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That went quickly! Listen in to our live event where we commemorate 100 episodes of The Busy Creator Podcast and remark on the journey. This event was a crossover with the New York City Podcast Meetup, recorded at Small City Co-working space in Brooklyn.

Joining Prescott on stage are musician Joaquin Cotler (@ShinyIslands), UX designer Rashan Casseus (@rcassues) & video publisher/entrepreneur Gabby Wallace (@GabbyAWallace). Together we discuss daily practice, creating projects and nurturing them over time, and our own experiences with podcasting.

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 100 (MP3, 1:07:53, 32.7 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 100 (OGG, 1:07:53, 35.9 MB)

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Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes, on Google Play Music, on Android, on iHeart

Show Notes & Links * Small City co-working space in Brooklyn * Joaquin Cotler, musician, journalist, composer of The Busy Creator Podcast theme song * Paul Shaffer, Clark Terry, Questlove — late night talk show band leaders through the years * New York City Podcast Meetup * Joaquin has appeared on The Busy Creator Podcast episode 41 * John Lee Dumas & Kate Erickson, guests on TBC episode 50

"It's a great time to go to Puerto Rico if you already have a lot of money."
—Joaquin Cotler
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• Creighton Mershonn & Jessi Arrington, proprietors of Small City and past guests on TBC ep 92
• Vector Media Group, our default host of the NYC Podcast Meetup
• Nick Spriggs, partner at Vector, guest on TBC ep 91
• New York City Podcast Meetup is one year old
• New York City Podcast Meetup on Twitter
• New York City Podcast Meetup on Facebook
• Prescott removed Facebook from his phone, sleeps better
• The Busy Creator Podcast made it to 100 episodes — they’re all here
• Jonathan Coulton, and his Thing A Week podcast project
• JoCo Cruise, featuring Aimee Mann, et al

"Busy is a four-letter word."
—Prescott Perez-Fox
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• “Busy Beaver” is an English-language idomatic expression
• MIT’s mascot is Tim the Beaver, nature’s engineer
  Tim The Beaver
• Buzz The Busy Beaver is the mascot of The Busy Creator Podcast, but not modelled after Prescott

• HumbleBrag, a definition

• The Busy Creator Podcast started as bi-weekly, went up to weekly, then returned to bi-weekly
• Bi-Weekly vs. Fortnightly vs. every-other-week, semantics
• TBC by the numbers: 3 years, 106 episodes (including B-Sides), 98 unique guests, 15 single-topic episodes, 4 monologue episodes
• TBC by the numbers, best single day downloads: 567, 11 January 2017
• TBC by the numbers, best monthly downloads: 10,148, November 2016
• TBC by the numbers, lifetime downloads: 103,279, as of 16 January 2017
• Marc Maron’s show received nearly 750,000 downloads in 24 hours when he interviewed President Obama
• Casper Mattresses, not a sponsor

• TBC100 and #NYCPodMeet to see photos from the event

• Rashan Casseus, NYC native, FIT Grad, currently a Senior UX Designer
• Rashan & Prescott met at a fan meetup for Keith and The Girl
• R & P participated in The Cinnamon Challenge
• The Ice-Bucket Challange, The Mannequin Challenge, etc.
  Ice Bucket Challenge
• Emeril Lagasse

"I make digital tools easier to use."
—Rashan Casseus
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"UX is the thought process of how a human being gets from point A to point B."
—Rashan Casseus
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• MailChimp, and their mascot Freddy
• Disembodied Monkey Hand, the name of Joaquin’s new punk band
• Microcopy, the words around the site on buttons, short messages, etc.
• Eat24, and their “hungry” shopping cart
• 90Elm, Rashan’s cousin’s t-shirt company
• User Stories, User Interviews — tools of planning a site
• Sayba Naturals, Prescott’s mother’s soap brand
• Squarespace, also not a sponsor

"Websites are never finished, they are only abandoned."
—Prescott Perez-Fox, paraphrasing Leonardo da Vinci
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"Your website is done when you run out of time, or when the client says 'I want it up now'."
—Rashan Casseus
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• Museum of Arts and Design, NYC
• Gabby Wallace, YouTube producer, teacher, online marketing coach — hates headphones!
• Keith Richards
• Gabby defines herself as a creator. Simple.

"I create something every day. Most day, many things."
—Gabby Wallace
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• Prescott & Gabby met at Podcast Movement 2014
• Gabby was a podcaster, has moved back to YouTube.
• GoNaturalEnglish, a video show to learn to English
• Friendtor, teaming up with people of complementary skills
• Adrienne Stortz, Katie Quinn, cooking video producers in Brooklyn
• Matt Cremona, woodworker

"I reject all that quality and editing because it takes forever!"
—Gabby Wallace
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• Keytar
• Gilmore Girls, and the revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
• Gilmore Guys podcast
• The Town Troubadour from Gilmore Girls
• Joaquin attended CUNY J-School, earning a Master’s in Multimedia Journalism
• Atavist, easier to use than Squarespace or WordPress
• Roots on The Record, Joaquin’s graduate project speaking to musicians and
• Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz
• Marian McPartland, 1918–2013
• The Nerdist Podcast
• Alicia Witt, and her episode on The Nerdist
• The 101, traffic magnet in Los Angeles
• Studio 360
• Kurt Andersen
• Ashley Milne-Tyte, previous guest on TBC ep 8
• WBAI, the liberal talk station which plays Latin Jazz
• Ray Barretto

"Way more fun than playing music is listening to other people play."
—Joaquin Cotler
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• The Busy Creator Podcast is switching from bi-weekly publication to a seasonal format
• 9 Habits of Highly Creative People
• Zapier, upcoming episode for season.next
• Hulse Durrell, upcoming episode for season.next
• Vancouver Olympics
• New brand and website for The Busy Creator coming in the spring
• SASS (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets), better than CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
• Rashan Casseus on Twitter
• Rashan Casseus on Facebook
• Rashan Casseus on Instagram
• Rashan Casseus on LinkedIn
• Gabby Wallace on Twitter
• Gabby Wallace on Facebook
• Gabby Wallace on Instagram
• Gabby Wallace on LinkedIn
• Gabby Wallace on YouTube
• Joaquin Cotler on Twitter
• Joaquin Cotler on Facebook
• Joaquin Cotler on Instagram
• Joaquin Cotler on LinkedIn
• Joaquin Cotler on YouTube

Tools * Jira * Slack * Squarespace * Google Docs * Atavist

Techniques * Name buttons on websites in an intuitive way; say “conclude” or “done” * Consult a designer even when using a templated system like Squarespace * Take team outings as a way to get to know each other * Post a common planning document to keep your team accountable * Share your core message; if you don’t have it defined, go back to square one * Mix your “main bit” with casual, less rehearsed pieces * When discussing an “album”, call it a “record” to be more generic

Habits * Keep your skills up with family and community projects * Find the intersection of your creation and what people need * Post helpful content and videos; people will ask for your help * Constantly learn from others via podcasts, videos, blogs, books, etc. * Return to a consistent format to avoid rehearsal

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Craig Ward (@MrCraigWard) is a designer, art director, typographic artist, and author currently living in Brooklyn, NY. A UK native, he came to New York in 2009 shortly after being selected as an ADC Young Gun.

As a solo act, Craig created projects for Adobe, Squarespace, Calvin Klein, Google, Nike, and host of other large brands across entertainment, fashion, media, and consumer products. Lately, he’s rejoined the agency world.

In this conversation, we discuss the culture clash between a large company and a solo practice, the economics behind design (large and small), and where agencies can still innovate in spite of their size.

Catch up with Craig on his personal website, Words Are Pictures.

Cover photo by Jonathan Pilkington.

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 99 (MP3, 47:06, 22.8 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 99 (OGG, 47:06, 24.9 MB)

Subscribe to Get New Episodes Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes, on Google Play Music, on Android, on iHeart

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Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Prescott and Craig have been pals for several years due to the NYC design scene * Joaquin Cotler, a guest on The Busy Creator episode 41 and composer of the theme music * Craig is ok being called a “designer & art director”; he’s also directed music videos and earn other titles by action * Solo practitioners are a “one-man army” due to their multiple facets * The US O-1B Visa, for people, like Craig, “who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement … and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements …” * How a Bill Becomes Law

"Solo practice is very liberating, but brings its own problems."

—Craig Ward

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"When you work for someone else, you can spend almost 100% of time working on projects. For yourself, it’s maybe 50%."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"When freelance work became my full-time job I suddenly had free time."

—Craig Ward

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• Popular Lies About Graphic Design by Craig Ward on Amazon
• Craig’s first solo show

"I didn’t think at all about the financial aspects of solo work."

—Craig Ward

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• Grey advertising

"Big agencies are designed to spin wheels."

—Craig Ward

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"If you’re a creative person, you’re not supposed to be good at business stuff."

—Craig Ward

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• Intellectual Overhead vs. Property Overhead: anxiety, distraction, etc. rather than dollars

"When you work solo the highs are higher, but the lows are lower."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• “Make hay while the sun shines” and other farming metaphors
• Pentagram
• Eddie Opara, digitally-savvy partner at Pentagram
• Douglas Davis, previous guest on TBC

"In so many ways it’s a holiday to have a team."

—Craig Ward

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"At a certain point, agencies stop being creative companies and start being corporations."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Denise O’Bleness

"Clients get the work they deserve."

—Denise O'Bleness

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• Deutsch

"The answers are not found in the office."

—Craig Ward

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"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

—Seneca

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• Mother, an agency which has Design and Advertising within it
• The Shadow Cabinet, in Parliament
• Skunk Works

"The barrier to entry to experimenting is lower than ever."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"I worry that I’m spreading myself too thin, but I’d rather have a go than not."

—Craig Ward

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• Extrude nodes, chamfered edges – jargon of 3D printing and modeling

"We ran out of stuff to talk about … so we had a kid."

—Craig Ward

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"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

—Pablo Picasso

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"There’s real beauty in an eclectic team."

—Craig Ward

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• Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
• Craig Ward on Twitter
• Craig Ward on Instagram
• Craig Ward on Facebook
• Craig Ward on LinkedIn

Tools * Maya

Techniques * Use your “free” time for other long-term projects, like writing a book * Keep “swiftness” in mind; build momentum at the start of projects * Take on an agent to help even out the workloads * Encourage your team to get out of the office and see things around the city * Create a job number for excursions so you can track it; give yourself a time-budget per month * Visualize your projects internally, and sketch when you have an idea in mind

Habits * Be a “restless creative”, always be making something * Aim for one fully-fledged, start-to-finish project in your portfolio per year * Allow for Unconventional Inspiration (one of The 9 Habits of Highly Creative People) * Build in separation between your home and work life; force a commute and specific hours

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Brittany Cormack is a costume designer for film and television. Following her training in fashion and dance, Brittany arrived in Los Angeles without a clue how to work in the movie business, but has since found her groove. She works primarily on independent films, commercials, and music videos, but every day is an adventure.

Work has taken her from frozen mountains to coastal swamps, and everywhere in between. In this conversation, we discover how movie sets work, what happens when everyone is freelance, and where to build habits even during crazy periods.

Catch up with Brittany on her IMDB page or Portfolio.

Subscribe to Get New Episodes

Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes, on Google Play Music, on Android, on iHeart

Sponsor Freedcamp, the finest free online project management software

Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Gilmore Girls are back * Brittany and Prescott went to college together, danced together * Brittany is a costume designer for film & television * The difference between costume and fashion is that fashion is meant to sell; costume helps build a character

"Costume is the head-to-toe of a person" —Brittany Cormack

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• Costume should be part of the conception, not merely production
• Upstairs-downstairs, the term for important vs. non-important people
• Above-the-line/Below-the-line, terms in film (also advertising) to describe the most visible and important duties

"Each set and each project has an energy of its own." —Brittany Cormack

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"Every first day of shooting is like the first day of school." —Brittany Cormack

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• Caste System, even on a movie set
• On the set of Planet of The Apes, people will sit together based on their costumes
• Grips
• The Gig Economy

"You have to be a little half-crazy to work in this industry." —Brittany Cormack

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• Grey’s Anatomy, currently in season 13
• Contracts for short films or commercials are usually under 2 months

"If you’re ever looking for work, just plan a vacation." —freelancers’ adage

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• The Hollywood Model, where a team is built for purpose, then disbanded
• Sandy Powell, costumer designer on Cinderella

"In LA or New York, you can get anything if you have the money." —Brittany Cormack

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• Standard days of filming are 10-14 hours

"I only want to tell stories that I feel matter." —Brittany Cormack

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• Aristotelian Logic (Logos, Ethos, Pathos)
• Lexiconical Gap in English for “happiness” in the context of a career (in Danish we have arbejdsglaede)
• People Magazine Investigates
• Long Island Serial Killer, 2011

"If you want to be a true collaborator, you’ve gotta be willing to be a team player." —Brittany Cormack

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• Scandal (a Union show)
• Non-Union people can’t touch the clothes
• Greensmen, Set Decorators, Painters — keep away from one another’s jobs!

"If there’s a hat, you’re gonna wear it!" —Brittany Cormack

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• “Taking Meetings“, a common practice in Hollywood
• "You’re only as good as your last job." —Hollywood adage

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• Brittany uses Instagram strictly for work (no cats, no food!)
• Brittany Cormack’s portfolio
• Brittany Cormack on IMDB
• Brittany Cormack on Facebook
• Brittany Cormack on Instagram

Tools * Paper & Pencil

Techniques * Build a backstory for all your characters beyond what’s on the page * Keep track of everyone who owes you money * Call your “guy” when you’re in trouble * Stay around people, be inspired by them (as well as books)

Habits * Keep a positive, collaborative attitude above all * Use a billing software tool to track your invoices * Document your work on social media to stay current

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Get Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes about the Stars and Legends of the Movies by Stephen Schochet as a free audiobook

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Michael Stinson (@MWStinson) is a veteran designer, educator, and business owner. In addition to his work as a professor of graphic design, he also runs Ramp Creative, a branding studio in Los Angeles, as well as Type Ed, a dedicated typographic education business which helps creative pros return to form in the fields of typesetting and layout.

Together in this conversation we unravel some of today’s worst typographic habits, and how to overcome them, share a few tips that all creatives can use to improve their type usage, and discuss some processes for working with clients.

Catch up with Michael on his website, MichaelStinson.com, or through Type Ed.

Get The Episode

• Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 97 (MP3, 52:40, 25.4 MB)
• Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 97 (OGG, 52:40, 22 MB)

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Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes, on Google Play Music, on Android, on iHeart

Sponsor Freedcamp, the finest free online project management software

Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Michael is the first person from Los Angeles to join The Busy Creator Podcast * Ramp Creative handles a lot of variety — digital, print, mobile * Type Ed is an Education Organization, founded 2012 * UI/UX design has eroded traditional type study * High School scribbles are largely typography * Michael was taught both ends of the type spectrum — hand lettering and typesetting (3 words or 300)

"I'm not training you to be designers; I'm training you to be Creative Directors some day."

—Michael Stinson

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• Phonetics
• Whiskey Labels, an underrated technical as well as artistic challenge

"Everyone likes to do logos but wordmarks are extremely challenging."

—Michael Stinson

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• Chronicle Books
• Typography for Lawyers, great site for anyone, not just lawers

"Designers these days don't like process. They want to jump to making it look good."

—Michael Stinson

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"If you get your process in place, you can design anything."

—Michael Stinson

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• Michael is a former Aerospace Engineer; Prescott studied Mechanical Engineering
• Prescott — in spite of the hyphen in his last name — doesn’t like to use hyphens in his paragraph text

"Imagine if you're reading War & Peace in all caps — how far would you get?"

—Michael Stinson

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• Milton Glaser’s Bob Dylan poster
  Bob Dylan by Milton Glaser
• Michael was accepted to study Physics at Berkeley, but received scholarships in Art

"The beauty of graphic design is that it works both sides of the brain."

—Michael Stinson

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• Additive & Subtractive Colours
• Lithographic printing
• Calculus
• Ramp Creative is 2 principals and 1 designer

"If you follow the right words the path will take you to the promised land of the visuals."

—Michael Stinson

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• Different methodologies — layer cake vs. pay-as-you-go
• Lots of Jewish families in New York City worked in the garment industry

"You're an actor, you're a leader, you're an entrepreneur, you're a psychologist, you're a therapist ... all at the same time."

—Michael Stinson

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• Building Brands, a Step-By-Step Guide for Creative Pros to Develop Strategy and Design Identity — original eBook by Prescott Perez-Fox
  Building Brands eBook

"You're not going to use a crescent wrench for a hammer. Right tool for the right job."

—Michael Stinson

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"Never stop noticing design."

—Michael Stinson

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• The most stringest morning routine ever described on The Busy Creator Podcast was that of Michael Bierut
• Reading in The Brain by Stanislas Dehaene on Amazon
• The Intellectual Devotional by David Kidder & Noah Oppenheim on Amazon and on Audible

"Type isn't all about the characters themselves, it's about the space they take up and the negative space that's left."

—Michael Stinson

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• Michael defines himself as an introvert
• Douglas Davis, another educator to appear as a guest
• Cat Rose discussed creative introverts on The Busy Creator Podcast
• Type Ed
• MichaelStinson.com
• RampCreative.com
• Michael Stinson on Twitter
• Michael Stinson on Facebook
• Michael Stinson on Instagram
• Michael Stinson on LinkedIn
• Type Ed on Twitter
• Type Ed on Facebook

Tools * InDesign * Basecamp * Harvest

Techniques * Use Tables in InDesign for grid-based layouts (restaurant menus) * Build type hierarchy from the body copy up (subheads, etc.) * If you’re setting more than 35 words, don’t use All Caps, Italics, Centered * Don’t be afraid to use hyphens, but with discipline. (e.g., don’t use hyphens in the first line) * Don’t use more than 13 words on a line (left-aligned), or 7 words on a line (centered) * Aim for 50-70 characters per line (type size in points x 2 = measure width in picas) * Don’t build websites in Photoshop — it’s not made for layout

Habits * Keep the reader in your mind. Think of them first. * Always take clients through a verbal discovery phase first before visuals * Give your print partners multiple files — flattened, outlined, original files, native links, etc. — make their lives easier * Constantly observe and comment on design around you

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David Power is a multi-purpose creative pro based in Brooklyn, NY. Since moving to New York, he’s worked in music recording & production, written several business books, penned screenplays, and helped write and perform in comedy films. His latest project is a podcast documentary of how a feature film is made.

Our conversation covers creative practices and routines, as well as the often-nebulous world of film & video, including how to collaborate on a script and using crowdfunding to launch projects at scale.

Catch up with David on his website, DavidPower.com, or through his show, SureFirePodcast.com

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 96 (MP3, 44:01, 21.3 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 96 (OGG, 44:01, 24.9 MB)

Subscribe to Get New Episodes

Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes, on Google Play Music, on Android, on iHeart

Sponsor Freedcamp, the finest free online project management software

Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * David’s office is a multi-purpose room (writing, video editing, audio recording, podcast production) * Acoustic paneling * GIK Acoustics * Reverb * Anechoic Chamber * David started making films based on his own whims and desires * The Lonely Island * Saturday Night Life * D*ck in a Box * David is currently podcasting the production of a feature film * Michael Goldburg & Dave Chan, filmmakers * Iron Mule Comedy Film Festival, NYC * Seed & Spark, film-based crowdfunding platform * Transcontinental Railroad * Contractions (in dialogue) * David’s podcast episode on crowdfunding * Crowdfunding article on The Busy Creator blog * Kickstarter and pitch videos which now are their own project and format * Cathryn Lavery on The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 65 * American Sign Language (ASL) * Does Google Docs have an offline version? * Centered, Courier text for screenplays. Why? * David has assembled a 3-monitor desk setup over the years * Island of Misfit Toys * Crysis * Ivy Bridge, Intel’s best chip from Spring 2012 * David worked in a corporate environment for many years; no longer uses an alarm clock * Prescott watches one event on broadcast TV each year: The Oscars * Presidential debates in 2016 were streamed on Twitter * DavidPower.com * Sure-Fire Podcast * David Power on Facebook * David Power on LinkedIn

Tools * Trello * Slack * Google Docs * FinalDraft * BitBucket (on the web) * SourceTree (on the desktop) * Dropbox Paper * Dell PC Tower from 2009 * VEGAS Pro by ~~Sony~~ Magix * Cakewalk by Sonar * Hackintosh * Mac Pro

Techniques * Soften the corners of a room to dampen reverb/echo * Develop characters first, give them a voice and backstory, and then place them into a three-act structure. (Or not). * Collect all notes and ideas; save them for later and vetting each one before writing * Build a project management software workflow that actually reflects the way you work * Don’t store files in Slack; that’s not the place for permanent items * Use Plain Text formatting as a universal standard * Build a Hackintosh if you can’t afford a Mac Pro (which you probably can’t)

Habits * Cross-promote, tag, and share your social links with your collaboration partners * Exercise first thing in the morning * Meditate, eat, drink coffee before starting work * Use a floating lunch hour * Wake up without an alarm * Don’t actively seek out news (minus industry happenings)

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Get Finish the Script!: A College Screenwriting Course in Book Form by Scott King as a free audiobook

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Kathleen Shannon (@AndKathleen) is a graphic designer and brand strategist, and co-founder of Being Boss, a podcast and community for creative entrepreneurs. Kathleen began as a staff art director, but learned entrepreneurial habits working on her side projects and blogging. She's now seeking to become a media mogul and serve the creative community.

In this conversation, we discuss the origins of Being Boss, how Kathleen learned systematic behaviour and stays organised, and the common mindsets of creative entrepreneurs.

Catch up with Kathleen on the Being Boss website or that of her agency, Braid Creative.

• Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 95 (MP3, 52:24, 25.3 MB)
• Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 95 (OGG, 52:24, 24.4 MB)

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Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes | on Google Play Music | on Android | on iHeart

Sponsor Freedcamp, the best free online project management software

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Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Prescott had a classmate named Kathleen, who went by Kate. Her mother, also Kathleen, went by Cassie. * Kathleen was almost named “Cinco”, born May 5 * Prescott is born May 6, making the two both Tauruses * Kathleen describes herself as a “truth seeker & dream (job) chaser. Tea drinker & good food eater. Risk taker, magic maker & booty shaker.” * AndKathleen.com, Kathleen’s personal site and retired blog * “Creative Horcruxes”, websites and projects where we divide our passions, time, and attention * Kathleen co-owns Braid Creative with her sister Tara * Braid Creative is “Branding and business visioning agency for creative entrepreneurs” * The Being Boss podcast started in 2014 as a way for Kathleen to “grow the top of her funnel” * Emily Thompson (@EmilyM_Thompson), Kathleen’s partner in Being Boss * Prescott kept hearing about “your audience”, which sparked him to start The Busy Creator * Prescott admits that Being Boss is “ahead” of The Busy Creator in terms of spawning multiple forms (books, events, community classes, etc.)

"Show notes are a great way to increase search engine optimization."

—Kathleen Shannon

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• The aim is transform Being Boss from a podcast into “multimedia conglomerate”
• Chelsea Handler, Kathleen’s hero for hosting a tv show
• Kathleen & Emily recently submitted a book for publishing (due out Spring 2018)
• FreshBooks was a sponsor of Being Boss almost since the beginning, because they align
• Being Boss Facebook Group, 17,000+ members strong, has grown almost beyond control

"How you feel at work affects how you feel at home, and vice versa."

—Kathleen Shannon

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"We didn't want to sully the waters with money."

—Kathleen Shannon

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• The Being Boss Clubhouse is a year-long community learning course with coaching, and more.
• Will Hudson, early guest on The Busy Creator, ep. 12
• It’s Nice That and its sister agency, Anyways
• Armin Vit and Bryony Gomez-Palacio have both been on TBC, separately, eps. 3 & 84
• Brand New Conference, Brand New Blog
• Kathleen started writing on LiveJournal in 1999
• Kathleen worked as an Art Director for advertising while blogging at home
• The Etsy–Pinterest Boom
• Kathleen attracted freelance design projects from posting her wedding invitations

"First, you have to be dedicated to your craft."

—Kathleen Shannon

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• 10,000 hours
• “Fit of Entrepreneurial Passion”, as described by Michael Gerber

"Nothing kills creativity like desperation."

—Kathleen Shannon

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• Kathleen learned Project Management skills at her ad agency job
• Charlotte Hornets

"You can only connect the dots looking backwards."

—Steve Jobs

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• Steve Jobs addresses Standford class of ~~2004~~ 2005
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo on Amazon and on Audible
• Prescott’s grandfather collected his lifetime’s worth of business cards
• 9 Habits of Highly Creative People (free eBook)
• Kathleen & Emily met as internet blogging pals
• Emily pitched the idea of a podcast, along with responsibilities
• Kathleen is the editorial lead; Emily handles web and tech

"I didn't know this thing would need its own bank account one day!"

—Kathleen Shannon

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• 7 People are involved with the production of Being Boss, including an editorial assistant and an audio editor
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber on Amazon and on Audible

"Most people are still in their struggle. There's never a 'there'."

—Kathleen Shannon

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"Your goals mean shit if you feel like shit along the way."

—Kathleen Shannon

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• Emily only uses list view in Asana; Kathleen only uses calendar
• Prescott prefers Kanban view, where that’s available
• Ramit Sethi
• Kaizen, continual gradual improvements over time
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott on Amazon and on Audible
• Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson on Amazon and on Audible
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown on Amazon and on Audible
• Martha Beck
• BeingBoss.club
• Kathleen Shannon on Twitter
• Kathleen Shannon on Facebook
• Kathleen Shannon on Instagram
• Braid Creative on Facebook
• Braid Creative on Pinterest
• Being Boss on Twitter
• Being Boss on Facebook
• Being Boss on Instagram
• Being Boss on iTunes

Tools * Being Boss Podcast * Facebook Live * FreshBooks * Acuity Scheduling * Asana * CoSchedule * Notebooks, Post-Its * Evernote * Google Docs * Slack

Techniques * Ask your audience what they want, to create new content * Put in your 10,000 hours before becoming an entrepreneur; become a “confident expert” * Build a bridge before leaving your full-time job * Aim to replace your income before taking that last leap * Ask to be in client meetings; see the process up close * Share your process as you’re in it — publish along the way * Codify your methods, translate them to an e-course * Find a “business bestie” and have “Skype dates” * Use your existing resources to bolster your side projects * Create an org. chart to plan future expansion, duties * Know every element of your business, and only outsource as needed * When overwhelmed, write top 3 items on a Post-It * Be a little more casual with your team when chatting on Slack

Habits * Drink Coffee and Tea every morning * Broadcast on Facebook Live a few times a week * Make decisions, whether they’re right or wrong * Respect your future self (through systems) * Have empathy for others and what they struggle with — it may be different from you * Put everything in Google Calendar * Work out first thing in the morning

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Avery Swartz (@AverySwartz) joins Prescott to discuss the possibilities for the next version of BusyCreator.com. Together, the two discuss the capabilities of WordPress, best practices which Prescott is adopting (and should start), and the shortcomings of WordPress themes and plugins.

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Ben Seigel (@versastudiollc) is a web designer and developer, and head of Versa Studio. In addition to managing projects and writing the necessary code for client sites, Ben has examined and written about the underlaying value of design, how small businesses and design agencies can work together toward successful ends.

In this conversation, we dig into content management systems on websites, discuss managing remote teams, remark on transitioning from a pure developer to a business owner, and share some common ailments of working with small businesses on their brand and web design projects.

Website Planning for Small Business

Grab Ben’s eBook, Website Planning for Small Business, and catch up with him via the website for Versa Studio.

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 94 (MP3, 54:50, 26.5 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 94 (OGG, 54:50, 26.2 MB)

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Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

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Show Notes & Links * Versa Studio is a distrubuted team, building websites & brands for small business and non-profits * Ben previously ran a lawn service and worked internally in the insurance industry * HAM Radio * Commodore 64, Prescott’s first computer * The Internet of Things * Versa Studio works with ExpressionEngine and Craft, exclusively * WordPress * Nick Spriggs, previous guest on The Busy Creator Podcast * Vector Media hosts the New York City Craft Meetup * Register for a temporary live installation of Craft * Ben manages projects, but also still writes code and works on the sites * Ben runs the Madison Web Design/Development Meetup * Big Data * Periscope * Ben’s eBook, Website Planning for Small Business

"If someone wants to spend $20k on a project, but won't take 2 hours to read a plan ... they're not going to be a good client."

—Ben Seigel

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• Prescott’s eBook, Building Brands

"You need a 'minimum viable brand' before any website."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Prescott wants the “power of suggestion” as his business superpower. Ben prefers a version of ESP.
• Request for Proposals (RFP)

"(an RFP) is a really great way to waste a whole bunch of peoples' time."

—Ben Seigel

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• Brennan Dunn, Roadmapping
• A “Warm RFP” has a higher chance to succeed

"You can read four proposals. You probably can't read 19."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Current (October 2016) Facebook image guidelines
• Full Employment Act
• Bespoke aka custom-built
• Tim Ferriss

"We're not built to sit all day. We're also not built to stand. We gotta move."

—Ben Seigel

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• Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin
• Graceland by Paul Simon on Amazon
• Derek Sivers
• Versastudios.com/now — what Ben is doing now
• Versa Studio
• Versa Studio on Twitter
• Versa Studio on Facebook
• Ben Seigel on LinkedIn

Tools * ExpressionEngine * Craft CMS * Photoshop * Sketch * HeartMath

Techniques * If given the opportunity, build a new platform fresh without links to the past ten years of legacy code * Connect with people in person rather than social * Break a project into steps/phases, so you can learn about the client as you go * Build a “Helvetica-Vanilla” version of your website while you test-and-iterate on brand, content, visual styles * Counter an RFP with an honest, candid phone call or conversation * Ask about the competition for proposals/pitches/tenders * Review a project through a post-mortem * Auto-answer common email questions * Pomodoro Method

Habits * Create a “framework” for your projects; share it with clients and industry * Start projects with an “assembly line” for beginning a project * Call Templates “Starting Documents” * Be flexible on your standards and workflow * Save code snippets and text macros as you work on projects; you’ll likely need to use them again. * Always move during the day * Work toward your daily practices

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Douglas Davis (@DouglasQDavis) is a graphic designer, professor, consultant, and author of the new book Creative Strategy and the Business of Design. The book, which follows his recent talks and workshops, explores business issues that face creative professionals, especially those which may not even seem apparent.

In this conversation, we explore the business culture exposed creatives, the shortcomings of our design education system, and how Brooklyn is becoming the home for creative thought.

Check out Douglas’s book, Creative Strategy and the Business of Design, now available where fine books are sold.

Show Notes & Links * Douglas joins Prescott at his home-studio in Brooklyn. Douglas too is a Brooklyn resident and former neighbour. * Douglas describes himself as a Professor, among other things * New York College of Technology, Communication Design * City College, Branding & Integrated Communication graduate course * Nancy Tag * The Davis Group * “In The Arena” * DCRIT – MFA in Design Criticsm at the School of Visual Arts, now MA in Design Research

"Everyone has that story of when they were first taken advantage of."

—Douglas Davis

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• Creative Strategy and the Business of Design by Douglas Davis on Amazon
• Pratt, Communication Design MA
• Creative pros spend the first ten years of their careers “face down at the desk”
• NYU, MS in Integrated Marketing
• “In The Trenches”

"Design school doesn't teach business, and Business school doesn't teach how to inspire designers."

—Douglas Davis

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"Clients expect us to answer their problems with creativity that's on-brand, on-strategy, and on-message."

—Douglas Davis

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"Success has many fathers but failure is an orphan."

—Russian proverb (or maybe Tacitus c. 98 AD)

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"Do it right or do it thrice."

—Douglas Davis

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• The in-house design team of yesteryear was almost like a Kinko’s

"Business is annexing design. Our design jobs are more important because of that."

—Douglas Davis

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• McKinsey & Co. “Building a Design-Driven Culture” article
• IBM has been acquiring digital advertising, marketing, design
• The New York Times also has been acquiring
• Deloitte, other consulting companies
• GoPro is becoming a content/media company

"Design is the spoonful of sugar that makes marketing & business palatable to the public."

—Douglas Davis

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• Apple’s invested in design and beat Sony. Sony did that previously to beat Panasonic.
• Dr. Marjorie Kalter, NYU
• Direct Marketing Hall of Fame

"'I love it' is not a compelling business rationale."

