The Typecast

Welcome to The Typecast, a podcast hosted by Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo of Goodtype. Listen as we geek out over anchor points, our favorite typefaces, and how to grow an art business. For more of this duo, follow us on Instagram @goodtype.

SAYING WORDS ABOUT DRAWING WORDS

We’re two self-employed lettering artists who met by sliding into each other’s DM’s.

Now…we’re sliding into your headphones.

About


Dear hand letterers, designers, and artists of all sorts—despite what your grandma thinks, we know there’s a whole lot more to what you do than just “drawing pretty pictures.” This podcast, hosted by Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo of Goodtype, is about what it *really* means to be a working creative. From finding clients to pricing your work and nerding the heck out about kerning, we’re covering everything that goes into building a successful and sustainable business around your passion.


And we’re not just doing it alone! We’ll be tapping some of your current (and soon-to-be) favorite artists for inspiration, insight, and laughs. We’re big on giving takeaways that you can actually put into action, and we’re even bigger on having a good time while we do it. Tune into the Typecast twice a month for a tittle-ating time (yep, we’re gonna type-pun your face off), and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so we can show our moms how famous we are!

Want to be on an episode of The Typecast?

We’re always looking for guests who want to help our audience of artists grow their creative careers (while sharing a few laughs, of course). Submit yourself, a friend, or a topic you want us to cover on an upcoming episode!

Want to get your brand in front of our listeners?

We’re focused on creating long-term partnerships that go beyond a quick feature during an ad break. We’re looking for brands that will stick with us, form deep relationships with our community, and help our artists take real, actionable steps towards their goals.

Because our partnership philosophy is different, our sponsor opportunities look different as well, including touch-points across all of Goodtype’s content. Interested in talking about what a partnership with us could look like? We’d love to chat.

Team Dklutr Team Dklutr

Staying Motivated with Passion Projects & Hobbies with Elliot Jay Stocks | The Typecast Episode 24

In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into the creative journey of Elliot Jay Stocks, a versatile designer and author. They discuss the importance of embracing new projects and taking risks, as well as the value of side projects and passion.

In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into the creative journey of Elliot Jay Stocks, a versatile designer and author. They discuss the importance of embracing new projects and taking risks, as well as the value of side projects and passion. 

Elliot shares insights into the creation of his new book, 'Universal Principles of Typography' and the roller coaster of emotions that comes with launching a book or completing a project. They also touch on the process of writing a book, finding your creative identity, and the challenges of structuring and restructuring a book. 

This conversation highlights the importance of curiosity and the willingness to try new things in the creative process.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • The impact of taking calculated risks in the creative journey

  • Recognizing the value of side projects and creative outlets as they contribute to personal and professional growth

  • Passion plays a crucial role in fueling creative endeavors and sustaining motivation

  • Writing a book on creative identity involves challenges in structuring and restructuring content

  • How to maintain a hobby while freelancing and how they benefit each other

  • The interplay between curiosity, risk-taking, and passion and how it relates to a vibrant and fulfilling creative journey

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Website: Elliot Jay Stocks

Instagram: @elliotjaystocks

Mentioned in this episode:

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Read More
Team Dklutr Team Dklutr

Developing an Authentic Creative Voice While Balancing a Day Job with Gian Wong | The Typecast Episode 23

In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into the world of creativity with Gian Wong, a graphic designer and illustrator. Gian shares his experience of understanding and expressing his creative style— emphasizing the importance of embracing what makes you unique and finding your tribe.

In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into the world of creativity with Gian Wong, a graphic designer and illustrator. Gian shares his experience of understanding and expressing his creative style— emphasizing the importance of embracing what makes you unique and finding your tribe.

This conversation highlights the power of authenticity and its impact on your creative career. As a graphic designer and illustrator, balancing personal vision and client work is crucial. Gian also discusses his approach to showcasing a mix of personal and client work on his Instagram—explaining how he infuses his personal style into his full-time job by incorporating intangible elements like voice and storytelling. 

