Shows
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 59 with Sam VogelIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith welcomes Sam Vogel, a brand and web designer from Montana, who shares his journey into freelancing, the creative process behind his projects, and the balance between work and family life.Sam discusses his experiences with various clients, including a donut shop and a craft brewery, and emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive brand identity. He also reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting, offering insights into his approach to raising his two sons.You can find Sam’s work at samvogel.com
2025-10-2929 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 58 with Brian AtheyIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Brian Athey, a creative director and freelancer, about his journey in design, parenting, and work-life balance. Brian shares insights on managing family life with three kids, the importance of quality time, and the innovative Skylight Calendar that helps keep family schedules organized. He discusses his creative process, the challenges of freelancing, and the joy and lessons learned from being a parent. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present and building meaningful relationships with children as they grow.Brian can be...
2025-10-2233 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 57 with Doc ReedIn this episode of the Dadsigner Podcast, host Michael Smith welcomes guest Doc Reed. They discuss their initial connection through Instagram and the challenges of networking at events. The conversation highlights the importance of personal connections and overcoming social barriers. Doc shares insights into his creative journey, including his work on the Netflix documentary ‘Pez Outlaw’ and the internal initiative ‘Billy’ at Method. He also opens up about his transition to single parenthood and the impact of his late wife’s support on his career and family life.Doc can be found on instagram...
2025-10-1531 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 56 with Adam GrasonIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Adam Grayson, a senior brand designer at Acorns and a freelance designer. Adam shares insights about balancing family life with a demanding career, the importance of teaching children about financial literacy, and how personal experiences shape his creative work. He discusses his journey in illustrating children’s books, his health and fitness transformation, and the lessons he has learned as a father. Adam emphasizes the significance of being a positive role model for his children and the joy of witnessing their growth and independence....
2025-10-0833 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 55 with Brad BishopIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Brad Bishop, a seasoned designer and entrepreneur. Brad shares his journey from working in large agencies to starting his own design studio, Torch Creative, and reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing family life while making that change as his daughter entered Kindergarten. Torch Creative has had experience working with major sports brands and a super exciting project with Disney /Lucasfilm. The conversation also delves into parenting insights, highlighting the importance of spending quality time with family and the pride in...
2025-10-0130 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 54 with Brad StonekingIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Brad Stoneking, the founder of Piedmont Brand Company and artist at Dead Tooth . Brad shares insights into his journey as a graphic designer, from rock bands to the corporate world and out again. He discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, his creative outlet through Dead Tooth, and how he navigates the business side of design. Brad talks about the wake up call that COVID was for him to be a dad that was more involved than ever before. Michael even get’s this (se...
2025-09-2433 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 53 with Jimmy BryantIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Jimmy Bryant, the founder of Atomic Child, an outdoor brand that features his unique designs. They discuss Jimmy's journey into fatherhood, the evolution of his business, and the balance between being a designer and running a business. Jimmy shares insights on the importance of networking, the joys and challenges of parenting, and his reflections on success and personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of family, empathy, and the creative process in Jimmy's life.Shop all things Atomic Child at atomicchild...
2025-09-1730 min
The Dadsigner PodcastState of the Dadsigner PodcastHave you ever came to a realization of why you really do something. Something that won’t make you money, won’t bring you fame, and won’t change the world. That’s where I’ve gotten a year into making this podcast. I’ve toyed with monetization, I’ve dreamed of “going big”, and now I’ve come to terms with what’s ahead…Intentional connection. Don’t worry this is not a goodbye, I’ve got guests recorded and set to record, but I thought it was important to pause and talk about the future of the...
2025-09-1008 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 51: One year laterIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith reunites with former guests Mike Meulstee and Dan Cash for a roundtable discussion. They share life updates, including personal and professional changes, and delve into their recent projects. The conversation explores the tools they use for design, the impact of AI on the industry, and memorable guests from the podcast. They also touch on parenting insights and the balance between creativity and technology in design.Mentioned in the episode:* Daniel Swartz of Hoosier Type, a guest on Episode 13 and the Students...
