The Angry Designer  Graphic Design, Freelancing, Branding & Creative Business Podcast - podcast cover

The Angry Designer Graphic Design, Freelancing, Branding & Creative Business Podcast

A Graphic Design Podcast that cuts through the industry bull to help frustrated Designers charge what they're worth and build rewarding creative careerswww.theangrydesigner.com
The Angry Designer is an entertaining No-Bull unapologetic design podcast for Graphic Designers, Freelancers, and In-house Creative Pros ready to take their careers to the next level. Hosted by a Creative Director who built and sold a 7-figure Creative agency, this design podcast breaks down the business of design, branding, freelancing, logos, UX, strategy, AI, and more—without the industry fluff and pointless jargon. 


The Angry Designer tackles the topics other Graphic Design podcasts avoid: burnout, ageism, toxic clients, pricing, imposter syndrome, with an unapologetic take on what it really takes to build a creative career that lasts.

Whether you’ve been a Graphic Designer for decades or just starting out, get ready to feel vindicated because this podcast will challenge how you think, push you to grow, and give you the tools to design a life on your terms.


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Episodes

Design Awards - A Sign of Success, or Just a Load of Bull****?

More and more often, we hear designers referring to themselves as 'award-winning designers' - but what does that actually mean? Does being an award-winning designer make you successful? Does it get you better work, more money and recognition from your peers, or is it the adult equivalent of having your drawing hung on the fridge? 🏅 Strap in Angry Designers, because this week we are hitting you with a VERY angry episode, where Massimo and Shawn climb the podium and tackle the world of industry a...

Jul 04, 202359 minEp. 135

An Epic Conversation with Graphic Designer James Martin - Part 2

Strap in and get ready for more from the unapologetically awesome James Martin - Part 2! Graphic designer, educator, author and co-founder of Baby Giant, & the person behind the Made By James brand, James Martin is a legend in the graphic design space. Not one to shy away from more hard-hitting topics, in part 2, James continues to share more about his life, his craft and his plans for the future. Join us for part 2 of an epic conversation with the one and only - James Martin! Stay Angry our...

Jun 27, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 134

Made by James: A Conversation with James Martin Part 1

On this guest episode of The Angry Designer, we have a conversation with none other than the AMAZING @made.by.james James Martin. One of our design heroes and the unfiltered, self-titled NonConformulator of Logos - we are very excited to welcome James to the podcast. Graphic designer, educator, author and co-founder of @babygiantco , James has earned his status as one of the modern-day giants of the design industry. With clients including music heavy-hitters The Chainsmokers, Michael Ray, and Ca...

Jun 20, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 133

How-to DESTROY Your Career as a Graphic Designer - A Path to Failure

Aren't you tired of always being told what to do to become a BETTER Graphic Designer, or to design a better Logo, or to be a better Freelancer? There is so much self help out there - our minds become numb to it! What if however, there was a list so ridiculous, that to be successful, you just had to do the opposite? In this weeks episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we enter a world of opposites - providing you a detailed list of how to DESTROY your career as a Graphic Designer, forcing you to ...

Jun 13, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 132

3 Types of New Logo Makeovers & How to Pitch them!

Changing a logo can be a big deal. It's not just an image, it's the face of a brand. It's how customers spot you in the crowd. And way too often, new logos are received with rejection, screams, and genuine anger! But hold on, logo change doesn't always mean an extreme makeover! In our experience running zfactor, we're all about the "Logo Trinity", 3 degrees of a logo makeover. So how do you know which one is best for your client? What's the best way to pitch a logo change that won't leave them r...

Jun 06, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 131

Printing: What This College Failed to Teach Graphic Designers

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out - printing is something that every Graphic Designer should be clued up on. It is the basis of where so many design principles come from, our history, our future? So why have Graphic Design Colleges failed to teach even the basics? With print making a HUGE comeback in all areas, are Graphic Designers being short changed in their schooling? In the firing line this week - 10 things Graphic Designers NEED TO KNOW about printing. From the classic cha...