—Dr. Marjorie Kalter

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• RIP Flash, Actionscript

"We're here to inject art into commerce."

—Tibor Kalman

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• Unknown Unknowns

"It's almost a rite of passge to make every mistake in the book."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Bryce Bladon, editor of Clients From Hell, was on The Busy Creator Podcast, ep. 78
• “Trial By Frying Pan”
• Fred Nickols, Strategy Is Execution (PDF download)

"Begin with the end in mind."

—adage

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"Think like they think to do what we do."

—Douglas Davis

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• Litmus Test

"The short hand comes later; first you have to use the long hand."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"I've seen ideas die on the table because creatives weren't able to set the context."

—Douglas Davis

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• Adams Media/HOW Books
• HOW Design University
• Creative Strategy began as an online course. It earned $17,000 in 9 offerings
• Tony DiSpigna, typographic illustrator
• How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy on Amazon

"Some people are better at other things than I am."

—Douglas Davis

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• Applesaucing
• Art Director can mean many different things
• General Assembly
• The Narcissicm of Minor Differences
• September/October 2016 issue of HOW Magazine
• DouglasDavis.com
• ThinkHowTheyThink.com
• Revision Path with Maurice Cherry
• Obsessed With Design with Josh Miles
• Douglas Davis on Twitter
• Douglas Davis on Facebook
• Douglas Davis on LinkedIn

Tools * AdWeek * HOW Magazine * Laptop * Evernote

Techniques * Learn what keeps your client up at night so you can speak the same language * Divide a project into smaller pieces so your clients can see the process unfold * Consider how you “Frame” your solution. Often that’s the point of differentiation. * Banish words like “right” or “wrong”, in favour of “it works” or “it doesn’t work” * Practice with co-workers to use better, more instructive language * Start with the story, then teach the lesson. This helps you write chapters in a book, for example. * Keep a desktop folder called “desktop dump” where pretty much everything goes.

Habits * Work to maximise the “trust in the room” * Take a moment at the beginning to write a “problem statement” * Add a physical activity to your routine, such as boxing * Take time to travel, perahps 2x per year

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Jessi Arrington (@JessiArrington) and Creighton Mershon (@Cr8tonMershon) are the founders of Workshop, a Brooklyn-based creative agency, as well as the proprietors of Small City, a new co-working space and home to dozens of independent creative pros.

Alongside their design practice, Jessi & Creighton have grown their co-working experience by taking on more responsibility across three different spaces in Brooklyn. In this conversation, we discuss the oddities and challenges of New York real estate, the financial and logistical efforts needed to run a co-working space anywhere, and a bit about balancing family life with all manner of creative and business tasks.

Catch up with Jessi & Creighton on their websites for Workshop and Small City.

Cover photo by Bekka Palmer

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 92 (MP3, 59:17, 21.5 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 92 (OGG, 59:17, 26.1 MB)

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Sponsor Freedcamp, the best free online project management software

Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * In Fall 2007, Prescott ran the Philadelphia Marathon but also discovered that he didn’t know any peers in the design biz * Jessi and Prescott in Debbie Millman‘s class at SVA in Fall 2007 * Jessi & Creighton met in the “New York Design Scene”
Jessi & Prescott, being young and wild * J&C have broadened the definitions of “Design”

"A shared word does not mean a shared definiton."

—Debbie Millman

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"Design is about intention. We're trying to live a designed life."

—Jessi Arrington

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• Parsons, The New School for Design
• Jessi & Creighton founded Workshop in 2005 (and married in 2006)
  Jessi & Creighton recently celebrated their ten-year anniversary
• Workshop now practices “in-person experience design”, which encompasses physical spaces, graphics, and time (how a person moves through a place)

"I like to think about our projects and ask 'What happens when we press play?'"

—Creighton Mershon

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• Rainbow Parade

"Nothing like your job to get in the way of your work."

—business adage

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• Workshop is currently three partners: Jessi, Creighton, and Casson Rosenblatt
• TED

"Keeping it small has been good for our business but bad for our personal lives."

—Jessi Arrington

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• The Hollywood Model, a definition
• Co-Working, a definition
• Small City is a converted industrial space in Gowanus, Brooklyn
• The decor is very un-office-like
• Big Reuse
• Brooklyn Beta
• Comedy Hack Day
• Before opening Small City, J&C ran two prior co-working spaces, allowing them to become familiar with security deposits, etc.
• Desks at Small City cost $550/mo. (get yours)

"Airbnb is a real estate play."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• DUMBO, Brooklyn (which used to be a very scrappy, creative ‘hood is now too expensive for upstarts like Workshop)
• HOW Magazine
• Different professions need different square feet per employee (call centers need 90; architects need 600)
• Airbnb
• One aspect of gentrification is desk workers replacing industrial workers
• Coney Island, as far as you can go in Brooklyn
• Popular Science magazine (and its predictions of the future)
• Will self-driving cars transform commuting, and thereby the suburbs?
• Sheepshead Bay, Ridgewood, Castle Hill — New York City neighbourhoods outside of Manhattan
• Jessi & Creighton sold their Brooklyn condo and bought a building in Louisville, KY as part of a future project and for the ability to live in multiple cities
• Some folks are commuting to Small City from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn
• Commuting is tolerable if you have a nice “work neighbourhood”
• The Internet of Things
• ACH
• Carting Companies, independant, for-profit companies a commercial space must use to collect garbage
• “Who’s dealing with the trash!”
• Adobe MAX
• Prescott’s family comes from the Recycling industry
• P&L = Profit & Loss
• WeWork
• Will co-working spaces offer childcare and other services?

"Us being happy parents involves a certain amount of chaos."

—Jessi Arrington

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• The Gowanus Canal (not for swimming)
• Jessi gave a TED talk
• AIGA & AIGA/NY
• Workshop
• Small City
• Jessi Arrington on Twitter
• Jessi Arrington on Facebook
• Jessi Arrington on Instagram
• Jessi Arrington on LinkedIn
• Creighton Mershon on Twitter
• Creighton Mershon on Instagram
• Creighton Mershon on LinkedIn

Tools * Quickbooks * Google Sheets * Station Wagon * Found objects * Reused furniture

Techniques * Keep your company small enough so you don’t have huge overhead * Look for other ways to keep a network alive aside from conventional employees * Use co-working studiomates for accountability and courage * Find and reuse furniture or items, especially when found on the street or at flea market * Use your existing resources for client events and experiences (no rules against that) * Build a culture where people “take out their own recycling” * Work up little by little into bigger spaces, which in turn allow you to save more and more money for future use * Schedule a day each month to create the necessary invoices * Keep separate bank accounts for different areas of operation (client services vs. renting desks)

Habits * Work to improve stopping and documenting projects and process * Keep your company small if you’re not an effective or natural manager * Always consider the trash situation following an event!

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Nick Spriggs (@ncsfoo) is a partner at Vector Media Group in New York City. Though he wasn’t one of the original founders, Nick’s role at Vector has been to grow the design and branding offerings to complement the development and marketing capabilities previously in place.

In this conversation, we discuss cultural differences among designers and developers, office rituals used at Vector, how to keep your remote colleagues in the daily mix, and best practices to keep an entire team communicating clearly and working productively.

Catch up with Nick on the website for Vector Media Group.

Subscribe to Get New Episodes

Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes | on Google Play Music | on Android| on iHeart

Sponsor Freedcamp, the best free online project management software

Bandwidth for The Busy Creator Podcast is provided by Freedcamp, Group Efforts Made Effortless.

Freedcamp is best free online project management software available. By using the built-in functions and additional tools like time tracking, invoices, milestones, file storage, and more, teams can customise the software for the task at hand! The Busy Creator Podcast itself is managed and operated on Freedcamp. Get started for free on Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Nick & Prescott are co-hosts of The New York City Podcast Meetup * Past guest Vijay Mathews is a mutual friend * Nick is a native of Australia, came to the US for University in 1999 * Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

"Somehow a year in New York turned into 14."

—Nick Spriggs

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• Prescott ran afoul of the Visa situation when he graduated from a UK university
• E-3 Visa for Australians, TN NAFTA for Canadians, et al.
• Christina Canters, a past guest on The Busy Creator
• The Museum of Mathematics
• Vector’s output is mainly websites & apps
• Their studio is rooted in branding, typography, traditional graphic design
• Nick likes the term “Product Designer” in the rare cases when it actually applies (thought beyond the page or the pixel, to the inter-connected parts and a bit of the “how”)

"Clients sometimes don't understand what the term 'Design' means."

—Nick Spriggs

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• The “explosion of explanation” can be exciting for a client
• Designers are trained to observe, critique, discuss our work; clients, not so much
• Vector was created around 2008 by Matt Weinberg & Lee Goldberg
• Vector is staffed with “Creative Developers”, not just code monkeys
• Nick was invited to join as a partner after working together as a collaborator previously
• Vector [still] takes on pure development projects, as well as a few pure design projects. Most stuff is collaborative, though.

"You really have to be on your game when explaining something (to remote teammates.)"

—Nick Spriggs

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• Reddit, and the “well, actually” culture
• Vector has started creating a Darts-scoring app as a side project
• They also created a “Project Hub” for client milestones & assets. (Click to enlarge)
• Client dashboard (as static HTML)
• Basecamp
• “Clock Discipline”, the habit of tracking your activity hour-by-hour
• Ken Carbone on fixed-costs project fees
• Matt Inglot of Tilted Pixel
• Consigliere
• Vector provides staff with laptops, allowing transportability and work-from-home
• Google Hangouts on Air will become YouTube Live
• You can now do VOIP calls in Slack
• GoToMeeting
• Zoom
• UberConference (and their hold music)
• 9 Habits of Highly Creative People
• Adam Harrison Levy uses wood-stacking as creative distraction
• Formula 1 Racing

"A big part of building the business is just time management."

—Nick Spriggs

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• Todd Henry books “office hours”, a time where your team can access you
• “Distractioneering”, when social media companies distract you on purpose
• Nick Spriggs on Twitter
• Nick Spriggs on Facebook
• Nick Spriggs on Instagram
• Nick Spriggs on LinkedIn

Tools * Google Hangouts * Burn down reports * Stack Overflow * Slack * UsabilityHub * Usability.gov

Techniques * Keep clients excited & enthusiastic beyond the project itself (if they can’t stay energised, it’s hard for you). * Bring clients “in” to the process (wireframes, sketches, etc.) * Have clients describe “found objects” in early phases; let the client use their own language so we can use it later * Allow designers & developers to cross-involve each other * Learn to hold quick, informal meetings internally * Involve developers into design-led processes; they too can participate * Formalise kick-off meetings to involve the whole team, when possible * Use retainers with clients; set aside blocks of hours ahead of time to ease minds and control workflows * Schedule “reverse meetings”, time where you’re actually at your desk working and no one can distract you * Take a screenshot at a random time during the day; see what everyone in the shop is working on

Habits * Use collaboration to inspire ourselves * Observe the politics of your client’s company * Bring your remote employees to headquarters for occasional workshops/retreats * Explain with clarity when sharing with clients or remote colleagues * Hold daily Standups, even with remote staff (via video call) * Celebrate the project conclusion (close-out, hand-off, etc.); create office rituals around milestones along the way * Track your time internally — as individuals and as teams — for your own learnings, regardless of how you bill the client * Visit the quirky coffee shops in your neighbourhood * Take the time to walk home (even if it’s 1 hour or more) * Take a 10-15 minute walk when you feel “stuck” or distracted

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Cat Rose (@CreativeIntro) is an independent graphic designer and founder of The Creative Introvert, a website and community for creative professions who share introverted personality types.

In this conversation, we discuss the oddities of life as a freelance designer, the observed behaviour of creative pros and where they fall on the introverted/extroverted continuum, and the challenges of building online communities and creating compelling content.

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This episode is sponsored by the new eBook Building Brands: A Practical Guide for Creative Pros to Develop Strategy and Design Identity.

Show Notes & Links * Cat lives in Brighton, England * Prescott has visited Brighton, as well as Rottingdean, and the University of Sussex * Farnham, a picturesque town in Surrey with a 10th century castle [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxTrwF3rbrE' format='16-9' width='16' height='9'] * Cat remains a graphic designer, started as an illustrator * Behance * Spaghetti code * Cat draws people's pets * Prescott chatted with Matt Inglot on The Freelance Transformation Podcast * Flash (dead in name only) * How to use Sketch for print design (if you're a complete animal.) * InDesign and Illustrator aren't great for pixel design * "Leg It" * The Irish Goodbye * Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, system for determining personality types * The Big Five personality traits, aka the Five Factor Model (FFM) * Introvert-Extrovert spectrum * Ambivert (both introvert and extrovert) * Brighton Pride parade, a most extroverted affair * People with "I" in their Myers-Briggs result aren't considered for management roles * Would you ever go to the movies by yourself? * Bill Gates, a well-known, successful introvert * Empathy is an introvert super-power, as are deep though, analysis, etc. * Limiting self-beliefs, rather than introversion per se is what holds people back * Get Your Art Out Summer Camp, a four-week course from The Creative Introvert * Learning styles (visual, written, auditory, etc.) * Is there a link between learning styles and introversion/extraversion? * Mignon Fogarty aka Grammar Girl, a guest on The Busy Creator Podcast, ep. 67 * "Applesaucing", re-using your content across multiple forms * Pat Flynn wrote two articles (1, 2) about repurposing your site/podcast content * Upcycling and Downcycling, terms from Recycling * Masterminds vs. Accountability Partners, which do you prefer? (Introverts prefer partners.) * Meetup.com * The New York City Podcast Meetup * Malcolm Gladwell's Connectors * The Rule of 3 and 10 for growing organizations * The Creative Introvert * Cat Rose on Twitter * Cat Rose on Facebook * Cat Rose on Instagram * Cat Rose on LinkedIn * Cat Rose on Pinterest

Tools * Behance * MacBook Pro * Adobe Creative Cloud * Trello * Evernote * Slack * After Effects

Techniques * Set a brief for yourself to make fine arts more of a "project" * Build lasting relationships as a freelancer, even with your last employer * Go minimal, if you can. Don't use a mouse and keyboard. * Learn quickly, trust that you can teach yourself new tools * Repurpose your content to serve different audiences (written vs. spoken vs. infographic) * Be careful when creating a community * Test and iterate, even on morning rituals * Replace "routine" with "rhythm" * Approach fearful projects in tiny increments (a six-second video vs. a feature film)

Habits * Use the software for its intended purpose! * Adapt to clients and their workflow * Compose your thoughts before filming/recording yourself; not everyone is an improviser. * Wake up 4:30-5:00am for early yoga, journaling, meditation * Do "the hardest thing" during coffee

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Andrew Berkowitz (@TheWitzCarlton) is the Head of Product for Tradeversity, a buying-and-selling platform for university students. After gaining experience in a large corporate setting, Andrew has jumped in to startup life, enjoying the struggles along the way.

In this conversation, Andrew shares some of the workflows required in a young, small, and nimble company, as well as his experiences testing personal productivity methods and morning routines.

Catch up with Andrew on his own show, The Global Startup Movement

Show Notes & Links * Andrew is “Head of Product” for Tradeversity * Early stage startups require the wearing of many hats

"Design is the question of taking what's in the mind and manifesting them into reality."

—Andrew Berkowitz

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• Tradeversity is exclusive to higher education students
• Andrew graduated from Virginia Tech
• .edu, .ac.uk — educational TLDs
• Sharepoint, and other internal marketplaces within corporations are rather outdated

"Product Design is more like being an inventor than a designer."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"The most important aspect of building a product is gaining empathy for users."

—Andrew Berkowitz

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• Ideo
• Design Thinking can mean different things
• 5 elements of D-Thinking: gain empathy → define problem → ideation → prototype → test & iterate
• Andrew worked at a large bank before joining a startup
• Scrum Master (in Agile Project Management)

"The speed at which a project is moving is directly proportional to the energy involved."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"Innovation comes from failure; Having the freedom to fail allows us to innovate."

—Andrew Berkowitz

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• Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson on Amazon and on Audible
• Andrew runs his own podcast, The Global Startup Movement
• Nootropics, cogntive-enhancing pills
• Nootrobox
• Andreessen Horowitz, Venture Capital firm
• “Sprint Pills” as an alternative to coffee

"The culture and the habits are more important than the tools."

—Andrew Berkowitz

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"The tool you use should reflect the system you've set up, and the mindset behind that."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• The 1800 Exercise
• Tradeversity was launched from a content award — $20k and a year’s worth of office space
• Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill on Amazon and on Audible
• Conspiracy, from the Latin conspiratare, meaning “to breathe the same air”
• Virtually Reality, and opportunities for collaboration
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline on Amazon and on Audible

"A Virtual Reality device is an empathy machine."

—Andrew Berkowitz

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• Marie Poulin, not part of the “cult of 5:00am”
• Entrepreneur on Fire
• Andreesson Horowitz Podcast
• The Tim Ferriss Show
• Amazon Kindle
• Audible
• Gadgets have to fit “The Three B’s”: Beach, Bed, Bath
• Millennials read more than Baby Boomers
• Amazon opens brick-and-mortar book stores
• The Global Startup Movement
• Andrew Berkowitz on Twitter
• Andrew Berkowitz on Facebook
• Andrew Berkowitz on LinkedIn

Tools * Tradeversity * Walletpop * Craig’s List * Agile Development * Whiteboards * Trello * Nootropics

Techniques * Understand the emotions of your users. This will bring insight. * Employ Design Thinking; bring in real people and get your hands dirty * Experiment with “packaged services” * From a corporate setting, the thing you can learn most is working with diverse teams * The 1800 Exercise: describe how projects get done in the year 1800 (using only parchment & quill)

Habits * Keep Trello tidy; not started → in-progress → done * Have regular Sprint-planning and Retrospective meetings * Wake up around 6:00am for yoga, weightlifting, or running * Feed your subsconscious mind until it takes over

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Tanner Gers (@TannerGers) is an author, entrepreneur, and paralympic athlete. Blinded in a car crash at age 21, Tanner has learned entirely new methods of communication and working.

In this conversation, Tanner discusses some of the technology — both lo- and hi-tech — he uses to experience the world in the absesnce of sight. We also share all-purpose productivity tips and examine his morning routines.

Show Notes & Links * Tanner describes himself as "Creative and Successful", hence the Creative Success Podcast

"I get the most fulfilment from serving other people."

—Tanner Gers

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• Tanner is a Paralympian sprinter
• Tanner is also a speaker, author, blogger, podcaster, producer, and coach
• Todd Henry, and other writers, have been on the show previous (here, here, and here, for example)
• Tanner embarked on a "personal development journey" after being struck blind "I use Technology to do everything, and I'm so grateful for it."

—Tanner Gers

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• ADD
• The importance of reading to your children
• Tanner turned to music (and dancing) in his new blindness. That turned to creative writing for lyrics, and other prose. "A picture's worth 1000 words. I was quite the talkative person; I would overcompensate for the lack of visual input."

—Tanner Gers

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• Screen reading software, build into Mac OS X, iOS as "voiceover"
• Jaws, screenreader for Windows
• Ray Charles
• Blind people are remapping their senses via "sonar"
• Human Echolocation
• The British boy learning from "Bat Boy"
• Spark from CBC Radio
• Spark 268, the episode covering sight-aiding and other sensory technology "I'm very blessed to know what a 747 looks like, what a sunset looks like, what blue looks like."

—Tanner Gers

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• Dan Greene, born blind now writes missile-guidance software for Raytheon
• Putting Your Pen to Paper, episode 5 of Creative Success show
• Braille — Grades I and II
• Tanner had a question about "Quest Ion"
• Morse Code
• Tanner took a sleep study; was disturbed 100x in 6 hours "Installing a daily routine will take your game to the next level."

—Tanner Gers

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"Education is what remains after you've forgotten everything you learned in school."

—anonymous

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• Prescott studied Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
• Laminar Flow
• Adiabatic Compression vs. Isothermal Expansion
• Thermal Expansion Valve (Refridgeration) "When you split the atom, energy escapes. When you switch tasks, attention escapes."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Amy Porterfield
• Hal Elrod (leader of "The Cult of 5:00am")
• Professional Rugby League in America
• Creative Success Show
• Tanner Gers on Twitter
• Tanner Gers on Facebook
• Tanner Gers on Instagram
• Tanner Gers on LinkedIn
• Tanner Gers on YouTube

Tools * Brainport, let's you "see" with your tongue * Jaws

Techniques * Turn off technology when it's time to focus on content * Develop a verbal memory so you don't have to re-read what you just wrote * Sleep with earplugs if you wake easily due to noise * Sleep with music at low volumes (like Prescott has done since 1999) * Test different methods; don't blindly follow gurus * Alternate hard days with lighters days regarding fitness training. Use those recovery days.

Habits * Stick to your daily routines * Go through mental routines first thing in the morning (gratitude, etc.) before you get out of bed * Serve someone else early in the day * Read daily and track/remark on what you read * Block your day into half-day chunks

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Christina Canters (@CJCanters) is the founder of The C-Method and host of the Stand Out Get Noticedpodcast. Her work as a speaking and confidence coach has taken her around the world, including recent appearances in Chicago, Florida, and New York City.

This talk, recorded live at the New York City Podcast Meetup on July 12, 2016, features Christina coaching our members — most of whom are podcasters themselves — on how to speak better, have more confidence, and express their most authentic selves behind the mic, and in person.

Show Notes & Links * The New York City Podcast Meetup * Recorded at Vector Media * Americans love to approach people and talk about nothing * Prescott appeared on The C-Method on the topic of avoiding awkwardness

"If you want to grow and building your own confidence, you've gotta push yourself out of your comfort zone."

—Christina Canters

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"To build your confidence as a speaker, you must know your value."

—Christina Canters

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• Christina plays the ukulele
• Amy Cuddy TED talk on body language "You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."

—Zig Ziglar

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• Presentation Skills for Design Students, Christina's first podcast
• Mark Manson's Blog
• Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon on Amazon
• Christina's notes from Podcast Movement 2016
• Obvious to You. Amazing to Others by Derek Sivvers
• Pat Flynn
• Andrew Warner
• The C-Method
• Christina Canters on Twitter
• Christina Canters on Facebook
• Christina Canters on Instagram
• Christina Canters on LinkedIn
• Christina Canters on YouTube

Techniques * Ask three people "What do I do well?" and "Why is this important?" * Create a folder called "Crush It" in Evernote. Save screenshots of praise. * Watch your language; avoid "just" and "only" * Practice confident body language; hold the superhero pose for 2 minutes * Paint a picture of your ideal audience * Stop caring what other people think * Focus on the 33% who really appreciate you, the rest will follow

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Show Notes & Links * Prepare to Share * Places to Learn Business Skills Online * The Previous Episode with Sally Hogshead * The full catalogue of The Busy Creator Podcast episodes * The Busy Creator Podcast 80 — The April Fool's Episode * Starship Design, Prescott's design business * Dual monitors * Apple Cinema Display and old Dell monitor * 4:3 ratio vs. 16:9 ratio displays (Macs use 16:10, actually) * Hi-dpi screens * Wacom Intuos 3 wide format tablet * Logitech K750 Wireless USB Keyboard * The Busy Creator Podcast 6 w/Bill Wadman * Hackintosh * Prescott prefers Safari, also runs Chrome * "The Chrome" * Safari extensions (Ad-block, Pinterest, etc.) * Prescott [still] uses an iPod Classic * Prescott doesn't use Music * RIP CastRoller * ChimpFeedr, from MailChimp * Twitter for Mac * Alfred tweets from the system * Mac OS X built-in social sharing * Faffing, a definition * Slack (both for work and for personal) * Email is very personal * Prescott uses Postbox (but still doesn't like the interface of v4) * Mozilla Thunderbird * Nylas N1 * Airmail (too smart for Prescott) * Prescott doesn't use Apple Mail * Adobe Creative Cloud * Prescott uses Adobe Bridge, not mini-Bridge (which is now discontinued) * Adobe TypeKit * Extensis Suitcase Fusion * CS3 "still works" * Adobe XD, up and coming * Sketch * Adobe Audition * Adobe Lightroom * Prescott doesn't use Apple Photos, and before that, iPhoto * Coda * Transmit, also from Panic Software * SourceTree, from Atlassian * BitBucket * GitHub * Byword * RIP Bean * Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) * Apple iWork (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) * InDesign * Harvest * WaveApps * Chase Amazon Visa card * Cushion * Expensify * Quickbooks * Prescott has also used Billings, Freshbooks, FreeAgent, Harpoon * The Busy Creator Podcast 31 w/Bryan Orr, Project Management & Collaboration Tools * Freedcamp * The Busy Creator Podcast 63 w/Angel Grablev, CEO of Freedcamp * Asana * Basecamp * Trello * Kanban board (swim lanes, phases)Phases/swim lanes in Freedcamp's Kanban view[/caption] * Freedcamp iOS app * Teamwork.com (Projects) * 17Hats * Workamajig * VLC * MPlayerX * RIP Movist 0.6.8 * QuickTime Player 7 Pro * TinkerTool * Onyx * Yosemite Disk Utility * ClipMenu * Dropmark & Cloud.app * Blog Post about Quick-Sharing and Quick-Saving * 1Password * Quitter * PushBullet * The Busy Creator Podcast 39 w/Steve Dotto * Steve Dotto reviews PushBullet * RescueTime * Reddit.com * Default Folder X * XtraFinder * TextExpander * Article on using TextExpander with Markdown * Growl * Carbonite * Amazon Cloud Storage * Alfred * LittleSnitch

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In this Bonus episode, Marie & Prescott sit down to discuss the book "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. Together with the live audience consisting mainly of Marie's students from Digital Strategy School, the two dive into the book's topics and themes, including social media distraction, time-blocking, retreats, accountability partners, single-tasking, meditation, and more. The conversation also strays to general purpose productivity chatter, along with answering some Q&A from the audience. Get in touch with Marie via digitalstrategyschool.com and Prescott via busycreator.com

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Sally Hogshead (@SallyHogshead) is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Following a career in advertising, she evolved her career and reoriented toward building significance for other professionals and creatives.

In this conversation, Sally discusses the phases of her career (so far), shares some of what she learned on the ground with advertising heroes, and remarks on the challenges of writing long-form books as a person who naturally bends toward the quick win.

Check out Sally's latest book Fascinate and catch up with her on BrandFascination.com, for a start.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 86 (MP3, 38:43, 18.7 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 86 (OGG, 38:43, 21.6 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Sally and Prescott have worked together on a varied of projects since 2011 * Prescott discovered Radical Careering during his first job, which wasn't a very good job. * When Sally found advertising, it was "love at first sight" * Portfolio Center and their Copywriting course * Sally's first career phase was not being awarded or recognised as a student, but discovering that's hardly the entire game

"The most interesting creative ideas aren't going to be acknowledged at first, because they're not populist."

—Sally Hogshead

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• Fallon McElligott Rice, now just Fallon
• Her Second phase was working with smart people on rapid-fire projects "You want to be the dumbest person on the team."

—Sally Hogshead

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• Her Third phase was disillusionment when inheriting a management role "It takes a completely different mindset to be with people than from being with my ideas."

—Sally Hogshead

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• The Fourth phase was expansion to create ideas beyond an ad into the wider world [as an author, speaker, etc.].
• Sally was the Creative & Managing Director for Crispin Porter + Bogusky for their Los Angeles office
• CP+B's LA Office opened its doors on Sept. 10, 2001 "It's easy to be creative when the world has a big budget and optimism and a love for what hasn't been discovered."

—Sally Hogshead

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"In order to be a creative leader, you have to be able to lead people through the darkest times."

—Sally Hogshead

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"It's impossible to have creative ideas in an oppressive environment."

—Sally Hogshead

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• 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green & Joost Elffers on Amazon and on Audible

• Kerning pairs (such as FA) [caption id="attachment_3445" align="alignnone" width="478"]Kerning Pairs[/caption]

• There used to be a natural (ten day) cycle with print advertising. There was time to work on stuff.

  "I'm still a geek with words."

  —Sally Hogshead

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• Paste-ups
• Bill Westbrook
• Jean Robere

  "One for the reel, one for the meal."

  —advertising adage

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"Don't be a worrier, be a warrior."

—Tony Robbins (and Prescott, ironically)

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• Clients would cut their marketing budget during the recession. Remember this? or this?
• Tibor Kalman (1949-1999)
• Design, like Jazz, is a generational artform
• John Coltrane played with Miles Davis who played with Charlie Parker
• Armin Vit worked with Michael Bierut who worked with Massimo Vignelli
• A lot of NYC agencies did annual reports, but didn't show it in the portfolio
• Medieval Stonemasons "Signifance doesn't live in one piece. It lives in a movement or a body of work."

—Sally Hogshead

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• The Martin Agency
• The One Show, advertising awards show
• Varnish, in print
• TBWA/Chiat/Day
• Wieden+Kennedy
• Goodby Silverstein & Partners
• Bob Barrie, Art Director
• binomial nomenclature
• Print finishes by thickness: Varnish → UV → Aqueous
• Print finishes by lustre: Dull → Satin → Hi-Gloss
• Nightclub Flyers
• Fascinate achieved New York Times Bestseller status
• Sally admits to not being great with long content (100,000 word books)
• How The World Sees You by Sally Hogshead on Amazon and on Audible

"Revisions suck my soul. Creation enlivens me."

—Sally Hogshead

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• "writing-tired", when Prescott feels uninspired to write blog posts, etc.

  "I can't write anything great for the first hour. I have to get into a trance."

  —Sally Hogshead

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• Antiproton
• The 9 Habits of Highly Creative People, a free guide from The Busy Creator

  "The hardest part about writing isn't writing, it's finishing the dishes."

  —writers' adage

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• Prescott and Sally got connected on social media
• Starship Design on Facebook
• Sally Hogshead on Twitter
• Sally Hogshead on Facebook
• Sally Hogshead on Instagram
• Sally Hogshead on YouTube
• SallyHogshead.com
• HowToFascinate.com/blog
• BrandFascination.com

Tools * MacBook * Noise-cancelling headphones

Techniques * Don't let the Creative Director and Managing Director be the same person; there needs to be a healthy tension between the two. * Remark not only on awards won and praise given, but hard times which shape your character * Examine any project via its priorities "Quality of Work", "Quality of Life", or "Quality of Compensation." * Pursue the areas of work that feel like a "wellspring" of creativity; avoid "creative agony" * Create an Idea Wall, and hang up your projects as you think of them * Block time (at least 3 hours) to sink into writing * Listen to music that reflects the sort of writing you're aiming for * Designate externally- and internally-focused work (email vs. writing content)

Habits * Write down the words you use when mentoring, and which you need to hear * Appreciate craft, even if it takes slightly longer * Periodically examine your work and your agency to align with influence: Creative, Financial, or Cultural * Shape expectations around you; follow the type of work that suits you best * Take advantage of "swiftness"; don't analyse or think about ideas and instead just act (especially on side projects and writing ideas). * Go to bed early; write in the morning.

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Victor Yocco, PhD (@VictorYocco) is a writer and researcher, working in the field of digital design. His background in psychology gives him unique insight into how people interact with websites and applications, which in turn helps his design team build intuitive, functional projects.

In this conversation, we discuss methods of user testing, stumbling blocks that design studies make regarding psychology, and a bit of his studio workflow and habits.

Use code pcyobusy to receive 39% off the cover price for Victor's book, Design For The Mind

Show Notes & Links * Victor Yocco doesn't like titles, but describes himself as a researcher for user experience and digital design

"Academic literature is often very inaccessibly written."

—Victor Yocco

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• Fine Arts vs. Applied Arts
• Paola Antonelli on The Colbert Report, 2013
• MoMA

"Incorporated psychology into design doesn't have to be this huge thing."

—Victor Yocco

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• Design For The Mind by Victor Yocco on Manning Books

• Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug on Amazon

• Big-Ass Buttons

• "It's so easy a caveman can do it" campaign from Geico
  [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8aj1AlYvxI' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
• heuristics, or mental shortcuts, take the place of finding information yourself.
• Whiteboard sessions, focus groups, interviews — other research tactics
• Jeff Sauro, Measuring U
• Quantifying Usability

"You'll find 85% of potential usability issues just off 5 users."

—Jeff Sauro

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• Lay People, which Prescott affectionately calls "Muggles"
• The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman on Amazon and on Audible

"There is a point of 'Good Enough' in digital design."

