All Episodes

In this episode, I talk about something we don’t address enough: creative copying. After Jen Wagner shared a recent example of font theft, I reflected on my own experiences with people releasing work that feels too close to mine—and others, like Sam Parrett or Tropical Type.Copying might feel like a shortcut, but it leads nowhere meaningful. It’s not just unfair to the original creator—it’s empty. True success comes from putting in the work, finding your voice, and staying honest with your process.Whether you’ve ever been copied—or felt tempted to copy—this episode is a reminder of where the real creative power lives.

In today’s Monday Break(Through), I’m sharing a simple principle that has shaped my entire creative journey: Build first, perfect later. Whether you’re designing fonts, launching a product, building a website, or creating anything from scratch—waiting for perfection will only slow you down. I’m sharing personal stories from my own path as a type designer, lessons from guests on The Type Convo, and a gentle push to get your work out there, even if it’s not “ready.”If you’ve been stuck in planning mode, this episode is your sign to start messy, learn fast, and refine as you go. Because momentum beats perfection every time.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I had the pleasure of chatting with Will Paterson—a logo & brand designer, lettering artist, and YouTube educator with nearly a million followers. 🎙️We dived deep into:🔥 The power of backengineering in design – how Will deconstructed work to teach himself design from scratch.🎨 Why failing more makes you a better designer – embracing mistakes as part of the process.💡 The art of branding & typography – why Will creates fonts for clients and how it transforms brand identity.📣 Communication & creativity – the secret skill that separates good designers from great ones.👥 Working with his wife in design – the real challenges & benefits of building a business together.😈 Imposter syndrome & self-doubt – why it never fully goes away and how to use it as a superpower.Will’s journey from struggling in school to running his own agency and building a massive online presence is packed with insights for any designer, creative, or entrepreneur.📺 Watch Will on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WillPatersonDesign📸 Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willpat/🌐 Check out his work & agency: https://www.willpaterson.designLet me know your biggest takeaway from this conversation! 💬🔥 #TheTypeConvo #Branding #Typography #SelfTaughtDesigner #CreativeProcess

In this episode of Monday Breakthrough, I’m talking about the power of conversations—how they shape careers, relationships, and unexpected opportunities. Inspired by my chat with James Martin on The Type Convo, this is a reminder that every big moment starts with a simple conversation.So, what’s stopping you from starting the convo that could change everything? This week, I challenge you to reach out, speak up, and open doors—because the best things in life don’t happen in silence.🎙️ Listen now and take that first step!

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I reflect on a simple but crucial question: Are you truly in control of your time, or is it slipping away unnoticed? A recent conversation with Martina Flor left me thinking—time is the only resource we all have in equal measure, yet how we spend it defines everything.I dive into the quiet moments when I catch myself asking, ‘Is this really the best use of my time?’—not in a productivity-obsessed way, but in a deeper, more intentional sense. Are we investing our time in what matters, or just moving on autopilot? If time is the one thing we can never get back, maybe it’s time to start spending it differently. Tune in for this quick shift in perspective to start your week with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I’m joined by the incredible Martina Flor—lettering artist, author, mentor, and someone who’s built a life and career through bold moves and quiet dedication. We talk about her journey from Buenos Aires to Berlin, how she found her voice in lettering, and what success really means after 15 years in the industry.Martina opens up about the power of side projects, the beauty of sharing your work (before it’s perfect), and why asking for help might be the smartest thing you do for your business. We also dive into her two must-read books:✨ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – your go-to guide for mastering letterforms.✨ Make it! The Workbook – for turning your creative skills into a thriving business.If you’re dreaming of doing what you love—and making it last—this one’s for you.🎙 Listen now, and check out more of Martina’s work and projects at martinaflor.com.

After I shared why I stopped setting New Year’s resolutions in this episode, so many of you reached out asking “Okay, but how do you actually plan your weeks?”So here it is—a full breakdown of how I structure my time running a digital product business. I’m talking about my recurring weekly tasks, how I manage releasing new typefaces, balancing content, podcasts, client work, emails… and how I stay focused on one big goal every 12 weeks without getting totally overwhelmed.If you’re running a creative business (or want to), this is the exact system that helps me keep things clear, productive, and sustainable. Feel free to steal it, tweak it, and make it work for you.And if you do, let me know how it goes!