May 30, 20231 hrSeason 1Ep. 130

How-to Make Infographics that Rock!

Infographics are the RockStars of visual communication. They combine the power of data, the sweet sweet melody of storytelling, with a performance of stunning visuals into the 2nd most powerful visual communicator (next to video). But with so many horrible examples out there, how do you ensure your infographic will deliver a legendary performance? This week on The Angry Designers the gents explore infographics and why they've become so popular! In this episode, the bearded duo cover topics like:...

May 23, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 129

Maximalism in Design: Breaking the Boundaries of Graphic Design

Graphic Design has become plagued with the oversimplification of brands, referred to as Blanding, resulting in Graphic designers feeling uninspired, bored & lacking creativity. Get ready to break free from the monotony of oversimplification, and discover a creative solution that breaks the mold and commands attention! Return the creativity back into Graphic Design with Maximalism! Join the oh-so progressive Angry Designers as they explore the vibrant world of Maximalism in branding & Gra...

May 16, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 128

What We Love About Being a Graphic Designer: Inspiring Quotes from Fellow Designers

There is so much to LOVE about being a Graphic Designer. So we thought that LOVE deserved its very own episode 🙌. We've scoured the depths of Reddit and pulled out some of the most inspiring quotes from fellow designers, talking about what they LOVE about graphic design. From designing and presenting to problem solving and attitudes around the space , join the bearded gents this week as they delve into what makes this career & industry so damn amazing! This episode will have you laughing, l...

May 09, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 127

Personal Branding For Graphic Designers - How-to Create & Rock One!

Your Personal brand as a Graphic Designer is like a fingerprint that sets you apart in the crazily competitive Graphic Design industry. We used to think that personal branding was nothing more than a buzzword - but the truth is, developing a strong personal brand can be a game-changer for your career! Not only does it help you stand out from the crowd and attract kick-a** clients, it also allows you to inject your own authentic self into your work - something you NEED to do if you want to get ah...

May 02, 202354 minSeason 1Ep. 126

Brandmark vs Lettermark vs Wordmark: which is the logo of the future?

Brandmarks (or abstract marks) are redefining the way we approach logo design. They are designed to be instantly recognizable, memorable, and adaptable across a number of platforms and mediums - exactly what you need in a digital world As far as logo design, how do they stack up against Wordmarks and Lettermarks? Why do the modern-day logo giants like Draplin, Allan Peters and James Martin emphasize Brandmarks in their work? In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded behemoths as th...

Apr 25, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 125

Managing Your Mental Health for Graphic Designers

Do you feel like the graphic design industry is driving you insane? Are you on the brink of burnout? It's no secret that the job can be high-pressure and demanding, but what happens when that pressure becomes too much to bear? You're not alone. Join us as we break the silence and start a much-needed conversation about mental health in the design world. In this episode of the Angry Designer, the bearded brutes tackle the taboo topic of mental health in graphic design head-on. Sharing their own st...

Apr 18, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 124

Design Like Water: Graphic Design Lessons from Bruce Lee

When you think of Graphic Design, Bruce Lee might not be the first person that springs to mind, but the guy was (and is to this day) a legend. His dedication to his craft and philosophical ideas changed the landscape of martial arts, and so much of what he stood for translates to the world of graphic design! In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded brutes for another kick-a** episode where they explore what we, as Graphic Designers, can learn from the great Bruce Lee, and how to D...

Apr 11, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 123

A Conversation with Allan Peters: Logo Process, Bad Customers & A Gunshot Wound

This week we’re back with MORE from our awesome conversation with the iconic Logo Creator, Brand Artist, Badge Master and Graphic Designer Allan Peters. MORE of his insane career MORE advice for designers MORE on his upcoming book …and one CRAZY story that left us speechless. Catch the second part of our awesome conversation with Graphic Designer, Allan Peters. Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3 Want to see more? See ...