2025-09-0337 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 50 with Michael SmithIn this special 50th episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith is interviewed by his wife, Lindsay. They discuss the origins of the Dadsigner brand, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the insights gained from interviewing 49 dads. Michael shares his joys and trials of podcasting, his personal style, and the influence of his upbringing on his entrepreneurial journey. The conversation concludes with reflections on parenting and the excitement for the future of Dadsigner.You can shop for the “eyes” books at dadsigner.com/shop This...
2025-08-2728 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 49 with Ethan ManningIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Ethan Manning, a creative director at Rare Design. They discuss Ethan's life in Haysburg, Mississippi, his family dynamics, and the challenges of parenting. Ethan shares his career journey, including his experiences with NASCAR and the Doosan Bears, emphasizing the importance of branding and community. He reflects on the joys and learnings of fatherhood, highlighting the significance of empathy and continuous growth in both parenting and professional life.You can see Rare’s work at rare.design This is a pu...
2025-08-2032 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 48 with Rocky RoarkIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews designer Rocky Roark, who shares his journey in the design industry, his experiences as a father, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Rocky discusses his recent 30-day brand challenge, the insights he gained from it, and the importance of engaging with his community through content creation. He reflects on the joys of parenting, the sacrifices he makes for his family, and the lessons he has learned along the way.You can find Rocky online at RockyRoarkHis website is...
2025-08-1329 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 47 with Dan BradleyIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews designer Dan Bradley, who shares his journey from creating MySpace banners to focusing on brand identity in the fitness industry. Dan discusses the balance between his freelance work and family life, the challenges of learning new design tools, and the importance of being present as a parent. He reflects on personal growth through the loss of his own fatehr and the lessons learned from his daughter, emphasizing the significance of appreciating small moments in life.Dan can be found on instagram at...
2025-08-0635 min
Creative BeliefEpisode 017 | Design, Fatherhood and Being an Entrepreneur | Michael SmithWhat happens when you trade the stability of a full-time job for the uncertainty of building something on your own? For Michael Smith, it meant creating Dadsigner — a subscription-based design business helping companies grow without the overhead of a full-time creative team.In this Season 02 kickoff, Michael talks about his journey from discovering design to running a solo creative business, how he’s built Dadsigner to serve clients while protecting his family time, and why taking the leap into entrepreneurship was worth the risk. Whether you’re a freelancer, a founder, or just curious about...
2025-08-0440 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 46 with Kameron DavisIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Kameron Davis, a freelancer and father, about his journey from mechanical engineering to design. Kameron shares his experiences as a dad, the importance of being present for his family, and how creativity plays a crucial role in both his professional and personal life. They discuss the evolution of Kameron's podcasting journey, highlight his design projects, and explore the balance between work and family life. Kameron emphasizes the significance of fostering creativity in his son and reflects on the joys and lessons learned through...
2025-07-3031 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 45 with Paul DouglasIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Paul Douglas, a freelance visual identity designer based in London. Paul shares his journey of balancing freelance work with being a stay-at-home dad, discussing how he finds clients, manages his time, and stays inspired. He highlights the importance of authenticity in client relationships and shares insights into his creative process, including notable projects like Kage Fitness and A Woman's Worth. The conversation also delves into the significance of health and fitness in parenting.Paul’s work can be found at sayohstudio.co...
2025-07-2327 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 44 with Tyler FonvilleIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith talks with Tyler Fonville, a creative professional at Keurig Dr. Pepper. Tyler shares his journey from a young artist influenced by his father's work in photography to becoming a versatile designer. He discusses the challenges and joys of balancing his creative career with family life, including the unique names of his children and the meaning behind them. Tyler also talks about his involvement in the Dallas Sheeple, a casual baseball team that promotes creativity and community among designers. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity...
2025-07-1629 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 43 with Jon RichardsIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with graphic designer Jon Richards about his journey as a freelancer, his passion for food and drink design, and the importance of community among parents. Jon shares insights on how his children have influenced his work and values, particularly in sustainability and ethical food choices. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting, the joys of watching children discover the world, and the evolving landscape of the food industry.The freelancer/parenting community that Jon mentions is Doing it For the Kids which...