Effort doesn’t have a price tag, but it changes everything. In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I dive into a powerful mantra from my recent chat with James Martin: the idea that effort is completely free—but also the most valuable thing you can invest. No excuses, no waiting for the perfect moment. Just showing up and putting in the work. If you’ve been overthinking, hesitating, or waiting for the right conditions, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with one of the most influential voices in branding and logo design—James Martin, better known as Made by James. We dive into his incredible journey from struggling with self-doubt to becoming a creative powerhouse behind some of the most recognizable logos in the industry.James opens up about:• The truth behind his 20+ years in the design world• Navigating impostor syndrome and finding his voice• Why he left Adobe for Affinity and joined the Designer Advisory Board at Canva• The power of conversations and how one can change your life• His mission for free design education and the vision behind #Mission10Milli• His philosophy of “Effort is Free” and how it drives his successThis is not just another design podcast—it’s a raw, honest look into the mindset and experiences that shaped James into the creative force he is today. Whether you’re a designer, creative entrepreneur, or just looking for some real talk on navigating life and career, this episode is for you.Connect with James Martin:🔗 Instagram: @made.by.james🔗 Website: themadebyjames.com🎧 Tune in now and get inspired!

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I reflect on a simple yet powerful question that hit me out of nowhere during lunch the other day: Am I in this for love, or am I in it for money? As creatives, we all navigate that balance between passion and practicality, but what happens when one takes over completely? Can creativity survive if it’s only about the paycheck? And if it’s fueled purely by love, will the money eventually come?I dive into this cliché—but undeniable truth—that loving what you do is what makes the work meaningful. And when that love is real, when you wake up excited to create, the money will follow. But if it’s all about the money, with no heart, no obsession, no soul—then maybe it’s time to rethink the path. Tune in for this quick hit of creative clarity to start your week with purpose.

Burnout is something every creative faces at some point, and yet, we rarely talk about how to handle it. It’s not just about working too much—it’s the mental exhaustion of constantly creating, staying relevant, and chasing perfection.In this episode, I share what’s helped me avoid burnout over the years, from stepping back without guilt to finding the right creative pace. Plus, I break down my own routine for staying creatively energized, including how I structure my work weeks and why taking real breaks is essential.If you’ve ever felt creatively drained, this one’s for you. Tune in, recharge, and remember—your creativity thrives when you take care of it. 🎧

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with Jack Chitty, the designer and creative force behind ChittCo (www.chitt.co). Jack’s journey into design is far from conventional—he started in linguistics and advertising before making the leap into branding and graphic design.We dive into:✅ How he transitioned into design with no formal education✅ The impact of personal challenges on his creative career✅ How he built ChittCo and gained recognition through social media✅ His approach to branding, pricing strategies, and working with clientsJack’s story is one of resilience, self-learning, and building a creative business from the ground up. Whether you’re a designer, freelancer, or just love a good creative journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights.🎧 Listen now and connect with Jack:🔗 Instagram: @chittco🔗 Website: www.chitt.coWatch the full episode on Instagram or listen here on The Type Convo podcast! 🚀

In this Monday Break(Through), I’m diving into a feeling we’ve all faced at some point—imposter syndrome. But what if I told you it’s not a sign of failure, but actually proof that you’re growing? I’ll share my own experiences with self-doubt, from launching new fonts to starting ‘The Type Convo,’ and how those moments of uncertainty weren’t roadblocks—they were indicators that I was stepping into new territory. We’ll talk about why feeling like an imposter means you’re aware of your potential, how to reframe that discomfort as creative fuel, and why it’s a green light, not a red flag. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the room, this episode is for you.

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that fall apart by February? In this episode, I dive into the game-changing concept of The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. I’ll share how adopting this system helped me go from releasing 20 fonts in 2023 to 41 fonts and updates in 2024—all without working more hours. Learn how to break free from the traditional yearly goal-setting trap, create urgency, and achieve more in less time.Check out the book here!

In this episode of The Type Convo, I’m joined by two incredible creatives who’ve inspired me for years: Adam Vicarel, the mastermind behind Vicarel Studios, and Carly Salzman, an incredibly talented type designer. This was such a special conversation as we dove deep into their journeys, challenges, and creative philosophies.Adam shares his story of discovering hand-lettering while backpacking in Southeast Asia and how it led him to start a studio that blends art, design, and massive murals. Carly talks about her unexpected path to type design and how a serendipitous misunderstanding brought her and Adam together at Vicarel Studios.We discuss the process behind some of their standout projects—like designing a building-sized mural and creating the heartfelt “Grandma’s Recipe” font—and explore the importance of embracing imperfection, staying inspired, and finding joy in the creative process. Adam also opens up about starting a coffee company that gives back to the Cleveland community and why chasing curiosity is at the heart of everything he does.This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of inspiration for anyone passionate about design, creativity, or simply following their own path. I can’t wait for you to hear this one!🎨 Check out Adam’s work at Vicarel Studios and follow him on Instagram at @adamvicarel.✏️ Explore Carly’s type design journey and follow her on Instagram at @carlyincursive.

