In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Tyler Deeb—designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Misc. Goods Co. From a 2012 Kickstarter deck of playing cards to a full-scale brand built on craft, honesty, and restraint, Tyler’s path is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.
They talk about how Tyler found design late, why self-initiated work mattered in the early internet era, and what happens when a creative gets forced into learning business in real time. Tyler shares the uncomfortable seasons too: taking a job he didn’t want for stability, shedding the need to be perceived a certain way, and learning to make decisions he can live with instead of decisions that win approval.
They also get into the emotional reality of entrepreneurship—the swings, the pressure of carrying a team, and the discipline of staying level. Tyler breaks down the principles he keeps coming back to: don’t chase the glory, work hard, and be satisfied. And they zoom out on the state of the industry: AI, social media noise, the loss of genuine online community, and why real-world connection is still the point.
If you are trying to build something of your own, if you feel the weight of money and responsibility on your shoulders, or if you just need to hear someone talk honestly about what a creative life actually costs, this one is for you.
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🔗 RELEVANT LINKS
Misc. Goods Co.: misc-goods-co.com
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CWU Website: creativeworks.co
CWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter
Creative Works WEST '26: creativeworks.co/west
📖 YOUR STORY
Got a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode.
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🎙️ PODCAST CREDITS
Presented by Creative Workers Union
Hosted by Josh Horton
Edited by Sydney Gladu
Artwork by MUTI
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