Shows
Able HeadsUnlocking the Secrets of Art Licensing with Alanna FlowersAlanna Flowers, a freelance lettering artist and graphic designer, shares her insights on art licensing, pitching, and the importance of personal projects. She discusses her journey in freelancing, the strategies she employs for outreach, and the balance between self-promotion and networking. Alanna emphasizes the significance of contracts, negotiation, and the impact of AI on the creative industry.Check out Alanna's YouTube: @AGFDesignStudio Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaaggLISTEN TO THE SHOWApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3E0chBOSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11XeBbrRaSctjbT7IznsLRGET IN TOUCH
2025-12-1746 min
Able HeadsPinterest for Dummies | the 101 on Pinterest Marketing with Kaya MarriottIn this conversation, Anika Aggarwal and Kaya Marriott discuss the evolution of content creation, focusing on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube. Kaya shares her journey from blogging to becoming a content creator, emphasizing the importance of leveraging different platforms for traffic and engagement. They explore strategies for creating engaging content, understanding ROI on Pinterest, and the balance between evergreen and trend-based content. Check out Kaya's YouTube: @CreatingwithKaya Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaaggApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3E0chBO
2025-12-0459 min
Able HeadsDesigning with Impact: Carra Sykes on Purpose-Driven WorkAnika Aggarwal and Carra Sykes explore the journey of creativity, the challenges of defining success, and the importance of personal branding in the design world. They discuss the impact of personal experiences on creative work, the significance of attracting the right clients, and the evolving nature of success in a fast-paced industry. Carra shares insights on dealing with imposter syndrome and offers valuable advice for aspiring designers, emphasizing the importance of kindness and self-acceptance in the creative process.Carra's work: https://www.carrasykes.com/Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg👉 Subscribe and listen wher...
2025-11-2044 min
Able HeadsNavigating creative burnout and imposter syndrome with Voodoo ValIn this episode, Voodoo Val shares her journey as a creative professional, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the art world.From the role of AI in enhancing creativity to the importance of community support, Val emphasizes the need for personal projects to combat burnout and maintain passion. We also talk about self-promotion from a PR standpoint, the impact of rejections, and the balance between financial stability and creative fulfillment.Val's work: https://www.voodooval.com/Join the community: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg👉 S...
2025-10-2357 min
Able Heads5 Evidence-Backed Moves to Hit Your Creative Business GoalsThis week I’m solo on Able Heads, pulling together the five shifts that actually helped me move my creative business forward, without burning out or chasing every shiny trend. Think of it as a tiny, evidence-backed playbook to hit your business goals: defining success beyond money, being seen on purpose, letting form follow a clear “why,” learning out loud with drafts and feedback, and building a brand that lasts through story.I share the exact tools I use: a five-line purpose brief before I open Figma, a simple “risky ideas” folder I ship from each week, one “proce...
2025-10-0111 min
Able HeadsPitching, Licensing & Making it in Type Design with Troy LeinsterTroy Leinster has spent years in the world of type design. From working at Hoefler & Co. (now Monotype) in New York to now running his own studio, Leinster Type. In this episode of Able Heads, we talk about building a career in type, how to pitch your work to foundries like Adobe Fonts and Sandoll Cloud, and making it sustainable through teaching and licensing, and learning to step up when opportunity knocks.We also get into how inspiration shows up in everyday places and the ups and downs of freelancing. Check out...
2025-09-0533 min
Able HeadsCreativity vs. Influencer Culture with Flyn TracyShould every creative act like an influencer to stay relevant? Flyn Tracy thinks not. In this Able Heads episode, we talk about authentic storytelling, why repurposed TikToks aren’t the answer, and how to get discovered for events like Adobe MAX.We also cover portfolio pitfalls, building trust with audiences, and the fine line between content strategy and chasing trends.Check out Flyn's work: https://www.flyntracy.com/👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 Full show notes and more at podcast.ablehead.com
2025-08-2147 min
Able HeadsPitch to your dream clients with Fiorella DoodlesIn this conversation, Fiorella Granda shares her journey from being an architecture student to becoming a successful freelance illustrator and designer, focusing on sports and community engagement. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of social media in her career, and how cultural influences shape her design perspective. Fiorella emphasizes the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and intentionality in her work, while also providing insights into client relationships, pitching strategies, and the evolving definition of success.Check out Fiorella's work: https://www.instagram.com/fiorelladoodles/👉 Subscribe and...
2025-08-0744 min
Able HeadsNavigating the Future of Design Education / Redefining Success with Nick LongoJoin me in conversation with Nick Longo, design professor and podcast host, as we explore the future of design education and redefining success in creative fields.Nick Longo is the founder of Longo Designs, a studio specializing in bold branding and packaging for food, beverage, and restaurant brands. Nick is a design instructor at California State University, Northridge, and co-hosts the Deeply Graphic Designcast and Adobe Office Hours. Through education and industry experience, Nick empowers designers and brands to push creative boundaries and lead with purpose.Nick shares his perspective on why true...
2025-07-2453 min
Able HeadsManaging Mental Health as a Creative with Gust of Wind StudioIn this conversation, Anika and Mateusz explore the intersection of design and mental health, discussing the journey of running a creative studio, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of self-care. Mateusz shares insights on how his Polish and Canadian identities influence his work, the impact of motion design on his illustrations, and the significance of journaling and reflection in maintaining mental well-being. They also delve into the stigma surrounding mental health in the creative industry, the role of AI in art, and the evolving definition of success in a creative practice.
