The past few years have been a rollercoaster of hard lessons learned, creativity, and pivots. In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain with Krissy Mast, sharing her struggles with creative burnout after building a 7-figure design business and how she redefined success by deciding to close the doors and start fresh. From the projects that lit her up to the ones that drained her, Krissy gets REAL about what it means to build a sustainable creative business (again). 

In this episode, Katie and Ilana talk with Radim Malinic, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans graphic design, music, branding, publishing and building a business that celebrates visual storytelling.

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Smith, an artist and author who’s proof that you can build a thriving creative business without selling your soul.

The idea of having your art sold in retail stores across the country sounds like a dream, right? Big and small retailers carrying your work, more exposure, and (hopefully) more income. But what does it actually take to sell your art wholesale–and is it the right path for you?

In this episode, we’re hitting pause to reflect on the highlights, the hiccups, and how we’ve grown as creatives and entrepreneurs. We’re sharing the moments that made us feel on top of the world, the challenges that tested our limits, and the lessons we’ve learned about chasing creative fulfillment (and why it’s so important).

In this episode, we chat with Amy and Jen of Hoodzpah Design about dream jobs, type design, running a small studio, and pretty much everything in between.

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Clarke, a designer who's worn all the hats—from web design to founding his own type foundry. 

In this episode, Katie and Ilana catch up with graphic designer and type aficionado Harbor Bickmore, as he takes us through his journey from design student to thriving type designer. 

In this episode, Katie and Ilana sit down with Annica Lydenberg, aka Dirty Bandits and explore her creative journey through lettering, sign painting, and mural art. Annica also shares about her co-founded non-profit, the deeply personal “You Are Not Alone” Mural Project.

In this episode, we dive deep into the creative mind of Andy J. Pizza—author, illustrator, and podcaster—who shares his journey of staying true to himself in a world where commercial pressures often feel at odds with personal expression.

In this episode, Katie and Ilana chat with the artist behind their podcast art, Matthijs Herzberg. Matthijs is a self taught type designer and artist in New Orleans. This conversation dives into the world of type design, and a little Mardi Gras. The discussion also covers valuable learning resources, some truths about time management, and balancing client work with personal projects.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie chat with  Lauren Hom, a celebrated freelance artist renowned for her distinctive lettering style and entrepreneurial prowess. Lauren is known for combining her passion for lettering with culinary arts, creating a unique recipe of creativity and business.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie get real about the tricky balance between productivity, creativity, and finding joy in their work and life. They discuss how society’s focus on accomplishment can lead to burnout, and how they’re working to navigate this.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the world of Cymone Wilder, a lettering artist and designer. Cymone shares how working with an agent has positively impacted her career and what that relationship looks like.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the creative world of book cover design with Art Director, Casey Moses. Casey shares her journey into the field of books and insight into her job as an Art Director at a major publishing house. They explore how book covers influence reader choices, and discuss their favorite genres.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie sit down with Scott Fuller, the designer, illustrator, and founder of The Studio Temporary — specializing in crafting compelling brand identities, illustrations, logos, type designs, packaging, and more. Scott discusses the significance of focusing on the end goal and creating timeless, and memorable work.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie delve into the world of diversifying income streams in the creative industry with Jessica Hische, everyone’s favorite OG lettering artist. They discuss the importance of financial stability and how incorporating various revenue streams can contribute to a more robust creative career.

In this episode, Ilana, Katie, and Fabiola Lara explore the process of passion projects and merging different interests to create unique content. The conversation touches on cultural influences in creative careers and challenges in traditional job expectations, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality in creative pursuits.

In this episode, Katie, Ilana, and Dan had an animated discussion, explored the idea of introducing oneself with dislikes, dove into the Chicago pizza scene, and shared stories of how MTV and Nickelodeon shaped their creative journeys.