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I talk about the challenges of dealing with change and how embracing it can lead to creativity and growth. Using Instagram’s recent profile design update as an example, I share my thoughts on why stepping out of the familiar and leaning into discomfort can open up new possibilities, whether in design, work, or life. Change might be uncomfortable, but it’s where the best breakthroughs happen.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I reflect on my decision to step away from designing hand-drawn fonts and what led me to rediscover my passion for them. I share insights from past struggles, lessons learned from my podcast guests, and the exciting announcement of a brand-new hand-drawn font that’s on its way. Join me as I explore what it means to give up—and why it’s sometimes just a step in the creative process.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I chat with Adam Bosley, better known as Adam the Illustrator. Adam shares his journey from a track scholarship student to becoming a sought-after illustrator and designer who has worked with global brands like Adobe, Nike, and Reebok.We explore his transition into graphic design, how he found his unique style, and how uplifting messages and community projects like “Nothing But Net” have become hallmarks of his work. Adam offers insights on navigating creative burnout, the impact of the pandemic on his career, and his aspirations to bring his designs into the physical world with projects like plush toys, vinyl figures, and art shows.🎥 Watch the full conversation here: Live Reel📲 Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamtheillustrator🌐 Explore his work: adamtheillustrator.comWhether you’re a designer, illustrator, or creative dreamer, Adam’s story is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement to keep chasing your dreams. Don’t miss it! 🎨✨

In this unplugged episode of Monday Break(Through), I share my personal approach to staying on track when life doesn’t go as planned. From why I’ve ditched New Year’s resolutions to how I embrace the mantra of “do better every day,” this episode dives into the realities of goal-setting, setbacks, and finding growth in small, consistent improvements. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your resolutions or wondered how to move forward when things fall apart, this one’s for you. Tune in for a dose of real talk and practical tips for making progress—no matter what life throws your way.

I recently realized how easy it is to get swept up in the whirlwind of the design world, always striving for the next project, the next deadline. But I've learned that true creativity requires moments of pause, moments of disconnection. In this week's Monday Break(Through), I share my own journey toward prioritizing rest and offer insights I've gathered along the way.Tune in to discover practical strategies for making breaks a regular part of your routine, from scheduling downtime to changing your environment. Let's explore how to recharge our creative batteries and find more balance in our lives.

In this episode of The Type Convo Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented Elliot Jay Stocks—a creative force whose influence spans over two decades in the world of typography and design. From shaping the evolution of web fonts as the Creative Director of Typekit and Adobe Fonts to publishing acclaimed magazines like Eight Faces and Lagom, Elliot’s career is as diverse as it is inspiring.We explore Elliot’s journey, his experiences with groundbreaking projects like Typekit, his thoughts on the intersection of music and design, and of course, his latest masterpiece, Universal Principles of Typography. Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a typography enthusiast, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom.Check out Elliot Jay Stocks: • Website • Book Subpage • InstagramDon’t miss this chance to learn from one of the most influential voices in typography!

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I’m diving into the truth behind selling digital products—what it really takes to succeed and why the idea of “passive income” is one of the biggest myths out there. From Flash templates to WordPress themes, social media assets, and fonts, I’ve spent over 15 years building a career around creating and selling digital goods.But let me tell you—there’s nothing passive about it. Success in this space requires hard work, strategy, creativity, and consistency. I’ll share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and practical tips to help you not just stand out but thrive.If you’re ready to learn how to navigate the world of digital products and turn your creative ideas into a sustainable career, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s get started!

Get ready for a truly inspiring conversation with Sam Parrett, the creative genius behind Set Sail Studios. Sam’s fonts have shaped the visual identities of iconic brands and projects like Netflix, Spotify, Victoria’s Secret, the FIFA World Cup, and even Katy Perry! In this episode of The Type Convo, we dive deep into Sam’s incredible journey—from designing band logos to creating typefaces that are trusted by some of the world’s biggest names.Sam shares his process, insights on balancing creativity with family life, and the challenges (and rewards!) of being a self-taught font designer. Whether you’re a type enthusiast or a seasoned designer, this episode is packed with value, humor, and honesty.And don’t miss Sam’s advice for designers: a simple yet profound takeaway that might just change how you approach your creative work.Tune in now to learn from one of the best in the game!👉 Check out Sam’s work at Set Sail Studios and follow him on Instagram @setsailstudios.