2025-07-0451 min
Able HeadsBuild your creative presence online with Adam the illustratorIn this conversation, Adam the Illustrator shares his journey from being laid off to becoming a successful content creator and illustrator. We discuss the importance of storytelling in your work, the challenges of maintaining mental health while navigating social media, and the significance of authenticity in a crowded digital landscape. Adam emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and shares his future goals, including the launch of a plushie project and an art show.Check out Adam's work: https://www.instagram.com/adam_theillustrator/👉 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
2025-06-2039 min
Able HeadsStrategy Over Design with Alex LazarisIn this conversation, Alex Lazaris discusses the current challenges in the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of strategy over design. He shares his evolving definition of success, the significance of building trust with clients, and the holistic approach to branding. Alex also delves into the intricacies of the strategy process, client retention, and the impact of AI on branding. He introduces his personal project, Chateau, which aims to create curated experiences, and reflects on the importance of community and authenticity in design.Check out Lazaris's work: https://www.wearelazaris.com
2025-06-0554 min
Able HeadsThe Full Story of Work Louder with Mike Di GenovaIn this episode of Able Heads, we go behind the scenes with Mike Di Genova, founder of Work Louder — the hardware startup rethinking creative tools from the ground up. From building their first keyboard prototypes with 3D printers to launching Creator Board and Nomad[E], Mike shares the real, unfiltered story of how Work Louder came to be.We talk about:Why Mike chose to launch a hardware startupThe messy middle of prototyping, funding, and feedbackHow embracing imperfection led to the “Make It Now” philosophyCrea...
2025-05-221h 06
Able HeadsNavigating Freelance as a Designer with Liz MosleyIn this episode, Liz Mosley shares her journey as a graphic designer and branding expert, discussing the challenges and triumphs of working with small businesses. She reflects on her transition from a stable job to freelancing, the importance of authenticity in personal branding, and the impact of motherhood on her career choices. Liz also introduces her 'Rejection Challenge,' which encourages boldness in pitching and seeking opportunities, and emphasizes the significance of visibility and confidence in business.Liz Mosley is a collaborative designer who helps small businesses use impactful branding to confidently promote their...
2025-05-0958 min
Able HeadsThe Anti-Beige Designer: Meet FergieIn this episode, Anika and Fergie dive into bold branding, rebranding challenges, and the power of personal style. They unpack how AI is reshaping design workflows, client relationships, and personal branding—while staying true to human intuition. Fergie shares her ‘anti-beige’ approach and insights on mentorship, individuality, and mental health in the digital age.Fergie is an award-winning designer, Adobe CC Expert who creates bold designs for unique brands. If being extra is your default, check out her work https://www.fergie.design/🔗 LINKS Podcast Website: https://podcast.ablehead.com/ Let...
2025-04-2550 min
Able HeadsAspiring Musician to Successful Packaging Designer: Meet Colby ClitesWelcome to Able Heads, the space where we dive into creative minds and unpack how people actually get things done.In the first episode, designer Colby Clites shares his journey from aspiring musician to a successful illustrator and packaging designer. Colby highlights the significance of building relationships with print partners, talks about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields and the influence of various industries on design thinking.Colby Clites is an independent (freelance) graphic designer & illustrator specializing in branding and packaging designs for food & beverage brands, helping them look as good as they...
2025-04-1442 min
Able HeadsAble Heads: What to expectHey! I’m Anika, and this is the beginning of Able Heads, a podcast about how creative minds get things done. No guests just yet, just a quick intro to what this show is all about, who it’s for, and why I started it.If you’re into honest, behind-the-scenes conversations about task management, personal productivity, and building something meaningful as a creative—you’re in the right place. Whether you’re freelancing, side-hustling, or running your own thing full-time, I hope this podcast feels like a helpful, inspiring space to tune into.
2025-04-0801 min
Your Brand AmplifiedManuj Aggarwal on Democratizing the World Through Artificial Intelligence BreakthroughsImagine embarking on a voyage through the transformative landscape of artificial intelligence with a pioneer who has emerged from a small Indian town to become a beacon of innovation. Manuj Aggarwal joins me, Anika Jackson, to unravel his path to becoming an AI virtuoso, holding the torch to illuminate the future of technology. We navigate through his humble beginnings, his inspiring ascent, and the indelible mark he's making on healthcare, education, and the expanding AI frontier. Throughout our conversation, we tackle the pressing issues of job displacement and inherent biases within AI, ensuring a nuanced discussion that celebrates technology's...
2024-03-1438 min
Brand Therapy203. How do you livestream? (f. Anika Aggarwal)Curious about live streaming? 🎥 Our guest today teaches you how! Hosts Phil and Lauren meet with Anika Aggarwal, a small business owner and livestreaming extraordinaire who has been livestreaming for two years. She shares her recommendations on getting started, buying tech, planning your show, being your authentic self, and what to do if something goes wrong.
2023-10-2623 min
Design Details454: Is UI Design Actually That Important?This week, we answer a crucial question: is UI design actually that important? Our answer may shock you 🫢The Sidebar:The Sidebar is an exclusive weekly segment for our Patreon supporters. You can subscribe starting at $1 per month for access to bonus content going forward! Sign up at patreon.com/designdetails.Golden Ratio Supporter:Catch:Why did you become a freelancer? Was it for freedom? Flexibility? It probably wasn't because you wanted to manage your own health insurance, taxes, and retirement.Did you know Catch can do all...
2023-01-2629 min