2025-07-0930 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 42 with Seth RichardsonIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Seth Richardson, a remote employee at ActiveCampaign and a father of three. They discuss Seth's career journey from graphic design to product design, the integration of AI in design processes, and the importance of work-life balance as a remote worker. Seth shares valuable parenting insights, including the concept of a 'first night bag' for travel, and reflects on the significance of design systems in his work. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of parenting while maintaining a fulfilling career in design....
2025-07-0231 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 41 with Jonathan CaroneIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Jonathan Carone, a website and logo designer, and the creator of the podcast 'Healthy Sports Parents.' They discuss Jonathan's journey into design, the challenges of parenting in the context of youth sports, and the balance between work and family life. Jonathan shares insights on coaching his children, the evolution of his design business, and the importance of collaboration in the creative industry. The conversation also touches on the joys and lessons learned in parenting, emphasizing the significance of understanding each child's unique...
2025-06-2533 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 40 with Theron RagoonananIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Theron Ragoonanan, a designer based in Greece, about his journey into design, the challenges of balancing work and parenting, and his unique approach to graphic design using After Effects. Theron shares insights on his current projects, including a pro bono brand identity for a leadership event in Trinidad and Tobago, and discusses his aspirations for future product design. The conversation also delves into the personal growth that comes with parenting and the impact it has on his professional life.You can connect with...
2025-06-1832 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 39 with Chris MichelIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews Chris Michel, a UX designer and artist known for his unique online persona 'Hateful Crawdad.' Chris shares his journey from a childhood filled with creativity to his professional career in UX design, discussing his mural projects, the challenges of balancing art and work, and his passion for teaching through his YouTube channel, Figma Bites. The conversation also delves into parenting, exploring how Chris encourages his children's creativity while navigating the complexities of modern technology.Connect with Chris:* Social Media: @hatefulcrawdad
2025-06-1131 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 38 with Heinrich FerreiraIn this episode of the Dadsigner Podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with Heinrich Ferreira, a South African designer who has transitioned from working in a college setting to freelancing. They discuss Heinrich's journey in design, his experiences as a father of four, and the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life. Heinrich shares insights on the importance of fostering individual relationships with each child, as well as the learning curves of managing time and responsibilities as a freelancer.Heinrich’s work can be found on his website: silva-co.uk This is...
2025-06-0427 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 37 with Jesse GoldmanIn this episode of the Dadsigner Podcast, host Michael Smith welcomes Jesse Goldman, a designer and comedian, to discuss his unique career journey that blends creativity with humor. They explore Jesse's transition from the entertainment industry to tech, the challenges of parenting while pursuing creative projects, and the evolving landscape of comedy in the digital age. Jesse shares insights on balancing work and family life, the importance of thoughtful content creation, and the identity shifts that come with parenthood. The conversation highlights the struggles and successes of navigating the creative industry while being a dedicated...
2025-05-2837 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 36 with Jeremy SlagleIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews graphic designer Jeremy Slagle, who shares insights about his journey in the design industry, the dynamics of running a family business, and the importance of fostering creativity in his children. Jeremy discusses his experiences working with major brands like Major League Soccer and Target, and the founding of the Created Conference, a platform for creative professionals to connect and grow. He also reflects on his parenting journey, emphasizing the value of homeschooling and allowing his children to explore their own paths in the creative field.
2025-05-2132 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 35 with Adam TrestIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews fine artist Adam Trest, who shares his journey from being a classically trained portrait painter to a multifaceted designer. Adam discusses the importance of diversifying income streams through product design, the challenges of balancing family life with a creative career, and the significance of accessibility in art. He also reflects on his experiences as a father and the lessons learned in parenting, emphasizing the value of grace and support within the family.Adam’s work has been featured on HGTV’s Hometown and can be f...
2025-05-1431 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 34 with CJ MendezIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith interviews animator CJ Mendez, who shares his journey from graphic design to animation, the founding of his studio Noble Creative Collective, and the balance between family life and running a business. CJ discusses the creative process in animation, the importance of transitions, and how he involves his children in creative projects. He reflects on parenting successes and challenges, emphasizing the value of time spent with family over material gifts.Find CJ online at noblecreative.co This is a public episode. If you...