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • Balancing personal vision and client work in finding fulfillment in your design career

  • Showcasing a mix of personal and client work on your portfolio can attract clients who appreciate your unique style

  • Why you should incorporate elements of your personal style

  • Maintaining work-life balance to prevent burnout

  • The importance of finding joy in non-design-related hobbies and interests

  • Finding inspiration to bring out your creativity

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Website: gianwong.com

Instagram: @giancarlowong

Mentioned in this episode:

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Read More
Team Dklutr Team Dklutr

What Do Art and Illustration Agents Do and Do I Need an Agent? With Kat Irannejad | The Typecast Episode 16

In this episode, Katie and Ilana talk to Kat Irannejad, the director and founder of Totally Reps, an illustration and creative production agency representing and advocating for a diverse roster of artists while cultivating long-lasting client friendships.

In this episode, Katie and Ilana talk to Kat Irannejad, the director and founder of Totally Reps, an illustration and creative production agency representing and advocating for a diverse roster of artists while cultivating long-lasting client friendships.

Kat shares valuable insights about art representation and the dynamics between artists and agents. The discussion touches on curating artists, nurturing relationships, and the importance of having a unique point of view in the creative industry. She also emphasizes the value of collaboration in fostering successful partnerships between artists and agents.

If you’ve been thinking of working with an art agent, Kat’s answering your questions in this episode. 

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • Kat’s love for connecting people led to her career as an art agent

  • How artistic backgrounds can be a huge benefit to art agents

  • The value of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect in the artist-agent relationship — why there should be ‘no hierarchy’

  • How curating artists for representation involves achieving a balance between young talents and established artists

  • The importance of understanding your point of view in the highly competitive field of art and commissions

  • Why some artists might not be a good fit for working with an agent and how mindset, attitude, and trust matter

  • The nature of creative briefs and how they can vary widely

  • The significance of playing the long game in building relationships and leaving a positive impression – planting seeds

  • An art agent's role in advocating for and supporting artists

  • Why strengthening your online presence and maintaining your portfolio benefits artists

  • Balancing artistic context and visual impact in portfolios

  • Kat’s advice on following your passion and embracing authenticity to attract the right audience

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: Kat Irannejad

LinkedIn: Kat Irannejad

Email: kat@totallyreps.com 

Totally Reps: Totally Reps

Instagram: TOTALLY REPS

Linkedin: TOTALLY REPS

Mentioned in this episode:

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Read More
Team Dklutr Team Dklutr

Keeping Creative Experimentation Alive in Your Design Business with Kelli Anderson | The Typecast Episode 11

In this episode, Katie and Ilana interview Kelli Anderson—artist, designer, tinkerer, but most importantly, a person who genuinely craves human connection, which she creates through her art.

In this episode, Katie and Ilana interview Kelli Anderson—artist, designer, tinkerer, but most importantly, a person who genuinely craves human connection, which she creates through her art.

Join the conversation as Kelli walks us through her life: how predictability allowed her to explore her kind of art, what it’s like to produce her pop-up books, This Book is a Camera & This Book Is a Planetarium, how she’s guided by seeking freedom in her art process, and how she craves to build connection through her art.

Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

  • How seeking freedom allows Kelli to create her art

  • Revealing something from nothing: How there’s an artistic possibility hiding in plain sight

  • Finding the perfect match for your art—the right time, the right moment, the right people will seek your art

  • Why passion projects are so important

  • How social media becomes the third party between you and your art

  • Creating projects that break boundaries

  • Creating connection to people through art (even during a pandemic)

  • Why working with small businesses can be a good thing for a designer

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Website: Kelli Anderson

Instagram: @kellianderson

Mentioned in this episode:

Keetra Dean Dixon

Kelli Anderson Patreon

This Book is a Camera: A Pop-up Camera

This Book Is a Planetarium: And Other Extraordinary Pop-Up Contraptions

Kelli Anderson’s TED talk

The Monster Project

Creative Works

Matt Willey

Louise Sandhaus

Lotta Nieminen

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Read More