—Victor Yocco

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• Analysis Paralysis
• Minimum Viable Product
• An earlier episode with Kirsten Modestow
• Photoshop
• Sketch
• Full Stack Anxiety
  [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N470hsHKXNc' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
• Spider Web Diagram
• Distribute Strength, Dexterity, etc.
  [caption id="attachment_3409" align="alignnone" width="601"]Role-Playing Games require you distribute your skills[/caption]

"Designers are usually people who enjoy solving problems."

—Victor Yocco

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• Sally Hogshead
• Social Identity Theory
• Contextual Inquiry, observing the user in his native habitat aka "shadowing"
• Undercover Boss, the one where the girl puts barcode on her arm for easy scanning
• Debuke, IA
• How to un-jam a tractor-trailer from a highway overpass? Let some air out of the tires.
• 90% of MS Word users only utilise 10% of the features
• VictorYocco.com
• Use code pcyobusy to receive 39% off the cover price for Victor's book, Design For The Mind
• Victor Yocco on Twitter
• Victor Yocco on Facebook
• Victor Yocco on LinkedIn

Tools * SPSS, statistics software * MS Office * Post-Its * Box * Slack

Techniques * Layer Cake approach (low level, medium level, high level) * Respect the users' time by making simple interfaces, functions * Don't just show your designs to other designers — they think differently, which might not see what the lay person sees * Include additional team members, representing design, writing, project mgmt., etc. * Record user testing sessions to easily refer other team members to particular moments * Conduct a UX Assessment or heuristics Review before beginning a project

Habits * Build in heuristics (mental shortcuts) into your work * Look to Usability testing to reveal users' instinct or assumptions * Provide challenges for designers and creative staff; they naturally want to wrestle with problems and their solutions * Search for methods to stay with a project until the end (even if you get bored with it) * Set aside time in the evening to write

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Bryony Gomez-Palacio (@BryonyGP) is a co-founder of UnderConsideration, an all-purpose publishing and design business based in Austin, TX. Along with husband Armin Vit, Bryony publishes several blogs including Brand New, Quipsologies, and FPO, in addition to publishing several books, and hosting the annual Brand New Conference.

Armin was a guest on episode 3 of The Busy Creator Podcast back in Februrary 2014, making this chat an unofficial sequel. In the intervening years, Bryony and Armin have refined their workflow, taken new risks such as planning a version of the BNConf in Amsterdam, and still manage to balance family life with new creative endeavors.

In this conversation, Bryony discusses the origins of UnderConsideration and how she and Armin transitioned out of their New York design roles, moved to Austin, and managed to create a viable business in spite of a few close calls financially.

Show Notes & Links * Bryony is one half of UnderConsideration * Armin Vit, the other half, was an early guest on The Busy Creator Podcast * Bryony describes herself as a "content generator" for graphic designers * Bryony & Armit work from home, in the converted master bedroom * Armin wakes up early to write his blog posts; Bryony wakes up early to get things done and kids ready for school * The first Brand Nieuwe Conference in Amsterdam is taking place in June 2016 * VAT * It's still a hassle to sell internationally, even selling books to Canada * Bryony had to pay customs fees for a baby's onesie * The BNConf is UnderConsideration's main source of income, but only occurs once per year * HOW Live, FUSE, AIGA ... other design conferences * Eventbrite * Bryony and Armin were living in Brooklyn, working at Addison and Pentagram, respectively * For about two years, they worked in their basement, taking care of the baby * "Mommy brain" makes it tough for new mothers to focus or to rapid-switch between modes

"We were living in a city that had a lot to offer, but living within a 10-block radius."

—Bryony Gomez-Palacio

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• Bryony was home-schooled on a farm without electricity for two years "It took me two years to be able to say 'I live in Austin, TEXAS'."

—Bryony Gomez-Palacio

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• Byrony & Armin visited Austin and within 3 days had made an offer on a house
• Professional couples in Brooklyn can have a household income of $150,000 ... and still be struggling
• The cost-of-living between New York and Austin You would need around $7,320.33 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $4,400.00 in Austin, TX (assuming you rent in both cities)
• Hand-stitching covers for the BNConf
• Bryony can shoe a horse [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdiqQTKGoUI&t=20s' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
• Another couple, John & Kate, on The Busy Creator Podcast episode 50 "We need to be very, very efficient. We don't have time to procrastinate and explore."

—Bryony Gomez-Palacio

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• Dyslexia, and its link to coding "We spend a lot of time at design school in order to make pretty spreadsheets."

—Bryony Gomez-Palacio

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"One thing we always fear is stability & stagnation."

—Bryony Gomez-Palacio

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• AIforGA
• The highly-controversial UnderConsideration website
• Bryony Gomez-Palacio on Twitter
• Bryony Gomez-Palacio on Facebook
• Bryony Gomez-Palacio on Instagram
• UnderConsideration on Twitter
• BrandNew by UCllc on Facebook
• UnderConsideration on Instagram

Tools * Standing desks with stools * Google Sheets * iCal/Calendar * Endicia * AccountEdge

Techniques * Integrate your workouts with other errands (e.g. biking the kids to school) * Find someone "on the ground" if you're doing business in a foreign country * Plan, perhaps using a spreadsheet that spans 20 years * Split your household income between one full-time and one freelance salary * Plan your move based on where winter can reach you * Divide business duties based on who can handle interruptions (admin/finance vs. creative) * Keep it real when providing design feedback, especially to your partner! * Collaborate on a spreadsheet or document, concurrently even * Stagger which marathons/half-marathons you run as a couple; two partners training can be overwhelming * Use running time to work through problems

Habits * Keep a structured daily schedule (down to the minute) * Explore where you can multi-task to be more efficient * Work at opposing standing desks for easy collaboration * Don't get attached to designs or ideas; move away quickly if something is not working * Integreate your home and work calendars; keep it sacred * Don't work on weekends

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Kyle Bollinger (@WhoaKB) and Kristin Burkhart are the in-house design team for PureChat, an software tool enabling websites to offer chat-based support. Dividing their duties between product and marketing, Kyle and Kristin have developed a workflow that allows them to work swiftly and efficiently, while still experimenting with new industry practices.

In this conversation, we discuss company culture for a small SAAS startup, how the designer collaborate with internal stakeholders, and some unravel technical challenges around versioning and fast iteration.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 83 (MP3, 37:04, 17.9 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 83 (OGG, 37:04, 16.5 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Kyle is a product-focused UI/UX designer * Kristin is a marketing and web focused-design * PureChat is chat software for websites * SAAS * Both Kyle and Kristin started at agencies, working for multiple clients, before going in-house with PureChat

"Creating something from scratch is very different than iterating on something."

—Kyle Bollinger

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• Prescott hates calling software-as-a-service a "product"
• Austin Kleon
• Show Your Work by Austin Kleon on Amazon
• Self-licking ice cream cone "We're creating a living document through each other's work."

—Kyle Bollinger

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• TechCrunch "The speed at which a company can operate is inversely proportional to how much time it takes to find the answer to a question."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• AxoSoft
• Nerf Guns
• Gangplank, co-working space in Chandler, AZ
• RIP LayerVault
• Wake
• Split-testing aka A-B testing
• The Information Diet by Clay A. Johnson on Amazon
• Sidebar.io by Sasha
• Medium, and the occassional article about Millennials and their cereal-buying habits
• Audible
• The Three Laws of Performance by Steve Zaffron & Dave Logan on Amazonand on Audible
• Sprint by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky on Amazon and on Audible
• KyleBollinger.com
• KristinAshley.org
• Kyle Bollinger on Twitter
• Kyle Bollinger on LinkedIn
• Kristin Burkhart on LinkedIn

Tools * Slack * InVision * Illustrator * Photoshop * Sketch * Google Docs * Moleskine * AxoSoft * GitHub * Medium

Techniques * Continuous gather user insight, even if it's only images or screenshot review * Find a "theme" with each release or feature-set * Get quick feedback from your teammates; no need for formal gatherings * Work off the same agile board as your dev team * Screenshare with your remote teammates * Use InVision to create Brand Guidelines * Try to answer the questions "Who do I talk to ..." before they arise * Keep your micro-iterations in a document; use a version-style naming system, eg. screen1a-kyle-001

Habits * Prank your officemates * Continually monitor the site (heatmaps, split testing) * Wake up early, get into the office and be creative * Join office workouts and activities * Share resources and findings with teammates

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Danny Gregory (@DannyGregory) is an advertising veteran who has worked across just about medium of creativity, including writing, design, photography, and teaching. He's published several books including his latest, Shut Your Monkey.

In this conversation, we examine the topics of the book which include self-doubt, anxiety, distraction, and other mindset struggles faced by creative pros. Shut Your Monkey by Danny Gregory

Keep you with Danny on his website or his blog. Shut Your Monkey is now available for order.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 82 (MP3, 55:39, 40.4 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 82 (OGG, 55:39, 30.1 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * According to his website, Danny is an artist/author/creative director/blogger/teacher/speaker * Danny's new book, Shut Your Monkey * Sketchbook Skool * Danny has worked in Hanoi and Doha to build creativity schools * Danny has blogged for 12 or 13 years, published his first book 14 years ago * In advertising, Danny has been a CD, ECD, and CCO

"Advertising is weaponised art."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"Advertising agencies no longer have cornered the market on creating advertising."

—Danny Gregory

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• Absolut Vodka Ads
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVcbasIb8lQ
• Wazuuuuup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W16qzZ7J5YQ "A single tweet can have much more impact [than advertising]."

—Danny Gregory

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• The Dress
• Jen Briney, who runs Congressional Dish podcast
• Media dollars that Donald Trump has "earned" Paid vs. "Earned" Media Spend
• Mad Men
• Conan O'Brien used to write for The Simpsons (video discussion with alumni writers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtJ28qOEG1g "The core of social media is authenticity."

—Danny Gregory

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• Charlie Sheen
• No Brown M&Ms!
• Flow, and obstacles to achieving it
• Gollum Gollum

"Creativity plays a far bigger role in our everyday than it did in the past."

—Danny Gregory

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• Hardwiring Happiness by Dr. Rick Hanson
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon and on Audible
• The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin on Amazon and on Audible

"Creativity is inherently about change, risk, uncertainty."

—Danny Gregory

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• Thomas Edison found "10,000 ways that won't work" to make a lightbulb.

  "When a great idea appears it's going to stand up and sing."

  —Danny Gregory

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• Shut Your Monkey originated from a blog post, and evolved into a series of posts, then a talk.
• Show Your Work by Austin Kleon on Amazon
• Radical Careering by Sally Hogshead on Amazon
• Number 17 (now 8 and a half)
• Rachel Willey, graphic designer
• Whitney Museum
• The Met
• The HOW Conference
• Kaizen - continuous incremental improvements as opposed to a "win"

  "You don't come up with your life's work and then stop working."

  —Danny Gregory

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• DannyGregorysBlog.com
• Forthcoming Shut Your Monkey Weekly podcast, featuring "Monkey Tales"
• Danny Gregory on Twitter
• Danny Gregory on Facebook
• Danny Gregory on Instagram
• Danny Gregory on YouTube

Tools * Evernote * Scrivener, book authoring software * Art supply cart

Techniques * Understand what your "monkey" is saying, before anything else * Don't argue with the monkey when he speaks in extremes * Acknowledge the risks we've taken, the work we've accomplished * Use your phone or a notebook to jot notes into Evernote * Take "book ideas" and break them out into blog posts; return the prose as potential section. * Leave big tasks unfinished so you have a place to resume the next day

Habits * Be available to work all the time (be a honeybee) * Defend yourself against other peoples' monkeys * Constantly feed on the raw materials that will become a good idea * Move around the house to vary your working space * Post consistently on your blog, 5 days a week at 7:00 am * Tackle creative problems first thing in the morning * Visit the library, take out books

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Jonathan Raymond (@JonathanRaymond) is an author, coach, consultant, and CEO of Refound, working with business leaders and managers to install better workplace habits and company culture, including mentoring. Over the years, he's seen numerous workplace dynamics, not just within the creative fields, and shares some of his patterns with us.

In this conversation, we search for definitions of culture, discuss the differences between mentoring and simply bossing, and offer some advice for both the employee and the manager to build better relationships and in turn, a better team.

Jonathan has written a book, Good Authority, which will be released later in 2016. Support his efforts by reading more about the book and by pre-ordering.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 81 (MP3, 52:36, 25.4 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 81 (OGG, 52:36, 28.7 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Jonathan "helps managers become mentors" * Many companies talk about innovation, but a "gap" appears when they don't build the conditions

"Culture is 'This is how we do it here.'"

—Jonathan Raymond

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• Gallop says "7/10 employees are actively disengaged from their job"
• Rolodex
• Jeff Goins appeared on The Busy Creator Podcast

"Culture is Context."

—Jonathan Raymond

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• The First Rule of Fight Club [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC1yHLp9bWA' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']

"The First Rule of Culture Change is not to talk about it."

—Jonathan Raymond

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• Undercover Boss
• Ivory Tower

"We over-rely on our strengths. We default to the things we're good at."

—Jonathan Raymond

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"You're not on the same team; You own the company."

—Jonathan Raymond

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• AT&T/Ma Bell

"You can't afford not to invest time into you [your people]."

—Jonathan Raymond

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"If you invest in someone, they might leave. If you don't invest in someone, they'll definitely leave."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Jonathan was the Chief Brand Officer of E-Myth

"When creative people go off the rails, they hold the rest of the team hostage."

—Jonathan Raymond

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• Studio culture is fundamentally about experimentation
• Agile methodology

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose."

—Janis Joplin

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"More Yoda, less Superman."

—Jonathan Raymond

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"95% of the work in any business is identical."

Business Adage

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"The bad thing isn't the hierarchy; it's abusive people in a hierarchy."

—Jonathan Raymond

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• Hierarchy in the Catholic Church, and their big hats
• SalesForce

"Write drunk, edit sober."

—Ernest Hemingway

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• ReFound.com
• GoodAuthorityBook.com
• Jonathan Raymond on Twitter
• Jonathan Raymond on Instagram

Tools * SalesForce * Hubspot

Techniques * Break away from the victim mindset; share what you're working on and struggling with * Make bold requests — to attend conferences, meetings, etc. * Be a Mensch, make that connection

Habits * Practice being loose, unfinished * Take steps in the other person's direction before discussing tension or issues * Give your creative team room to be creative (so they don't turn into administrators) * Create some distance to reinforce the idea of being a "boss"

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Laura Roeder (@LKR) is the co-founder of Edgar, a social media scheduling and management tool. Laura began her career as a web designer, moving first to solo practice, and then to social media consulting.

From this conversation, you'll learn how Laura transitioned away from work-a-day design and into entrepreneurship, how her team at Edgar manages their software development, and some of the philosophies behind their hiring and company management.

One thing we don't cover are the features of the software itself, and the idiosyncrasies which separate Edgar from competitors like Hootsuite or Buffer. To learn more about Edgar itself, scroll down to the show notes for examples of Laura explaining in further detail on other podcasts, and some embedded videos showing off Edgar itself.

That said, Laura and her team have offered listeners of The Busy Creator a free month of service for Edgar. Sign up before May 31, 2016 and use the code SUNANDSURF.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 79 (MP3, 49:06, 23.6 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 79 (OGG, 49:06, 25.0 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Laura Roeder describes Edgar in greater detail on Smart Passive Income #132 * ... and on EOFire #802 ... and on Online Marketing Made Easy #35 * Laura describes herself as the founder of Edgar, at least today * Laura started as a web and graphic designer, worked at a design agency when she was a fresh graduate * Her rationale for leaving her agency job was largely that it would take a really long time to get to do the work she fancied. * 10,000 hours * Laura was inspired more by business owners than design practitioners * Chamber of Commerce

"I felt like a fish out of water because I was so much younger."

—Laura Roeder

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• World of Warcraft is the New Golf
• Laura replaced her salary the first year, then doubled her earnings the following year.
• The transition from Paid Services → Packaged Services → Retail Packages

"It felt a lot easier to sell an online class than to get individual clients."

—Laura Roeder

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• Gary Vaynerchuk
• Laura's clients were asking about social media; there was a swelling
• Biography from A+E
• The Dash was the newsletter from LKR Social Media

"It was always a business. I didn't start with a blog."

—Laura Roeder

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• Laura's team works remotely
• Lean Startup Methodology
• Laura's husband Chris is the lead developer/CTO for Edgar
• Ruby on Rails
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss On Amazon and On Audible
• Edgar is 16 people strong (development, marketing, customer service)
• Team Edgar doesn't use Sprint/Agile methodology. They simply make priorities and do them.
• Edgar ties their QA into Customer Service

"We don't make major changes to our software. We're focused on iterative improvements to what we already do."

—Laura Roeder

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• DIY Network/HGTV
• Mike Holmes
• Amazon tests features very carefully

"Always run split tests on the home page and signup page"

—Laura Roeder

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"I wasn't that passionate about design. I was interested in other elements."

—Laura Roeder

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• False Negatives in hiring
• The Narcissism of Minor Differences

"If you're talking to the HR Manager, you're doomed."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• The Edgar Blog
• Laura Roeder on Twitter
• Laura Roeder on Facebook
• Laura Roeder on Instagram
• Laura Roeder on LinkedIn
• Edgar on Twitter
• Edgar on Facebook

Tools * Skillshare * Edgar * Slack * Trello * Flow * Google Hangouts * Confluence * Kissmetrics * Jira * Mailchimp * Visual Website Optimizer * Evernote * Google Docs * Pocket

Techniques * Think of the "Worst Case Scenario" before you quit * Start with freelancers before hiring full-time staff * Create a Wiki for shared information (customer service, company values, etc.) * Methodology is more important than software * When A/B testing, use dramatic comparisons; two completely different versions

Habits * Have a planning meeting every Monday and retrospective meeting every Friday * Always write multiple subject lines * Make lists in Google Docs (don't overcomplicate it)

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Bryce Bladon (@BryceBladon) is a freelance writer and editor of the popular blog Clients From Hell. Bryce has been editing and curating the site for years, and has overseen dramatic growth both in blog readership and in creating outside partnerships, products, and offerings.

In our conversation, we discuss the origins of Clients From Hell, how a blog can become a viable business, and how all of us who provide services can avoid clients from hell to have a better working life.

Bryce has recent authored the second book from Clients From Hell, Hell To Pay, concerning the ever-popular topic of getting paid for freelance work and avoiding money-related drama.

Hell To Pay, the new book from Clients From Hell

Listeners of The Busy Creator can save 50% by using code "BusyCreator" when purchasing from this link.

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Kristine Neil (@TheKNeil) is head of branding and design company Markon Brand Design. She purchased Markon when it was an old-fashion sign company, and has since transformed it into a small creative studio, now boasting a team of three.

In our conversation, we cover the quirks and rituals used by the team at Markon, Kristine's personal productivity habits, and the general challenges that face all busy design teams nowadays.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 77 (MP3, 41:52, 25.3 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 77 (OGG, 41:52, 19.9 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Kristine describe her work as "varied" * Markon is a small agency focusing on branding for small- to medium-sized businesses * Kristine purchased Markon rather than founded it. Previously, it was a sign company. * The Markon team is now three strong — Kristine, Mike, and Jenna

"It's a scary thing to say 'I need some Help'."

—Kristine Neil

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• Kristine started by adding contractors/freelancers before bringing in full-time employees
• Prepare to Share — an article and podcast episode about bringing additional people into your workflow
• Kristine is a systems person, admits to being slightly ADD

"Get ideas out of your head. People aren't mind-readers."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"Always organize things for how they'll work in your absense."

—Kristine Neil

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• Single Point of Failure — a bottleneck for decisions or skills
• Many freelancers/solo practitioners struggle to stay organised
• Kristine previously worked as a GM for a manufacturing company. This taught her systems and regimented behaviours.

"Have a system. It doesn't have to be fancy."

—Kristine Neil

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• "Meta-work" the work surrounding work such as scheduling meetings, checking email, managing your software
• Ben Elijah, previous guest on TBCP, described "Productivity Pornography"
• United We Brand by Mike Moser on Amazon

"We don't always have the time to treat ourselves as a client."

—Kristine Neil

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"We don't just make the things. We make the ideas that make the things great."

—Kristine Neil

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• Space150, design firm who redesigns their identity every 150 days

"It's no longer acceptable to set a brand identity and let it ride for 20 years."

—Kristine Neil

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• The Sunk-Cost Fallacy
• Sweat Equity
• Phase-In a brand vs. "Shadow Op" to replace everything
• Esso became Exxon seemingly overnight
  [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lZkX01wFbE' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
• Todd Henry, twice a guest on The Busy Creator Podcast
• Kristine Neil on Twitter
• Kristine Neil on LinkedIn
• Markon Brands on Twitter
• Markon Brands on Facebook
• Markon Brands on Instagram
• Markon Brands on Pinterest

Tools * Whiteboard * Scrum and Agile development * Remember The Milk for iPhone * Google Drive * Swiffer Duster * Slack * Dropbox * Basecamp * Jira * Freedcamp

Techniques * Divide your whiteboard by category and by day. Slot tasks accordingly. * Create a file-naming system that makes sense — plan ahead for others reading in the future. * Don't become a Single Point of Failure * Pomodoro Technique * Only keep the immediate future on the Board, save long-term stuff elsewhere * Test systems to find what works best * Get outside opinions on your brand/company, at least annually * Use Slack to post videos and gifs — especially after a tough day at the desk

Habits * Host "Board Meetings" with your team every morning * Build starting documents ("templates") when you have repetitive projects/tasks * Audit your own brand. Be willing to walk away from your previous website. * Create a routine strong enough so you don't need an alarm clock * Shut down between Christmas and New Year

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Alice Coles (@HulloAlice) is an illustrator, artist, designer, and video producer based in Colorado. She has honed her skills and created a signature style thanks largely to her own video production schedule. Alice publishes tutorial videos and showcases her experiments on her YouTube channel, HulloAlice.

In this conversation, we discuss Alice's origins as an illustrator, how she found supporters in the YouTube community, what art supplies she relies on, and what sort of desk setup she uses to film her own work as it happens.

See more of Alice's work and get in touch on her website, AliceRColes.com.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 76 (MP3, 38:55 18.7 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 76 (OGG, 38:55, 20.2 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Prescott and Alice met at a design conference in Phoenix * Alice describes her work as "an exploration of herself, her memories, and her place and role in the world." * Alice uses storytelling in her art, calling herself an illustrator * Monument Valley * Loish, artist and inspiration of Alice * Kaizen, the Japanese idea of continual self-improvement * Alice admits she doesn't quite have the time/focus for too many commissions * Sycra on YouTube * Baylee Jae on YouTube

"YouTube can be toxic at times, I've seen, but the art community is so supportive of each other."

—Alice Coles

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• Alice started making videos "every couple of months" but found consistency through audience momentum
• Alice is primarily a watercolour artist
• Faffing, a definiton
• Matt Cremona, woodworker/furniture maker on The Busy Creator Podcast
• Matt Cremona on YouTube
• Doctor Who
• Papasan Chair

"Watercolour is the worst medium to scan."

—Alice Coles

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"I tend to barrel through life like a rolling stone."

—Alice Coles

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• Tsundoku, the Japanese word for "the constant act of buying books, but never reading them"
• Reddit
• Alice hails from Desborough, Northamptonshire, UK
• Alice Coles on Twitter
• Alice Coles Illustration on Facebook
• Alice Coles on Facebook
• Alice Coles on Instagram
• Alice Coles on YouTube

Tools * Windows Movie Maker * Lightbox * Winsor & Newton India Ink * Dip Nib * White Guash * Gel Pens * Prismacolor pencils * Watercolor colored pencils * Desk from Target with a hutch * Custom lights * Bookcases * Wacom Intuos 5 tablet * Wacom Cintiq monitor/tablet * Adobe Photoshop * Basecamp

Techniques * Start with inspiration — colour combo, landscape, etc. * Use figure references for anatomy * Paint in layers — block in shadows first, then skin tone — keep it thin * Underpaint (paint an entire paper with a single colour to instill a tone or feeling) * Use a hairdryer to dry your layers * Use a hairdryer to cure swimmer's ear * Complete a painting in a single sitting (2–6 hours) * Batch videos, especially when lighting/hair/make-up is required * Watch a speed version of your video first, then record it again in real-time * Increase contrast and colour-depth in Photoshop — with the aim to match real-life colours * Use planners and lists — "bullet journal"

Habits * Keep supplies organized in clear cases — jars, boxes, etc. * Create an inspiring workspace, use personal items and motifs * Aim for a consistent wake-up time (maybe 8 am) * Reply to comments and emails first thing in the morning * Read while you eat, and before you go to bed * Don't be so hard on yourself (regarding time management or inconsistency) * List out your tasks for the next day

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Kirsten Modestow (@KModestow) is the founder & creative director of Brigade, a branding and design firm in Massachusetts. Brigade focuses on consumer packaging and communications; they create brands for products, and help them stand out on shelves. In recent years, this has translated to digital promotion and social media as well.

In this conversation, Kirsten discusses her origins as a young designer, learning from her elders, how she started Brigade in her house and where the company is now, and examines the curious culture of an agency that grows fast and lives in an open-plan office.

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 75 (MP3, 49:55, 72.1 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 75 (OGG, 49:55, 23.7 MB)

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Show Notes & Links * Brigade focuses on food & beverage clients, within the packaging and communication media types, so not everything. * In-store design materials include more items — shelf talkers, point of sales, mobile-friendly websites, etc.

"Do you have to create a whole persona just for a box of crackers?"

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Lately, consumers are more educated and more finicky — they want information
• Nabisco, Kraft - big companies in consumer goods
• Wheat Thins on Facebook
• Kirsten started working out of her home after relocating to Western Mass.
• Land Rover
• Svedka vodka
• To accommodate the growing team, Kirsten converted her garage into a studio
• 5 colleges are located in the Amherst-Hadley area, but none have a graphic design course
• Boss is sometimes a four-letter word
• Kirsten started at Hill Holiday in Boston
• Brigade has grown from 5 employees to 20 in the past 2 years
• Recruiting is tough outside of a "design center" like New York, Chicago, London
• Brigade's first Project Management hire was a photographer freelancing as a graphic designer

"No one is on top of each other; they're alongside them."

—Kirsten Modestow

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• Brigade is [finally] at the point of getting cold calls from potential clients
• The Dieline
• Tarik El-Khateeb

"Production is a huge part of design!"

—Kirsten Modestow

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• Hatch Show Boston
• Dribbble

"Side projects are the internal fuel for agencies and small firms."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• The Cult of The Overworked
• Open floorplans create challenges (just ask Lucy Kellaway)
• "The Middle School Cafeteria", Prescott's term for single-table, open-plan offices

"Good ideas come from everywhere."

—Kirsten Modestow

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"Open plan only works if people give a crap about each other."

—Simon Sinek on office design

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• Five Guys Burgers
• Kirsten Modestow on Twitter
• Kirsten Modestow on Facebook
• Brigade on Twitter
• Brigade on Instagram
• Brigade on Facebook
• Brigade on Spotify

Tools * Asana * Harvest * Producteev * Float * Open floor plan (with caution)

Techniques * Focus on your main goal — pick a "story" and do it well. * Build your "dream team" from unconventional people — even if they aren't traditionally qualified * Create mentorship programs within your company/agency * As a boss, give someone "the big shirt, so they can grow into it." * Use daily "pow-wows", twice-weekly traffic meetings * Apply 80/20 thinking when it comes to routine work vs. exciting breaks

Habits * Continually evaluate your work, and whether it should be submitted to contests * Share work within the office; build culture of helpfulness to combat ownership/jealousy * Critique as a group for larger projects * Build office rituals, like picnics, lunches, bowling outings * Arrive at the office early, before chaos starts * Work toward 8 hours of sleep

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Matt Inglot (@MattInglot) is the founder of Tilted Pixel, a results-focused web design agency based in Calgary, Canada. A veteran web designer, Matt has been an agency owner most of his career, beginning when he was still a student. Over the years he's refined his own business strategy to bring greater value to his own clients, and in turn build a thriving practice. Matt is also the host of the Freelance Transformation podcast, where he speaks with creative entrepreneurs and practitioners about business and freelance issues.

In this conversation, Matt discusses his role in the business, how systematic (or not) he likes to be with prospective clients, and how he handles working from home.

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Freelancers can no longer be ignored as fringe workers, in-betweeners, and the occassional slacker seeking to hide his true unemployment. Freelancers now make up a significant portion of the creative economy, especially in Cities like New York where fashion, film, theatre, design, and music industries thrive outside the walls of conventional employment relationships.

In this episode, we hear from Alex Signh (@AutomaticYes), Co-Founder of Domino, an online community for freelancers, Matt Inglot (@MattInglot), host of the Freelance Transformation podcast, and Jaime Campbell (@TierOneServices), a CPA and business coach who has worked with freelancers throughout her career.

Together we examine some definitions, ailments, and mindsets shared by freelancers. We also drop a few action steps any freelancer can take to make the transition — or the next step — that much smoother.

Show Notes & Links * 6 Mistakes Every New Freelancer Makes by Domino * The New Normal by Kristen Fischer * Kristen Fischer on The Busy Creator Podcast ep 60 * WashPo WorkBlog: Freelancers' Union lobbies new bill

"A Freelancer to me is essentially just an entrepreneur."

—Alex Singh

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"Calling yourself a freelancer is the greatest way not to get paid."

—Matt Inglot

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• Finding clients & managing relationships are the key struggles, according to Alex Singh
• Most freelancers get started because they're "really good" and want to collect the full fee, according to Jaime Campbell.
• Only ten percent of experienced freelancers know their monthly expenses, according to Alex
• Being a freelancer is like being Batman; suddenly, you're called on to save the day. But the rest of the time, you're an orphan.

"20 clients is a lot of proposals to close."

—Matt Inglot

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Tools * Freelancers' Union * Domino * Slack * Quickbooks * LinkedIn * TierOne Services

Techniques * Don't describe yourself as a commodity, jump right into your positioning and story * Be specific about who you will — and won't — work with, and the types of projects you will take on. * Look for clients who can best benefit from your work, not just the person who needs work done today. * Call yourself an Agency (and raise your rates) * Get referrals from other people via relationships. Make other people your "sales team." * Leverage other people's time so you can work on different tasks * Track "income by referral source", or build it custom if needed * Solve people's problems on online forums/sites. Do it publicly. * Get registered as an expert so you get notified first. * Get clear on numbers, especially your effective income. * Develop a long-term strategy

Habits * Understand yourself and re-evaluate yourself * Always learn new skills, test new systems * Spend 5 minutes a day answering questions online

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GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 73 (MP3, 39:03, 18.9 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 73 (OGG, 39:03, 20.3 MB)

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Debbie Millman (@DebbieMillman) is a design and branding industry impresario. She will, at any given moment, be involved in a multitude of projects and roles across the profession. For nearly 20 years, she’s been the President of Sterling Brands, a design and brand strategy firm based in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Since 2005, she’s hosted Design Matters, one of the most successful radio shows (now podcasts) about design and creativity. She also founded and chairs the Master’s in Branding course at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and has authored numerous books.

In this episode, Debbie speaks about the structure and workflow of Sterling — now a corporate agency, how she stays energized across her many endeavors, and how she’s still working to overcome awkwardness in her life and career. We also get to hear the story of how Debbie and Prescott first met.

Show Notes & Links * Design Matters was recognized as an iTunes Best of 2015 show. Amazing achievement.

Design Matters is among the iTunes Best of 2015 * Prescott discovered Design Matters while working a crappy job working for a startup marketing firm. * Helvetica, by Gary Hustwit * Prescott is standing on the shoulders of giants with his podcast * Debbie describes herself as a brand consultant, wannabe artist, and chair of the MFA Master’s in Branding at SVA * Debbie and her partners at Sterling sold to the business Omnicom in 2008 * Sterling defines itself as a Brand Consultancy with three disciplines – Design, Strategy, and Innovation * DeeDee Gordon runs Innovation from Los Angeles; Austin McGhie runs Strategy from San Francisco * Sterling acquired Philippe Becker in San Francisco, joining that to their studio. * Simon Lince is Sterling’s Chief Creative Officer in New York, with four Creative Directors under him. Same with Philippe Becker in SF. * Sterling consciously went to the traditional advertising agency model, rather than a “bullpen” model, with lots of cross-disciplinary work. It was “less deliberate”. * “Institutional knowledge” is important for growth within an agency. Helps to serve clients year-on-year. * Design strategy entails asking questions: What is the brand? What is the criteria for success? What is the “whitespace” we want to uncover? Can we own that space? What is the dynamic for change within an organization? etc.

