Graphic designers are taught to create , not sell —and that’s exactly why so many talented designers stay broke. The harsh reality? Talent alone won’t make you successful. The industry is full of insanely skilled designers who struggle to make ends meet while less talented ones cash in—because they get it: design is a business. And no one understood that better than Andy Warhol. Warhol didn’t just create art—he built a brand, scaled his work, and turned creativity into cold, hard cash (while act...
Feb 04, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 212
For freelancer Graphic Designers, the grind is real—low-paying clients, endless revisions, and that sinking feeling of being stuck. But Kady Sandel knows a thing or two about breaking free. Starting her journey hustling on Craigslist, Kady turned $65 logo gigs into $35K projects and built a thriving creative agency. This week on The Angry Designer Podcast , we’re joined by Kady Sandel, a Freelance Graphic Designer turned agency owner who went from hustling on Craigslist to landing massive client...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 216
Imagine if your clients kept using your logos for 35 years. Thirty. Five. Years. While most logos barely survive a decade, Saul Bass created designs so timeless they’ve outlived designers’ entire careers. How? By following six unshakable rules that most graphic designers overlook. This week on The Angry Designer Podcast , we take you on a no-bull deep dive into the legendary Saul Bass’ approach to logo design. Forget the fluff and pretty pictures—this episode is about substance, strategy, and cr...
Jan 21, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 217
Difficult clients are the bane of every Graphic Designer’s existence. From passive-aggressive emails to last-minute demands that make you question your Graphic Design career, they test your patience, creativity, and sanity. But here’s the hard truth: avoiding these clients-from-hell isn’t the answer—it’s learning how to handle them like a pro. This week on The Angry Designer Podcast , we dive headfirst into the chaos of working with the worst of the worst design clients and the hellish situation...
Jan 14, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 211
Every Graphic Designer starts their career with that fiery passion. The spark that makes them bold, unique, and ready to take on the world. But somewhere along the way, most Graphic Designers lose their edge. Whether it’s the grind of endless revisions, playing it safe to please clients, or letting the fear of failure hold you back, the result is the same: your work gets stale, and your confidence takes a hit. But what if losing your edge wasn’t the end of the road? What if it’s the wake-up call...
Jan 07, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 225
Graphic designers often underestimate the power of branding—but did you know Christmas itself is the ultimate masterclass in branding, centuries in the making? Forget the twinkling lights and holiday cheer; the Christmas brand wasn’t built overnight, and its roots are a wild mix of designers, commercialism, and clever marketing strategies. This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we’re unwrapping the untold stories behind how Graphic Designers and capitalism joined forces to create the juggernau...
Dec 24, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 216
Burnout: the silent killer of graphic design careers. It creeps in slowly, disguised as endless revisions, soul-sucking clients, and monotonous work. Before you know it, you're questioning everything: Why did you get into design? Is this even worth it anymore? But here’s the hard truth: burnout isn’t the problem—it’s how you’re handling it. In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear down the myths about burnout and give graphic designers the real, no-nonsense playbook to fight...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 210
Graphic Design is full of tough decisions—fonts, colors, clients who don’t pay, deadlines that laugh in your face, and software that feels like it’s out to ruin your life. But what happens when you’re forced to choose between bad and worse ? In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast , we crank up the heat with 25 no-win ‘Would You Rather’ scenarios guaranteed to make every Graphic Designer squirm. Brace yourself for a fun ride as we expose the quirks, frustrations, and downright absur...
