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

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— From growing up as an introvert to becoming one of the most respected voices in design and business, Chris opens up about his unique path, the power of single-tasking, and how he navigates the challenges of a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. You’ll learn: - How Chris's focused mindset became the driving force behind his global influence. - The surprising passions that fuel his creativity and keep him grounded. - His no-BS advice for finding success without losing your authentic self. Don’t miss this conversation—it’ll change how you think about success, creativity, and staying true to your own path. Whether you're a designer hustling to find your voice or a creative looking for inspiration to level up, this conversation with Chris Do will give you the insights and fire to push through the noise and thrive. 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/]

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/]