2025-05-0731 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 33 with David WalkerIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, host Michael Smith speaks with David Walker, a designer who shares his journey from marketing to establishing his own design business. David discusses his unique vintage-inspired design style, the importance of networking, and his experiences working with clients. He also opens up about the challenges of fatherhood, including navigating postpartum depression and the impact of being a dad on his creativity and business. David emphasizes the importance of being present for his family while managing the responsibilities of running a business.David’s work can be found at wa...
2025-04-3032 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 32 with Alex HoltIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, Alex Holt, the creative director and owner of CRTR Studio joins me. We discuss Alex's journey from a full-time job to launching his own brand design studio, the challenges of parenting, and the dynamics of neighborhood life. Alex shares insights into his creative process, the importance of brand stewardship, and highlights a successful project that showcases his studio's innovative approach to brand design. In this conversation, Alex shares his journey of navigating job loss while being a father. He discusses the importance of honesty with his children during...
2025-04-2332 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 31 with Felipe HerreraIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, Felipe Herrera, a seasoned designer and entrepreneur from Colombia, joins as the guest. Felipe shares his journey from studying advertising design in the U.S. to founding his own design agency, Tengo Ideas. He discusses the importance of resource-based action in design, his experiences in the digital transformation of the industry, and how he applies design thinking to help organizations amplify their impact. The conversation also delves into Felipe's approach to parenting, emphasizing curiosity and creativity, and concludes with reflections on his successes and failures as a father.
2025-04-1630 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 30 with Matt HoffmanIn this episode of the Dadsigner Podcast, Michael talks with guests, Matt Hoffman, a freelance designer and homesteader. They discuss Matt's background, his journey into design, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Matt shares insights into his creative projects, including Frankie Brand co, a tribute to his late grandfather, and how he nurtures creativity in his children. The conversation touches on the importance of documenting personal projects, the role of partners in parenting, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in parenting.To find Matt’s work online visit hoffmanmade.com
2025-04-0928 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 29 with Brad HansenIn this episode of the Dadsigner podcast, I speak with Brad Hansen, a creative director and freelance illustrator. We discuss Brad's experiences as a girl dad, his journey into the world of E-Ink devices for illustration, and the balance he maintains between his full-time job and creative pursuits. The conversation also delves into the complexities of design skills and the importance of mastering specific crafts in the creative field. In this conversation, Brad Hansen shares his experiences as a father and a designer, discussing the influence of creativity on parenting, the challenges of balancing work...
2025-04-0232 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 28 with Jeremy MitchellIn this episode I sit down with Jeremy Mitchell, most well know (to me) for Mitchell Bat Company. Our former guest Scott Fuller made the intro and I was excited to talk all things bats, family, and design. Jeremy and his family live in Nashville, TN. He’s been a full-time designer and creative director and now focuses a majority of his attention on the bat company. In the episode we talk about the trajectory of the bats and how he launched before he (and his wife) were ready. But it’s paid off and he’s gotten...
2025-03-2630 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 27 with Ian PagetIan Paget is a UK based designer and single-dad to one daughter. He specializes in logo and brand identity design and works with inspiring entrepreneurs and businesses looking to take their brand identity to the next level.He’s published a book called Make A Living Designing Logos that you can purchase here.Ian opens up about pivoting his career to be able to spend more time with his daughter, while making sure he can still support her with making logos. If you’d like to connect with Ian, he’s @logogeek on almost...
2025-03-1929 min
The NuttycastNuttycast S2: E02 Michael Smith - Dadsigner and R5 Co-labNuttycast is back for Season 2 where we go out and record on location! Caleb interviews Michael Smith, an entrepreneur and Friend. Hear about the inspiration behind Dadsinger and R5 Collab!
2025-03-1730 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 26 with Todd WikleTodd is the father to a little boy and a self-taught graphic designer. He lives in North Carolina with his wife. Throughout this episode you’ll hear Todd’s passion and energy for life. He’s got a go-getter attitude with the softest heart. Todd shares his journey to design and some of the tradeoff’s they’ve made as a family to focus more time and attention on their son. Todd’s work can be see at www.toddwdesigns.com or on Instagram @toddwdesign This is a public episode. If you would like t...
