From art teacher to tech CEO, Adrien Piro has taken one of the most unconventional paths to the top of the design world — and she’s now leading one of the most recognized creative platforms on the planet: Creative Market. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we talk about what it really takes to lead with purpose in an industry where growth is often prioritized over people. Adrien opens up about her creative beginnings, her time building games like Plants vs. Zombies 2, and how burnout pushed her to reevaluate everything — including the kind of leader she wanted to become. Now, as CEO of Creative Market, she’s reimagining what a design platform can be. One that supports artists instead of overwhelming them. One that values transparency over metrics. One that still believes creativity is human at its core. We talk about her vision for the platform, the tension between scale and soul, the challenge of being both a parent and a public figure, and how she’s navigating the rise of AI with a strong stance on artistic integrity. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and full of quiet wisdom — the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends. Adrien doesn’t just talk about leadership — she lives it, and her perspective on creativity, business, and the future of design is something every creative should hear. Whether you’re a seller, designer, agency owner, or just someone who wants to understand the people behind the platforms — this one is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e05-destination-design-a-conversation-with-adrien-piro-ceo-of-creative-market 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

From zero agency experience to global design legends, Erik and Freddie of SNASK have built one of the boldest, loudest, and most unforgettable creative studios in the world – and they did it all by breaking the rules. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we head to Stockholm (via pink offices and sarcastic banter) to hear how SNASK became a creative cult favorite by rejecting the clean, gray minimalism Sweden is known for. From beer-fueled branding gigs to Grammy-winning music videos, they’ve proven that being loud, opinionated, and a little weird can take you a very long way. We talk about what it really means to build a creative business with integrity: staying true to your voice even when clients want you to tone it down, handling the judgment and trend-chasing of the design world, and growing a studio that’s just as serious about fun as it is about professionalism. This episode is filled with stories you won’t hear anywhere else – the origin of ShowerBeer, how they accidentally became video directors, why Erik only flies short distances, and how their talks turned into rock concerts. It’s a hilarious, unfiltered, and inspiring look into what happens when you build your brand around who you are instead of who the industry wants you to be. Whether you’re a brand builder, creative misfit, or just someone who feels allergic to corporate blandness, this one is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e04-how-snask-built-a-creative-empire-without-playing-by-the-rules 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

From galloping around the backyard as a pony-obsessed kid to running a globally recognized creative studio, Kristy Campbell is living proof that embracing your weirdness can lead to wild success.   In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Kristy shares how she turned a 100-day design challenge into Pink Pony Creative, a bold and playful brand that’s now a 7-figure business. We dive into what it really takes to grow a creative studio - balancing motherhood, managing a remote team, building strong systems, letting go of ego, and becoming a four-time Adobe MAX speaker.   This one’s for the designers, the founders, the late-night creators, and anyone ready to build something their 10-year-old self would be proud of.   🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript:https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e03-from-ponies-to-a-7-figure-brand-kristy-campbells-journey-to-pink-pony-creative   📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript   📸 Follow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/captnoffscript   ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

In Part 2 of The Current State of Design, I sit down with James Martin (Made By James), James Barnard, Angela Lyons, and Jennifer Taback to discuss how AI is changing creativity, design, and sustainability. We explore the balance between innovation and ethics, the difference between generative and assistive AI, and why human intuition and authenticity still matter most.

In this Season 2 opener of CAPTN OffScript, I sit down with James Martin (Made By James), James Barnard, Angela Lyons, and Jennifer Taback to explore the current state of design. We talk about the shift from print to digital, the rise of AI, the pressures of personal branding, and the challenges young designers face today. This is Part 1 of a two-part roundtable, with Part 2 releasing on October 8th – honest, unfiltered, and inspiring, it’s the kind of conversation every creative should hear.

<p>Fifty episodes. Countless lessons. One unforgettable season.</p><p><br></p><p>In this special finale of Season One, I look back on the wild, inspiring, and emotional journey that has been <em>The Type Convo</em>. From honest chats and surprising insights to creative breakthroughs and personal stories, this season has been so much more than I ever imagined.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Take care, enjoy your summer – and see you soon.</p>

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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 <em>perfume</em> Liz Mosley’s brand would be if it had a scent.</p><p><br></p><p>This one’s raw, fun, honest, and packed with creative truths.</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 Learn more about Liz at <a href="https://www.lizmosley.net">lizmosley.net</a></p><p>🎧 Listen to her podcast <em>Building Your Brand</em> at <a href="https://buildingyourbrand.net">buildingyourbrand.net</a></p>