“Common vocabulary does not always equate to common behavior.”

—Debbie Millman

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“The only people that really like brand design changes are brand designers.” (joking/not joking)

—Debbie Millman

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“Ambiguity is never seen positively.” (e.g., ambiguous emails)

—Debbie Millman

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• Package design is a “very specific language.” One must know the grammar of a language, but not necessarily all the dialects, which are learned on the job.
• Design Matters is a cultural force, whether Debbie thinks it or no.
• Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, 2011
• Bill Drentell
• Tina Roth Eisenberg (@swissmiss), Swiss Miss
• Maria Popova (@Brainpicker), Brainpickings
• Debbie does “an exhausting amount of research” for Design Matters interviews
• 20-50 pages of notes for each guest, reduced to 5 pages of questions
• Lining Up a Shot
• Design Matters on SoundCloud

“I don’t even know that I was a fully formed human being when I was 30.”

—Debbie Millman

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• All The Wrong People Have Self-Esteem by Laurie Roselwald
• Adult Onset Awkward

“Getting your first job out of college is like starting kindergarten all over.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellent, then, is not an act but a habit.”

–Aristotle

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• Babson College
• Omnicom University
• Nancy Kane, from Harvard Business School
• Information Recreation
• Design Observer
• Brand New (and all the UnderConsideration blogs)
• Design*Sponge
• HOW and Print
• The New York Times
• CNN
• The Wall St. Journal
• The New Yorker
• Vogue
• Harper’s Bazaar
• Scientific American / SciAm Mind on airplanes, where it’s quiet(?)

“Multitasking is the enemy of focused creativity.”

—Debbie Millman

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• Debbie is now ashamed of her past pride as a multi-tasker

“When the going gets tough, we go to Facebook.”

—Debbie Millman

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• Multi-tasking is usually “rapid-switching”
• Lisa Grant, Debbie’s better half at Sterling
• J’aime Cohen, original SVA dir. of operations
• Mark Dudlik, current SVA partner in crime
• Curtis Fox, producer for Design Matters
• Energy management is more important than time management.

Tools * SWOT analysis for brands * Facebook (the default distraction; internet background noise) * Twitter * Instagram * To-do lists (for things with deadlines)

Techniques * Copy the habits of small studios and create “in-house studios” within the larger agency * Allow strong Debbie Millmanality to exist and thrive in a company; build a culture as such * Prepare strategy and challenges during proposal/pitch stage. Don’t wait until you’ve won it. * Want something done? Ask a busy Debbie Millman — they have less time to procrastinate. * Learn what you’re good at. Production/details? Coming up with ideas?

Habits * Celebrate small victories, such as winning a new project or client * Sleep a lot. 8 hours at least. * Eat better. (better than soda, candy, cigarettes, that is.) * Read constantly.

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This episode is a rundown of resource I've been collecting and analysing for some time. The Busy Creator Podcast is far from the only place online to learn business skills and discuss productivity, so strap yourself in and listen to this collection of 27 online resources where creative pros can learn business skills.

Tools & Website * Fizzle, Community * The Fizzle Show * Seanwes, Community * The Podcast Dude * Freelancers' Union * FU Hives * Stack Exchange * GraphicDesign.StackExchange.com * Lynda * LinkedIn acquires Lynda for $1.5B * InDesignSecrets.com * Skillshare * Coursera * Udemy * Udacity * Chip Kidd on Skillshare * Jessica Hische on Skillshare * Erica Heinz on Skillshare * Erica Heinz on The Busy Creator Podcast * Courtney Eliseo on Skillshare * Courtney Eliseo on The Busy Creator Podcast * General Assembly * The Flatiron School * Digital Strategy School * Marie Poulin & Ben Borowski * Marie Poulin on The Busy Creator Podcast * Ben Borowski on The Busy Creator Podcast * Nathalie Lussier * 30-Day Listbuilding Challenge * Louder Than Ten * Marketing Mentor * Pitch Perfect Presentation * The C Method * Christina Canters on The Busy Creator Podcast * Prescott Perez-Fox on The C Method Podcast * Paper and Oats * Guerrilla Freelancing * Sidecar * Made by SY/Partners * 30-Foot Gorilla * The Nu School * Online Pricing Guide from The Nu School * Learn The Secret Handshake * HOW Magazine * HOW Design Live * Communication Arts

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GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 72 (MP3, 30:48, 14.8 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 72 (OGG, 30:48, 15.7 MB)

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How should a creative professional go about building an audience for an online project or brand? What can we do to connect with likeminded people and potential partners? How can bring a killer app or perfect gift to a hungry audience?

Like many others on the Internet, I don't have all the answers, but I know a few experts.

In this episode, we hear from Johanna (@GoodVibesJo) and Charles (@TheBrownVegan), the team behind Good Vibes Life, on the hard lessons learned in their first year of online brand-building. We also hear from Ben Kreuger (@BenWKreuger), of Cashflow Podcasting, on popular and proven tactics for audience growth. Finally, Kate Erickson (@KateLErickson) of Entrepreneur on Fire and Kate's Take shares the Top 7 Strategies: How to Grow a Podcast Audience.

When all's said and done, there are a few genuinely proven routes to take to building an audience, but each takes consistency, energy, and time. Lots of time. Learn what they are in today's conversation.

Show Notes & Links * Johanna is a holistic health coach, yoga instructor, and nurse * Recipes are available * Long-term strategy pays, some food bloggers have been going for 7+ years * @YogaGirl, a popular yogi who shares her personal life * Johanna & Charles have taken different approaches with social media: free-form and very regimented

"The point of social media is not just to gain followers."

—Johanna Perez-Fox

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"75% of the classroom has the same question, but no one is brave enough to ask."

—Charles Penn

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"The smallest thing you can do in the world is a single tap on a digital screen."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Maslow's Hierarchy
• Johanna observed a loss in engagement, even in a two-month period

"In order to have an audience of any kind, there has to be a medium of communication."

—Ben Krueger

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• Pareto Principle aka The 80/20 Rule
• Kate's recent blog post on growth
• Critical Mass: The point at which your project's marketing isn't reliant on you
• The Consistency Formula: Post Consistently + Audience Makes Listening a Habit = Podcast Growth
• Facebook or LinkedIn Groups are a good place to find like-minded people, but can be distaction-filled
• Derek Halpern's approach to the 80/20 rule: "Create content 20% of the time. Spend the other 80% of the time promoting what you created."
• Gary Vaynerchuk says "you should never schedule a tweet."
• Johanna Perez-Fox on Facebook
• Johanna Perez-Fox on Instagram
• Johanna Perez-Fox on SnapChat
• Johanna Perez-Fox on Periscope
• Charles Penn on Facebook
• Charles Penn on Instagram
• Charles Penn on SnapChat
• Charles Penn on Periscope
• Good Vibes Life on YouTube
• Ben Kreuger on Twitter
• Ben Kreuger (Authority Engine) on Facebook
• Cashflow Podcasting on SoundCloud
• Kate Erickson on Twitter
• Kate Erickson on Instagram
• Entrepreneur on Fire on Facebook
• Entrepreneur on Fire on YouTube

Tools * Skype * Hootsuite * Meet Edgar

Techniques * Publish recipes or other content to build a following over years (decades) * Speak about yourself from a place where you learned something * Get involved with in-person events, even if you're building an online business * Position yourself as a mutual learner with a community of likeminded people * Leverage your time to the most effective tasks * Batch your tasks to save time and energy * Growth Strategy 1: Confirm Uniqueness (format, tone, content) * Growth Strategy 2: Be Social (spread the word; no one else will) * Growth Strategy 3: Be Consistent (always!) * Growth Strategy 4: Create Community (make people feel welcome in comments) * Growth Strategy 5: Do the Rounds (guest blogging and guest appearances) * Growth Strategy 6: Always Listen (continuous improvement) * Growth Strategy 7: Have a Strong Call-to-Action (send folks to the show notes or email) * Go back to your archive and use previously-released content * Choose 3-5 groups to participate in. There are too many to join to be productive.

Habits * Share your personal details as well as your professional happenings * Observe and question the value of a "Like", make sure you're asking for valuable feedback * Continually answer questions to the entire audience, rather than to individuals * Work in 2-3 hour chunks, with breaks in between * Find ways to publish your content in multiple formats and media * Be careful about scheduled posts when a dramatic event occurs in the world * Continually tweak and improve your projects; give 'em time.

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GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 71 (MP3, 1:02:46, 30.3 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 71 (OGG, 1:02:46, 31.4 MB)

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Kitty Chan (@IMKittyChan) and Alice Chan (@AliceChan319) are twin sisters and co-workers at Procurify, an online software company based in Richmond, BC, Canada. The duo work together within the design team at Procurify, and have originated many of the company's creative workflows and protocols, grown the product and marketing offerings from the ground up, and installed a healthy creative culture.

In this conversation, we discuss how the sisters came to work together at Procurify, some of the early creative challenges faced by a small software company, and what sort of workflows and rituals you can use in your own company to help create order and harmony.

Procurify is an online tool to aide companies in their purchasing and procurement. Check them out at Procurify.com

Show Notes & Links * Alice and Kitty are UX/UI designers * Procurify helps businesses with their procurement processes, to help businesses buy the stuff they need * The design team is only three designers, so everyone wears multiple hats * Procurify began as as school project for three students at BCIT * Kitty was the first designer, with Alice leaving her "corporate startup" to join about 6 months later

"We know how we both work. It's very easy to communicate."

—Alice Chan

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• Challenges at the start concerned process. A lot of trial-and-error.

"Don't bake a giant cake; you might not like the flavour. Bake a cupcake first and taste it."

—Alice Chan

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• InVision, and their blog
• Lo-Fidelity/Hi-Fidelity design

"Fail fast but also learn fast."

—Alice Chan

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• Adrienne Stortz runs xoxocooks, her cooking show on YouTube. She'll like our cooking metaphors.

"Our design team is in the center of everything."

—Kitty Chan

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• Kitty & Alice (and their third designer) work on marketing, sales, and lots of other elements.
• "Two Pizza Team" — keep it small enough to feed everyone with two pizzas
• Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson on Amazon and on Audible

"Boss is a four-letter word."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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"[Our office] feels like a community center sometimes."

—Kitty Chan

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• Show Your Work by Austin Kleon on Amazon

• Steve Gordon, and his Instagram feed

• Prescott prefers Kanban Boards over Gantt Charts
• Matt Cutts
• HelloKittyChan.com
• Kitty Chan on Twitter
• Kitty Chan on Facebook
• Kitty Chan on Instagram
• Kitty Chan on Dribbble
• Kitty Chan on Pinterest
• Kitty Chan on LinkedIn
• AliceChan.design
• Alice Chan on Twitter
• Alice Chan on Facebook
• Alice Chan on Instagram
• Alice Chan on Dribbble
• Alice Chan on Pinterest
• Alice Chan on LinkedIn
• Procurify on Twitter
• Procurify on Facebook
• Procurify on Instagram
• Procurify on YouTube
• Procurify on Dribbble

Tools * Procurify * InVision * Smash Bros. * Whiteboards * Trello * Wrike, and its Gantt Chart feature * Sketch, over Photoshop, for interface design

Techniques * Product Owners should bring in Designers from the start to create a feature * Define a "development workflow" which breaks projects into smaller chunks * Publish-and-iterate, not just in app/software design * Move the Design Phase earlier to decide on features. Don't build things before they've been planned. * Take care to ensure consistency across apps, marketing materials * Have a company scrum every Friday to showcase what you've during the week * Upload your work to Dribbble as a team * When moving from design to development, show your thinking in InVision and include images

Habits * Continually share your work — even your in-progress stuff * Take the weekends "off"

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Get Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson as a free audiobook

GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 70 (MP3, 35:27, 17.1 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 70 (OGG, 35:27, 17.2 MB)

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Betsy Helmuth (@BetsyHelmuth) is an interior designer & decorator in New York City. Her company, Affordable Interior Design, offers, well, affordable interior design. Over the years, she's designed rooms in over 1,000 apartments, as well as many offices and home offices.

In this conversation, we discuss some simple steps that we creative pros can take to improve our workspaces — both while renting an office and in fixing up our home office. We cover lighting, colour, shelving, storage, and other little "hacks" for setting up shop and enjoying a happy, productive, creative work-day.

Show Notes & Links

• Betsy is the founder of Affordable Interior Design
• She believes you can "maximise your productivity and creativity by changing the atmosphere in which you work"
• When looking for an office, look for the basics — location, space, costs
• Also look for a building with similar businesses for future collaboration
• Many companies overlook their interior office design — they look good online, but it doesn't translate to the real world
• Barbara Corcoran says to "overextend yourself" in terms of rent. It creates hustle.
• "If you build it, they will come." Betsy applies this to empty desks in your office.

"It's more expensive to move than to pay a little bit more each month."

—Betsy Helmuth

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"A rented space needs to have some home-office flavor."

—Betsy Helmuth

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• Noisli.com, plays focus-enhancing background noise
• Prescott and Betsy both have home offices, as do many people in creative businesses.
• Many couples will keep their second bedroom and turn it into a nursery/office. Bad to mix those two.
• Glass desks are terrible, because of their clinking noise for a start
• kabelsalat, the German word for "cable salad" aka the mess of tangled cords & cables
• Bamboo and Plywood desks
• Matt Cremona, a woodworker and furniture maker, appeared on The Busy Creator Podcast, ep. 61
• Task Lighting
• Studies show you shouldn't have too much white (and blue) light into the evening hours.
• Betsy's husband, Jack, is a comedy writer. Their office is "fun."
• Ernst & Young, accounts, probably not a fun office.
• West Elm
• CableOrganizer.com
• Betsy Helmuth on Twitter
• Betsy Helmuth on Facebook
• Affordable Interior Design on Twitter
• Affordable Interior Design on Facebook
• Affordable Interior Design on Instagram
• Affordable Interior Design on Pinterest
• Big Design Small Budget podcast on iTunes

Tools

• Plug-in dimmer switch on Amazon
• Incandescent lightbulbs
• Prescott's desk, a ThermoDesk Elite sit/stand motorised adjustable desk
• Betsy's [dream] desk, a Steelcase Tanker desk (with legs)
• Philips Hue Bulbs (and iPhone app)
• Cable Raceways and Channels

Techniques

• Get an office near the bathroom so people pass by
• Put your logo on the door and welcome visitors
• Add colour, design your space
• Design your office for the people who use it "350 days per year"
• Try to arrange a good view in your work area
• Match your dog bed to your logo — simple colour matching goes a long way
• Turn off your overhead lights and use hanging pendant lights
• Sub-lease empty desks in your office to other creatives and independent pros
• Choose an office that's close to your home — otherwise you'll just want to work from home.
• Arrange your bedroom work area so you're not facing the desk directly from bed
• Keep things tidy to avoid extra stress on your mind
• Reduce glare using diffuse window treatments
• To get true colour, go outside with your paint swatches. To see how it looks in a room, paint a portion of the wall.
• Avoid light blue or sage green for an office, they're too relaxing.
• Use pops of yellow or orange, they're stimulating and energizing.

Habits

• Wear headphones even if you're not listening to anything. That trains co-workers not to interrupt.
• Keep one desk photo or screensaver of your family/pets

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• Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 69 (MP3, 30:54, 15.0 MB)
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This bonus show is dedicated to Ethan Frederick Greene, my friend and a talented musician, who passed away September 13, 2015. Featured are a selection of Ethan’s composition work across multiple genres included electronica, chamber music, opera, ambient, and other bits that defy category.

For more about Ethan, please visit his site, EthanGreene.org

Ethan Greene on SoundCloud

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Dan Fields (@danthebeast) is a Vice President of Operations at Aarra, an interactive management firm based in New York and Chicago. Once a humble Flash developer, Dan has moved into a sales and new business role, building relationships with large agencies and small shops alike.

Our conversations discusses the need for sales and relationships in creative businesses, how Dan made the transition to new biz, and some of the challenges facing the ever-changing advertising industry.

Catch up with Dan on his personal site Danfields.com or via his podcast, Save It For The Show.

Show Notes & Links * Dan is “no expert” but is a working professional with a passion project on the side. (Aren’t we all?!) * Dan is a New Business & Strategy agent for a number of design & interactive studios * He started as a Flash developer, gaining an understanding of the creative process * Matt Keefe, Josh Miles, previous guests on the Podcast * The challenge is now “How do you get potential clients into the room?”

“You have to have the work in your portfolio.”

—Dan Fields

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• Dan studied advertising and journalism at University of Nevada, Reno, (where previous guest Mignon Fogarty is now a professor)

“My work ethic was high enough that I could fake being a decent designer.”

—Dan Fields

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• BKWLD, a digital agency in Sacramento — Dan’s first job, and where he met Ben Borowski
• Dan’s background as not-a-traditional sales guy is “a feature, not a bug.”
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss On Amazon and On Audible
• Secrets of Closing The Sale by Zig Ziglar On Amazon and On Audible
• Save It For The Show, Dan’s podcast and creative outlet
• Ad Agencies like Goodby Silverstein, Weiden+Kennedy come up with good ideas, but Dan needs to find the folks who actually produce it.
• Old Spice
• Terry Crews (and his muscles)
• Facebook apps were everywhere, often because agencies would come up with wild ideas
• HTML5
• Getting Things Done by David Allen On Amazon and On Audible
• The pronunciation of GIF
• Emoji icons
• “Interesting” means “Not at all interesting” to Britons, especially in a business context
• How To Get Your Client’s Budget And Not Die In The Intent

“You can be on the phone all day, up to date on your email, or you can actually get things done.”

—Dan Fields

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“At some point advertising forgot that it’s supposed to sell something, not just win awards.”

—Dan Fields

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“Advertising is weaponized media.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Brands saying “Bae” (@BrandsSayingBae) on Twitter
• Eat24 – an online ordering service with a very funny persona (@Eat24)
• Oreos “You can still dunk in the dark”
• Rutheford Gold Foil Experiment aka The Geiger-Marsden Experiments, conducted between 1908–1913 at the University of Manchester; led to the Bohr Model of the atom (Nobel Prize, 1922) and Frank & Hertz’s work on electron impact (Nobel Prize, 1925)
• Volkswagen “Milky Way” spot for Cabrio, by Arnold, 1999
• Volkswagen “Sunday Afternoon” spot for Golf, by Arnold, 1997

“Every time you do something creative, you’re buying a lottery ticket.”

—Dan Fields

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• Straight Outta Compton meme on Instagram
• Pinochle, the card game for old ladies
• Lucy Kellaway once remarked on hobbies outside of work — CEOs used to have them, now they ~~don’t~~can’t
• Kiwanis Club
• Dan Fields on Twitter
• Dan Fields on Facebook
• Dan Fields on Instagram
• Save It For The Show on Twitter
• Save It For The Show on Facebook
• Save It For The Show on SoundCloud

Tools * Highrise, from Basecamp * Salesforce * Daylite * Evernote * Follow Up Then * Siri * Slack * An actual calculator, like a TI-83

Techniques * If you’re a creative who’s shy, you need to push yourself * Create a side project or “fake” projects to build your portfolio * Force yourself out of your comfort zone, especially for things like cold-calling * BCC “2weeks@followupthen.com” on your emails to receive a reminder to your inbox * Ask Siri to set reminders * Keep an open internet chat for goofing off; helps build office culture * Use video chat to supress miscommunication in email-writing shorthand * Don’t hide your budget — don’t waste each other’s time by keeping it secrets * Learn small talk, it’s part of relationship-building

Habits * Find a way to remind yourself; you won’t remember * Keep a running list of jokes or notes * Get ideas out of your head and into some kind of system * Drink coffee, don’t sleep (a by-product of children) * Avoid social media; it feels productive, but it isn’t. * Focus on email only for an hour; block off everything else.

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Get The Episode + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 68 (MP3, 51:56, 25.1 MB) + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 68 (OGG, 51:56, 25.3 MB)

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Mignon Fogarty (@MignonFogarty) is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips, the multi-faceted publishing website that produces dozens of topic-specific podcasts based on several characters, the most famous of which is Grammar Girl.

Since creating the Grammar Girl Podcast, Mignon has authored 7 books, collected a host of podcasting awards, and recently assumed the Donald W. Reynolds Chair in Media Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada Reno.

Our conversation follows Mignon's origins in online business, how she leveraged her early podcast success and existing personal relationships to create a broader network, and how she still prefers to do certain production elements herself.

Show Notes & Links * Mignon Fogarty is a professor — not a doctor — but her students call her by her first name * Britons will call Professors as such, whereas the Americans favour Doctor, when that's available. e.g. Professor Alice Roberts (@DrAliceRoberts), a medical doctor and professor at the University of Birmingham

"There's a lot of power in networks"

—Mignon Fogarty

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• Grammar Girl (podcast) began as a hobby project whilst Mignon worked as a technical writer. Her clients kept making the same mistakes.
• Grammar Girl reach #2 in iTunes within 6 weeks
• Modern Manners Guy, Mighty Mommy, Money Girl, et al. were Mignon's friends/neighbours whom she recruited for spin-off shows
• The Wall St. Journal picked Grammar Girl as the Web Pick of the Day - 4 Nov. 2006
• "New York Publishers" (a synecdoche, of sorts; a toponym, more specifically)
• MacMillan Publishing wanted a digital initiative; they partnered
• Mignon chose podcasting over blogging alone because she "really loved it"
• SEO-friendly blog posts helped folks discover episodes and the show in general
• A post on Reddit, in the ELI5 subreddit, regarding colours as last names
• "Redheads vs. Orangeheads" a post on Grammar Girl regarding origins of the colour orange in English
• Gretchen McCollugh, PhD
• Mignon was always "an entrepreneur at heart"; she and a college roommate sold hair accessories
• Prescott misses Aardvark and Squiggly, characters from her show
• Grammar Girl now has segments — Intro, Quick and Dirty Tip, The Meaty Middle, Tidbits, Announcements, Ads
• Mignon uses content from her books and newsletter for podcast content
• Many English phrases originate from train talk
• Idioms
• Fast and Loose derives from an old carnival game
• Mr. Adolphe Sax, inventor of the Saxophone
• Tall Poppy Syndrome, an Australian phrase
• Malapropism

"People write in different ways for different media."

—Mignon Fogarty

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"What texting is, despite the fact that it involves the brute mechanics of something that we call writing, is fingered speech."

—John McWhorter

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• "u" has replaced "you" as a pronoun, even in written schoolwork
• Andrea Lunsford, of The Writing Center at Stanford, concludes there aren't more errors because of teh Internet
• Affect/Effect or They're/Their/There
• Google trends allows you to search for phrases like "on accident"
• The New York Times could find Haikus within the stories
• Google Ngrams to find first appearances
• Google News Archive
• The Teddy Bear, inspired by Theodore Roosevelt

"The Internet is [still] mostly a written medium."

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• The link between language & design: language → grammar → punctuation → typography → design
• The Oxford Comma
• "Visual Language" or "Brand Voice" are types of designer personifications
• ~~Professor Fogarty~~ Mignon teaches Media Entrepreneurship & Social Journalism

• Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty on Amazon and on Audible

• Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips to Clean Up Your Writing by Mignon Fogarty on Audible

• 101 Misused Words by Mignon Fogarty on Amazon

• 101 Words to Sound Smart by Mignon Fogarty on Amazon

• 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time by Mignon Fogarty on Amazon

• Words Every High School Graduate Needs to Know by Mignon Fogarty on Amazon

• "Applesaucing", Prescott's term for re-purposing and re-publishing your content

• How Mignon organises and plans a book. Very cool
  [av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSIMqtsgLY' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
• Mignon has written 7 books in 6 years — in your face, Todd Henry!
• Fellini
• Information Diets
• When recording from her home, Mignon uses a walk-in closet with a snowball mic
• Mignon Fogarty on Twitter
• Mignon Fogarty on Instagram
• Mignon Fogarty on Google+
• Grammar Girl on Twitter
• Grammar Girl on Facebook
• Grammar Girl on SoundCloud

Mignon Fogarty tells her story to Leo Laporte on Triangulation, episode 117
[av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA8ZH_cdl9M' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']

Tools * Snowball Mic * Pinterest * Trello * Freedcamp * Slack * MacBook Air * Large Apple Monitor * iPod Touch (for social media) * Boomerang for Gmail * Clammr * Audacity

Techniques * Use the script from your podcast as a blog post * Use guest writers for narrow subject matters, especially if they have a PhD in that topic * Assign content and schedule shows about 6-7 weeks in advance * Edit your script for pronunciation — some things are hard to say out loud * Use Pinterest to promote a podcast * Set deadlines for yourself * Hire help to manage you (especially for writing) * Keep two separate phones for your separate social media accounts

Habits * Delegate, especially social media * Uses content from her books and newsletter for podcast content * Workout every morning, before lunch rather than first thing * Make sure to drink caffeine with lunch

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GET THE EPISODE * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 67 (MP3, 45:48, 22.2 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 67 (OGG, 45:48, 21.7 MB)

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Ben Elijah (@inkandben) is a consultant in the productivity sector and author of the book The Productivity Habits. In this conversation, we dig into the productivity sector as a whole, and discuss his origins as an author and as a not-very-productive person.

The Productivity Habits, by Ben Elijah

This episode is oddly self-referential, as we, two productivity nerds, talk about how bad we are with our own habits, and about how we continually struggle to stay productive — at least in our own eyes. Ben writes and speaks about the topic, which is an ongoing struggle for all of us. You’ll learn some of Ben’s tested habits and techniques you can use to get started down the road toward better effectiveness.

Catch up with Ben via his site, InkAndBen.com

Show Notes & Links * In case you’ve forgotten, The Busy Creator discusses Tools, Techniques, and Habits * Ben admits that he came to focus on productivity because he’s “very bad at it” * Getting Things Done by David Allen On Amazon and On Audible * The Productivity Habits by Ben Elijah On Amazon * Ben observes some of the same routines everyday in creative pros * Ben and Prescott are prone to “depressive cycles of thought”

“Really creative people care about things … but do they deploy passion the right way?”

—Ben Elijah

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• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Is your pensivity turned up to 11?
• A problem that affects [young] people is their inability to plan

“Education is serial; in work, things come in parallel”

—Ben Elijah

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“Who am I going to disappoint today?”

—Merlin Mann

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• Merlin Mann, productivity writer
• According to Ben, there are no “high habits” to which we should all aspire to

“There isn’t anybody talking about this that isn’t also a student”

—Ben Elijah

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• Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous small improvements

“It takes a certain amount of self-awareness just to begin”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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“The world that the human brain has created is very ill-suited to the human brain.”

—Ben Elijah

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“Your brain is for having ideas, not for holding them”

—David Allen

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• The Ether
• Make sure you’re doing productivity, not “pornography”
• Memento
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg On Amazon and On Audible
• Reddit, a classic time-waster
• The Cult of the Morning Routine, see also: The Busy Creator Podcast ep 65 w/Cathryn Lavery
• Ben hates the word “productivity” because it encourages the “easy-answer people”
• Prescott hates the word “branding”

“For me to become even moderatel effective has taken nearly 10 years of blood, sweat, tears, and constant failure.”

—Ben Elijah

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• [n] ways to [verb][problem] — solves the wrong problem
• Clickbait
• Context, in the David Allen sense, is something that constrains us

“A context is a function of space, time, and thought.”

—Ben Elijah

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“Switching between tasks has overhead”

—Ben Elijah

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• Ben prefers a state of flow over rapid-switching
• You can’t go “from zero to Ninja”
• Sixth Form
• Makes Its Own Gravy
• Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule by Paul Graham
• Ben Elijah on Twitter

Tools * AquaNotes, a waterproof notepad for your shower * In-baskets, for a paper-full office * OmniFocus * Squarespace

Techniques * Experiment with a “system” for recording ideas, thoughts * Build a habit by using the Trigger/Reward/Routine approach * Observe your situation — mood, energy, time, equipment * Work out of order, depending on what’s appropriate to the situation * Create tasks that are “granular”, and cannot be broken down further

Habits * Carry a notebook and record ideas * Build the routine of reviewing your notes * Wake up at 5:30 to write, prepare, workout * Eat a high protein breakfast

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Cathryn Lavery (@CathrynLavery) is an architect-turned-designer, entrepreneur, and maker. After leaving architecture, she created Calm The Ham, where she designs and sells posters and other products. Cat's next project is The Self Journal, a printed, bound journal with templates to help you craft a productive morning routine and accomplish your quarterly goals. Our conversation covers Cat's productivity habits, especially as they relate to morning routines, how she leverages her passions for design but leaves the marketing duties to other people, and how she takes a systematic approach to launching on Kickstarter by manipulating her media contacts. Catch up with Cat on her personal blog, LittleMight.com, or via CalmTheHam.com and TheSelfJournal.com

Listen Now [caption id="attachment_2565" align="alignnone" width="452"] The Self Journal, closed[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2566" align="alignnone" width="411"] The Self Journal, open[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2567" align="alignnone" width="411"] The Self Journal, open[/caption]

Show Notes & Links * Cat studied at Glasgow School of Art, and trained as an architect * Cat describes herself as a "maker"; it's on her business card * She abandoned architecture after discovering that the job becomes less creative as the years endure * Cat's design company, Calm The Ham, produces posters and other design goods * The initial investment for Calm The Ham was essentially the cost of a nice printer * Cat began working on websites because people asked her * The Foundation, a course to build SaaS products * Clinic Hero, Cat's software for Chiropractors/Physical Therapists * Groupon * "Decision Fatigue" is to be avoided * Nate Voss, guest on a previous episode, described team-ups as "forming Voltron"

"California doesn't have a water problem, it has a people problem." —Cathryn Lavery

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• Fart apps

"You don't want two designers starting a business together. You need someone doing the marketing & sales." —Cathryn Lavery

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• The metaphor of "The Invading Army" vs. "The Occupying Army"
• ~~Coffee-flavoured Doritos~~ Cappuccino-flavoured Lay's (yes, this is a real product) [caption id="attachment_2556" align="alignnone" width="250"] Cappuccino-flavoured Lay's[/caption]

"Do the things you love to do to keep your batteries charged." —Cathryn Lavery

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• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod On Amazon and On Audible
• Cat installed multiple habits simultaneously early in January
• Bulletproof Coffee
• Hurricane/Super-storm Sandy
• The Self Journal, Cat's new product, launching on Kickstarter 19 Aug 2015
• The brain's Reticular Activating System
• Getting Things Done by David Allen On Amazon and On Audible

"You want to make it look like Apple created it." —Cathryn Lavery

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• Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday On Amazon and On Audible
• QNS Collective, co-working space in Queens, NY
• Cathryn Lavery on Twitter
• Cathryn Lavery on Facebook
• Cathryn Lavery on Instagram
• Calm The Ham on Twitter
• Calm The Ham on Facebook
• Best Self Co. on Twitter
• Best Self Co. on Facebook

Tools * Clinic Hero * The Foundation * LeadPages * Medium * 7-Minute Workout app on iTunes app store * The Self Journal

Techniques * Share how your projects are made * Learn from people outside your industry (e.g. digital marketers if you're a designer) * Listen to your audience for advice on what to create next * Research a market, pre-sell a product, and then look for a developer to make it happen * Look for people to buy in to your project; folks to be invested not just have a job * Leverage parts of the project you most enjoy, and give the other elements to other people * Don't try to do everything yourself (e.g. marketing, content, design) * Align your skills/passion with the sort of work that suits you (long-term vs. short-term) * Hoard water in buckets if you live in an area prone to droughts * Limit yourself to three targets for the day (not a huge to-do list) * Practice a gratitude habit in the morning * Get things out of your head and into a system * Create a high-quality video on Kickstarter, even for a print or physical product * Create professional image assets for your project * Build a media list for future outreach - Cat's blog post on her Kickstarter methodology * Use Google Images to search for articles covering a specific product * Use a Virtual Assistant to build your spreadsheet and take care of research tasks * Impose deadlines on yourself, if only to keep things fresh!

Habits * Develop a morning routine. Here's Cat's * Meditate first thing in the morning, or move it around to whenever it fits best * Do a quick workout before your [ice-cold] shower so your body is warm * Use a journal to plan your days, and your goals for the quarter * Tell your story of how you develop a product

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Todd Henry (@ToddHenry) is an author, speaker, and creative consultant who has written three books, including his newest, Louder Than Words, available August 11, 2015.