2025-03-1233 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 25 with Alxndr JonesI got to sit down with Alxndr Jones, or maybe he’s better known as “A Vintage Thought”. Either way his rough line illustration style is just about as rad as his desire to love and parent his daughter well. We get into what it’s like to share custody of children, how Alxndr developed his style, and the journey of career and parenting he’s on.You can find his work at avintagethought.com or most places around the social web by searching “avintagethought”. This is a public episode. If you would like to...
2025-03-0529 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 24 with Anderson BluuAnderson is a sneaker designer, graphic artist, and an all around great guy. He hails from New York where he lives with his wife and daughter. In the episode we talk about how he got his start in the sneaker world and about the numerous places that has lead him.We also dive into Anderson’s YouTube channel and chat about what it takes to be great on that platform. To see Anderson’s work just Google Anderson Bluu and make sure you subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndersonBluu
2025-02-2627 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 23 with Ced FunchesCed is a freelance web + product designer who got his start in the design world with the NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is the father of one son and shifted his career aspirations to focus on family more in the last 8 years.In the episode we talk about Ced’s children’s book A World without Mothers. You can purchase the book here: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-world-without-mothers/id579229423?ls=1see the Key and Peele video here: https://vimeo.com/cedfunches/key-and-peele-loves-moms?share=copyand watch the video that brought me t...
2025-02-1931 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 22 with Caleb WhiteCaleb White is a father to two boys. One his biological son, the other is his partner’s biological son. He opens up about their blended family and how it works alongside their business. He and his partner make up Dreamlit Creative a branding and photography company that helps businesses tell their story. Listen to the episode to hear about Caleb’s journey and intentionality as a father. Find him online at dreamlit.co or on social media @dreamlit.co This is a public episode. If you would like to disc...
2025-02-1228 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 21 with Aaron BrownAaron Brown joins to talk about the bobs and weaves of finding his way into his design career. His work and connections along the way have lead him to where he is today. Father to three and a big basketball fan are some of his superlatives. Listen to the full conversation to get a glimpse into what it's like to work for a pro basketball team. You can find Aaron online at @aaronavenue55th or at aaronavenue55th.myportfolio.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...
2025-02-0534 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 20 with Alex DarttIn today’s episode I speak with Alex Dartt from Toledo, Ohio. He’s a freelance brand and marketing design and dad. We chat quite a bit about Minor League baseball after Alex kicked off his career with the Toledo Mud Hens. During this conversation the podcast Baseball by Design is mentioned. You can find their show here.To follow Alex online you can visit his website: alexdartt.com or on most social media @alexdartt This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or g...
2025-01-2930 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 19 with Karl McCarthyKarl McCarthy is an identity designer and dad to two boys hailing from Northeast England. His distinct, bold, and playful style is extremely eye catching. In this episode we dive into character design, sketching, and inspiration in unexpected places while spending time with his boys. Karl’s work can be found online at karlmccarthydesign.co.ukor he’s @karlmccarthydesign on Instagram and threads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dadsigner.substack.com
2025-01-2231 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 18 with Jared TohlenJared is a father to three kids and art director living in Kansas City. In this episode we dive into his work on some leather good branding and illustrating kids books. But most importantly we talk about how doing hard things is a great example for our kids. There’s a moment in the episode where Jared talks about some application videos he created to earn a spot on the Fjallraven polar expedition. This creative endeavor was both fun and a way to show his kids to go for it. You’ll hear Jared doubt his chance of g...
2025-01-1534 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 17 with Mike JonesMike Jones is one of the creators of the Creative South conference as well as a dad to 4 kids and a great brand designer. In this conversation we dive into Mike’s work and parenting. Talking about things like having grown kids, what it’s like to trade ownership for branding, and how Creative South came to be. If you’d like to attend Creative South, I’ll be there and tickets are on sale now: creativesouth.comIf you’d like to follow Mike online, check out his Instagram or twitter @bucket826
2025-01-0828 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 16 with Tom CoxTom Cox started his design career at Coca-Cola which launched him on a career full of learning and developing a process he puts into book form. Tom is a father of 2 kids, an author, and brand designer. He’s designed things almost every single human on earth has seen. I’m grateful Tom took the time to sit down with me and talk about his new book, What the Hell is This?, and also go deep on caring for adult children and parenting parents. Please do yourself a favor and pick up Tom’s book, it’s a...
