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

How to Stay Playful and Authentic in Your Design Business with Freddie Öst | The Typecast Episode 28

In this episode, Ilana, Katie, and Freddie discuss the journey of being a multi-passionate creative and building a design business. They talk about the value of incorporating play and fun into your work. They also discuss the importance of standing up for your ideas even if it means some people won't like you. They highlight writing books, dealing with criticism, building teams, and having a growth mindset as key elements of a creative journey.

In this episode, Ilana, Katie, and Freddie discuss the journey of being a multi-passionate creative and building a design business. They talk about the value of incorporating play and fun into your work. They also discuss the importance of standing up for your ideas even if it means some people won't like you. They highlight writing books, dealing with criticism, building teams, and having a growth mindset as key elements of a creative journey.

The conversation also touches on the financial side of following your passions and taking risks. They discuss how meditation can help you grow personally and give tips on pitching bold ideas to clients, and why it’s important to be honest and have thoughtfulness and intention behind your ideas.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • How to make work more fun to boost creativity

  • Why standing up for your beliefs is worth making enemies along the way

  • The best way to handle criticism and negative feedback for honest growth

  • Why it’s important to consider the financial side of pursuing passion projects 

  • How meditation contributes to personal growth and well-being

  • Steps to prepare for pitching bold ideas 

  • Why ideas should be supported by solid arguments rather than vague language

  • How clients can be guided through the design process to ensure they feel valued

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: @freddiemeup

Website: Snask

LinkedIn: Freddie Öst

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

Should Artists Work for Free with Lennon Bone | The Typecast Episode 26

In this episode, Ilana and Katie talk with Creative Strategist, Lennon Bone from Stop the Starving Artist. They discuss a range of topics related to creativity, music, production, and selling your work. They explore the dynamics of collaboration among musicians, transitioning from unpaid work to paid projects, and the significance of storytelling in artistic expression.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie talk with Creative Strategist, Lennon Bone from Stop the Starving Artist. They discuss a range of topics related to creativity, music, production, and selling your work. They explore the dynamics of collaboration among musicians, transitioning from unpaid work to paid projects, and the significance of storytelling in artistic expression. 

They reflect on the importance of prioritization and navigating overthinking, as well as the concept of delivering memorable experiences and building relationships with customers and clients. 

Throughout the conversation, they offer insights into project evaluation, the balance between enjoyment and value, and challenges associated with underpaid clients. They also touch on the significance of consistent messaging, personal narratives, and how you can contribute to your community. The conversation concluded with reflections on finding one's niche and fostering a sense of recognition within communities.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • What lessons can be learned from challenging and rewarding collaboration experiences

  • Why you need to understand the value of your skills and expertise

  • How storytelling serves as a potent tool for art and design

  • How production skills and a discerning taste enhance artistry

  • Tools for productivity and task management

  • Tips for creating memorable experiences for customers that will enhance your brand value

  • Strategies for building strong customer relationships and warm and supportive communities

  • Three pivotal questions to consider as you start a new project

  • How to cultivate a strong personal brand

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: @stopthestarvingartist

Website: Stop The Starving Artist

SoundBetter: Lennon Bone

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

The Ups and Downs Of Art Licensing: Real Talk with Elizabeth Silver | The Typecast Episode 25

In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth dive into their experiences in the surface pattern design and art licensing industry. Elizabeth shares her journey from working as an in-house designer to freelancing and licensing her artwork. They discuss the misconceptions about art licensing, and the importance of balancing multiple income streams and the challenges of managing time and energy.

In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth dive into their experiences in the surface pattern design and art licensing industry. Elizabeth shares her journey from working as an in-house designer to freelancing and licensing her artwork. They discuss the misconceptions about art licensing, the importance of balancing multiple income streams, and the challenges of managing time and energy. 

The conversation extends to exploring the advantages and difficulties associated with engaging an agent in the art licensing field. Elizabeth and Ilana also provide insights into the multifaceted nature of being a creative entrepreneur.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

  • Art licensing is not a get-rich-quick scheme and requires patience and persistence

  • Balancing multiple income streams can be challenging and requires focus and prioritization

  • Developing a consistent style and voice in your work helps clients and agents understand what to expect from you

  • Imposter syndrome is common, but it's important to recognize your skills and experience

  • The importance of knowing your definition of success and creating a work-life balance that aligns with your goals

  • Being your own best boss means setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy in your work

  • Teaching and sharing your expertise is a valuable way to connect with others and contribute to the creative community

  • Having confidence in your art and understanding the needs of art buyers can help you succeed in the industry

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

Connect with our guest:

Website: Elizabeth Silver

Instagram: @esilverdesign

Youtube: Elizabeth Silver

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