Todd Henry’s new book, Louder Than Words

Building on his previous writing efforts, Louder Than Words is aimed at creative professionals who struggle to find significance in the larger arc of their work and careers. Together, we discuss his unwavering writing methodologies, the struggles faced by creative pros at various points in their career, and what he’s discovered in writing and publishing three related books in seven years.

Catch up with Todd at ToddHenry.com, or AccidentalCreative.com

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Angel Grablev (@AngelGrablev) is the CEO and Co-Founder of Freedcamp, an online project management and collaboration application. Angel began Freedcamp as a side project, but has since built a global distributed team, and now works full-time to improve project management for thousands of customers.

Our conversation covers Angel’s previous work as a web developer, Freedcamp’s origins and intents, as well as the trouble faced in conventional project management. We also discuss management style and company culture more generally, as it relates to measured results and keeping your co-workers informed.

Sign up for Freedcamp, for free, at Freedcamp.com

Show Notes & Links * Freedcamp is a collaboration system which helps any team work together on any sort of project. * Prescott learned about Freedcamp from Bryan Orr, when he appeared on Episode 31 – Project Management Tools & Collaboration Software * FTP, the best way to share files not that long ago * Jack Johnson * Lenny Kravitz * Angel’s former employer introduced him to Basecamp * UCSB – University of California at Santa Barbara

“No team is alike.”

—Angel Grablev

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• Angel got the idea for Freedcamp after attempting to organize a camping trip on email
• “Underdo The Competition” — Basecamp’s tagline
• iPhone 1, started with basic apps, but the App Store added tons of functionality

“No one is interested in paying money to organize a camping trip.”

—Angel Grablev

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• Freedcamp boasted 30,000 users in its first year
• Some use cases include hurricane clean-up efforts, parent-teacher associations, university students
• ADHD & Dyslexia led Angel to becoming a web developer with design skills
• Angel built the first HTML5/CSS3 framework, 52 Framework
• Santa Barbara City College
• Freedcamp’s team lives in California, Australia, Ukraine, and Netherlands
• Eating your own dog food
• GitHub
• Agile Development
• Scrum
• Waterfall
• AMC, users of Freedcamp
• A gaming studio used Freedcamp’s Wiki application to plan an entire game
• The Wall, a social, less formal place to have conversations within Freedcamp
• Reddit
• Animated GIFs & Emoji — adding flavour to group chatter

“The biggest gift I have is the people I work with.”

—Angel Grablev

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• The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan On Amazon and On Audible
• Angel broke the daily habit of drinking a Monster Energy Drink each morning
• bacn, the newsletters and other stuff in your inbox that isn’t quite spam
• Ramit Sethi‘s example of Flossing One Tooth

“Take one step, everything else will take care of itself.”

—Angel Grablev

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• Angel Grablev on GitHub
• Angel Grablev on Twitter
• Angel Grablev on Facebook
• Angel Grablev on Instagram
• Freedcamp on Twitter
• Freedcamp on Facebook
• Freedcamp on YouTube

Tools * Freedcamp * Gmail * Google Docs * Basecamp * Jira from Atlassian * Trello or Asana, competitors to Freedcamp * Adobe Photoshop * PNGHat & CSSHat, plugins for Photoshop * XAMPP, to run local servers * JQuery & Angular.js frameworks * Skitch, for screenshots * Sketch, for interface design * Fireworks, InDesign, for vector-based design

Techniques * Reduce email; get everyone on a project mgmt. app as soon as possible * Don’t build a huge feature list; go for simple and easy to use * Think about where your product can grow * Find a technical co-founder; don’t suffer alone with skills you lack. * Go for 80% functionality and create a workaround for the final 20% * Be flexible with how you use any tool * Use [brackets] or #hashtags as a DIY way to have tags/categories * Create a catch-all “bucket” of to-dos for your company. It deters meetings & email. * Discover what works best for your team * Write down decisions made in [daily] meetings * Skim, don’t read, email. Just look for critical things. * Pause and look for the “most important thing” * Break down a project into two-week increments

Habits * Track time to get an accurate picture of your week, and to send invoices * Be social with your co-workers on the Wall * Establish a daily standup meeting to discuss what you’re working on * Follow-up and share results for projects or tasks * Continually gather ideas from your team * Use three monitors for Photoshop, Code, and Browsers * Quit Caffeine (be prepared for headaches) * Avoid email first thing; instead do your most important work first

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Ben Borowski (@TypeOneError) is a software developer and programmer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. In past years, Ben run a small studio doing web development for top agencies, but has recently made a move to create his own project, and is working on that full-time.

Ben is one half of Oki Doki, along with Designer & Digital Strategist Marie Poulin. Together, the duo are hard at work on Doki, a web platform to build and run online courses and communities. In this conversation, Ben discusses the creative side of programming, the definition of a “coder”, and the challenges of putting aside client projects for the endeavor of building your own app.

Catch up with Ben on his site, Type One Error, or check out Doki.io.

Show Notes & Links * Marie Poulin was a guest on The Busy Creator Podcast last year * Ben defines himself broadly as a web developer, but more specifically as a programmer in Ruby, and other disciplines * TWiT – This Week in Tech * Ben doesn’t subscribe to the idea that “Coders aren’t necessarily programmers” * If Statements, For Loops – essentials in programming * Mark-up is code

“I’ve met many computer science guys … who are completely stumped by CSS.”

—Ben Borowski

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“If you’re building a website and you write HTML tags, you’re a coder.”

—Ben Borowski

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• Markdown, the coding format for Reddit comments
• Dustin Hartzler, WordPress Engineer and host Your Website Engineer Podcast
• Podcast Movement Conference

“Programing is more technical … but making software is creative.”

—Ben Borowski

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• Product Designer, as the term applies to web design, can incorporate development/programming
• Open-Source, a place for inspiration
• Ben consults and develops cross-platform games, and other projects
• Doki, currently in development as a consulting platform and will be a public product soon
• Previous guests on The Busy Creator Podcast have discussed online teaching, such as Karen Marston, Steve Dotto
• Javascript framework Ember.js (similar to Ruby-on-Rails for the front end of the website)
• Prescott attended Drexel University, a school set up on the quarter system.
• Alpha testers

You can’t have nine people make a baby in one month.

—productivity adage

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• Unit Tests or Feature Tests are useful for programmers when merging code and error-correcting
• Material Design, from Google — hard to describe because it’s almost like a framework … for design
• Facebook asks developers to work on the main product in their first week
• Gone in 60 Seconds, writing on the walls in detergent and using a blacklight
• Type One Error
• Oki Doki
• Ben Borowski on Twitter
• Ben Borowski on Facebook

Tools * HTML to Markdown converter * Markdown to HTML converter * WordPress * Jetpack, the official suite of plugins for WordPress * Infusionsoft * MailChimp * Google Analytics * WishList for WordPress * Platform-as-a-server * Amazon web services * Heroku * EngineYard * 9Folds * Sit or Stand adjustable GeekDesk * MacBook Pro * SublimeText * GitTower, a GUI application for managing Git projects * iTerm, Terminal replacement for Mac * Homebrew, a Ruby Framework * Vagrant, custom virtual machines on your system * Teamwork.com * EcoStatic Slickynotes

Techniques * Write your WordPress entries in Markdown — it’s fast and simple * Examine where you can reduce lines of code, load time, etc. * Launch first, and then go back and optimise * More team members always help the progress of a programming project * Give your team the building blocks, for design or programming alike * Develop a naming and organization system — any system — for your team to follow * Require new [programming] employees to push live code to the site on day one; this teaches them the entire process * Head to a coffee shop or co-working space 2-3 days/week even if you prefer to work from home * Keep a clean image of your system after a fresh reinstall * If you can, go full-time toward developing a product rather than try to cram it in “after hours”

Habits * Jog or Rock-Climb * Take breaks to walk (or wrestle with) the dog * Do some exercise in the morning, even stretching * Drink and eat in the morning (write it down if necessary)

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Matt Cremona (@MattCremona) is best known for his woodworking video channel on YouTube. Primarily self-taught, Matt challenges himself to build beautiful furniture, going so far as to cut and prepare the timber, documenting the forest-to-finished-piece process along the way.

Matt’s background is diverse, with previous work in software development, interface design, and economics. Together we discuss wood, carpentry and essential tools, and producing a weekly video show. Check out his videos and some of his work at MattCremona.com

Show Notes & Links * Woodworking with Matt Cremona on YouTube * Matt calls himself a “furniture maker” because he doesn’t focus on pure design * Matt, a former software designer, learned to build and maintain homes by working for his landlord * Unlike most woodworkers, Matt will take a piece from forest to showroom. * Adam Smith wrote about the input of labour into the cost of goods * Matt studied Business Finance and Vertical Integration

“Everything I have that’s useful in my day-to-day life … I taught myself.”

—Matt Cremona

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• Autodidact

“Every time [timber] changes hands, the cost doubles.”

—Matt Cremona

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• Dovetail Joint & Half-blind Dovetail Joint

Dovetail Joint

Half-Blind Dovetail Joint * Matt’s Shop Update — published every Monday, after four hours of production * Matt learned video editing in the high school A/V club, and returned to the practice years later * Lindsay Katt, quotable past guest on The Busy Creator Podcast * Calculus

“Geometry plays an incredibly large part in what I do.”

—Matt Cremona

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• Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
• Is this a Rhombus or a Kite?
• Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and other electronics
• Modding XBOX to build a Linux web server, for example
• Prescott aspires to 3D model and print his own steampunk outlet covers
• Drywall anchors, tile spacers — can be 3D printed

Drywall anchors, will be 3D printed as needed in the future * The original Metre was just a brass bar with two chinks in it (now it’s the oscillations of a Krypton ion)

The First Metre * A Foot is actually defined by its proportion of a Metre — .3048m exactly * Chroma keying (green screen) * Slabbing up a 6000-lb red oak log * Matt’s Cherry Cabinet project * Selecting the panels for the doors * Matt Cremona on Twitter * Matt Cremona on Facebook * Matt Cremona on Instagram

Tools * Milling machines such as jointers, planers * YouTube, for learning just about anything * A second monitor (the best tool for a digital workflow) * Display Fusion, and other Taskbar management apps for dual monitors * Evernote * Adobe Premiere * Stabilization Plugins * Saws – hand saw, circular saw, mitre saw

Techniques * Examine your material costs and where you can save money by producing your own * Hire a guy with a saw mill, rather than try to do that part yourself * Look for trees that have already fallen or been damaged * Publish a weekly update to force yourself to do something each week * Fight to have everything square from the start * Keep an old computer in your shop and look at your notes * Shop for used equipment, build your workshop slowly * Arrange your workshop around your workflow; place first-run tools closer to the door * Pick a first project before you choose your first tools * Bring a camera and record events … you never know when you’ll need the footage! * Learn to use the grain of the wood

Habits * Combine power tools with hand tools * Find the time that’s most productive for your (midnight–3:00am for Matt) * Prepare and eat pancakes every day * Answer email and connect via social early in the morning, get it out of the way * Map out “main goals” for each day

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Kristen Fischer (@KristenFischer) is an independent copywriter, author, and journalist living and working at the Jersey Shore. Following a stint as a cub reporter, she turned to freelance writing, making efforts to diversify her professional practice along the way.

A proponent of freelancing and professional issues around independent creatives, Kristen co-hosts Freelance Radio and has written When Talent Isn’t Enough, a business guide for creative professionals.

Our conversation covers writing tactics, the relationships between designers and writers, and how Kristen balances client work with authoring books. We also discuss the emotional trials of freelancing and some of the mistakes made and drama faced in her earlier years. Catch up with Kristen via her site, KristenFischer.com

Show Notes & Links * Kristen describes herself as a copywriter, journalist, author * Part of being a business writing is taking less-than-brilliant assignments at times * Two camps of copy — white papers, articles, and other long-form vs headlines, lead-in paragraphs, and short forms * Kristen teams up with designers; the best relationships work when writers think with design in mind and vice-versa * Kristen approaches a project as a journalism, getting right to “the gist” * Prescott wrote for The Triangle, the student newspaper of Drexel University * Kristen studied Environmental Science … naturally. * As a freelancer, Kristen, like Prescott, has worked part-time jobs to cover the gaps * Previous episode with Jeff Goins, author of The Art of Work

“Sometimes freelancing ‘on the side’ is very difficult to manage.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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“Don’t ‘take the leap’, instead ‘build a bridge.'”

—Jeff Goins

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• The Art of Work by Jeff Goins On Amazon and On Audible
• Kristen worked as a night editor for a year while she was building her freelance practice

“The first few years [as a freelancer], I was a hot mess.”

—Kristen Fischer

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• Freelancers typically struggle with one of three things: Staying energized, staying motivated, staying organized
• Kristen struggles with long-term vision and emotional context, Prescott struggles with focus hour-by-hour
• Our previous episode on Mind Hacking with Sir John Hargave
• Kristen has a dedicated home office, where her four cats make themselves comfy
• Creatively Self-Employed by Kristen Fischer On Amazon
• Ramen Noodles, Rent, and Resumes by Kristen Fischer On Amazon
• When Talent Isn’t Enough by Kristen Fischer On Amazon
• 50 Shades of Grey began life as Twilight fan fiction
• Kristen Fischer on Twitter
• Kristen Fischer on Facebook
• Kristen Fischer on Instagram

Tools * Microsoft Word * Galaxy Note * Lenovo Yoga II * Docking station * iPod * Mozy, for backups * FitBit

Techniques * Keep an email headline to 50 characters * Marketing messages differ from subject matter messages * Concentrate on the gist, and add tone after * Write using an “Inverted Pyramid” for articles — if the bottom gets cut off, it doesn’t matter * The order of writing: Intro — Need — Call to Action. But that might change depending on the client and medium. * Keep asking yourself “why am I doing this?” and purse the long-term goals * Learn to develop a thick skin as a freelancer, not to take things personally

Habits * POP your troublesome tasks. (POP = Procrastinate on Purpose) * Schedule admin tasks like invoicing * Schedule time within the routine to work on your book or side project; a big block of time won’t appear * Stay “old school” with software and office tech * Clear your household to-do list so it doesn’t interfere with your business tasks * Give yourself permission to have a flexibility schedule (gym in the morning, when everyone else is at work) * Use Sunday as a Writing Day — go to Starbucks

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For a full text transcript, see the show notes at http://busycreator.com/59

Tools * Corkboards * Dropbox * Google Drive * Asana * Freedcamp * Bounceapp * Harvest * Freshbooks * ScreenshotMonitor * Skype * DesignSignOff * Pinterest * IFTTT * Zapier * Niice * Dropmark

Techniques * Imagine an ideal workflow before you start sharing it * Store all files in an agreed-upon place, preferable automatically backed up * Use a tasking app for simple items * Review work online and be clear in your writing * Back everything up!

Habits * Track time and report daily or weekly, if not continually via a system

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Programming note from Prescott — The Busy Creator Podcast will switch release schedule for the summer to every other week rather than weekly. Episodes will resume Monday, June 1, 2015. Thanks for listening and supporting.

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Karen Marston (@KarenMarston) is an independent copywriter and the founder of Untamed Writing. Dissatisfied with her earlier roles, Karen took to writing SEO-focused articles and now works with clients writing bold, memorable copy for websites and other projects.

Her latest project is a foray into teaching. She now instructs others how to be effective, productive freelance writers. Our conversation discusses her personal workflows and habits, as well as her outlook on teaching and client project management.

Show Notes & Links * Karen describes herself simply as “a writer” * Karen started writing SEO-optimised articles — 500 word articles heavy with keywords to bring attention to the clients * Lately, Karen is taking on personal writing * JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, has a higher net worth than Queen Elizabeth II * Karen now earns more from teaching than from writing * Organisations struggle to have a voice, even though they talk about “brand voice” and whatnot

“As much as graphics and photos are essential on the web, it’s still mostly a written medium.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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“A brand is the human component of a non-human entity.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Eat24, Mailchimp — brands with personality, especially in their written voices

“Serious and professional are not the same thing. You can be professional without being serious.”

—Karen Marston

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• Part of being a professional means pushing back against clients
• Scrum-Sprint Methodology
• A number of Karen’s students have self-confidence issues, which inhibits their careers as a freelance writer
• The Top 3 Things that Stop Talented Writers Making Money

“I’m a best-selling author, not a best-writing author.”

-Robert Kiyosaki

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• Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki On Amazon and On Audible
• Untamed Writing School
• Karen Marston on Twitter
• Karen Marston on Facebook
• Untamed Writing on Facebook
• Karen Marston on Instagram

Tools * Facebook groups, especially if it’s your group * Location Rebel, and its forum * Trello, for to-do lists * Paper “catch-all” notebooks * Evernote * MacBook Air * StandStand * Kneeling Chair, as used by Lisa Simpson

Lisa Simpson uses a kneeling chair * OpenOffice * Dropbox

Techniques * Drop the serious, professional, corporate persona and write like an actual person * Be surprisingly human in your writing * Keep projects to two week periods: first week is planning, strategy, and first draft. Second week is for editing. * Allow unlimited revisions … but limit the time of the overall projects * Don’t specify to clients why you’re unavailable, just say when you can fit them in * Offer to connect a client with another writer (or designer) * Participate in a community and observe the questions being asked … then seek to answer them.

Habits * Cross a big diagonal stripe across a paper to show that everything on it is finished * Don’t get out of bed until getting 8 hours sleep * Take time on Mondays to plan the week * [Try to] work out everyday, perhaps taking a 28-day challenge * Avoid the supermarket on Sundays (take advantage of your own schedule)

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Eric Peterson is a veteran cartoonist & artist who worked across a variety of industries and niches, through advertising & commercial art, and now as a independent artist. Eric has developed a signature style, based in abstraction and surrealism, and referencing silkscreen and printing techniques of centuries past.

Catch up with Eric and see some of his work on his Facebook page.

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 57 with Cartoonist & Illustrator Eric Peterson 2015.05.11/0 Comments/in Podcast Episodes /by Prescott Perez-Fox

Eric Peterson is a veteran cartoonist & artist who worked across a variety of industries and niches, through advertising & commercial art, and now as a independent artist. Eric has developed a signature style, based in abstraction and surrealism, and referencing silkscreen and printing techniques of centuries past.

Catch up with Eric and see some of his work on his Facebook page.

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THE BUSY CREATOR PODCAST WITH PRESCOTT PEREZ-FOX

Ep. 57 w/Eric Peterson

Eric Peterson’s artwork

Eric Peterson’s artwork

Eric Peterson’s artwork

Eric Peterson’s artwork

Eric drawing a character, without formal sketching

Show Notes & Links * Eric describes his work as strange, surreal * Eric’s influences were comic books and book illustration * Dr. Seuss * Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak On Amazon and On Audible * Block-printing and engraving, methods of reproducing illustration in centuries past

Example of an engraving illustration * Cross-hatching, a shading technique

Crosshatch styles * Gray’s Anatomy, originally published 1858 * Dr. Henry Vandyke Carter, the unsung illustrator for Gray’s Anatomy * Eric worked in advertising in the 80s, but didn’t find creative satisfaction * Stream of consciousness * Zen * Canadian publisher taking on Eric’s next comic project

“A true artist does things that are organic or abstract.”

—Eric Peterson

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• Silkscreen

“There’s something that happens in spontaneity that lends a huge visual aspect that fine-tuning just doesn’t have.”

—Eric Peterson

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• Joel Duggan, cartoonist & illustrator, appeared on The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 2

“Coffee and drawing is perfect.”

—Eric Peterson

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• Art methods of old
• The Learners by Chip Kidd On Amazon and On Audible
• Brazil, The movie, written by Terry Gilliam
• Eric Peterson on Facebook

Tools * Drafting table * India Ink * No. 2 or No. 4 Watercolor brush * Japanese brush pens * Red photo pencil

Techniques * Allow the writing to lead the art, as well as the art lead the writing * Take a break — perhaps even months or years * Keep your pencil sketching loose, let the inking process take the lead * Procrastinate on purpose, to take meaningful break * Embrace creative distraction

Habits * Sketch ideas as they pop into your head, don’t let them vanish * Wake up with coffee and enjoy the rituals of all its sensory aspects * Carry a sketchbook at all times!

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• About the Author
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About Prescott Perez-Fox Prescott Perez-Fox is a New York-based graphic designer and brand developer with 14+ years experience in branding, packaging, graphic design, and web design. He runs The Busy Creator.

• Pro Tip for Keeping Your Portfolio Up To Date - 2015.05.07
• The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 56 – Mind Hacking with Sir John Hargrave - 2015.05.04
• The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 55 with Designer & Illustrator Nate Voss - 2015.04.27

Tags: advertising, art, brush, cartoon, commercial art, Eric Peterson, illustration, ink, printing, silkscreen, sketch

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RECENT BLOG POSTS * Pro Tip for Keeping Your Portfolio Up To Date * The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 56 – Mind Hacking with Sir John Hargrave * The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 55 with Designer & Illustrator Nate Voss * The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 54 – The Art of Work with Jeff Goins * The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 53 with Designer, Developer & Entrepreneur Matt Keefe * Software Tools For Designers to Stay Organised and Focused

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Sir John Hargrave (@SirJohnHargrave) is the CEO of Media Shower, a content marketing and media company. Following a background as a high profile internet prankster, he has examined the conditions and obstacles that modern professionals face — many of which are mental. His upcoming book Mind Hacking discusses techniques for training a stronger mind and overcoming these obstacles.

Our conversation discusses the symptoms that affect creative pros and how we can hack our mind with simple, daily techniques and habits.

More information about the book is available at MindHacki.ng. The book isn’t published until 2016, but previews and digital versions are available on the site.

Show Notes & Links * Sir John Hargrave is a renowned Internet prankster * Boston, Lincolnshire * John is the CEO of Media Shower, a content media company * “Sir” John received his knighthood by way of a name-change at the local county courthouse * Queen Elizabeth II and her many, many titles * The requirements to receive a knighthood (or a MBE, OBE, CBE, etc.) * Mind-hacking came about from John’s work with clients and employees, many of whom are creative and seeking peak productivity * Hacking, in the sense of tinkering, not infiltrating * The brain is not the mind * Most of our problems are based in the mind * Classic creative problem: procrastination

“[Mind-Hacking] is a bit like training a disobedient dog.”

—Sir John Hargrave

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• New Age Vibe

“We need to de-mistify meditation. It’s strength training for the mind.”

—Sir John Hargrave

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• Creatives can be precious, and it stops us from making decisions
• The January Joiners
• “Install” a habit (again, the computer metaphor)
• A university study of quality over quantity, life drawing — two groups, who improved more
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg On Amazon and On Audible
• An experiment revealed that Professors who wrote a little each day reached tenure faster
• The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin On Amazon and On Audible
• Ben Franklin’s Schedule
• “Address powerful goodness” -Ben Franklin
• 3MIT — Three Most Important Things
• “Eat That Frog” methodology, introduced by Mark Twain
• Eisenhower Methodology for Urgent vs. Important
• Limbic System, a component of our “Lizard Brain”
• El Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a tiny frog native to Puerto Rico

El Coquí * Research shows that multitasking is less effective * Multitasking is usually “Rapid Switching”

“When you split an atom, energy escapes. When you switch tasks, focus escapes.”

—Prescott Perez-Fox

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• Programmers get in the zone (hence the headphones)
• It can take 15-20 minutes or more to get back in the zone after a distraction
• Psychic Exhaustion, when you feel mentally depleted
• Manager’s Time vs. Maker’s Time, by Paul Graham
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber On Amazon and On Audible
• Entrepreneurs have to make the thing, manage the business, and build the business
• Mind Hacking is expected to drop July 2016, but previews are available now
• Mind Hacking is available as ePub, PDF, and Kindle format
• Sir John Hargrave on Twitter
• Sir John Hargrave on Facebook
• Sir John Hargrave on YouTube

Tools * Post-Its * Coach.me, an exercise app with goals, etc. * Mind-Hacking program on Coach.me includes a 21-day plan

Techniques * Learn to detach from your mind, to observe moments where we stray and get distracted * Concentration Training aka Mindfulness aka Meditation * Treat Concentration Training like a video game. Award yourself “awareness points” whenever you bring your mind back from distraction * Replace “All or Nothing” thinking with “Habit Formation” thinking * Set up a queue and a reward for each [desired] habit * Keeps rewards positive and healthy (smoothies, relaxing with a book) * “Eat a frog” early in the day * Reduce Multitasking, Increase Focus * Mental Decluttering: look for alerts and distractions you can shut off

Habits * Produce something everyday; eventually your quality will improve as well as quantity * Make list of “Positive Loops”, small goals which help your practice and life * 3MIT methodology * Get mental rest during the day, not just at the end

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Get The Power of Habit by Charles Duhig as a free audiobook

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Nate Voss (@Vossome) has lived numerous lives as a designer and creative. First a traditional graphic designer, he spent several years as a freelance illustrator and designer before joining digital marketing & advertising agency VML. Since then, he’s moved into mobile and app design, exploring software development workflows and agency culture up close.

Our conversation meanders across a variety of topics, discussing the transition from agency life to freelance (and back), the culture shock of working in a large organization, and even the type of architecture that best suits a mixed team.

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Jeff Goins (@JeffGoins) is the author of a new book titled The Art of Work. In researching the book, Jeff has realised that the subject is bigger than a book, and has already moved into creating a movement, branching out to online communities and training to help people find their calling at work and in life.

Our conversation discusses the origins of the The Art of Work, the trouble creative pros face at work, and some of his writing methodologies. Catch up with Jeff on his many social media platforms or via website, GoinsWriter.com.

The Art of Work is available now in print and digital formats (Kindle, ePub, PDF) and will be available soon as an audiobook. Check out ArtOfWorkBook.com for all info.

Show Notes & Links * Your life’s work, a huge topic

“I didn’t try to talk about [your life’s work] with authority, I just tried to talk about it with curiosity.”

—Jeff Goins

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• Jeff is now a full-time entrepreneur and writer
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu On Amazon and On Audible
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield On Amazon and On Audible
• The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton On Amazon and On Audible
• Todd Henry, author, speaker, and past guest on The Busy Creator Podcast
• Writers writing about writing, aka meta-work
• Many creatives and artists are approaching their work the wrong way — it’s not all about passion

“Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.”

—Frederick Buechner

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“You can only connect the dots looking backwards.”

—Steve Jobs

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“You’ve got to do some dot-collecting before you can do some dot-connecting.”

—Lindsay Katt

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“What if hidden in your difficulties are opportunities?”

—Jeff Goins

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“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I need to listen to my life telling me who I am.”

—Parker Palmer

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• Jeff studied Spanish and worked as a musician before becoming a marketing copywriter within a non-profit (naturally.)
• Prescott hates the phrase “side hustle”
• 87% of the world’s workers are disengaged from work, according to Gallup
• Making money from blogs first seemed to Jeff like “catching a Unicorn”
• TribeWriters, Jeff’s first course which grew from his first eBook
• Forbes predicts “by 2020 over 50% of the US Workforce will be freelance”
• Jeff tries to [only] write 500 words per day, but consistently
• Jeff Goins on Twitter
• Jeff Goins on Facebook
• Jeff Goins on Instagram
• The Portfolio Life w/Jeff Goins on SoundCloud
• Jeff Goins on YouTube

Tools * Notebooks * Evernote

Techniques * Listen to your life, look for themes and threads * Don’t “take a leap”, instead “build a bridge” to your next role or job * Do an “internal pivot”, find a new scope of work in your current organisation or help create a new department * Change the way you’re approaching today’s work in preparation for what’s to come * Listen to your body (pain, rashes, etc.) * Use teaching to make an impact, connect with community * Use the Three-Bucket Method (Notes/Ideas, Drafts, Edits) to write a book * Use the Five-Draft Method to go from manuscript to completed work

Habits * Take your ideas “up” rather than kvetching to co-workers who can’t make changes * Use your “byproducts” — your blog posts and speeches can become a book if the ideas are sound

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Get You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins as a free audiobook

Get The Episode + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 54 (MP3, 28:45, 14 MB) + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 54 (OGG, 28:45, 25.4 MB)

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Matt Keefe (@MKeefe) is a multitalented designer & developer, and the co-founder of PixelBit, a design and development agency. PixelBit has no particular home base, with staff spread out all over the world. Managing this requires systems and good communication, which Matt discusses in this conversation.

We also cover tools and methodologies that change over time, sometimes very quickly, balancing client needs with constraints of deadlines and technology, and leaving life as a freelancer for one of a business owner.

Show Notes & Links * Matt and Prescott met via the Photoshop Cafe forum c.2001 * Prescott bemoans the end of forums in general * Colin Smith, founder of Photoshop Cafe * Facebook groups are nearly impossible to search * Matt helps “clients create products and expand on their brands” * PixelBit was founded in 2011 by Matt Keefe and Philip Neal as a mobile and app development team * Matt was a freelancer for ten years * PixelBit will partner with larger agencies when they’re at capacity

“We’re like an outside force inside their business” —Matt Keefe
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• Apple Watch, less of a consumer product and more of a new brand platform
• Those guys who grow enormous pumpkins, and how they prune
• Blackberry and Flash, once prominent now all-but-abandoned
• Developing for Android is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful boost to your brand
• The balance between intuitive apps that look like the OS, and user discovery from innovative new UI

“Being a freelancer is like being Batman; one day you’re called on to save the world, but the next you’re an orphan.” —Prescott Perez-Fox
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“Freelancing is all about the journey because there is no ‘freelance destination’ ” —Prescott Perez-Fox
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“As a small business owner, you have to wear 57 different hats.” —Matt Keefe
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• Matt is [still] a programmer, but has moved away from design

“You don’t have the money not to market your company.” —Matt Keefe
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• PixelBit didn’t find success with Twitter or Facebook ads; it’s hard to sell services in 140 characters
• Von Glitschka, Illustrative designer on Dribbble
• Vijay Mathews, past guest on The Busy Creator Podcast

“There’s never too much communication … unless it’s by email” —Matt Keefe
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• Henry David Thoreau, and his rural Massachusetts lifestyle
• Autocross
• Matt Keefe on Twitter
• Matt Keefe on Facebook
• Matt Keefe on Instagram
• PixelBit on Twitter
• PixelBit on Facebook

Tools * Slack * Flash * iOS, Android, Windows Phone OS – mobile operation systems * WordPress * Sortfolio (formerly Haystack), a directory for agencies * Dribbble or Behance, portfolio sites * Dropbox * InVision to screenshare with clients * Trello * Jira for bug-tracking * Basecamp * Harvest * Agile workflows * Quickbooks Online * Xero * Ikea desks

Techniques * Use Slack to maintain a group community (instead of Facebook) * Reconnect with previous clients to introduce your new capabilities or team * Acknowledge where your skills are best utilized — design vs. development * Post work and engage on Facebook, but don’t expect an ROI and real project works * Create a Trello board for design and development ideas * Implement a “ground game” at local Chambers of Commerce and other groups * Include the client on ideation * Never be in a position where the client asks “what’s the status?” * Write-off the square footage of your home office, but only if there’s a door!

Habits * Always have a staging server so the client can see the project status * Use milestones and formal meetings, because some clients prefer it * Wake up at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning, especially to chat with team members in different timezones * Keep a structured eating schedule, especially when you’re deep in a project * Maintain hobbies that are entirely separate from computers and technology

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Get Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson as a free audiobook

Get The Episode + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 53 (MP3, 42:17, 20.3 MB) + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 53 (OGG, 42:17, 36.0 MB)

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Adrienne Stortz (@xoxoadrienne) is the creator and host of xoxo cooks, an online cooking show featuring good food you can make at home. She also consults on digital marketing strategy for classical musicians, helping them craft messaging and promote events.

Our conversation discusses the balance between client work and a passion project, how she arrived in both the classical music and online video sectors, and how the premise of experimentation and continual improvement can be powerful for freelancers and businesses alike.