Apr 04, 20231 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 122

A Conversation with Graphic Designer Allan Peters

With a Graphic Design career spanning over 20 years that has included small agencies, large agencies, in-house at Target to then becoming one of the most recognizable brand and badge designers of our time, Allan Peters is one of the most influential (and humble) Graphic Designers in the world today. Period. Be it for his appreciation of historic designers like Paul Rand, to his passion that has carried him through the most insane times, Allan Peters is a true gentleman who has firmly cemented hi...

Mar 28, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 121

Creating Creative Workspaces: Desk Setup Ideas for Graphic Designers

From reduced stress & increased productivity, to unlimited creativity, a Graphic Designers workspace directly reflects creativity! While some of us might thrive in the local coffee shop or a shared hot-desking workspace, others need the routine and collaboration of a dedicated space that they can make their own. Join the Angry Designers where they explore the importance of creative workspaces, and why it's all about achieving a creative atmosphere. In this episode, the Graphic Design Duo tur...

Mar 21, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 120

Arrogant Graphic Designers: Toxic Behaviours We Should be Aware of

Arrogant, Pretentious, Toxic Graphic Designers - chances are you either know one, or have been one yourself at some point in your career. Sure, it's easy to get cocky or overconfident every now and then, but if you're arrogant 24/7, YOU are the problem. The truth is Arrogant Graphic Designers are tarnishing the design space and fuelling the stereotypes that a lot of us have tried hard to break. In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the bearded gents for a fury-filled episode exploring arro...

Mar 14, 20231 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 119

Horrible Job Titles: Graphic Designers Beware!!!

Do you describe yourself as a Graphic Design Ninja? Pixel Guru? How about Creative Rockstar? If you do, stop. Just stop. We get it, Graphic Designers are creative and having a fun or quirky job title can help you stand out…but it isn’t necessarily a good thing. More often than not, it is full of bad intentions and even worse repercussions! In this VERY Angry episode of The Angry Designer, the guys discuss the Rise of Ridiculous Job Titles in Graphic Design and why they’re a problem within the in...

Mar 07, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 118

How-to handle BAD Graphic Design feedback

Bad Design Feedback from your customers - something that you can't escape as a graphic designer, but also something that can make or break the relationships you have with your clients. Don't get us wrong, bad feedback doesn't always have to be NEGATIVE feedback, but it does mean the way feedback is given can be a WHOLE other sh*t show. So how do you deal with sh*tty feedback, and how can you change the feedback your client gives you so you can improve that customer relationship long-term? In thi...

Feb 28, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 117

The Good, Bad and Ugly Truth of Graphic Design PART 2!

Are you ready for even MORE Good, More Bad and More Ugly Truths of Graphic Design, Graphic Designers and The Graphic Design Industry? Join The Angry Designers as they continue on their quest to uncover the three sides to Graphic Design that EVERYONE has or will come across throughout their career. In this 2nd half of the popular episode, the dudes share their advice on accepting the Good, preparing for the Bad, and embracing the Truths of Graphic Design . Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Join ...

Feb 21, 202347 minSeason 1Ep. 116

Graphic Design: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

There are three sides to a career in Graphic Design: The Good, the Bad, & The downright Ugly. While we strongly believe there is no better career than being a Graphic Designer, the truth is that this industry is nuanced, and you’ve got to be ready to take a whole ton of sh*t alongside the good - and somewhere in there, you'll find the truth. Knowing what to expect from each side of the industry and accepting the ugly truth can save you a whole lot of pain throughout your career and gain you ...

Feb 14, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 115

Paul Rands Career Advice Tips for Graphic Designers

Renowned Graphic Designer Paul Rand's career spanned over 60 years. From humble beginnings to winning the heart of Steve Jobs, Paul Rands career was nothing short of legendary. This week, we head deeper into the genius of Paul Rand, looking at his life, his work and counting down 10 pieces of career advice for graphic designers that are as current today as they were 50 years ago. In this episode, they reveal more of the mastermind behind Paul Rand, covering topics like: - self-education - person...