Dec 10, 2024•53 min
Feeling Burnt Out or Stuck in a Design Rut SUCKS. But here’s the brutal truth: MOST Graphic Designers are sabotaging themselves. Grinding through bad clients, chasing endless projects, and staying trapped in the same broken patterns, all while wondering why things never change. It’s time to face reality with some tough love. In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast , we’re tackling the issues that terrify Graphic Designers most. Joined by coach and creative expert Matt Essam, we unravel the...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 209
"Not all clients are created equal" —a truth every Graphic Designer discovers sooner or later. Whether it’s a small, scrappy startup or a sprawling corporate giant, working with different-sized clients presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. But how do you navigate these extremes without losing your sanity (or your creativity)? In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast , we’re breaking down the fundamental differences between working with big and small clients. From the ...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 208
Forget about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul - there is a BIGGER rivalry for Graphic Designers: Mac vs PC. For decades, Graphic Designers have worshipped at the altar of the Mac—it's been the gold standard for Graphic Designers, the non-negotiable creative tool, right? But is that reputation still deserved, or are designers just caught in the cult of Mac? Do you really need a Mac for Graphic Design? This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive into the ultimate creative rivalry: Mac vs PC. Do you re...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 207
ChatGPT AI was made for Graphic Designers , helping them go further, faster, and deliver at levels they never thought possible. But only a few are taking full advantage, and they’re already propelling themselves ahead of the pack. While some Graphic Designers fear it’ll make them lazy or irrelevant, the truth is, ChatGPT AI is the ultimate game-changer —freeing up time for the creative work that matters and pushing your design process further than ever before. In this episode of The Angry Design...
Nov 12, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 206
Forget the Branding BS and start embracing what truly sets you apart. In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of branding and personal authenticity with none other than Anneli Hansson. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Anneli sheds light on how brands and designers alike can cut through the corporate jargon and connect on a human level. Anneli takes us behind the scenes of her journey—from a small island in Sweden to working with billion-dollar brands—an...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 205
Graphic designers have been cornered for far too long—boxed out of web design by coding barriers, developers who just don’t get it, and platforms that never really worked for us. The web was always meant to be a designer’s playground—so why did we walk away from it? In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into the biggest missed opportunity in graphic design and why reclaiming the web is no longer optional—it’s essential to your survival. Whether you’ve tried building website...
Oct 29, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 204
What if the reason you’re not landing the right Graphic Design clients is because you’re too busy trying to be someone you’re not? Too many Graphic Designers focus on trends, what’s hot, and what they think clients want. But what if clients are looking for exactly what you’re not giving— your true self ? In this episode of The Angry Designer , we’re exposing how being fake costs more than it earns and why authenticity is your secret weapon. How staying true to your values attracts better clients...
Oct 22, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 203
Ever come across a logo and think, "Damn, that brand needs help"? You’re not alone. Designers can spot when a logo is dragging a brand down, but most clients don’t see it—until you show them. This week on The Angry Designer , we hand you the ultimate playbook to spot failing logos and use that knowledge to land more rebrand deals . Packed with brutal truths , strategic insights , and no-BS advice , we’ll teach you how to identify outdated logos , pitch rebrands like a pro, and close deals . In t...
Oct 15, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 202
Think juggling a full-time Graphic Design job, a side gig, and a family is tough? Try doing all that while building one of the hottest Graphic design conferences in the U.S.! This week, on The Angry Designer Podcast , we sit down with Matt Dawson—founder of CropCon, Austin’s badass Graphic Design event, and the creative mastermind behind StayGray Ponyboy. From the gritty world of landscape architecture to the highs and lows of Graphic Design, Matt’s journey is all about hustle, passion, and refu...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 201
Tired of feeling like a pixel-pushing robot, stuck in an endless design loop? Most Graphic Designers focus on making things look good, but the real game-changer is how you think. This week on The Angry Designer , we’re breaking down 25 powerful ways to take control of your creative process and think like a true graphic designer. It’s not just about crafting the perfect logo or sleek layout—it’s your mindset that separates trendsetters from trend-chasers . You’ll learn how to: •Balance creativity...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 204
Tired of swimming in a sea of underpaid gigs and endless competition? If you’re ready to stop blending in and start dominating the design game, you need more than just talent—you need a killer strategy. In this episode of The Angry Designer, we dive headfirst into one of the most powerful, no-BS ways to crush the competition and charge what you're worth: discovering your industry niche. This episode promises not to be full of theory-driven fluff - but real, actionable steps on how to become the ...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 201
We live in a world where TikTok and Instagram reels are teaching designers how to shortcut their way through creativity. But let’s be real – following so-called 'design recipes' does nothing but turn you into a copycat. In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we rip apart the dangerous trend of social media design hacks and formulas, showing why they kill true creativity. We’re here to help frustrated designers break free from the cookie-cutter mold and actually think for themselves . For...