Catch up with Adrienne on her xoxo cooks YouTube Channel, or on her consulting website, AdrienneStortz.com

Show Notes & Links * Adrienne runs xoxo cooks, a weekly cooking show on YouTube, and works as a digital marketing strategy consultant for classical musicians * Adrienne studied classical piano and Music Merchandising rather than video production or cooking * Her previous employers include Carnegie Hall, where she learned to “sell tickets” * “Musicians are amazing at what they do, but that doesn’t always apply to writing a good email.” * Business card with a photo (like a real estate agent) * Adrienne is adept at working with “artists”, which includes musicians who don’t always make natural clients * Prima donna, a term adopted from Opera * Earn1K, a course from Ramit Sethi * Adrienne is working to serve up-and-coming musicians, essentially her peers * “Layer Cake” pricing vs. three wildly different offerings * “Adult Onset Awkwardness” as discussed on The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 18 with guest Debbie Millman * xoxo cooks originated from a desire to master YouTube strategy first-hand * An early video from xoxo cooks, admittedly “a little rough” but “still interesting” * Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson On Amazon and On Audible

“It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, you’re actually in the sales business.” —Michael Masterson ← Click to Tweet

• Adrienne films right in her own kitchen
• That scene from ET where they tent the house
• Adrienne doesn’t yet film in batches, largely due to space constraints
• John Lee Dumas edits 8 podcast episodes in 90 minutes, according to his appearance The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 50
• Katie Q, fellow YouTube cooking show host
• Katie Q’s production workflow
• Prescott watches a ton of woodworking videos on YouTube (and isn’t sorry)
• Adrienne Stortz on Twitter
• Adrienne Stortz on Facebook
• Adrienne Stortz on Instagram
• xoxo cooks on YouTube

Tools * YouTube * Tripod * Phone-to-Tripod adapter * DSLR Camera: Canon T3i * VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone * iMovie * Final Cut Pro * Three-point lighting setup

Techniques * Collaborate with agents and managers, who are used to marketing language and operations * Get people on the phone, ask questions, and talk about their needs * Don’t start from scratch; borrow from your earlier proposals * Look for custom offerings with clients rather than fit them into packages * Use your network! Reach out to former clients and contacts. * If you’re interested in something, like a new social network, just start making something * Be mindful of your video’s sound — it’s just as important as the lighting or picture quality * Plan your content around the calendar (e.g. holidays, seasons) * Examine Google Trends to time your content and events * Prepare your foods in advance to avoid cutting/chopping on the video

Habits * Continue to improve, embrace incremental improvement * Learn about sales and embrace selling in your own practice * Get comfortable with experimentation, being slightly sloppy while putting yourself out there * Wake up early and hydrate * Avoid caffeine if it makes you insane * Clean up the house as part of your wake-up or morning routine

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Get Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson as a free audiobook

Get The Episode + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 52 (MP3, 37:27, 18.2 MB) + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 52 (OGG, 37:27, 31.6 MB)

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Peter Kubilus (@PeterKubilus) is an interiors and architectural photographer based in metro New York. Following studies in both photography and architectural engineering, Peter has created a practice photographing offices, hotels, residences, and more.

Our conversation covers his origins in photography, how he came to specialise in architecture, and the workflow of setting up lights and creating his images.

Check out Peter’s photography at his website, kubilusphoto.com

Show Notes & Links * Peter describes his work as modern, clean, refined, not messy * Previous photographers on The Busy Creator Podcast include Bill Wadman, Christine Blackburne, Taylor Mathis * Peter only photograph’s “The built environment” * Seton Hall Prep, high school in New Jersey * Peter’s first introduction to architecture and building came from visits to his father’s build sites as a youth * Architectural Digest, Architectural Record, Interior Design magazine * Peter’s college classes “activated the creative side his head” * Prescott and Peter grew up in neighboring towns, both attended Drexel University, but didn’t meet until later. * “Circulation” is the term for a person moving through architecture, being at scale, etc. * Colour Temperature (mixtures of LEDs, Fluorescents, Sunlight) * Shooting for a hotel may mean conveying a lifestyle. Shooting for the architect may center around materials. * Peter’s projects range in scale from a kitchen to a 30-story building * Each image can take a few hours to set up, yielding only a few images per day * High Dynamic Range (HDR) composites in Photoshop

“You can’t turn garbage into a masterpiece.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

• Center for Architecture, American Institute of Architects (AIA) NY Ch, The Architectural League of New York
• 200 Lexington, D&D Building

“Networking was what really initially launched my career.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

• Felix Sockwell, Illustrator, and past guest on The Busy Creator

“Opportunity + Preparation = Success” ← Click to Tweet

“Just because I’m not out in the field shooting doesn’t mean I’m not working.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

• Peter Kubilus on Twitter
• Peter Kubilus on Facebook
• Peter Kubilus on Instagram
• Peter Kubilus on LinkedIn

Tools * Canon 5D Mk-III * Photoshop * Lightroom * Dropbox * Constant Contact * Paperless Post * MailChimp

Techniques * Take a walk-through of a built space before you photograph * Ask the architect questions — he or she knows the plan inside and out * Find the right angle, then strip out extraneous material that might distract from the shot * Take point-and-shoot photos during a walkthrough * Don’t allow objects in a shot to overlap. This may require micro-rotations. * Stage the room first, then light it * Take multiple shots at different exposures so you can built it later in Photoshop as needed * Get the image right “in the camera” so you only have to spend 20–30 minutes in Photoshop * Use Lightroom to pare down your images. Then bring to Photoshop for retouching. * Deliver files via Dropbox rather than FTP. * Attend networking events, even as frequently as 4 days a week. * Use email newsletters rather than mini-portfolios — at least you can track who opens emails * Have a website with portfolio samples * Spend 30 minutes a week on LinkedIn * Wake up early and do those digital time-wasters before you start work * Use an assistant for shoots

Habits * Maintain a presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook fan pages * Backup your files immediately after connecting your camera

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John Lee Dumas (@JohnLeeDumas) & Kate Erickson (@KateLErickson) are the duo behind Entrepreneur on Fire, a daily podcast about business, life, and success. Working closely and dedicating themselves to systematic behaviour, John and Kate have built a massively successful business around their podcasts and blogging community.

This conversation discusses their individual workflows and systems, how they manage virtual assistants, and how working from home requires discipline and systems.

Check out their podcasts, blogs, communities, and courses over at EntrepreneurOnFire.com

Show Notes & Links * John doesn’t consider himself a creative person. He doesn’t have a “design bone” in his body, but his mouth is creative. * Kate worked in advertising and marketing on the accounts and project management side * Systematic behaviour for John means “always tweaking”

“Day one looks very different from today” —John Lee Dumas ← Click to Tweet

• John batches his interviews on Tuesday; 8 interviews in one day
• John edits a 40-minute show in about 5–7 minutes; 8 interviews in 90 minutes
• Lists posts seem to have the best responses for blog posts
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software allow you to keep everything in one place
• Kate understands how to “drop a diagram” and be analytical (especially in Infusionsoft)
• Kate uses Asana with her Virtual Assistants (VAs)
• John’s VAs were focused on his schedule and social media
• John & Kate struggled when working from the same desk, and now lead “separate work lives”
• John never found the groove when working in a cubical; this still powers his concentration when working from home
• The Fire Path, Kate’s training program and book from Entrepreneur on Fire
• The Fire Path by Kate Erickson On Amazon
• John Lee Dumas on Twitter
• Kate Erickson on Twitter
• Entrepreneur on Fire on Facebook
• John Lee Dumas on Instagram
• Kate Erickson on Instagram
• Entrepreneur on Fire on YouTube

Tools * Infusionsoft * Entreport * Constant Contact * Asana

Techniques * While recording, use colour-coded markers as flags for yourself when editing * Listen to feedback and monitor social feedback and sharing * Use “skeleton writing” to jot down bullet points. This avoids the “blank paper syndrome” * Use Virtual Assistants (VAs) to extend your day-to-day capabilities * Keep roles distinct for VAs; don’t keep people guessing about what their duties will be * Before you hire a VA, spend one week writing down all your repetitive tasks

Habits * Keep a running list of ideas. Continually record inspiration for blog posts while reading, listening, watching. * Skype with your co-worker rather than interrupt each other * Take breaks throughout the day, especially if you work from home and don’t otherwise leave the house * Build domestic distractions into your morning routine (so they don’t reappear during the day)

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Jim Hopkinson (@HopkinsonReport) is the author of the book Salary Tutor: Learn The Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You. His website, SalaryTutor.com, offers free resources and online salary negotiation courses to help creative professionals, students, and freelancers increase their confidence, develop a negotiation mindset, and get paid what they’re worth through effective negotiation.

This conversation discusses how creatives can use their natural abilities to get the job, how to negotiate for a top salary or raise, and how freelancers can approach fee negotiations for project-based work.

Show Notes & Links * Jim Hopkinson, The Salary Tutor * Salary Tutor: Learn the Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You by Jim Hopkinson On Amazon and On Audible * FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) * A previous blog post about The Humble Coloured Folder * Jim’s first few negotiations were on the employee side, but while working at a small startup, he had the opportunity to act as the HR side, which gave him both perspectives * Jim worked at ESPN and Wired * The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss On Amazon and On Audible * Jim wrote The Hopkinson Report blog and hosted a podcast for five years (iTunes link) * 10,000 hours * Creatives don’t necessarily approach negotiation from a different perspective * Creatives have advantages built in: standing out through design

“Everyone has the same boring Microsoft Word resume template; designers have an opportunity to stand out visually” –Jim Hopkinson ← Click to Tweet

• Having “something to show” is a strong negotiation or job-hunting tactic
• Put your research into a well-designed graphic layout, don’t just do the research or memorize the figures

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” ← Click to Tweet

“If you want to be, do.” ← Click to Tweet

• On getting a raise for a current job, “it’s about proving your worth”
• A montage showing “war”
• Creatives should find the analytics; other folks should make it visual
• A portfolio example might show adding a Facebook widget to a website, then detailing the before-and-after statistical impact on traffic and revenue
• Top Performers can earn more than regular employees
• Verbal hacks: “how can we …”, “let’s look at this together”, “compensation” (instead of fee)
• Vanessa Van Edwards, body language expert
• Your benefits can be worth up to 1.4x your base salary (article source)
• Use an appropriate response for different scenarios (non-profit, new job, big company, etc.)
• There’s now a culture of “Double your rate!“

“It’s not coming up with a specific number, it’s coming up with a framework for how you work with clients.” —Jim Hopkinson ← Click to Tweet

• How Much Should I Charge, a talk at SXSW by Jim Hopkinson
• M.Y. R.A.T.E. (Mindset, Yes or No, Research, Adjusting, Techniques (like “anchoring”), Experience/Execution
• Value Pricing, a different way of calculating things
• “V&A” pricing (Value + Agony)
• 5% is considered a “big raise” on a year-by-year basis; according to Jim, 2-3% is standard (article source)
• Special landing page for listeners of this podcast: salarytutor.com/busycreator
• Jim Hopkinson on Twitter
• Jim Hopkinson on YouTube

Tools * Free introductory course on The Negotiation Mindset by Jim Hopkinson * How to Negotiate a Raise or Promotion by Jim Hopkinson * How to Negotiate a New Job Offer (Professional Edition) by Jim Hopkinson

Techniques * Create a website if only to take over your Google search results * Use your creative and design skills to make your resume/case studies/portfolio look like a sharp project * Work on your mindset before you even attempt to negotiate * Use a Past/Present/Future model to address your value for a current job * Use goal-setting as part of an overall negotiation * Continually gather praise, evidence, portfolio samples * Demonstrate that you’re already doing the role of someone higher * Make a pie chart or visual reference, especially for a before-and-after * Grab newspaper headlines to illustrate the landscape of your industry * Bring your design work back to the bottom line. Show that your work has context, not just the work itself. * Get the timing right — both during the week, and during the calendar year (know your company’s budget cycle and overall financial health) * Do not reveal your past salary!! * Never lie!!! (It’ll come back to haunt you) * Try hourly billing for new projects or loosely-defined scope * For a new client, start hourly and give them a “homework assignment” such as gathering logos, copy, etc.

Habits * Continually gather evidence of your work; numbers are best, anecdotes are useful as well. * Always observe the market and know what your industry is doing

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Get Salary Tutor: Learn the Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You by Jim Hopkinson as a free audiobook

Get the Episode + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 49 (MP3, 51:27, 24.8 MB) + Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 49 (OGG, 51:27, 41.2 MB)

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Eric Kass (@funnel_erickass) is a Commercial Artist who has built a distinct solo practice across identity, graphic design, packaging design, and more. His practice — Funnel, the Fine Commercial Art Practice of Eric Kass — works with startups and artisanal food companies on developing all aspects of their brand story.

Our conversation cover Eric’s definition of a commercial artist, how we works with clients, and his new side project. Catch up with Eric on his website, Funnel.tv

Show Notes & Links * Eric creates “heart-made craft brands” * His practices reaches across naming, identity, packaging, point of sales, and more * Graphic Design isn’t a great term; “graphic” is too specific, “design” is too broad * Commercial Artist is a better description → art for sale * Branding always appealed to Eric for its ability to craft a narrative, to appreciate details (typography, logo, etc.) * Practice, a term usually applied to Medicine or Law, can also be applied to design (or Yoga) * The name Funnel emerged from Eric’s experiences and observations, as well as a reflection of his design process * Printed Ephemera by John Noel Claude Lewis On Amazon * Ephemerotica.com — Curated Compendium of the Coveted / Authentic & Inspired Vintage Goods

“Every company is now a media company.” —Seth Godin ← Click to Tweet

• Felix Sockwell, past podcast guest, has never used InDesign
• David Blatner & Anne-Marie Concepción joined me for The InDesign Episode of The Podcast
• Eric grew up on a farm where your work is pretty much overlapping with your “home” life
• Eric Kass on Twitter
• Eric Kass on Facebook
• Eric Kass on Instagram
• Eric Kass on Pinterest
• Eric Kass on linkedin

Tools * 15″ MacBook Pro * Apple Thunderbolt Display * Adobe Illustrator

Techniques * If you’re a designer, partner with developers for app design and particular touchpoints * Engage the client/brand manager in conversation, keep it loose, let ideas and dialogue flow * Allow multiple concepts and revisions, but direct your process toward presenting one idea and getting it right * Start with high-level concepts, then research, then explore together. So when you present design work, the client already feels this is an appropriate solution; they’ve been along the journey all along. * Always test design elements (fonts, etc.) against the over-arching brand story * Surround yourself with art, inspirational objects * Work intuitively in Illustrator; move things around, be free * Take the dog for a walk to allow the mind to wander, solve problems

Habits * Photograph signage, typography, and design inspiration in the wild, especially when you travel * Continually add to your portfolio, seek to get work published * Put out into the world the sort of work you want to get from clients * Aim to wake up at the same time each day * Integrate your home and working life, especially if you love what you do

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Lucy Leiderman (@Lucy Leiderman) is the Director of Digital Strategy for Toronto-based agency Pilot PMR. Here, she advises clients on content and social media strategy, oversees promotion and advertising across new media, and writes on a number topics related to internet and technology.

Lucy is also a published author, having written the Seven Wanderers Trilogy, a series of novels in the historical fiction/fantasy genre.

This conversation is split into two parts, where the first discusses her work as a digital strategist, and the second speaks more to her personal habits and her workflow as an author. Catch up with Lucy on her website, LucyLeiderman.com

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Lucy Leiderman (@Lucy Leiderman) is the Director of Digital Strategy for Toronto-based agency Pilot PMR. Here, she advises clients on content and social media strategy, oversees promotion and advertising across new media, and writes on a number topics related to internet and technology.

Lucy is also a published author, having written the Seven Wanderers Trilogy, a series of novels in the historical fiction/fantasy genre.

This conversation is split into two parts, where the first discusses her work as a digital strategist, and the second speaks more to her personal habits and her workflow as an author. Catch up with Lucy on her website, LucyLeiderman.com

Show Notes & Links * Prescott and Lucy know each other “from the internet” * Directors of Digital Strategy need to have the “widest toolbelt” of digital knowledge, to always offer fresh, innovative, custom solutions – there is no more “cookie cutter” approach * Agile Methodology * “Project Managers have become Scrum Masters”, says Bob Calvano during his episode * Scrum Alliance and their certifications * “The Scrum Master is, above all, a facilitator.” ← Click to Tweet * “At the end of the day, [we]’re all in the business of marketing. We’re trying to get people to do something.” ← Click to Tweet * Traditional can be contemporary — living as if they’re in 2008 * Lucy writes numerous articles * Growth Hacking * Internetalia — is that a word? * “We’re all psychologists now.” ← Click to Tweet * “The Free Market is as active online as it is anywhere.” ← Click to Tweet * Instagram gets bought for $1 Billion * Instagram needs to solve its multiple login problem * The Busy Creator on Instagram — completely locked out and can no longer be updated * When Instagram first came out, it didn’t have a web presence * 18-year-old Instagram celebrities/millionaires * Patagonia on Instagram * Zildjian on Instagram * “Login Fatigue,” when you have too many damn accounts and log-ins * Coca-Cola’s social media “happy” campaign backfires * Kim Kardashian’s twitter goof during the Aurora, CO shootings

Wrong Aurora * DiGiorno Pizza during The Ray Rice scandal — hashtag #WhyIStayed

You Had Pizza * “With analytics, anything can be good or bad. It’s up to you to frame it.” ← Click to Tweet * The problem with blue light * “I started writing because I ran out of reading material.” ← Click to Tweet * Lucy’s first books were set in the world of Celtic Mythology * Lucy does not take inspiration from Russian Literature, in spite of her heritage * Originally, she wrote for children, but her work ended up a little more mature * Only about 30% of a story plan actually comes to be * Prescott thinks stories are like trees, or spiderwebs. Lucy says they’re more like a tapestry (with threads woven through) * “Writing a book is committing yourself to always feeling guilty.” ← Click to Tweet * NaNoWriMo – National Novel-Writing Month * “I love the finished product, but the process is hard.” ← Click to Tweet * Lucy never took courses in writing or studied the craft * Average sci-fi novels are 100,000+ words * It can take 25 minutes to get back on task following a distraction, according to an article from The NY Times, which cites a study from UC Irvine * Lucy has never had a full cup of coffee, prefers tea * McDonald’s + Shazam ad – did it work? * LucyLeiderman.com, an About.me page * Lucy’s Author Page * Lucy Leiderman on Twitter * Lucy Leiderman on LinkedIn * Lucy Leiderman on Instagram, mostly her dogs

Tools * Google Analytics * Radian6 * Buffer * HootSuite * Google Drive/Apps for Work * Workamajig * Basecamp * Balsamiq, for wireframes * InVision, also for wireframes * Slack * Microsoft Word * Facebook, and its ever-changing nature

Techniques * Don’t create content for it’s own sake * Don’t waste a call-to-action and spend money when it doesn’t drive sales * Use data to show how campaigns are effective * Get immersed in the community; go to events/Hackathons, watch TED talks * Use the channel itself for full analytics; don’t trust third-party sites for data collection * Factor “the environment” into your channel-planning * Ask questions in your story plan (e.g. “why does this person think this?”) * Have a publisher or editor kick your butt a little * Use Post-Its to highlight points-to-make * Keep a plan for the next 5000 words, and another document for the actual text * Build a nest of pillows and stay deep for 5-6 hours of work * Allow your daily routine to flex with the day (and the dogs’ breakfast schedule) * Read case studies rather than opinions, especially for continued growth/learning

Habits * Editorialise and examine your data; never show raw numbers to a client * Don’t email when voice communication is faster and more direct * Acknowledge your inner emotions when writing a book * Build a comfortable setup and work in spurts * Take breaks and go for walks (with the dogs)

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Lindsay Katt (@LindsayKatt) is a multi-faceted artist & musician based in New York. Her musical work spans several genres across the pop & rock sectors, in addition to work for television and film.

Our discussion meanders a bit on the nature of art, cycles and seasons of creative work, the songwriting process — if there is one — and how creative pros can possibly keep up with today’s wacky world of social media.

Keep up with Lindsay via her many social media outlets, or on her website, Lindsay Katt Music

Show Notes & Links * Lindsay Katt’s website describes her as an Artist, Musician, Painter, Thinker, Tinkerer, Hugger, Dreamer, Lover, Maker … Still Deciding, and Ever Changing. * Lindsay wants to “do all the things” * She’s also a producer, director, merry-maker * “Really well-done DIY is learning how to hire people more talented than you” ← Click to Tweet * Art-shame culture; thinking “art isn’t a real job” * Lindsay worked three different day-jobs to pay her way through school (studying psychology & pre-med) * Lindsay was home-schooled on forty acres in Montana; learned arts and culture at home * Lindsay was “fired” by her piano teacher, but resumed playing as a rebellious teen * Studies show that during middle school you don’t learn anything * Deliberate Practice * There are seasons of creative flow * “It’s takes some dot-collecting before you can do any dot-connecting.” ← Click to Tweet * The Nature of Rest * The Avant Gardener, forthcoming project from Lindsay Katt, produced by Yakov * “Why do we have soundtracks to movies, but not filmtracks to albums?” ← Click to Tweet * Dark Side of The Rainbow: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon played over The Wizard of Oz (which allegedly helped break up Pink Floyd) * Beyoncé * “Art is how we decorate our space; music is how we decorate our time.” attr. aclayhutchings on Reddit * Post-It Pitching, as they do in Hollywood (e.g. Alien = Jaws in Space) * Product Hunt (e.g. Tinder for Dogwalkers) * Claude Kelly * “Everybody is chasing goosebumps.” —Claude Kelly ← Click to Tweet * My Happy, on Lindsay’s first album, Picking Out Boxes, came into being in about 30 minutes * Lindsay leans on the side of not-keeping-things-in-a-straight-line * “If I can’t be fearless, I at least want to be brave.” ← Click to Tweet * The Impostor Syndrome * Lindsay still struggles with a form of stage-fright * Lindsay Katt on Twitter * Lindsay Katt on Facebook * Lindsay Katt on Instagram * Lindsay Katt on SoundCloud * Lindsay Katt on YouTube

Tools * Evernote * Post-Its * Pro Tools, for more natural stuff * Logic, for commercial works * Boss BR-1200CD 12-track recording unit

Techniques * Rest your body and mind to improve your performance — in sports and in creative work * Take an “ear-break” * Commercial work is about diligence — writing multiple lines, fulfilling the brief, etc. * Look for lyrics to lead the melody, or vice-versa * Move away from handwritten notes and scribbles (there’s no space for all that paper in NYC) * Use trigger words to remind yourself of notes. Leave “breadcrumbs” for Evernote. * Ask for help; work on overcoming “artist shame”

Habits * Jot down ideas as they emerge * Take breaks from your work (to collect dots) * Converse and meet with other artists

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Frank Truglio (@IamPeritus) is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of a new website, Peritus.nyc, which connects creative pros to companies and agencies seeking talent. Peritus is unique in their use of technology, creating a detailed information profile for candidates in their database, and indexing creatives based on their characteristics and experiences.

In this conversation, Frank discusses the founding of Peritus, how his team used off-the-shelf software to quickly build their first version, and how he keeps thing organized while developing in sprints and working double shifts.

Listen Now

00:00 00:00

Show Notes & Links * Peritus.nyc * Peritus means “Skilled” in Latin * Peritus is an “invite-only platform” * Frank has spent the last few years working in ski & snowboarding retail * Peritus was created to solve the problem with seasonal and on-demand recruitment * “Partner with us when all your other options fail.” ← Click to Tweet * Most recruitment websites are “repackaged job boards” * “We’re a team of two, but we have the backing of 253″ ← Click to Tweet

• The Everything Store by Brad Stone On Amazon and On Audible

• “Every new startup is a technology company operating within.” ← Click to Tweet

• HEX, Peritus’s six-point indexing system
• Pandora, creators of The Music Genome Project
• Frank focuses on business relationships, back-end technology; his co-founder focuses on content, social media, and marketing
• SEO & Web Optimization
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Drop-off rates/Bounce rates → target of 40%
• Vanity Metrics
• Aimee Mann has twice favourited tweets from Prescott
• “Get it out quicker than you can build it” ← Click to Tweet
• Loops and Arrays, in programming
• Object-oriented programming
• SQL and MongoDB
• vis-à-vis
• Pertius on Twitter
• Pertius on Instagram
• Email Frank with the subject line “Prescott’s Podcast Rocks”

Tools * WordPress CMS * Google Analytics * Bootstrap with PHP and WordPress * Dropbox * Google Drive * Zapier * TypeForm for registration * MailChimp * Basecamp * RelateIQ, CRM service which is the core of Peritus

Techniques * Use APIs to integrate point-of-sales technology with your CMS and software * Don’t get buried in KPIs; find a few important ones to monitor * Create a Google Sheet to track your metrics; update monthly * Avoid Vanity Metrics * Regarding features, ask “Do we need this now?” * Use Zapier to stitch together various web apps and services * Use Agile Methodology & Sprints to develop features * Find your passion; no energy will come without passion

Habits * Continually update content on your site, adjust your AdWords * Wake up at 6, check the calendar to plan the day * Check email, but don’t let it derail the day * Chunk the day; interviews from 10-3, client discussion after that, then more email * Avoid coffee to keep energy constant; avoid spikes

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Taylor Mathis (@taylor_mathis) is a food photographer turned entrepreneur based in Charlotte, NC. Taylor has built an online following in the food photography industry, and authored several books. Lately, he’s turned to online entrepreneurship and helping fellow photographers earn steady income through his new venture and podcast of the same name, Business of Creatives.

This conversation covers his origins in photography, the challenges of shooting food, and how he transitioned into different business areas as a creative pro.

Check out Taylor on his sites, Photographing Food , Taylor Takes a Taste, and Business of Creatives, as well as his book, The Southern Tailgating Cookbook.

Show Notes & Links * Taylor describes himself as a “content creator” * Comes from a family of entrepreneurs * His food photography is run through his blog Taylor Takes a Taste * Does some commissioned work through his blog producing recipes and photos * Tabasco * Fresh Express * Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board * Taylor graduated in 2008 with a degree in finance but due to the state of the economy decided to go back to school for photography * He attempted wedding photography in fall of 2009 but found more of an interest in photographing food * Created his blog in January 2010 with his mother, who happens to be a professional recipe developer, as a way to improve his food photography * Over the next couple of years his business became centralized around food; people were asking “how’d you do that?” * This lead to the creation of his site Business of Creatives where he teaches people how to use their creative skills to make a profit * Taylor traveled to 25 College Football games over 3 seasons, and wrote a book about it * Crush It! by Gary VaynerchukOn Amazon> and On Audible * Developed the educational side of his work through the questions that he was getting from the people who visited his blog * This led to the creation of his Photographing Food series ebooks * Growth Hacking * Instagram * Snapchat * Facebook, now pay-to-play * Life lessons helped to refine his business * Patriots vs. Seahawks, the recent Super Bowl contenders * Color Gamut & White Balance * Taylor found a way to create recurring income through things such as workshops, leasing stock photos, etc. * Bill Gates still does the dishes by hand every night * For recipes visit Taylor Takes a Taste * For tips on improving food photography visit Photographing Food * For tips and information on being an entrepreneur and creating your business visit
Business of Creatives * He can be found on instagram as @TaylorMathis

Tools * Pinterest, which can drive ridiculous amounts of traffic * Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop * Paypal * Pen and paper * Online scheduling systems Acuity Scheduling, Calendly, and ScheduleOnce * Google Docs/Drive * Google Analytics * AWeber

Techniques * Use a simple flash with modifier for straightforward food photos at restaurants * Use fluorescent continuous lighting for video recording; they stay cool * Use a macro lens to capture the details of food. * Building an email list is very important; more important than social media platforms * Use Split Testing, aka A-B Testing, for email subject lines * Set reminders in your calendar for your side project * Get an accountability partner to kick your butt a little

Habits * Write three posts a week for the first two years of his blog, consistency is key. * Create an Editorial Calendar, plan out what you are doing a head of time for organization and to create viewer interest. * Block out days in your work schedule. (ex. weekends are always for weddings, posts every Tuesdays and Wednesdays) * Find the work schedule that is most productive for you.

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Bob Calvano (@bobcalvano) runs the digital media & design studio for A+E Networks, and oversees the development of mobile apps, websites, interfaces, and a variety of other design elements for A+E’s brands.

This conversation discusses his origins in digital and traditional design work, how he manages a diverse team of designers and programmers, and the challenges of working in the always-changing business of television and entertainment.

Show Notes & Links * TV is the first screen; computers are the second screen; mobile is the third screen * Bob describes himself thoroughly as a husband, father, son, brother, drummer, speaker, friend, designer … at different times * “Proudly hyphenated” * A+E, Lifetime, History, FYI — television networks under the A+E umbrella * Basement storage racks * Bob started as a fine artist & illustrator, later worked as an in-house designer for Panasonic * An early business found Bob and his partner painting & airbrushing motorcycles, boats, etc. * Oxygen Network * R/GA, digital agency * To move from creative agencies like media to less-creative agencies like pharma, banking, etc. * The Narcissism of Minor Differences * Bob’s team focuses on “digital execution” of many different projects * “mobile-first” mentality for the websites * “watch” apps for Android and iOS (for watching, not timepieces) * XBOX 360 * Roku * AppleTV * Amazon Fire TV * “media agnostic” — problem-solving is more important than a particular execution * “integrated branding” or “360 campaigns”, putting all the pieces together * Erica Heinz, previous guest on The Busy Creator Podcast (episode 10) * A+E’s studio is packed with “Product Designers” * “It’s a designer-slash-developer world.” ← Click to Tweet * Waterfall method, sort of outdated but still in use in many agencies/teams * “A show idea could come from anywhere.” ← Click to Tweet * Duck Dynasty, not-so-accidental smash hit * Netflix Original Programming * Amazon Original Programming * Vimeo Original Programming * A+E Studios, upcoming original content producers * Forthcoming Apple Watch * Responsive design vs. breakpoints * Microsoft changes rendering engine for Outlook * Vikings, on The History Channel * The History Channel app for iOS * No traffic department * We did an entire episode about Project Management Application & Collaboration Software * Vessel * “T-Shaped People“, originally an IDEO term

T-Shaped skillset * “The Static Photoshop Comp is slowly becoming extinct.” ← Click to Tweet * “Photoshop is a “mullet-shaped” tool; 90% of the users only use 10% of the features.” ← Click to Tweet * Vijay Mathews was a previous guest on The Busy Creator Podcast (episode 32) * Designers should have a background in Calculus (jeez, what a cranky bastard) * Google Ventures design sprints * Lifetime app for iOS * Oxygen app for iOS * A&E app for iOS * All the networks have social media followings (too many to list, in fact)

Tools * Blank paper (for sketching during conversations) * “watch” apps * History Here app for iOS * Jira by Atlassian * Freedcamp (a free version of Basecamp) * Trello * Sketch

Techniques * Use Agile framework for your design+development projects * Use Scrum framework to keep teams together * Kanban board to manage project stages * Mine your own data * Set up “teams of three”, where Art Directors work closely with a UX/UI designer and a developer * Turn your Project Managers into Scrum Masters on a Product Team (same thing but on a different model) * Use an all-digital workflow * Hire T-Shaped People and encourage them to grow * Present clickable prototypes rather than flat comps — it yields better results, even if it takes slightly longer * Use transit time to prepare for, and recover from, the working day. Meditate or at least mentally plan.

Habits * Sketch during conversations; think out loud * Capture and measure all possible statistics; use data & metrics to inform decisions * Don’t base everything off data & metrics; trust your gut as designers * Keep your finger on the pulse of design & digital media by going to conferences, taking classes, subscribing to magazines, take field trips * Wake up at 5:45 * Eliminate Gluten & Dairy * Take the stairs! If you’re a commuter, they’re always right there. * On weekends, sleep as late as kids & dogs will allow

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Laurie Rosenwald (@RosenWorld) is an artist, designer, illustrator, writer, and all-around creative spirit. Throughout her careers, she’s managed to fly under the radar of New York’s design and publishing industries and still be recognised for her distinct style and wit.

Our conversation focuses on her origins in the creative fields, her working style, and her new workshops. See some of Laurie’s work on her studio page, Rosenworld.com.

