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We sat down with Nathan Yoder and, somehow, the chat immediately swerved past tools and trend-talk into the good stuff: craft, philosophy, faith, and how to make work you actually care about in a world that keeps yelling “faster.” Nathan’s an analog-first illustrator, but the real takeaway isn’t how he works, it’s why. He’s thought hard about what matters, what he wants to put into the world, and how to stay honest inside that… even while tech (and now AI) keeps rearranging the furniture. In this episode: Why analog still mattersHow philosophy shows up in the workAI: navigating it without spiralingSpeed vs. meaning (the eternal knife fight)Making choices that match your valuesIf you’re feeling weird/pissed about AI… tired of trend-chasing… or trying to hang onto the part of making that made you fall in love with it in the first place, this one’s for you. You’re allowed to slow down. Think deeply. Make the kind of work you can stand behind. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

This episode caught me off guard. Travis Robertson has done things that are, honestly, a little intimidating. Not just successful creative intimidating but hey-I-watched-you-in-movies-as-a-kid intimidating. The kind of stuff that makes you wonder if you’re qualified to be in the room. So yeah, I was a little nervous. But less than a minute after meeting him, it felt like talking to an old buddy.  And as we talked the cool stuff he's done Travis kept talking about how he just… tried things.  He wanted to be in movies. He saw an ad in the back of the newspaper. Faxed in an audition (which already tells you how long ago this was). Months later, it worked. No sacred path. No years of training under a master. Just a willingness to take a swing. And once you hear that, you start seeing the pattern everywhere. Acting, fighting, and founding his own creative agency. Same underlying belief every time: This is figureoutable. What made this such a great conversation wasn't how impressive Travis is (although he definitely is impressive), it's how human he is about it. Self-deprecating. Curious. Not precious about his wins. Somewhere along the way, the intimidation faded and turned into permission. The big takeaway was: most of us don’t try enough stuff. Here’s some of what we talk about: Why trying things beats waiting to feel readyHow early wins quietly change what feels possibleLetting go of linear career storiesHiring for taste and curiosity (not perfect résumés)And yeah, we talk some about AI (is it even possible to avoid these days)If you’ve been telling yourself stories about who gets to do meaningful work, this episode is for you. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Katie Kirk makes work that feels bright, generous, and deeply human. As one half of Eight Hour Day, she’s spent her career building a studio known for warmth, clarity, and work that quietly holds up over time. In this episode, we get an unusually grounded look at what it actually takes to sustain a small independent design studio. Katie talks candidly about how her relationship to creativity has changed, how life pressure reshapes the work, and why staying small was always the point. Here’s some of what we cover: How to build a small design studio that lasts (Eight Hour Day has just celebrated 20 years)Levers to bring in work when things are slowHow personal work quietly shapes future client opportunitiesSimple little things you can get today to help bring joy to your dayHow life, family, and creativity intersectSimple habits that support creativity when things feel heavyIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep making meaningful work without turning your career into your entire identity, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more sustainable way forward. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

It’s a new year, and Brad and Dustin are taking inventory of their apps. In this no-fluff episode, they go deep into the creative, business, and life tools that actually made a difference in their workflows (and headspace) last year. From Adobe staples to surprise MVPs like CapCut and Headspace, they break down which apps earned their spot, which ones got the axe, and why some are just too good to quit. Expect real talk on controversial design tools, email marketing platforms, productivity stacks, and what happens when the tools start shaping the work. Whether you’re running a design business, shipping digital products, or trying to stay sane while doing both, this one’s for you. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard run an honest “advice audit” on the most popular guidance floating around the creative and digital creator world.  We hit on ideas from people like Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Robert Greene, Alex Hormozi and other modern thought leaders. They sort through what’s genuinely useful, what’s overhyped, and what sounds inspiring but falls apart in real life when you’re juggling clients, deadlines, and a creative business.  Along the way, they translate big ideas into practical habits you can actually carry into 2026 (so hopefully you’re not just consuming advice, you’re applying it). If you’re hungry for new ideas to bring into your creative work and business in 2026, you’ll almost definitely walk away with at least one author or creator whose advice makes you rethink your approach, sparks a new habit, or sends you down a rabbit hole (books, interviews, deeper work) that levels up your practice in a way you didn’t see coming. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this special holiday episode, co-hosts Dustin Lee and Brad Woodard sit down one-on-one to unpack the emotional chaos creatives face during the holiday season.  From the thrill of hitting year-end sales goals to the creeping guilt of slowing down, they dig into the weird tension between hustle and rest. They talk goal-setting, holiday burnout, managing the “I should be working” voice in your head, and how to actually enjoy the quiet season without self-sabotage. If you’ve ever felt torn between finishing client work and making gingerbread cookies with your kids, this episode will hit home. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

Dave Arcade creates art that prompts viewers to pause and examine the landscape. It's the kind of work that invites repeated visits, revealing fresh details, small stories, and references to pop culture each time, all complemented by expertly executed craftsmanship.  In this episode, we get an unusually honest look at how those worlds come together: from obsessing over the concept to over-engineering (and then pulling back) to self-doubt. And, finally, the satisfaction of turning ambitious ideas into reality. Dave shares how he builds complexity without losing soul, why reference and perspective are his quiet superpowers, and what happens when a commercial illustrator starts wondering where the “art” part actually begins.  Here's some of the stuff we'll cover: A behind-the-scenes look at Dave's process. His detailed work can be overwhelming, but understanding his approach makes it clearer.The setup for Dave's personal arcade game system in his officeHow to strengthen your idea muscles until a simple prompt becomes a universeA sprinkling of actionable software techniques you can use in your work to get incredible resultsIf you’ve listened to podcast episodes in the past aiming to improve your own process and felt disappointed, this episode will provide value.  Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