Sep 17, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 203
What makes a creative truly unstoppable? Is it laser-sharp focus, an unrelenting drive, or the ability to embrace vulnerability in a world obsessed with perfection? Chris Do has built his empire by mastering all three. In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Chris Do, a visionary, entrepreneur, and designer who has influenced creatives worldwide. You’ve seen his content all over the internet, but in this 200th episode of our podcast, we peel back the layers to reveal the real Chris Do...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 200
Trolls, critics, and the sting of harsh feedback—every graphic designer faces it, but how you respond can make or break your creative spirit. Social media has amplified the voices of both admirers and haters, and navigating this minefield without losing your creative freedom is a challenge. But what if you could turn those brutal moments into fuel for your creative fire? This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tackle the dark side of social media, the impact of trolling, and how to leverage ...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 202
What happens when four of the sharpest minds in design come together to critique the world’s most iconic logos? You get a conversation that’s as insightful as it is unfiltered. This week on The Angry Designer , we’re shaking things up with a Design Dialogue featuring industry heavyweights James Barnard, Kristy Campbell, Will Paterson, and yours truly. We’re putting our favorite—and not-so-favorite—logos under the microscope, dissecting what works, what doesn’t, and why some designs stand the tes...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 200
What makes Graphic Designers truly thrive? Some believe it's community, passion, the power of connection. And the Creative South Graphic Design Conference is one place that truly exists. In this episode, we sit down with Big Mike Jones, the mastermind behind Creative South, a design conference that’s more than just an event—it’s a movement that brings creatives together, and gives back like never before. Big Mike Jones, founder of Creative South, joins us to share the story of how a small local ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 199
In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we’re pumped to welcome a returning guest, Dan Janssen - founder and creative director of Lincoln Design Company. Known for its bold, unapologetic, highly illustrative, in-your-face design style, Lincoln Design Co. has become a powerhouse in the creative industry, pushing the limits for top-tier global brands like Monster Energy, Mountain Dew, Mattel, Nerf, Fortnite, Harley Davidson, and so many more. Join us as we dive into Dan’s story, exploring the ...
Aug 15, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 201
As a Graphic Designer, your quirks might just be driving everyone around you crazy—and you might not even realize it. From obsessing over tiny details to turning every conversation into a design critique, these habits can make you hilariously frustrating to the rest of the world. In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re turning the spotlight on YOU—the quirkiest, most annoying graphic designer around. Let’s face it: your love for loud glasses, endless coffee cups, and critiquing ever...
Aug 13, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 199
Every Graphic Designer dreads the mistakes that could derail their career. But what if you could see those pitfalls before falling into them? This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we’re taking a hard-hitting look at 25 surefire ways to destroy your Graphic Design career, and how you can avoid them. In this episode, you’ll discover: - Why centering all your text and using too many trendy fonts can make your designs unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. - How being arrogant and making unsoli...
Aug 06, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 198
In this episode of The Angry Designer LIVE, we are honored to host Kaila Pettis. Also known as KP, Kaila is a brand marketing and creative visionary with a dynamic career that spans various industries. From sports to sneakers, Kaila's creative direction and strategic marketing have left an indelible mark. Kaila's impressive resume includes her current role as a pioneering marketing leader in the sports industry, where she brings innovative and inclusive strategies to the forefront. As a sports a...
Aug 01, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 198
Typography is the game-changer that can transform any Graphic Designer from good to extraordinary. Mastering type is the key to stepping up your game and making your designs truly stand out. If you're ready to elevate your designs and creating work that demands more attention, this episode is your ticket to success. This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we're diving deep into the world of type with 20 game-changing tips every graphic designer needs to know. Whether you're just starting out or...
Jul 30, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Has Adobe's latest actions crossed a line with Graphic Designers? Being technologically overwhelmed is one thing, releasing feature, after feature, after feature. But now with Adobe's latest shady practices in the news, it's clear — Adobe is no longer the champion of designers. So, why are technologically overwhelmed Graphic Designers not leaving Adobe, despite numerous, high-quality alternatives? This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into why Graphic Designers feel so technologi...
Jul 23, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 196