Show Notes & Links * Amazon refers to Laurie as a “professional nonconformist” * Intergalactic Arms Dealer, Bill Doran, previous guest on The Busy Creator Podcast * Rosenworld, Laurie’s studio, which governs animation, design, illustration, and anything else * “So I Fired The Shrink”, animation by Rosenworld * Shouts and Murmurs, in The New Yorker * Laurie splits her time with 20% dedicated to each painting, writing, illustration, design, & animation * “The portfolio generation” * The New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine * Laurie did the Target billboards in Times Square * Thomson travel (UK) * Bob Gill, founding member of Pentagram * Forget All the Rules You Ever Learned About Graphic Design: Including the Ones in This Book by Bob Gill on Amazon * RISD * Fiorucci, cool jeans from the late 70s * Lunch at the UN by Bob Gill * Email is, frankly, a disadvantage. * Email replacement software — could be anything that gets folks to stop emailing * Laurie’s name came up on a previous podcast episode with Felix Sockwell * Laurie never had a normal job * At The New York Times Magazine, Laurie was “like a mascot” * Antonio Lopez, the fashion illustrator * Jean Paul Gaultier * Jessica Lange * Coffee Shop in Union Square * Vogue Italia * Condé Nast, on and off, but never on a masthead * “I would do a whole bunch of layouts and then leave” ← Click to Tweet * GQ * Mademoiselle Magazine * Paul Rand * Alexey Brodovitch * Zeitgest * Purple + Teal, a definitive colour scheme of the early 90s * Free electrons * “I like to do the work itself … everything else, I have avoided.” ← Click to Tweet * “My days are spent making stuff. Sometimes I get paid for it; sometimes I don’t” ← Click to Tweet * New York Notebook by Laurie Rosenwald on Amazon * Chronicle books, San Francisco * And to Name But Just a Few, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue by Laurie Rosenwald on Amazon * Barnes & Noble * “Creating a book is organic. It happens because it has to happen.” ← Click to Tweet * Bloomsbury * All The Wrong People Have Self-Esteem by Laurie Rosenwald on Amazon * “Everything is middle school.” ← Click to Tweet * Abrams * How to Make Mistakes on Purpose, forthcoming book based on Laurie’s workshops * Post-It Notes, Penicillin, Viagra … all created by accident* * Adam Harrison Levy, Producer/writer for the BBC and [previous podcast guest] * Parsons, Pratt, NYU, CalArts, RISD, MICA — design schools in the US * Camberwell — art & design school in London * Jennifer, and extremely popular name in the 20th century * AIGA, Art Directors Club, Google, Starbucks — places where Laurie has conducted workshops * Erik Spiekermann, type designer in Berlin * Laurie can’t type. She “hunts and pecks and suffers.” * Marian Obando, up-and-coming designer and Laurie’s assistant * Laurie Rosenwald is on Facebook, as a brand and also as a person * Amy Porterfield is an expert in Facebook marketing and fbinfluence is her course * Encaustic * Challenge for the new year: make money * “Have your cake and eat it too … and then have more cake.” ← Click to Tweet

Tools * Squeeze Bottle * Adobe Photoshop * Adobe Illustrator * Freedcamp (now with Kanban view) * Mod Podge, brand of glue

Techniques * Use email to flirt * Go on instinct (if your instincts are good) * Write down ideas and save them for later * Make something first, and find a place for it later * Don’t start with a blank page: Make a blob or something * Make your own pigments, paint, and gesso * Draw with a squeeze bottle * Photograph collages at various stages to add a digital component * Use Photoshop & Illustrator in the most “baby” way * Rent out your apartment when you’re traveling!

Habits * Floss and use toothpicks (or those bristles things) * Wake up early and enjoy being home * Ride a bike whenever possible * Retreat to a secret place, perhaps a library, for writing * Write or paint to fill time between client projects * Never sketch

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Joaquin Cotler (@ShinyIslands) is a musician based in Brooklyn, NY. In the ten years since finished his degree in music, he’s discovered the many strange sides of being a working musician, from recording and gigging with bands, to writing and performing solo, to teaching and conducting workshops.

This conversation covers the music industry, the struggle of working musicians, how YouTube is changing the game, and how musicians across the spectrum learn, perform, and produce music.

Catch up with Joaquin via his website, JoaquinCotler.com Check out our episode below, as well as some of his tracks embedded after the jump.

Show Notes & Links * The Busy Creator is recorded at a standing desk * BBC Radio mounts their microphones in the ceiling

BBC Radio 1 * Shure SM7B mic * Blake Stratton, [now retired] singer-songwriter, appeared previously on The Busy Creator Podcast * “Musician” is an all-encompassing trade, according to Joaquin * Joaquin and The Hot Knives on Facebook * “Creative-class Hustler” who is part of “The Portfolio Generation” * Squarespace can be frustrating * Disney used to have working musicians, so did Warner Bros. Not so much anymore. * Carl Stalling, composer for Warner Brothers * The Red Hot Chili Peppers needed a guitar player for their tour * Mark Wahlberg, played the lead in the film Rock Star * Sir George Martin CBE, legendary producer for The Beatles * Ringo got sick, and was briefly replaced by Jimmie Nicol * “Ringo isn’t the best drummer in the world. He isn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles.” —~~John Lennon~~ Jasper Carrott * “Baby Blue” by Badfinger * Cher * Steely Dan * Michael McDonald, legendary studio musician * Sound City, documentary by Dave Grohl * 20 Feet From Stardom, documentary about backup singers * WTF with Marc Maron Podcast * The Beach Boys * The Laurel Canyon Sound * Bob Marley * Burning Spear * Stax Records * Motown Records * Muscle Shoals Sound Studio * Gold Records & Platinum Records * Spotify * Pharrell not happy with his $3000 check from Spotify * Gain * Slapback * Demo Tapes * Casio Keyboard * Sly Stone * Rhythm Ace or Rhythm King drum machine * Charles Penn’s previous appearances on The Busy Creator Podcast — episodes 1 and 17 * Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull * Auto-Tune * Anthony Kiedis * Ke$ha * Dr. Luke * Max Martin, Swedish songwriter who dominates the pop charts * “If it’s annoying enough, it’ll be a huge hit.” ← Click to Tweet * Performance Art * All the songs from 70s sound alike * Girl Talk * Pitch Perfect * Anna Kendrick, my crush

Anna Kendrick * Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off” * Toni Basil, “Hey Mickey” * ~~Bulldog~~ Pitbull, a singer, apparently * Accounts Payable * Dribbble, and how designers just flood it with junk * Vine, not just for twerking videos * “toiling away in obscurity” * “Wake up early and work hard all day” —Philip Glass ← Click to Tweet * Benjamin Franklin * Amelia Earhart * Johnny & June Carter Cash * Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, forthcoming Spike Lee Joint, out Feb. 10 (Soundtrack on Epic Records) * “Space Patrol” by Illegalize : song on iTunes * “Doggies Don’t Ride The Train” by Chickentown : album on iTunes * Joaquin and the Hot Knives on SoundCloud * Ratfink on SoundCloud * Chickentown on SoundCloud * Illegalize on SoundCloud * Joaquin plays at The Manhattan Inn, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Tools * Pro Tools * YouTube * iPhone, or handheld recording device

Techniques * Diversify as much as possible; don’t rely on one source of income or type of practice (gigging vs. recording) * Learn to speak “Pro Toolsese” with the studio engineers; acquire as much technical prowess as possible * Best way to record drums is in a natural room sound. Create a room-within-a-room, and them mic that * Connect your social media accounts * DON’T conduct your job interviews by asking candidates to record themselves on YouTube * Change your routine and creative

Habits * Be reliable. Deliver the goods, consistently. * Practice on your own. All the time. * Wake up early. Drink coffee. * Backup your phone; download your recordings and whatnot

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Jay Seldin (@phototraveler8) is a fine art photographer, photo travel entrepreneur, and instructor. Jay has spent the bulk of his career as a teacher, whether teaching graphic design and photography at the high school level, or more recently conducting workshops and photo tours all over the world.

This conversation tracks Jay’s early career and how he got into teaching, his accidental discovery of the Macintosh, how he transitioned into leading workshops and tours, and how Prescott learned the graphic design trade in 1998–99 as a high school senior.

Environmental Portraits in Cuba, by Jay Seldin

Show Notes & Links * Jay defines himself as a teacher, a photographer, and world traveler. He is a curious person and a teller of tales. * His style can be defined as an “environmental portrait photographer” * Jay Seldin on YouTube * Jay’s photo career began when he was required to take a humanities class in college. That class was an introduction to Black and White Photography. * Developing a print in a darkroom was Jay’s “lightbulb moment” (and that lightbulb was probably amber) * When he was 18, Jay did his first cross-country road trip to San Francisco * On The Road by Jack Kerouac on Amazon and on Audible * Jay earned 60¢/hr at his first photo job, working in a photo studio in New York * Photography was considered “Industrial Arts” and “Art” depending on the school, and the state * Jay taught at West Orange High School, Dwight Morrow High School, and later Columbia High School * Ansel Adams, famous landscape photographer * Mary Ellen Mark * Eugene Richards * Lucien Clergue * Michael Kenna * Ruth Bernard * Apple Lisa & Apple Mac — The big decision in Jay’s teaching career c.1984 * Floppy disks * “That mouse made all the difference in the world.” ← Click to Tweet * The Original Apple Macintosh * Adobe Photoshop 4.0 * QuarkXPress 4.1 * Aldus (later Adobe) Pagemaker * Mac Draw * Mac Write * Matt Kushner, now an animator * Sally Warner, now an oceanographer * Prescott credits his time on the newspaper staff as his first true graphic design role * Bluelines * Guildscript, Columbia High School’s literary magazine * Columbia High School had the first computer graphics lab in the state of NJ * Continuous Tone Print * Jay’s purpose-built studio above his garage

Jay Seldin in his studio, surrounded by gear and his work

• In addition to printing, Jay also does mentoring/tutoring in his studio
• The principal activity is [still] teaching
• The workshop trips gained momentum slowly, with interest among friends
• ICP asked him to run programs
• It takes a year for Jay to put together a good workshop
• The Newark Museum
• Cuba Cultural Travel
• “When you go to a museum, there’s no Cuban art. Because of the Embargo.” ← Click to Tweet
• Locally grown Cuban coffee
• The environmental footprint of coffee
• Cuban-American relations are approaching normal, whatever that means.
• The Cuban Free Internet, still to be determined
• Cuban Baseball League? Maybe.
• Cuba, The Accidental Eden, from PBS “Nature”, not the BBC
• The Royal Ballet in Cuba, from Channel4, not the BBC
• Jay and Not-So-Silent Bob on Facebook

Tools * Mac, printer, scanner — basically the same basic arrangement since the mid-1980s * Epson Pro Stylus 9600 first large format 44″ wide-format printer * Adobe Photoshop, even in Cuba * A Map with marked locations of places to go * 1966 Corvette Convertible

Techniques * Learn on your own, and then teach it to others * Get a local “guide” who knows the area you’re looking to photograph * Gather ideas from your past students/attendees

Habits * Travel with someone who’s part of the “system” as well as some who aren’t * Wake up early, have coffee, and read the [physical] paper

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Steve Dotto (@DottoTech) publishes a variety of videos on YouTube, mainly on the subject of personal productivity and software. Following a career in traditional broadcasting, he’s strategically moved into self-publishing and has since built a business with video, coaching, & speaking under his brand DottoTech.

In this conversation, Steve shares his strategies for online community-building, his preferred sites and software, and his personal productivity habits.

Below are some examples of videos that Steve produces:

Show Notes & Links * Steve calls himself a YouTube Content Creator. His channel is DottoTech * “YouTube is not a broadcast network, it’s a social network.” ← Click to Tweet * Steve had the business acumen to create a profitable show from his time in television * Personal Branding, by whatever name, has to do with authenticity * The MasterCaster, part of Steve’s business that focuses on content creation for video & podcasts * “It’s not a broadcast; it’s a conversation” ← Click to Tweet * TV/Radio networks, as well as Facebook, tend to hold your audience hostage * iTunes doesn’t tell podcasters much about their audiences * Google forces YouTube commenters to use their Google+ identities; controversial but beneficial in the long run * YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, the de facto place to search for “how-to” * Stephen Colbert’s final episode, viewed online rather than on TV * Some claim “Facebook video is going to be more viable than YouTube within 6 mos.“ * Search Engine Optimization (SEO) * “Search results on YouTube are based on merit, not Voodoo.” ← Click to Tweet * 40% of Steve’s viewers aren’t subscribers, but instead find him through search terms * YouTube > Facebook for community engagement and overall social interaction * Prescott says Facebook is a “bizarro Hong Kong marketplace” of distraction * Mashable * Google+ hasn’t quite taken shape as a social network. But perhaps it’s not supposed to be a social network. * Martin Shervington‘s Google+ for Business * A Song of Ice and Fire (The Game of Thrones series) by George RR Martin, on Audible * The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling, on Audio CD (narrated by Jim Dale) * Stephen Fry * Ed Norton * “Present the type of content you would like to receive.” ← Click to Tweet * Green Screen effects * “People will not watch good video with bad audio.” ← Click to Tweet * Gary Vaynerchuk, high energy * Mari Smith, warm and fuzzy * The WayBack Machine * Tom Merritt, of Daily Tech News Show, earns massive income from Patreon * Chris Prillo * The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Tools * Evernote * Dropbox * Google+ * Full Contact * Reportive * Patreon * Screenflow * Electro Voice RE-20 * AWeber * Mailchimp * InfusionSoft * KickStarter

Techniques * Get your crew to laugh; it’s a good indicator for your audience * Create a personality that is a slightly amplified version of yourself, not a fictional character * Ensure no one is holding your audience “hostage”; keep in touch with them on our terms * Tweet or Text Message your audience prior to a live broadcast/webinar * “Shine a light on your content” aka actively promote your own stuff; no one will find it naturally * Use [paid] Facebook ads to promote a webinar or other paid event * Use your community — perhaps a forum or Facebook group — to answer tough questions * Poke around with software and look for “a story” to share in a video * Push hard for a new video (within the first four hours); take advantage of YouTube’s algorithm which “honors momentum” * Honor Your Content, Steve’s term for abiding by best practices in promotion * Create a Photoshop template which you can quickly update * Build your mailing list! Change your CRM system if you outgrow the first one. * Before you post your Patreon effort, get friends and family to chip in. * Offer your Patrons access to your digital products as a bonus

Habits * Listen to podcasts/audiobooks while walking the dog. * Research an SEO-friendly title * Edit video to include calls-to-action, annotate thoroughly * Learn to predict problems with sound & lighting, so you can solve them early * Steal colors from other content creators (keep them in Evernote) * Wake up early, do community engagement first; reply to comments * Avoid email first thing in the morning * Read and respond to every comment on YouTube (even if it’s only a Thumbs-up/Plus) * Drink Smoothies

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Show Notes & Links * David Blatner * Anne-Marie Concepción * Previous 3-Way Episodes on The Busy Creator Podcast #4 and #11 * Three-way Calling * InDesign Magazine * Anne-Marie had aspirations to become a teacher … until she met Mac * LaserWriter * Font/DA Mover * ClarisWorks * “As a teacher of software to adults, you could charge whatever you wanted.” ← Click to Tweet * Design Geek, an early newsletter-turned-blog from Anne-Marie * David is an author, but NOT a novelist * QuarkXPress, powerhouse page layout software in the 90s * Aldus PageMaker, predecessor to InDesign * Armin Vit’s episode of The Busy Creator Podcast * Remote Keyless Entry on your car * S-Shaped Curve aka Sigmoid Function, for learning * “The hardest part is not learning the feature, it’s remembering to use the feature.” ← Click to Tweet * The Paint Format tool in MS Word * Pet Peeve: Using Character Styles where a better tool is more appropriate * Paragraph Styles panel should be called “Text Styles” * Unsharp Masking or Appearance Panel — wishlist features for InDesign * Smart Objects created in InDesign should be placeable in Photoshop * ePUB – the open-source standard for ebooks * “Dangling Modifiers” Prescott’s name for features unbuilt or errors-not-fixed since 1996 * Gradient Mesh or 3D Revolve in Illustrator * Prescott is a member of the Pre-release Team for Illustrator * Scrubby Sliders in InDesign – an oft-requested feature from Photoshop * Anne-Marie invented “Mr. Spanky” aka Pan Tool * “The Donut” aka Content Grabber * Real World InDesign by David Blatner * Lynda.com videos

Tools * Adobe InDesign * A two-button mouse * The Apple Menu * Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop Elements, Muse * Adobe Dreamweaver, which can’t open ePUB files, btw * InDesignSecrets.com has a ton of resources, downloads, tutorials, videos, forums, etc. * Adobe InCopy * InDesign Secrets Podcast, and the Obscure InDesign Feature of The Week!

Techniques * Use the Text Frame in InDesign rather than an image frame * Utilize GREP styling and Text Styles more generally * Use Quick Apply * Remove Character Styles and replace with Paragraph Styles for longer passages of text * Use InDesign for page layout … NOT ILLUSTRATOR (Japan) and definitely NOT PHOTOSHOP (psychopaths) * Learn ePUB from Anne-Marie, she’s the best (fixed-layout or flowable)

Habits * Repeatedly use features so they become a habit * Continue to learn by watching videos, experimenting, reading articles

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Felix Sockwell is an illustrator and graphic designer based in New Jersey. Following a storied early career in some of New York’s top agencies, Felix changed direction to pursue his solo practice as an illustrator. For him, setting up outside the City didn’t mean obscurity; instead, he’s developed a unique signature style and works with a varied of high-profile clients like Facebook and The New York Times.

See more of his work on his website, FelixSockwell.com

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Felix Sockwell for WQXR, his signature continuous-line illustration style, click to enlarge

Show Notes & Links * Felix describes himself as both a designer and illustrator, from a family background in design, illustration, and advertising * “Illustrative Designer” Von Glitschka * East Texas State University, Felix’s almost mater * DDB Needham/Tracey-Locke, ad agency in Dallas * The Richards Group, communication agency in Dallas * Brian Collins * Ogilvy‘s Brand Integration Group (BIG) in New York, known for their 16-hour days * Rick Boyko * Laurie Rosenwald * Luke Hayman * Tom Vasquez * Alan Dye * Felix’s style is continuous vector line illustration * Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall, cover artwork by Felix Sockwell * T.S. Monk — one of Thelonius Monk’s similarly-named sons — lives in South Orange, NJ * Charles Anderson * Eric Johnson * Starwood Hotels * Le Méridien, a Paula Scher/Pentagram client at the time * Christine Blackburne, photographer and previous podcast guest * Highlights Puzzle * Pushpin Studios, an influence for Felix * Prescott worked with Seymour Chwast * Norman Rockwell‘s style * Joe Marianek, formerly of Michael Bierut‘s team at Pentagram and past guest on Design Matters with Debbie Millman. (Bierut and Millman have both been guests on The Busy Creator Podcast, by the way) * karlssonwilker * Paul Sahre * South Orange “feels like Williamsburg, Brooklyn” (according to Felix, at least) * Felix’s recent calendar poster for NPR – * Jonathan Selikoff, founder of Vote for Letterpress in South Orange, NJ * “Squirrels are our friends” * Kyle Webster, illustrator

Tools * iPhone * Adobe Illustrator (not Photoshop, not InDesign)

Techniques * Work with a rep/agent only when it’s a really big job

Habits * Save tedious or intricate pieces for yourself, for later use (ex. drawings of hands) * Embrace the slow evolution of your own style * Build a personal zone, which can involve coffee, music, or weed

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 37
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Kelley Keller (@KelleyKeller) is an Intellectual Property Attorney & Education, and founder of The Keller Law Firm. She’s also the creator of Innovation to Profits, an online educational resource for anyone with creative, valuable ideas.

This legal-focused conversation discusses the types of IP, how portfolios must be handled, competition in the age of the Internet, Fair Use, and other legal matters important for creative pros in business.

Show Notes & Links * F.U.D. * Intellectual Property, a definition * IP is “controlling the movement of knowledge throughout the marketplace” ← Click to Tweet * Types of IP: Brand Names/Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, Trade Secrets * The Coca-Cola formula, the world’s most famous Trade Secret * The Portfolio, a body of work for a creative pro * Work-for-hire relationship (common for employees) * Employer owns the work, employees need permission * Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are governed by Employment Law, at the State level * “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ← Click to Tweet * Brand X * As for your original logo, you have responsibility to protect and to police * The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and its Takedown Notices * The US Copyright Act of 1976 says, essentially, the moment you create something, you own the copyright (assuming it’s copyrightable (original, independent, etc.)) * The difference between a “trade name” and a Trademark. The trade name is the legal name of your business at the State level; Trademarks are marketplace identities, and must be cleared on the Federal level. * 1099 and W-9 forms, Tax forms for outside contractors * Nissan Motors v. Nissan Computer * Captain Fantastic Faster Than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine The Hulk And The Flash Combined * Apple Computer v. Apple Corps Records aka “Why aren’t the Beatles on iTunes?” * US Olympic Committee v. Olympic Gyro * Colleges Tell High Schools Logos Are Off Limits * Agents and officers seize more than $4.8 million in fake NFL merchandise and seize 307 websites during ‘Operation Fake Sweep’ * Washington Redskins Mascot Controversy * Washington Redskins Change Their Name To The D.C. Redskins * Redskins defend name, ask federal court to overturn trademark decision * USPTO Design Codes * Lady Gaga stole the song “Judas”, claims singer/songwriter

Tools * USPTO.gov, the website for the US Patent & Trademark Office, where you can do a search. * Behance, which hosts portfolios * Copyright.gov

Techniques * Be proactive with new contracts and agreements; get an attorney to review * Set up Google Alerts for brands/trademarks * Hire a junior staffer to search for your brand online

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 36
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Betsy Helmuth (@BetsyHelmuth) is an interior designer & decorator in New York City. Her company, Affordable Interior Design, offers exactly what is says on the tin. Over the years, she’s designed rooms in over 1,000 apartments, allowing her to create a systematic approach to working with busy clients.

Betsy’s latest book, Big Design, Small Budget, is available Dec. 11, 2014. Pre-order a copy and give it this holiday season to the interior design geek in your life.

Big Design, Small Budget by Betsy Helmuth

Our conversation centers on the eccentricities of New York City apartments — and apartment-dwellers — as well as the systems Betsy has used to build a thriving business.

Show Notes & Links * Betsy is the first Busy Creator representative for the Interior Design industry. * People who shop at Ikea and Target are Betsy’s key customers * New Yorkers feel a lot of anxiety about their space, and their storage (or lack thereof) * New York City apartments can be “insultingly small” * “Small is a relative term.” ← Click to Tweet * Betsy has worked with over 1000 apartments; each year she works with 250 clients * “It’s a cookie-cutter plan, but within that there’s a lot of individuality” ← Click to Tweet * West Elm * Betsy has developed a core 20 questions to determined how her clients live in their * “After 1000 apartments there’s no judgement. I’ve seen it all.” ← Click to Tweet * Client On-boarding/Discover Process * Best business advice Betsy every received: “If the name of your business doesn’t say exactly what you do, change it.” * The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch * Clients find Betsy by Googling “Affordable Interior Design” * The Ikea Effect — If you built it yourself, you create an emotional investment * “Never ever ever, ever, build your own Ikea (unless you’re a professional)” ← Click to Tweet * 80/20 rule applied to Ikea (80% crap, 20% gold) * Japanese school of thought for actors who clean their own stage, it builds awareness of the world * “Honor your space”, give it attention * “Your space is like committing to a partner” * Multi-variable Differential Equation * “not-yet-ness” * “The limitations define ‘the box’, and that’s where the magic happens.” ← Click to Tweet * Eames Chair with Ottoman * Cable Management is key; get a “raceway” * Prescott’s new desk (forthcoming blog post) * CableOrganizer.com * Our previous podcast episode about Project Management software and collaboration

Tools * StarTech 2×2 Open Slot Wiring Raceway Cable channel

Techniques * Develop a core series of questions to ask your new clients * Offer plans or packages so clients can choose based on their need * Build your room around an “inspiration item”, especially one with three or more colours * Mix woods within colour families * Get a storage unit if you need to hold on to something * Utilise open-close storage, such as a desk with cabinets and drawers * Staple cables to walls and furniture to keep them out of the way * Re-evaluate your workflows around your growing and changing business

Habits * Locate outlets when you enter a room, especially in NYC * Answer your own phone * Work late hours, after the kids to go sleep * Get to the coffee shops where you can get stuff done * Turn the TV on (in the background) for creative flow

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Scott Colby (@ScottColby) is fitness & nutrition expert and coach based in Colorado. In recent years he’s moved from being a traditional personal trainer to being an online entrepreneur, creating the Fit For Photos workout and nutrition course.

This conversation focuses on issues relating to health and wellness specifically aimed at creative professionals. We discuss the effects of deadlines, studio culture, and stress on creativity and energy. Scott shares some tips for dieting and how to structure a morning routine that aide productivity, energy, and ideas.

Read more about Scott on his website, ScottColby.com or his podcast, The Power to Change

Show Notes & Links * Scott created the Fit For Photos coaching program, and also runs fitness adventure holidays * His earlier niche was “abs”, where he was blogging as “The Abs Expert” * Typical ailments that affect office workers: extended sitting, stress, late eating, greasy/convenience food, lack of sunlight, obsession * “Your health has to come first before your other big dreams.” ← Click to Tweet * Debbie Millman mentioned energy management over time management on her podcast episode * “Nutrition will affect how you feel during the day” ← Click to Tweet * Try to avoid your phone and all social media first thing in the morning * Scott’s Green Smoothie ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, spinach or kale, avocado, vanilla protein powder * Protein bars are glorified candy bars (unless you make it yourself) * The “1800 Diet” — as if you lived in the year 1800; essentially seasonal, organic, local, and whole foods (eg no Twinkies) * A quick search on Amazon for “diet books” will yield a ton of results * Exercising can help with depression * Interval Training, alternate high- and low-intensity * Tabata Intervals (four-minute training) * Bear crawls * Prescott is too anxiety-ridden to take on meditation * 7-Eleven Big Gulp * The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod * Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill * Napolean Dynamite * Scott’s page on Facebook

Tools * FocusBooster, Pomodoro Timer for your desktop * Nike Fuel and FitBit, fitness trackers * Noom Walk app for Android * Runtastic apps for iPhone and for Android * Google Sheets * My Fitness Pal app for tracking food

Techniques * Schedule times during the day to get outside, away from your desk * Use the Pomodoro Technique (50/10 as Scott prefers) to take mandatory breaks * Remove processed sugar; replace with a green smoothie * Schedule time to eat! Especially useful if you’re an obsessive person who loses track * Experiment with a “Digital Detox” during your day * Avoid deli meat which contains a lot of nitrates * Keep raw nuts or fruit in the office, especially when plans change suddenly * Change your setting to stimulate creativity; go outside, listen to a podcast, try silence

Habits * Reduce the amount of sugar you eat during the day * Confessing your struggles (eg, chocolate) is the first step to addressing them * Plan ahead to eliminate simply reacting * Opt for single-ingredient foods, where the only ingredient is the thing itself * Build a relaxation or meditation practice (even two minutes) * Practice S.A.V.E.R.S. (Scribing, Affirmation, Visualisation, Exercise, Reading, Silence) in the morning

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Lisa Cummings (@LisaCummings) is a corporate consultant and trainer, and host of the Careers Q&A Podcast on PinchYourselfCareers.com. She offers insight and advice to job seekers and people at all stages of their careers, answering questions about office culture, hiring, money, and other career-related topics.

Today’s conversation borrows the format of her show, answering user-submitted questions specific to the create professions.

Show Notes & Links * On quantifying your work: put it in their perspective, be able to communicate your successes, make it all about the company. Also, get those figures wherever possible. * Present a business case rather than ask for stuff * On “creative” resumes: The content has to be solid, they don’t have to be infographics per se, inject your brand and personal style, show precision and attention to detail * “Your resume is the first piece in your portfolio” ← Click to Tweet * A resume is for 3–5 seconds. A hiring manager may only see your resume 30 seconds before they meet you. * On learning in preparation for quitting: present your case as a learner and leave the quitting part out, get the knowledge elsewhere by training outside the studio, take advantage of the business’s need for “utility men” * “Open the Kimono” * On declaring your [small] role on a project: be honest in describing your role and the other people involved, spin your part as a learning experience, describe the new skills learned, don’t lead with the shortcomings * Two (or Six) Degrees of Kevin Bacon * On reading books to learn business skills: learn the people skills (you’ll need them), also check out courses (online or off) * To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink * How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie * Influence by Robert Cialdini * 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey * How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy * The Essential Principles of Graphic Design by Debbie Millman * The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber * The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley * The Long Tail by Chris Anderson * Onward by Howard Shultz * Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson * On being hired without a prestigious background: you can’t go through the front door, Lisa’s podcast episode about job descriptions, network like crazy, * Big Spaceship, AKQA, RazorFish – well-known web design agencies * On building your portfolio as a young creative: Do self-initiated work, do projects for community organizations, family or friends, take on a before-and-after, plan your time for taking on projects “for fun” * “Spray and Pray“, the wrong approach to job-hunting

Tools * Resume and Portfolio

Techniques * Chronicle everything. Get co-workers testimony, get figured & statistics * Use your promotion opportunities as a chance to update your portfolio. Keep things fresh. * Ask for feedback following an interview, don’t accept “you need more experience”

Habits * Save your praise, especially in a corporate environment * Bring two copies of your resume to any interview, on the paper that you chose. Control that experience. * Always be networking

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 33
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Vijay Mathews (@vijaymathews) is a co-founder of W&Co., an interactive design & development agency based in New York. In the last few years, he’s built mobile apps and websites for a variety of clients, focusing on the education, non-profit, retail, and government sectors.

This conversation discusses running a multidisciplinary firm, the workflow and roles at W&Co., and the trouble with de facto standards in the design biz.

Show Notes & Links * W&Co. does Design AND Development, and has since the beginning * Chris Auyeung, Vijay’s co-founder at W&Co. * Josh Miles discussed the growth of his firm on a previous podcast episode * They now “do the kind of work they want to do” * They’ve stayed nimble so they can “keep the overhead low but still provide the quality of work they wanted to provide.” * “We didn’t have the mindset to say no to work; we were just getting started.” * Designers should “know and understand the capabilities and limitations” of software and devices * Zeitgeist, En Vogue … can you tell Prescott went to art school? * The Polymath aka The Renaissance Man * Vijay and his team have moved away from mobile applications toward broader digital/web projects * “Maintaining native applications across a wide variety of platforms and devices was impossible.” * 80% Websites, 20% Apps * HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript * “Do you need an app?” A question for webmasters and podcasters * Candy Crush * W&Co. applications on the iTunes store * How The Sausage Gets Made * Another reference to “The Museum in Minneapolis” (throwback to Episode 30 with Michael Bierut) * Ask yourself “What could it be?” * Websites that haven’t updated since 1997 * “Should you be using a photo-editing tool for web mockups?” ← Click to Tweet * Word Processor Wars of the 1980s and The Browser Wars of the 1990s * XKCD Comic on competing standards * Previous episode on Project Management Apps with Bryan Orr * Lingua Franca * The Story of QuarkXPress * Prescott New Year’s Resolution for 2008: “Never use Quark again!” * Eisenhower Methodology, again * Remember The Milk

Tools * Adobe Creative Cloud * Jira for bug-tracking (and modified for project management) * Agile development

Techniques * Consider longevity in the marketplace (shorter-life projects can be more avant garde) * Don’t be too conservative during the ideation phase * Play to your strengths in your roles (designer, IA, etc.) but join forces as well to have multidisciplinary crossover * Utilise Master Pages in InDesign

Habits * Have a daily scrum meeting * Examine your calendar the night before * 30-45 minute run early in the morning to clear the head * Arrive before the staff to sort email and admin

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Bryan Orr (@BryanJOrr) is both a brick-and-mortal small business owner and software entrepreneur, based in Florida. In owning and operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installation company, he has experimented with a great variety of project management tools and collaboration software. Following this, he ventured into the software game itself, commissioning his own system to help run the business.

He also hosts the WOW Small Business Podcast and is a co-creator of MentionTribe, an online service aimed at helping local small businesses.