Are you struggling with font pairing and feel like it’s more of a headache than it should be? You’re definitely not alone. In this week’s Monday Break(Through), I’m breaking down simple, actionable tips to help you master the art of font pairing—so your typography works for your design, not against it.I’ll share some key principles I’ve learned over 15 years of branding and type design, including why contrast is key, how to find common ground, and when breaking the rules can lead to your best work.And here’s the best part: I’ve created a FREE Font Pairing Guide to take your typography to the next level. Just subscribe to my newsletter, and the guide is yours!Let’s get started!

In this Monday Break(Through) episode, I’m challenging the toxic culture of unnecessary critique and self-doubt in the design world. Let’s talk about why kindness—not criticism—creates stronger creative communities and helps you grow as a designer. Whether it’s dealing with social media negativity or shutting down your inner critic, this episode is all about choosing compassion over cynicism and thriving because of it.

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I dive into one of the biggest debates in the design world: the rise of AI. Will it replace designers, or is there a way to stay ahead? Spoiler: The magic of design lies in the human touch—your creativity, perspective, and personal connection to the work. Tune in to hear why AI is a tool, not a threat, and how you can embrace it while staying true to what makes your work uniquely yours.

Kick off your week with the very first Monday Break(Through) episode of The Type Convo! In just a few minutes, I share a simple yet powerful idea that’s been resonating with me lately—a message of inspiration for anyone looking to take that first step toward their goals. Tune in for a quick dose of motivation and start your week with purpose!

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with the bold and innovative designer Cihan Tamti. Known for his groundbreaking work with brands like Nike, Netflix, and Calvin Klein, Cihan shares his journey from a small design community in Germany to the global stage. We dive into his creative process, how he pushes boundaries in typography, and why he believes breaking rules can lead to truly original design. Cihan opens up about balancing client needs with personal style, the power of limitations in design, and how he finds inspiration in everything from Bauhaus principles to unconventional materials.In this episode, Cihan also discusses how he uses constraints as a tool for creativity, describing his approach to working with clients who encourage him to push boundaries while still respecting brand guidelines. We talk about the influences of designers like Wolfgang Weingart and David Carson on his work, and Cihan shares his thoughts on avoiding trends and instead shaping new ones by anticipating what’s coming next.This conversation is packed with insights for creatives at all levels—don’t miss it! Explore more of Cihan’s work on his website, cihantamti.com, and follow him on Instagram at @cihantamti to see his latest projects.

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with Stacy Terry from Blanc Salvage, a type designer with an inspiring journey from brand design to creating her own unique fonts. We talk about her start in type design, which began with a hand-lettering course she discovered while working as a creative director, and how the challenges of learning kerning, lettering, and the technical aspects of font creation sparked a new passion.Stacy shares the story of her transition to type design, highlighting the skills she built through experimentation and courses that helped her refine her craft. We discuss her approach to combining aesthetics with functionality in font creation and the nuances of developing a style that’s both distinctive and true to her vision. Together, we explore the joys and struggles of working on multiple fonts at once, balancing a creative business, and staying grounded in her design values.Stacy’s journey from brand design to type creation is one of perseverance, inspiration, and innovation. She offers insights into the importance of mentorship, self-learning, and creating a supportive community in the type design world.You can explore more of Stacy’s work on her website, Blanc Salvage, and follow her creative journey on Instagram at @blancsalvage.

In the first episode of The Type Convo, I go live for the very first time on Instagram, sharing my story and insights as a type designer with all of you. I talk about my journey, from my early days in website design working with Flash and WordPress, to branding and logo design, and finally discovering my passion for font design. Font creation has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I break down my creative process, explaining how I find inspiration in everyday life—architecture, movies, music—and why I like to focus on creating one font at a time.As a self-taught designer, I reflect on the valuable resources and courses that helped me sharpen my skills, and I dive into the practical details of my workflow and tools. I also share my thoughts on AI as a helpful tool for some design tasks, the importance of balance as a freelancer, and how living in Spain has enriched my lifestyle and approach to work. Throughout the live session, I answer questions from the audience on topics ranging from my process to the challenges and rewards of working solo.This episode marks the beginning of The Type Convo, and I’m excited to start this journey with you, exploring typography, design, and creative insights together!