2025-01-0125 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 15 with KC ClarkIn this episode of the Dasigner Podcast, I’m good friend, KC Clark, a creative entrepreneur, dad, and owner of Legacy Creative. The conversation delves into KC’s journey through creativity, fatherhood, and his shift from being a primary designer to mentoring and coaching other creatives. With a deep dive into his agency’s mission and personal life, Casey shares insights on building a legacy, collaborating with others, and fostering creativity within his community.Resources Mentioned:* Julie Clark’s Music – A recommendation for those looking for deep, rich, and emotional music.* Legacy Creative – Casey’s agen...
2024-12-1834 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 14 with Scott FullerScott Fuller father of 2 kids and designer at The Studio Temporary joins me on the podcast this week. In this episode, we talk about his work for McNeil Signs, Bankhead Seafood, and the Atlanta Hawks. As well as Scott’s collaboration with Mitchell Bat Company. Scott reflects on his work balancing improving from his first kid to his second and getting the chance to have a second chance. Scott can be found on social media at the handle @studiotemporaryHis portfolio is thestudiotemporary.com and his streetwear brand ICONIC™ brand can be f...
2024-12-1130 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 13 with Daniel SwartzIn this episode, Daniel Swartz, better known online as Hoosier Type Company, sits down to discuss block press printing and fatherhood. Daniel has fully embraced the analog art of wood block letterpress and is making beautiful things. Balancing being a dad with running a small business and using the time we each have to do our best is a theme throughout. We discuss Tim Urban’s Life in Weeks calendar alongside Daniel’s mindfulness calendar. Make sure you follow Daniel on social at @hoosiertype.co and go pick up some of his prints on E...
2024-12-0429 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 12 with Chris LogsdonChris is a designer living in Saratoga Springs, NY. After years of working at agencies big and small, he moved his wife and two boys from Tennessee back to upstate NY. Chris has a breadth of work from his time at both Vayner Media (Gary V’s agency) to Wendy’s commercials while at a video agency. His focus now is balancing freelance brand development work with his family responsibilities.In this episode, family focus and client relationships come to the forefront. Chris was a delight to speak with.You can find him on s...
2024-11-2729 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 11 with Dan CashThe guest this week is Dan Cash.Dan is a dad and branding designer in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.In this episode, we talk about being a self-taught designer and turning that into a career. Dan shares tips on sketching, talks about being active on social media, and how each child poses their own learnings and challenges.Dan’s work can be found at dancashdesign.com and he’s on social media @dancashdesign. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or g...
2024-11-2035 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 10 with Peter DeltondoThe guest this week is Peter Deltondo. Peter is a dad, product designer, and people leader. He co-runs the annual design conference, Creative South, and is also a partner in the agency, Heyo.In this episode, we talk about raising kids you like to spend time with, how Creative South is like a giant family reunion, and dive a bit into some of the work that Heyo does.It’s evident if you spend any time talking with Peter that he’s genuine and truly cares. And there’s some talk about...
2024-11-1330 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 9 with Iquan WorthingtonIquan is a father of 3 boys and a partner in the agency Artoiholiks.In our conversation, we discuss raising creative kids and leaning into their interests and skills. Two of his boys are interning or helping out with creative pursuits. Everything from photography to logo design. Iquan talks about some of his familial influences on his art and dives into a couple of his favorite projects. You can find Iquan at either @iquanw or the Artoholoiks at @theartoholiks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...
2024-11-0629 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 8 with Jason CaldeiraJason is a father of 2 boys and runs 2 creative agencies. One with his wife called Caldeira Co. and a second with a more robust team called Nerve Collective.In this episode we talk a good amount about Jason’s small Chicago home and how intentional they are with design and order. We also dive into Jason’s design work and balancing that with being a dad. It’s a great conversation and Jason’s intentionality is infectious!Follow Jason on social @caldeira.co This is a public episode. If you would li...