What do world-class logo design, Junior Olympic table tennis, and a mythical quest for the perfect Boo-Berry cereal have in common? Only Scott Fuller could tie them all together and somehow make it all practical, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. In this episode, branding expert Scott Fuller lets us into his world: how he turns every client into a friend for life, why he’ll only trust barbers with beards “ten times better than his,”. We also get into the secret sauce behind how Scott instantly makes clients feel understood (sometimes in just a five-minute call). Along the way you'll hear: How to win a significantly higher percentage of clients (no salesy systems involved).How to increase your repeat customers (clients that come back over and over create consistent income and are the secret to longevity as a freelancer).How Scott builds trust faster than most designers send a proposal.Creative South memories that forged lifelong friendships.How to create iconic logos and branding by viewing the design process through a unique frame.If you’ve ever wondered how great creatives build bonds, find their people, or obsess over something as deeply as Scott obsesses over his beard… this episode is your new favorite. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, we sit down with lettering artist and illustrator Jason Carne. From haunted Airbnbs to growing up in a funeral home, we cover a lot of ground.  We also dig into how style and priorities shift over a 20-year creative career. Here’s what we get into: How to survive as a freelancer for the long haul. Yes, the feast-or-famine cycle is real. But Jason’s picked up a few tricks along the way.How to deal with horrible clients. One of Jason’s early clients requested Nazi art. Hear how he handled it (and walked away with a win).Why you should stop stressing about your career path. Jason shares what he focused on early in his career, how it made the work feel enjoyable, and why that mindset ultimately paid off.If you're starting your freelance journey, this one's for you. It’s like grabbing dinner with creative friends and getting the kind of advice that makes you feel grounded again. When you follow the work you love, things tend to fall into place. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Brad and Dustin delve into the true meaning of risk and why most creatives have it completely wrong. From quitting safe jobs to launching businesses with no guarantees, they unpack what actually makes something risky.  Brad shares the story of nearly getting knocked out of the game after a big risk went sideways, while Dustin breaks down how false safety in traditional jobs can quietly wreck your career. Stick around as they talk about risk mitigation, building a creative runway, and the underrated power of placing lot's of small bets.  Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your job or just feeling stuck, this episode will shift how you think about risk, and maybe what’s actually holding you back. Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Marisol Ortega joins Brad and Dustin to talk about embracing her cultural identity through bold color, designing for brands like Starbucks and Hallmark, and why she finally stopped toning herself down to fit in. They cover everything from her early days hustling Craigslist gigs to turning her home into a plant-filled, Pepto-pink creative sanctuary. Marisol shares how meeting other Mexican designers in the industry gave her permission to be herself. It’s a fun, honest conversation about staying weird,  being collaborative, and creating work that actually feels like you. Enjoy! Marisol's Website: https://www.marisolortega.com/ Palma Entertainment: https://www.palmaentertainment.com/ Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Brad and Dustin talk through the frustrating gap between creative talent and actually getting hired. With over 250 applicants for a single RetroSupply role, Dustin shares his frustrations with finding the right hire and why even the most talented creatives are getting passed over. They break down real portfolio mistakes, the myth of “just being good,” and why a little bit of smart free work can set you apart in a crowded field. Stick around as they unpack what hiring managers are really looking for, how to stand out without selling out, and why clarity beats creativity when it comes to landing the gig. _____________________________________________________________________________ Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Josh Emrich joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a thriving design career even without a portfolio, learning the government’s beer label rules when nobody asked him to, and why some of the best creative work happens when no one ever sees it.  They dive into everything from Josh’s quiet-kid upbringing to obsessively modeling Star Wars ships with blinking LEDs and trench runs built into his walls. Josh shares stories about mascot disasters, hidden talents, and how he keeps clients around for 13+ years by actually caring about their business, not just the art. There’s childhood embarrassment, designer therapy, and the kind of advice that hits you right in the creative soul.  Enjoy! Follow Joh Emrich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emrichoffice/ Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, JP Boneyard joins Brad and Dustin to talk about building a concert series in a backyard shed, patiently emailing your heroes for 10 years straight, and why rejection isn’t scary when you have a sincere motive.  They dive into everything from his tumultuous childhood to running massive art collabs like 59 Parks and the Baseline Review. JP shares wild stories about booking legends, getting mistaken for a networker (he’s not), and what it means to actually put artists first. There’s quantum physics, NBA fandom, and a pinch of Dennis Rodman. Enjoy! Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström

In this episode, Jen Hood (of Hoodzpah Design) joins Brad and Dustin to talk about making music in secret, accidentally hugging entire boardrooms, and why creative advice from people like tech bros doesn't always apply.  They cover everything from the myth of being self-taught to designing physical products to starting side projects with zero budget.  Jen drops hard-won wisdom about navigating creative burnout, building confidence, and staying curious, all while being her hilarious self. Enjoy!   Join the Creative Slash Patreon Want more than just the episode? Join our free Patreon community for: • Early episode access • Behind-the-scenes content • Bonus clips and tools • A space to connect with fellow creatives It’s free, fun, and helps keep the podcast ad-free. Join the Creative Slash Community Brad Woodard Brad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books. View Brave the Woods Dustin Lee Dustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional. View RetroSupply Credits Audio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad Woodard Intro animation: Seth Austin Intro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström