it feels messy and incomplete, leads to real opportunities, growth, and surprising success.
You’ll hear practical insights on why endless tweaking behind closed doors doesn’t serve you, how feedback (not fear) drives real improvement, and why being visible — even imperfectly — matters far more than being flawless in hiding.
Whether you’re working on a portfolio, launching a side project, starting a freelance career, or simply battling perfectionism, this episode is a reminder that the bravest (and smartest) thing you can do is to show up — as you are, where you are.
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to hit publish, this episode might just be the push you need.
Stay creative. Stay curious. Keep going.
In this unscripted Monday Break(Through), I finally take a leap I’ve avoided since the start of this podcast—recording solo without a script. It’s raw, imperfect, and real.
I talk about pushing through fear, showing up even when you’re unsure, and the underestimated power of side projects. From recording in a noisy apartment to learning new skills outside of font design, this episode is a love letter to doing the thing—even when it’s scary.
Plus, I share a major lesson from Elliot Jay Stocks about why side projects matter more than we think, and how they can actually help us avoid burnout, spark new ideas, and reignite passion for our main work.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start something on the side—this is it. Let’s talk fear, creativity, and why the messy beginning is often the most powerful part.
We live in a world obsessed with the highlight reel — the bestselling book, the viral moment, the overnight success. But what if the real magic is in the volume of work no one ever sees?
In this Monday Break(Through), I reflect on a single post by @mattgottesman that hit me hard — and how it led me to discover a feed full of wisdom, perspective, and quiet truth. From Frank Sinatra’s 1,300 songs to Picasso’s 150,000 artworks, this episode is about the unseen effort behind every masterpiece… and what that means for the rest of us who are still creating in the quiet.
—
👀 Takeaway: The ratio doesn’t matter as much as the rhythm.
💡 Quote to keep: “Create. Swing. Share. Repeat.”
In this episode, I’m talking about the one thing that keeps coming up in almost every Type Convo I’ve done so far—the so-called cliché of “loving what you do” and “having fun with it.” It might sound overused, but there’s a reason it keeps showing up. In just a few minutes, I explore why joy, curiosity, and play are often the real secret to creative longevity. A soft reminder to bring the fun back into your work—especially when things start to feel heavy.
In this inspiring and laid-back conversation, I sit down with Tom Cunningham, the founder of Tropical Type, to talk about his seven-year journey from surf-loving freelancer to building one of the most recognizable font foundries on the internet. We explore how Tom’s “fast font” philosophy democratized high-impact typography for everyday designers, why he ditched clients for creative freedom, and how he stays grounded in a rapidly evolving design world.
Tom shares personal stories about launching his business with zero formal training, watching his fonts end up in Billie Eilish & Ed Sheeran videos, designing a typeface with his 5-year-old son, and how he’s navigating the rise of AI. If you’re a creative tired of design elitism or just someone trying to balance creativity with life, this one’s for you.
Find more about Tom and Tropical Type:
Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/tropical_type/
Website: https://tropicaltype.com/