2024-10-3036 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 7 with Michael AsireThis week Michael Asire joined me on the podcast. Michael and I went to college together and so it was great to connect again over this conversation. We dive into 2 side projects that Michael has created in the last 10 years, Typeblocks and some abstracted creatures made out of basic shapes. We also dive into quite a bit of conversation about textbook design. An area Michael has invested his career in.Listen to the conversation not just for the design aspect but also for the ways his children have influenced his work.
2024-10-2328 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 6 with Randy PlemelGuest Randy Plemel is a Public Sector designer living in Queens NY with his wife and 2 kids. In this episode we dig into Randy's experiential design projects, including how he encourages his kids to get involved. We dive deep into a project called Block Builders where Randy illustrated and printed stickers for New Yorkers to build their own ideal version of a city block. Randy promotes curiosity in his children by providing the tools and space for them to create on a whim. He owns a design studio called Expedition Works...
2024-10-1628 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 5 with Jason FrostholmJason Frosthold joined me this week. He's a branding designer and design professor in Mobile, Alabama. He has two teenage boys and runs a design studio with his wife. In this episode we dive into teaching his boys design principles and cover a bunch of Jason’s work. Everything from his Grad thesis work to bringing humans forward in an engineering marketing campaign.Here are some links to things we talk about:Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design by Chip KiddI inaccurately called David Sedaris, “David Sudeikis”… maybe he’ll have a cameo...
2024-10-0931 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 4 with Stevie RodgerStevie Rodgers is the guest this week. He's a UX designer living in London. And while we can't dive into the specifics of a lot of his work due to privacy issues, we talk a great deal about design and how it impacts our parenting. Some books Stevie recommends throughout the episode are:Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design by Kat HolmesInvisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World made for Men by Caroline Criado-PerezYou can find Stevie on social media @stevierodger This is a public episode...
2024-10-0239 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 3 | Owl MascotsOn episode 3 of the Dadsigner podcast, I sit down with Joe Baron of Branded Baron. Joe is the dad of one toddler son and runs his own brand design agency. On this episode, we talk about some personal projects he's worked on for his son. Things like mascots, apparel, and coloring books.Joe talks about being a dad and balancing that with his work. You can find Joe's work at brandedbaron.com or @brandedbaron on social. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...
2024-09-2529 min
The Dadsigner PodcastEpisode 2 | Color connections and beveragesAndrew Bly, New York-based designer and father of one, sat down and chatted about his design work, being a dad, and how the two intertwine.We discuss how we met via @nycpalette on Instagram, and how that project became a labor of love that got a lot of attention. We also talk through Andrew's design work with several food and beverage companies. Fresh Fizz, Fabalish, and Temple Bar. Other companies and accounts that come up during the conversation: - Snax Shot on instagram (@snaxshot)- Young Jerks: youngjerks.com/
2024-09-1829 min
The Dadsigner PodcastDadsigner Pilot with Mike MeulsteeEpisode 1 of the Dadsigner Podcast featuring Mike Meulstee (@artisticdork). In this episode, I sit down with Mike to talk about parenting and design. We cover topics like why some super markets are terrible, collaborating with other designers for fun, and how Pentagram's Reddit Snoo was borrowed from Mike's original.Mike also shares about his current favorite kids book illustrator: Vashti Harrison. She's created a series of Little Dreamer books and her work can be found at: https://www.vashtiharrison.com/vashti-harrison-illustrationIf you want to connect with Mike online visit his on all the social...
2024-09-1130 min
HiTech Podcast161 | Dadsigner: Agile Digital Collaboration
In this episode of the Hitech Podcast, we sit down with Michael Smith, known as the Dadsigner, to explore his agile collaboration techniques in digital design. We discuss our recent collaborative experience with Michael, where he helped us create a new brand for the podcast in a month. We also delve into his client process from onboarding to project completion, and get a firsthand look at how he uses Trello to streamline his agile workflow. Join us for valuable insights into effective digital collaboration and agile project management in the world of design, education, and Instructional Design!
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2024-08-271h 05
Would You Rather001: 8 eyes or an elephant trunk?Eyes, a neat book from Mike Smith (@mesmithdesign): http://www.dadsigner.com/product/eyes-book/A very nice tweet from @jakebarry: https://twitter.com/jakebarry/status/1013964610918068224See you laterz.
2018-07-0316 min