Feb 07, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 114

Paul Rands 7-Step Logo Test for Graphic Designers

A legend of the space with a Graphic Design career spanning over 60 years, Paul Rand's designs shaped some of the biggest and most memorable brand logos to date, including industry giants like IBM, ABC, UPS, ENRON, Westinghouse, and of course, the still to this day questionable NeXT 👀 There was a method behind Paul Rand's magic, and he used these methods to create timeless and enduring logos that have withstood the test of time. Join the bristled brutes in this episode of The Angry Designer, as...

Jan 31, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 113

The Most Effective Logo: Which Type of Logo Do Consumers Prefer?

There are good logos, there are bad logos, and there are logos so terrible that they're amazing 😆 Twitter Blue recently came out of left field with THE most bizarre logo choice (like, seriously, how do you find words to describe that synth wave nightmare?!) It got us thinking, what makes an effective logo? What type of logos do consumers prefer? Descriptive or Non-descriptive? 🤔 Spoiler alert - it may not be what you think 👀 In this episode of The Angry Designer, the bearded beasts launch int...

Jan 24, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 112

Productivity Powerhouse Tips for Graphic Designers - PART 2

Are you ready for 15 more expert-recommended tips for Graphic Designers to increase their efficiency? Learning to become a more efficient Graphic Designer can make a HUGE difference in your output, and in how much time you spend on the things that really make a difference to your career or business. Last week, the Angry Designers dove into the first half of their tried and tested tips on how to be a more efficient graphic designer. In this Sanford & Son inspired episode of The Angry Designer...

Jan 17, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 111

30 Tips to Skyrocket a Graphic Designers Efficiency

The start of a new year is an awesome opportunity to look at how we can AMP UP our graphic design game over the next 12 months. This year, we're going to see a lot of changes in the industry, with new technologies, techniques, and even AI to contend with - you've got to be able to keep up or you'll get left behind. But who has the time? One of the best ways to start? Nail your efficiency to GET more time! In this episode of The Angry Designer, the dudes tell all their secrets on how to improve y...

Jan 10, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 110

What the Future Graphic Designer will look like

What does the future look like for graphic designers? Is it fully reliant on AI? Will there even be such a thing as a human graphic designer? The truth is, the graphic design game is developing at a crazy rate, and with new technologies emerging up all the time like ChatGTP or Dale-2, the future of graphic design is far from certain. Join the bearded futurists for a deep dive into what the future looks like for graphic designers, and chat about how you can future-proof your graphic design career...

Jan 03, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 109

How-to recharge your Graphic Design Inspiration - staying ahead of designer burnout

That bizarre whiskey and chocolate fuelled period between Christmas and New Years can really throw a Graphic Designers creativity outta whack. Your creative juices can feel TOTALLY drained after a crazy year of work, technology and clients. We all deserve a break, right? While keeping your creative inspiration fresh throughout the festive season can keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to starting 2023 off excited and full of ideas, finding inspiration can be easier said than done! In this ...

Dec 27, 202253 minSeason 1Ep. 108

Gifts EVERY Graphic Designer should treat themselves to this Holiday Season

Graphic designers - treat yourself this year to the perfect gift! It's the most wonderful time of the year - especially when you get a Graphic Design related present that is uniquely you. But what gifts do Graphic Designers REALLY want? What things should YOU have on your Christmas list? Should it be something practical? Something funny? Or how about something that'll help improve your skills? In this episode of The Angry Designer, join the festive fellows for their countdown of 20 gifts every g...

Dec 20, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 107

2023 Logo Design Trends...or Trash?

If there are two words in graphic design that shouldn't go together in a sentence, it's 'logo' and 'trends'. Sure, there's a time and place in design for trends, but when it comes to a logo, you need that sh*t to stand the test of time. Trends come and go, and every year we see new whacky ideas pop up or popular trends from days gone by come back to haunt us . What's to say that logo trend from 2023 won't be outdated in 6 months when the next big thing comes along? Strap yourselves in for a VERY...

Dec 13, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 106
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