The Angry Designer - No BS Graphic Design, Branding, Marketing, & Business Operations to Get Your Worth and Avoid Burnout

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 constructive criticism to your advantage. Armed with real-world examples, fiery advice, and no-nonsense strategies, we’re here to help you build a thicker skin and keep your creative freedom intact. In this episode, we cover: - How to identify and deal with internet trolls versus constructive critics - The importance of developing a thick skin as a designer in the digital age - Strategies for handling harsh feedback without compromising your creative vision - The difference between negative feedback that helps you grow and noise that holds you back From spotting the difference between destructive trolling and valuable feedback, to mastering the art of resilience in the face of criticism, this episode is packed with insights that every designer needs to hear. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover how to filter out the noise, use criticism as a tool for growth, and keep your creative vision sharp—even in the face of relentless online critics. Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Want to see more? See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner [https://www.youtube.com/theangrydesigner] Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com [https://TheAngryDesigner.com] Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theangrydesignerpodcast/]

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 test of time while others miss the mark. But it’s not just about logos. We’re diving into the philosophy behind design, the importance of brand identity, and how even the most controversial rebrands can spark a heated debate. And yes, we’re not holding back—whether it’s praising a nostalgic gem or tearing apart a logo that just doesn’t cut it. In this episode, we’ll cover: * The most iconic and controversial logos and why they evoke such strong reactions * The philosophy of brand identity and its impact on design success * Real-world examples of logo rebrands that worked—and those that flopped * How top designers handle critique, feedback, and the internet’s harshest trolls By the end of this episode, you’ll see design through the eyes of experts who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what makes a logo truly great. So if you’re ready for some candid design talk and a few laughs along the way, hit that play button and join the conversation. Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Want to see more? See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner [https://www.youtube.com/theangrydesigner] Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com [https://TheAngryDesigner.com] Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theangrydesignerpodcast/]

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 event in Georgia grew into a thriving hub for creatives from all over the world. But that's just the beginning—Mike's journey isn't just about conference organizing; it's about embracing community, giving back, and balancing a creative life with unexpected ventures, like running a hot dog restaurant! You’ll learn: - The origins of Creative South and the challenges Mike faced turning it into a major design event - How to build and maintain genuine connections in a world obsessed with likes and followers - Mike's unique approach to juggling multiple roles without losing sight of his passion for design and community So, whether you’re sketching out your next big idea, cruising through your commute, or just looking for some creative inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Get ready to be inspired by Big Mike Jones and discover the power of building a creative community that truly matters. Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Want to see more? See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner [https://www.youtube.com/theangrydesigner] Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com [https://TheAngryDesigner.com] Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theangrydesignerpodcast/]

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 highs and lows of building a successful design studio, his approach to leading a creative team, and the philosophy behind Lincoln Design Co.’s unique style. We’ll also discuss the growing importance of motion design in branding, the challenges of handling difficult clients, and the lessons learned from project failures. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just a fan of killer design, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. This episode includes: * The journey of founding and growing a successful design studio. * Strategies for leading a high-energy creative team. * The importance of sticking to a structured process, even when excited about a project. * Insights into the world of motion design and its integration with traditional graphic design. * The value of transparency in learning from mistakes and making your brand more relatable. Tune in to hear Dan’s story and get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Lincoln Design Co. one of the most rad design studios out there. Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Want to see more? See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner [https://www.youtube.com/theangrydesigner] Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com [https://TheAngryDesigner.com] Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theangrydesignerpodcast/]

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 every font in sight might be driving everyone else nuts—but that’s what makes you a designer, right? In this episode, you’ll discover: - Why your obsession with tiny details is both a blessing and a curse - The hidden reasons behind your relentless need to overanalyze everything - How to embrace (or at least understand) these habits that make you uniquely… you So grab your coffee (we know you have one) and tune in. This episode is all about the quirks that make you, well, you. And trust us, you’re going to want to hear this! Stay Angry our Friends ––––––––––– Want to see more? See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner [https://www.youtube.com/theangrydesigner] Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com [https://TheAngryDesigner.com] Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theangrydesignerpodcast/]