<p>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.”</p><p>It’s the kind of mindset that separates burnout from brilliance. In this talk, I dive into:<br> • Why obsessing over excellence doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor<br> • How to build a reputation without becoming rigid<br> • The freedom that comes from leaving your ego at the door<br> • And how joy, rest, and play are part of professional success – not distractions from it</p><p>If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, creative pressure, or just taking life too seriously – this one’s for you.</p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Type Convo</em>, 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.</p><p><br></p><p>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:</p><p>Why good branding is never the work of one genius</p><ul><li>The art of building a studio culture people actually want to be part of</li><li>How packaging became CENTER’s superpower</li><li>Working with startups vs celebrities</li><li>Why minimalism isn’t about less - it’s about clarity</li><li>And yes, the most famous person in his phone (spoiler: it’s Spider-Man)</li></ul><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>📍Check out Alex’s work at <a href="https://center.design">center.design</a></p><p>📲 Follow him on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thealexcenter">@thealexcenter</a></p>

<p>What if the key to better creativity wasn’t doing more - but doing less?</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>I’ll talk about:</strong><br> • Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor<br> • How sleep, food, and movement shape your creative output<br> • Managing distractions, setting boundaries, and finding focus<br> • The power of rest, play, and unfocused thinking<br> • Designing a career that actually works for you - not the other way around</p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the joy of creating - this one’s for you.</p><p>Plus: I share details about my <strong>live Instagram chat with Alex Center</strong> happening today at 18:30 CET / 12:30 EST, and how you can still enter our <strong>big giveaway to win a copy of Made by James and all of my fonts released by June 2025. </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetypeconvo/"><strong>Details at @thetypeconvo on Instagram.</strong></a></p>

<p>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).</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not focused enough” this one’s for you.</p>

<p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Tune in for a grounded reminder that you’re right on time.</p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Type Convo</em>, I sit down with Scott Fuller – the one-man dynamo behind <a href="https://thestudiotemporary.com">The Studio Temporary</a> and the Instagram handle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiotemporary">@studiotemporary</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>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 <em>iconic</em> design.</p><p><br></p><p>We talk about:</p><ul><li>The moment he nearly gave up on art – and what pulled him back</li><li>His analog-first process using Field Notes and Sharpies</li><li>What “iconic” actually means to him (and why trends don’t last)</li><li>His love for storytelling through logos, signs, and visual systems</li><li>Family, faith, discipline – and how it all ties into his creative life</li></ul><p>Scott’s work with brands like Coca-Cola, Monotype, and the Atlanta Braves proves that design built with purpose never goes out of style.</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> 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.</p><p><br></p><p>🎙️ Listen in and get inspired by a conversation that’s equal parts practical and powerful.</p>

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>This one’s for every creative who’s ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or like they’re falling behind. You’re not alone.</p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Monday Break(Through)</em>, I dive into a truth that keeps surfacing in almost every conversation I’ve had with my podcast guests - and in my own life: <strong>no one really has it all figured out.</strong> 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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p>

<p>What do you do when your wife is watching Downton Abbey, your newborn needs feeding, and your creative spark is burning out?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We talk about:<br> • The early days of learning calligraphy with zero experience<br> • Building a thriving digital product business without losing the love for the craft<br> • Making fonts that people actually use—and one that accidentally went viral<br> • Teaching vs. creating vs. resting (and why Ian needs all three)<br> • Parenting, faith, and finding balance as a one-man creative studio</p><p>This is one of those conversations that reminds you why you started—and why it’s worth continuing, even when no one’s watching.</p><p>🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.</p><p>👉 Check out Ian’s work on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ianbarnard/">@ianbarnard</a></p><p>🌐 Explore his products, courses, and fonts at: <a href="https://www.ianbarnard.net">www.ianbarnard.net</a></p>

<p>In this episode of <strong>Monday Break(Through)</strong>, 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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus, I share a quick announcement about this week’s live conversation with illustrator Ian Barnard on <em>The Type Convo</em> Instagram page - don’t miss it.</p>

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Let’s take back our time, one conscious choice at a time.</p>

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>A must-listen for anyone who dreams of doing things differently. 🎙️✨</p><p><a href="https://www.thebestgraphicdesignerintheworld.com/">https://www.thebestgraphicdesignerintheworld.com</a><br><a href="https://www.thatthattype.com">https://www.thatthattype.com</a></p>