Show Notes & Links * Bryan owns a HVAC installation business * MentionTribe * WOW Small Business Podcast * Prescott had a past life as a Mechanical Engineering draftsman * R-12 vs R-134a refridgerants * Remember The Milk and TeuxDeux, examples of “laundry list” apps * Basecamp, classic email replacement tool * Gantt Charts * Time-tracking and Invoicing * Image previewing and collaborative reviewing * “Tasking”, Bryan’s term for assigning items to different team members * Gwenyth Paltrow uses Basecamp * Bryan favours Trello for team collaboration * Kanban board, take a task through a lifecycle * Freedcamp is a free(mium) version of Basecamp * Prescott doesn’t like “glorified checklists” because not everything in life is a checkbox item * “Email needs to be taken out back, burned, and never heard from again” ← Click to Tweet * “Advanced Chat”, Bryan’s term for specified cross-talk which replaces email * Josh Miles, previous podcast guest and design firm owner * “Pictures of Success” * Eisenhower methodology * Clients should not use text messaging, especially when the recipient may be driving * Toggl, simple time-tracking but not so much invoicing * Screenshot Monitor, keeps an eye on team members up-to-the-minute * Xero, small business online accounting software; and employer of Saul Colt, past podcast guest * Starship Design, Prescott’s design company * The Wayback Machine * Password managers like Dashlane allow you to have your password on you at all times * The trouble with reference materials, “knowledge base” * Wiki software is not very user-friendly * Dropbox beats Google Drive for roll-back of individual files * Work Smarter by Nick Loper * Entrepreneur on Fire podcast

Tools * Remember The Milk * TeuxDeux * Basecamp * Harvest * Design Sign Off * Evernote and Easily Do * Trello * KanBan Flow * Freedcamp * Slack * HipChat * MindMeister * Jira from Atlassian * Workamajig * Asana * FreshBooks * FreeAgentPro * Toggl * ScreenShot Monitor * Xero * Mint * GitHub * IFTTT – If This Then That * Google Drive * Lighthouse * Pivotal Tracker * TacoApp * Dashlane * Dropbox * Kippt, bookmarking tool for teams * Gingko, non-linear writing tool

Techniques * Create new columns (“States”) in your Kanban board * Utilise a real Project Manager to make decisions and keep the project moving * Define “Pictures of Success” to demonstrate best practices within your team * Use the Eisenhower methodology to determine what’s important vs. what’s urgent * Don’t use text messaging for business * Create a method of your own to-do list * Create a method for group communication/chat * Create a method for assigning tasks * Ensure you have mobile capabilities * Experiment with mind-mapping methodologies * Build a team knowledge base so folks don’t have to ask each other for stuff all the time

Habits * Adhere to the system you create, but also test new methods * Review your personal and team to-dos at the end of each day

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 30 with Designer, Educator & Writer Michael Bierut

Michael Bierut (@MichaelBierut) is one of today’s most renowned and respected graphic designers. Since 1990, he has been a Partner at Pentagram, where he works with clients like MIT Media Lab, The Yale School of Architecture, and the New York Jets. In addition to his work at Pentagram, he is a Senior Critic in Graphic Design at the Yale School of Art and co-founded the online publication Design Observer, where he writes about design and creative culture.

Together we discuss Michael’s feelings in becoming a business owner, how he divides work duties with his team, the clunky process of learning business skills as a young designer, and the exhaustive routines which power his morning. We also learn the 19-syllable Starbucks order he buys each working day, and how long it takes him to run 3 miles.

Read more about Michael via his lengthy biography on Pentagram’s website.

Show Notes & Links

• Pentagram’s New York Office, and its library, where we recorded this episode

Michael Bierut in the Pentagram Library. Image via The Architectural League of NY * Michael [still] thinks of himself as a “working graphic designer” * Michael’s previous — and only — employers were Massimo & Lella Vignelli * As a young designer, he “never spent a minute lying in bed wondering if a client was going to pay an overdue invoice.” * Michael writes his own proposals; there is no “behemoth” behind the scenes * “I thought I was ready to be a business owner, but I really didn’t know much about it.” ← Click to tweet * Pentagram Partners “really like to do the work.” * Michael currently works with 6 designers, 2 project managers, and 2 interns. * “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ← Click to tweet * Teaching business skills to designers isn’t “baked in” to Pentagram’s ethos, but it happens through close collaboration * Without cultural context, working as a designer can be a “long road to carpal tunnel syndrome.” * Knopf Doubleday, publisher * Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis * New York Times * “The world we live in was created by people no smarter than us.” —Prescott mis-quoting Steve Jobs ← Click to tweet * “Designers are actors playing a part. We have to learn about X and show the world X.” ← Click to tweet * Michael is a Lazy Designer * “The time I invest [in proposals] is always intense and personal.” ← Click to tweet * Michael’s famous ~~sketchbooks~~ notebooks. Currently working with #104. * Make It Bigger by Paula Scher

Tools * Marble composition notebooks * Venti Triple Non-Fat Cappuccino from Starbucks

Techniques * Oversee a single designer, bring on a second only if you need it * Keep your pitches/responses to briefs short but purposeful. Don’t participate in theatrics. * Ponder a problem during your morning run. Solve it during that time.

Habits * Wake up early (5:15a–5:35a) * Jog 3 miles every morning * Use vacations as a time to focus on a particular project * Build writing into your routine. Chunk it down and don’t give yourself a chance to escape.

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 29 with Brand Strategy Consultant, Copywriter & Author Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius (@susangunelius) is a 20-year marketing veteran who has worked in corporate environments for some of the largest companies in the world. Today, she’s on the agency side as President & CEO of Keysplash Creative, which offers brand strategy consulting along with writing and all marketing communication services.

In addition, Susan has written 10 books not only on marketing, branding social media, and technology, but also on subjects like the marketing of Harry Potter. She now contributes her marketing expertise to sites like Forbes and is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women On Business, an award-winning blog. Our conversation moves from working with clients to managing an agency of one and the habits required to author a book.

Show Notes & Links * Susan’s website describes her many offerings * Susan focuses on Marketing Strategy and Marketing Communications, was a Marketing major in college * Ad Agencies are crazy places * “There’s a gap in perception of what the designers are doing.” ← Click to tweet * “Tell me about your business” is the hardest question for clients to answer (and it’s not even a question!) * “Clients are so close their business they can’t get out of their own way” ← Click to tweet * Kick-ass Copywriting in Ten Easy Steps by Susan Gunelius * Talking animals in advertising. Why. * The Budweiser Frogs * Local business advertising. Oh boy. * “People are choosing something else if they’re not choosing your product. There is always competition.” ← Click to tweet

• United We Brand by Mike Moser

• Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler

• Interrogation tactics such as Good Cop/Bad Cop

• David Ogilvy on selling fire extinguishers — ”When you advertise fire-extinguishers, open with the fire.”
• “Don’t chase Google; build a business for the long-term.” ← Click to tweet
• Price, Place, Promotion, Product — The Four P’s of Marketing
• Some ads create the want, not the sale
• Florida has better weather than New Jersey (but headlines like this are an everyday hazard.)
• b5 Media — blog network
• Susan writes for Forbes and Entrepreneur
• WomenOnBusiness.com
• Harry Potter: The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius
• Manager’s Schedule vs. Maker’s Schedule
• Gantt Chart
• Recurring Theme: Get rid of email
• Freemium

Tools * Mac and a PC (sometimes a third Mac laptop) * All-in-one plus a B+W Laser Printer * Notebook * Trello * SproutSocial * HootSuite * Buffer

Techniques * To get clients to be honest about their brand/company 1.) play Devil’s Advocate; or 2.) circumvent the main question and ask unrelated questions. * Use questionnaires and forms for clients with tough communication skills * Use psychology to get at the heart of a brand * Use case studies and real world examples to hammer home your strategy * Write content to build credibility (via blogs or books) * Narrow your focus to one or two topics * “Chunking”, the process of planning your topics, especially chapters in books

Habits * Write a section a day, don’t worry about a whole book * Build uninterrupted chunks of time * Work all day on Saturday * Write stuff down to remember them

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 28 with Writer, Professor, and Filmmaker Adam Harrison Levy

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 28 with Writer, Professor, and Filmmaker Adam Harrison Levy

Adam Harrison Levy (@AdamHLevy) is a Professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City as well as Wesleyan University in Connecticut. In addition, he writes for Design Observer and works as a freelance interviewer/filmmaker for the BBC.

Our conversation meanders and gets slightly meta. We acknowledge the odd circumstances of a professional interviewer being interviewed by an amateur, and of two Americans discussing their love for the BBC.

Read some of Mr. Levy’s articles and learn more about his film work via Adam’s profile on Design Observer.

Show Notes & Links

• Video Filmmaking for the iPhone
• Co-teaching w/a NYT Culture Journalist on Research and Writing
• The MA in Design Criticism, aka “D-Crit”, is now more focused on research and writing
• South Sudan is developing a logo and flag
• Prescott did a Master’s in Graphic Communication at the University for the Creative Arts (UK)
• Gobsmacked, a British term meaning “struck speechless”
• Mad Men
• George Lois
• Steve Heller
• Gay Talese
• Prescott is an internet nerd, watches overseas programming via grey market websites and techniques
• Country House Rescue (brilliant show on Britain’s Channel4, not the BBC, but still)
• Zaha Hadid, British-Iraqi Architect
• Horizon and Panorama, recurring BBC series
• Imagine, another great series featuring such topics as “The Book” and The Chelsea Hotel
• Port-forwarding and VPNs to get access to the BBC iPlayer
• Selling the Sixties: How Madison Ave. Dreamed a Decade
• BBC has to be “fleet and maverick” regarding graphics; Don’t overdue it
• Simple title graphics
• Cleatus, the dancing robot on FOX [American] Football Coverage
• Stiff Upper Lip
• The Scottish Referendum on Independence (spoiler alert: they voted “No”)
• Simon Schama, a History of Britain
• David Attenborough
• The Story of Science
• Isambard Kingdom Brunnel, 19th Century British Civil Engineer
• The Bombing of Hiroshima, re-enactments created with student actors
• Czechoslovakia (no longer a country)
• Adam is the “intellectual content research” guy, not the technical video and sound guy
• Chuck Close
• The Beauty of Maps, BBC Four
• George Elsey, worked in the Truman White House. Was standing next to President Truman on SS Atlantic when news of Hiroshima reached the Pres.
• The Map Room in the basement of the British Library
• The Domesday Book, 1086
• Maps as political cartoons
• Great British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo
• 700 Photographs of post-bomb Hiroshima found on a street corner in Mass., written about on Design Observer
• Don Levy (no relation) found the photos in a suitcase
• International Center for Photography
• The design of castle towers learned during The Crusades
• Nijū Hibakusha, (literally “double bomb-affected people”), the term for those in Japan who survived both atomic bombings
• The Writers’ Room, NYC
• Email is bad for your brain, e.g. Phantom Blackberry
• “Getting in The Zone is a weird sort of meditation” ← Click to tweet
• Funions
• Mind Like Water, as mentioned in Getting Things Done
• Prescott and his friends were lifeguards as teenagers. They would use the time to ponder levels of Commandos

Tools * 18th Century French table, which Adam uses as a desk these 20 years * Laptop * Pens and pencils, paper (pretty old-school, actually) * Totems (monkey holding a Mont-Blanc pen) * Brass date-changer

Techniques * Be “Tight and Loose” as an interviewer (almost a Zen practice) * Always have a point-of-view, which Adam calls “The Force of Will” * Hit the books, hit the phone, and do a pre-interview before turning up with a camera crew * Create a ritual with the passing of time, such as a physical calendar * Batch your email, especially when it’s from London and there’s a time-shift

Habits * Wake up early; not quite as early as Steve Heller * Meditate for 20-25 minutes; not quite the 5-hour Zen practice * Tea, and coffee only when I need a shot * Leverage “Creative Distraction” to free your brain

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 27 with Online Video Producer Christopher Sharpe

Christopher Sharpe (@csharpe)is a writer, director, designer, blogger, and builder of internet things. Following an early career in traditional filmmaking, he’s currently the producer of two popular online video shows, Yoga With Adriene and Hilah Cooking.

Our conversation focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing video with a limited crew, as well as the inevitable drama that comes from working full-time in online video. Christopher’s work can be seen on his website, ChristopherSharpe.com, and you can see check out his book, YouTube Black Book.

Listen to the episode below and click through for examples of Chris’s video series.

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Hilah Cooking: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Yoga with Adriene: 20 Minute Yoga Flow for Detox and Digestion

Show Notes & Links * Chris started with the traditional filmmaking route. Short films and commercials. * Sex Machine, Chris’s first feature, on Netflix * Shannon Morse, previous guest on The Busy Creator * Are commercials an art form? * No feedback on broadcast media, e.g. “What’s up with that Pampers commercial?”

• Permission Marketing by Seth Godin

• Luke Sullivan, the 75-mile-per-hour billboard

• Hey Whipple, Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan

• Advertising is annoying, especially when you’re used to watching online (Wayfair, I’m looking at you)

• Contextual advertising on YouTube
• Chris and Hilah have created several Cook Books through Kindle and in print
• Brand integration content
• Producing content for other companies
• Scripps Network launched uLive
• TasteMade YouTube Channel
• The phrase “recurring theme” seems to be a recurring theme
• Libsyn, host for The Busy Creator
• Consistency is rewarded in the YouTube algorithm
• Chris & co. didn’t earn any money for the first year, but they kept going
• Don’t forget to visit the website for Starship Design, Prescott’s design company

• Manager’s Schedule vs. Maker’s Schedule by Paul Graham

• YouTube Black Book by Christopher Sharpe

Tools * YouTube and Vimeo, video platforms * Canon C100 and Canon T5i, for main and supporting cameras * Final Cut Pro 10 * Adobe Audition * iMacs * Basecamp * Google Apps

Techniques * Examine the audience and make an educated guess, then rework the content based on the platform * Record your show in real-time, and punch in “beauty” shots * Examine your workflow and look for ways to save time, such as in editing * Offer information as an effort to build traffic * Offer a free PDF (The Breakfast Taco Book) to get them on the mailing list * Seek to get the audience away from YouTube and onto a platform you control and can monitor * Release three types of videos aimed at different audiences and reactions: one search engines, another for quick sharing on social networks, and a third for the YouTube Community itself * Continue to interact on the comments for your blog posts and videos

Habits * Get into “The Zone” early in the day. Writing and creative planning. * Email and stuff before lunch, then to the office for editing/post-production * Block work responsibilities into chunks of time (whether it’s 45 minutes or 3 hours) * Be your own manager — chunk out your own time

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 26 with Still Life Photographer Christine Blackburne

Christine Blackburne is a commercial still life photographer based in New York. She works primarily in the fashion, cosmetics, and jewelry sectors, bringing her stylish use of colour and light to her images.

This conversation moves from Christine’s origins as an assistant photographer, to how she sets up her still life shoots, and a bit about working with an agent and managing workflow.

Click through to the full blog post to see a few of Christine’s images, and check out her site, christineblackburne.com, to see even more.

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Perfume bottles still life

Watches still life

Christine occasionally shoots things that move

Show Notes & Links * Christine’s studio is located in the South Street Seaport area of Manhattan * Southwark, London * Christine shoots most things that don’t move like cosmetics, jewelry * Christine went to Rochester Institute of Technology, spent time with objects * Most fashion photographers are extroverted * Many photographers lately have no fixed location. Rented gear, hired location. * Make-up and jewelry is very reflective. Bright. Shiny. Objects. * Fashion photography “is more about finding a photograph rather than creating one” * Editorial is more free than commercial shoots * Word of Mouth is the best way to get clients * Make-up doesn’t always cooperate, so it’s nice to have freedom * Christine’s water-splash series * Dexter’s roll of knives * Bill Wadman’s episode on The Busy Creator Podcast * MacGuyver-ing — mad science involved in still-life work * “Snot”, the rubbery glue used in commercial printing * “Word-of-Mouth Nirvana” where clients call you. * We can’t all be Saul Colt, previous podcast guest * Merge Left, Christine’s Agents * Christine’s popsicle images * The Narcissism of Minor Differences * “Your ability in life is like a stove with four burners: health, friends, work, family. When you turn off one, more gas will flow to the others.” * Energy management vs. time management, a recurring theme on The Busy Creator Podcast * Seasons, another recurring theme (as mentioned by Blake Stratton and Todd Henry) * “There time to reap and a time to plant.” Prescott paraphrasing Todd Henry paraphrasing Ecclesiastes 3:2

Tools * Fuji GX680, nearly extinct (available on eBay) * Profoto & Broncolor lights * Underlit soft box * Acetate * Knives and Palette Knives * Forceps * Armature

Techniques * Stay away from client-created sketches or sketches you are showing to the client, which can be unrealistic in terms of dimensions or scale * Do as much in-camera as humanly possible * Let your agents play “bad cop” * Aim for a portfolio featuring about 20-30 final images * Bring a printed portfolio for your main work, but use your iPad for the case studies and deeper cuts * “Don’t get an agent until you’re so busy you need that extra set of hands.” ← Click to tweet

Habits * Calibrate your monitor bi-weekly * Be flexible (No routine! Not really.) * Keep one day per week for your own personal work, or office housekeeping

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Bill Doran (@Chinbeard) is a replica props and model builder based in Seattle. He has turned his hobbies — playing video games and attending conventions — into his profession by serving a niche community who need high quality props and weapons as an part of their cosplay.

This conversation focuses on how Bill creates his pieces using very hands-on techniques and tools, and how built his online customer base from mostly in-person interactions.

Bill’s work can be seen on his website, Punished Props, and onhis YouTube Channel.00:00

An example of Bill’s YouTube videos, where he brings some how-to direct to your screen.

Show Notes & Links * Bill’s job title is “Intergalactic Arms Dealer”, specialises in video game weaponry * Bill is not the traditional Hollywood-style prop maker * Bat’leth * Cosplay * Bill is more of a commissioned artist, working B-to-C * DragonCon and Pax Prime, two of the bigger costuming conventions * Master Chief Armor, plus a Rocket Launcher * Wizards of The Coast in Seattle commissioned some gauntlet trophies * Bill is very practical in his approach to building, but studiedCAD/CAM surface modeling * Almost everything Bill does is “Mixed Media” * Cloud Sword from Final Fantasy VII * Unobtainium * Absurdist Japanese Cartoons * Bill’s video channel on YouTube, discusses techniques and Cosplay/Maker Communities * “Networking events” take on a different meaning for Bill. Everyone is in a big crazy costume! * “Networking should just be called ‘meeting people’ ” ← Click to tweet * Black Framed Glasses are the costume of the graphic design profession * Mass Effect, and its guns * Destiny, features very ornate guns * Dr. Pizza * Halo, and the rifle * A Beginner’s Guide to Making Mind Blowing Props by Bill Doran * Historical Costumed Adventure Hikes * The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Tools * Scroll Saw * Band Saw * Lathe * Laser Cutter, basically a fancy scroll saw * 3D Printers, but not the half-million-dollar ones * Clay * PVC tubes * Bondo * Adhesives and Epoxies * Foam, a lightweight replacement for metal * Google Spreadsheet * Inkscape * Adobe Illustrator * Maya * OmniFocus

Techniques * Artistic Effects like washes, glazes, patinas * Go to conventions to meet people (aka network). Costumes attract attention and start conversations * Be systematic about your schedule. Fill your commissions and book your upcoming time. * Get reference numerous images for your projects before starting * Do business with real names, not internet aliases

Habits * Work out every day * Use mornings for productivity * Check email at lunch * Work until the wife gets home (then have dinner and relax) * Always take the advice that comes from a seasoned expert (at least try the recommendations)

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 24 with Word-of-Mouth Marketing Guru Saul Colt 2014.09.22 by Prescott Perez-Fox | Edit »

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 24 with Word-of-Mouth Marketing Guru Saul Colt

Saul Colt (@SaulColt) is one of the world’s leaders in word-of-mouth marketing. Over the years, he’s bolstered the reputations of his companies and clients by connecting audiences with brands, and by making people think, laugh, and cry. A well-known and well-liked figure across North America, Saul has built a network of creative pros and in turn those relationships have help build his own reputation.

In this discussion, we hear how Saul became a connector, how he spent his character-building years as a comic book writer, and how he still struggles (surprisingly) with his own shyness and fear of rejection.

Video shows Saul’s skywriting stunt, mentioned in the episode.

Saul is now Chief Evangelist at Xero, a small business online accounting software company. Catch up with him on his blog,Saul.is.

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Show Notes & Links * “Do you know Saul?” is the question; not a Breaking Badreference. * Saul describes himself as “North America’s best word-of-mouth marketer” * Creative Mornings * Tina Roth Eisenberg, aka Swiss Miss * “I do more listening than talking.” * Debbie Millman’s appearance on The Busy Creator Podcast * The Crying Indian in those “Do Not Pollute” ads * Design Matters, Debbie’s long-running podcast * Saul grew up in a family business; came up writing comic books * Malcolm Gladwell talks about The Connectors in The Tipping Point * The Cult of Saul * “I want to be known for my accomplishments, not just for being the life of the party.” * America’s Funniest Home Videos * Saul spoke at 38 conferences in one year * “People shouldn’t try to fail. They should try to be as awesome as possible.” * Jen Mussari is also not a fan of failure on purpose. * “There’s a fine line between boldness and foolishness.” * Microsoft’s $900 million flop * Saul coordinated a skywriting stunt for Xero * “If you get those ideas that are worth being fired over, you have to do those ideas.” * Saul did an Evel Knievel stunt (mainly just to wear the jumpsuit) * “Everything has been done already. To think you have any original ideas is ridiculous.” * Laugh-Think-Cry: Saul’s formula to include humour, insight, and emotion in any event or stunt. * Be “crazy with a purpose” * “Not everything measurable is great and not everything great is measurable.” * Snapple’s giant popsicle stunt … that failed. * Likemind or Meetup to connect with people * Prescott has a very personal workflow for podcasts and audiobooks involving the now-retired iPod Classic and several iTunes plugins * Every Which Way But Loose

Tools * Xero * LinkedIn and Facebook, for planning lunches and events in different cities * Notebooks (and presumably pens/pencils)

Techniques * Do more listening than talking * Fearless execution. Don’t be frightened by crazy ideas or blow-back. * Let others get credit, but also list your own accomplishments * Tell first-hand stories, it has a greater impact * Pick an end-goal first and work backwards * Pick a unifying icon or reference that can resonate with everyone * Vet an idea against “Laugh-Think-Cry” * Use your network to meet cool, interesting people * Always try to be home on weekends, and don’t ask people to hang (because they might say no?)

Habits * Carry a notebook; allow yourself to be inspired by anything * Email your people to get together in different cities * Look for odd street art and museums; treat each visit to a city as if it’s the last time you’ll be there * Arrive in town early and ask people if they want to hang out. Use passive aggression if necessary. * Exercise every day. * Watch a movie every day. (perhaps while exercising) * Wake up before 7; don’t check email in bed. * Scan RSS feeds, read about 1/3 of articles

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 24
(MP3, 51:39, 74.5 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 24
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The Busy Creator Podcast ep. 23, Building a Business While Traveling The World, w/guest Christina Canters

Christina Canters (@cjcanters) is an architect-turned-entrepreneur who left her native Melbourne, Australia to travel the world as she builds her new consulting and teaching business, Design Draw Speak.

This conversation focuses on travel, as well as the mindset and preparation required to build a new business on the road. Christina and Prescott share their war stories — and fond memories — from travels and studies abroad, and commiserate about the prices of certain goods in different places. Keep up with Christina and her travels via her blog,Kips and Kale.

Show Notes & Links * Christina is on the road, speaking from Austin, TX. As of publishing, she’s in Thailand. * Podcast Movement * Design Draw Speak, helps architects become better communicators * Christina is a former architect * Design Draw Speak started as a podcast, and has branched out to coaching and teaching * Social Media Marketing World * Tropical MBA Podcast * Cost of living for cities around the world * “Your job is a Horcrux; you’re dividing your soul.” * How are you going to pay the bills on day one? * Melbourne is 12% cheaper than in New York City, according to Expatistan * Transportation of goods over land and their costs, as discussed in The Wealth of Nations * Couchsurfing * Prescott watches a lot of HGTV and DIY Network * How to repair a crack in the drywall, on YouTube * The Australian Diaspora, mostly in the EU, UK, and US * Meetup.com * Spirit Airlines, the worst according to The Consumerist

Tools * Evernote * Dropbox * Skype Call Recorder * Logitech HD Webcam C310

Techniques * Before you leave for a trip, transfer stuff to cloud storage and get rid of a lot of your crap * Travel light. Literally, and spiritually. * Don’t mind the clunky video edits * Go to lots of events, especially in a new city

Habits * Wake up early, before the world is up * Celebrate what you got done by mid-day * Eat right and exercise, even from the road * Build a workflow you can torture-test. Print receipts, save a PDF, keep backups. Save multiple copies and don’t rely on a single point of failure.

Get The Episode * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 23
(MP3, 39:18, 38.2 MB) * Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 23
(OGG, 39:18, 36.4 MB)

Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 22 with Designer and Entrepreneur Brandy Shea

Brandy Shea (@MileOneCreative) is the founder of Mile One Creative, an independent design practice serving entrepreneurs and small business owners with brand development and marketing design. In addition to her design services, Brandy recently created the Quality Thrives project, an online video series and forthcoming book showcasing ordinary, hardworking business owners who provide craft and quality in their professional offerings.

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Here’s a teaser of the Quality Thrives project, which begins in earnest October 10, 2014. (Press release) Check out the full show notes to get all the contact details.

Show Notes & Links * Branding Branding, a website where the branding industry can define itself (or not) * Job Titles can change perspective, e.g. “I’m not a freelancer; I’m self-employed” * Kenneth Badgett, founder of Up My Average * Brandy and Kenneth work well together as a designer/sales team * Brandy studied behavioural science, entered marketing through an interest in consumer psychology * Prescott was a computer geek with an artistic background, discovered Photoshop in 1997 * Mile One takes everything from brochure projects to websites * Entrepreneur on Fire, designed largely by Brandy and Mile One * More online these days, less print * The RGB world is kind of the default; print has become a speciality * node.js * “Jill of All Trades” * “Defining a brand needs organization.” * GTD Methodology — take a complicated task and break it down to obvious steps, especially at the start. * Brandy gained some “training” in organizational behaviour working as a waitress * United We Brand by Mike Moser * Startups/Entrepreneurs debate how much time they should spend on brand development * Prescott’s definition of “startup” is a new, small, rapidly growing company … not just internet/software * “[Entrepreneurs] may see the need for a lawyer, but they don’t see the need for a designer.” * “A CEO wouldn’t dress like he’s homeless.” * 99Designs and Fivver, websites we don’t recommend for brand identity design * Quality Thrives, a new project from Brandy to instill a sense of appreciation for quality work over the bargain-basement offerings and sheer quatity * “Plumber-in-a-Can”, a metaphor for the attack on the traditional design industry * LegalZoom reminds us that it is not a law firm, but instead offers the work-product of expertise * Michele Harding, video editing intern * Annette Wong, social media marketing intern * “Snackable” content. (A word stolen from the junk food industry) * Grammar Girl * Todd Henry and Blake Stratton, former guests on The Busy Creator Podcast * Quality Thrives on Twitter, on YouTube, on Facebook, and onQualityThrives.org

Tools * Interns * LegalZoom * Plain notebooks for checklists * Teux Deux

Techniques * If you’re an introvert, team up with someone who is a natural salesman * Use the exercises in United We Brand — Core Values, Core Brand Message, Brand Personality, Brand Icons * Present a case study to clients where they can easily see the strength of good design * Consider replacing the To-Do list with the Done list, so you don’t beat yourself up

Habits * Build a routine with steady wake-up times * Something active 3x per week * Use your to-do list (but don’t freak out)

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 21 with User Experience Designer Walé Ogundipe

Walé Ogundipe (@kopasetik) is a user experience designer who has worked in a variety of creative professions including the music industry, broadcasting, marketing, film & video, and now online and mobile application development. Lately, he’s been involved in several hackathons and embraced the philosophies if fast iteration and design sprints towards building apps for web and mobile.

In this conversation, we discuss how Walé arrived in User Experience, the point of view that a UX design takes when approaching a problem, and some books that we should all read for a better understanding of business and design.

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Show Notes & Links * Experience Design * Service Design * Zaks Building Blocks; Not Lego * “The Radio Voice” * Walé worked at Mapflix * Walé learned about distributed teams from co-workers who move frequently * TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon * The Busy Creator Podcast Bonus Episode (July 2014) * Hi-fi Lighter (née Keyoto), currently a Chrome extension * The Evernote API * API, a definition * Uses for Hi-Fi Lighter include journalists, academics, etc. * Bibliography formatting: MLA style, APA style, etc. * BuzzFeed fires writer for improper attribution * C.Y.A. * Andreesen Horowitz * Origin of the phrase “Barbarians at The Gate” * Sharks must keep moving to stay alive * General Assembly * Small Biz Dev Hackathon in Chicago * The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith * The Art of War by Sun Tzu * Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher-Emporer * The Invisible Hand * Baratunde Thurston * Bono * “Bite-size project”, aka Design Sprints, can be healthy within the design industry. * The Lean Startup by Eric Ries * Fast Company on Hackathons * Blake Stratton on The Busy Creator Podcast * The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey * Sears Hackathon * The Onion

Tools * Hi-Fi Lighter * OmniFocus * Evernote * Google Keep * Action Method notebooks & methodology * GitHub

Techniques * Keep snippets of code/markup for yourself in Google Keep * Keep your grocery list in Google Keep * Only work with committed people * Appreciate the busy season, and recover after * Create an “idea box” from an empty tissue box * Miniature check-ins with yourself (30min intervals) and with your team (120min intervals)

Habits * Be in constant motion * Put first things first * Take a “cheat day” for other aspects of your life. Have time to relax.

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 20, Building and Growing a Small Design Firm, w/guest Josh Miles

Josh Miles (@JoshMiles) founded Miles Design, an independent graphic design firm in Indianapolis, Indiana, after organically growing his freelance practice. Following some hi-profile work in a narrow sector, he’s grown his team to nine employees, taking care to build a healthy workplace culture along the way.

Josh and his team at Miles Design

In this discussion, Josh shares some of the challenges for growing and maintaining a design business, as well as some of the tools and tactics he uses to keep the team in sync and doing great work.

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Show Notes & Links * Prescott met Josh at the Brand New Conference in San Francisco, 2011 * Josh began as a freelancer, working with clients such asPurdue University * Josh knew he’d eventually be an independent designer * The selling side of graphic design isn’t told much in school * Win Without Pitching by Blair Enns * David C. Baker, Recourses * Miles Design is a nine-person design firm in Indianapolis, focusing on Professional Services (architecture, engineering, interior design, etc.) * The award-winning website for Ratio Architects * After about 1 year in, Josh realised the company would succeed. He needed help getting the design work done. * Josh is the geek within the agency * Tug McTighe on being a creative director * Failure in graphic design isn’t “failure” as such. The end of the sentence is the end of the conversation. * AIGA Indy Kickball League * “No one is immune from psychology. Especially psychologists.” * Bold Brand by Josh Miles * Miles Design allowed a client to reap 7x return on investment for a new website design * Josh is equal parts introvert and extrovert * The Cult of Overwork * Previous Busy Creator interview with Debbie Millman * Pronunciation of “nitch” vs. “neesh” * Miles Design on Dribbble

Tools * Workamajig, total agency software for project management * Harvest, for time-tracking * Slack, for intra-office chat
- GTD Methodology * Scrum meetings * OmniFocus

Techniques * Bring in people who are better than you * Put workplace culture first, especially if you feel it’s missing. Maybe start over. * Give your team permission to fail. Allow them to present their work, come what may. * Invent company rituals. Celebrate small stuff. * Test new workflows and tools * Follow up with clients after 3 or 6 months to track results * Be known for one thing and be good at it

Habits * Arrive in the office early. Get stuff done before the gang arrives. * Head out early on Fridays as a team. Decompress together. * Take a few hours to work solo and clear things

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 19 with Online Video Host & Producer Shannon Morse

Shannon Morse (@Snubs) is a producer and host of several online video shows such as Tekzilla and Hak5. Following early training in theatrical performance and hotel/restaurant management, she transitioned into new media. Across her many projects, she’s responsible for all research, writing, and production. Read more about Shannon on her site, snubsie.com

In this episode, we discuss Shannon’s origins in film/video production, the struggle of working for multiple employers with multiple studio workflows, and some of her outside (geeky) pursuits.

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Show Notes & Links * Tekzilla * Hak5 * TWiT Network, Before You Buy, Coding 101 * Shannon worked at Domino’s Pizza * Producer duties include “making sure everyone is having a good day.” * “The Producer Mentality”, not always a great thing * Sheryl Sandberg and her problem with the word “bossy” * “I don’t like anything built on a base layer of chaos.” * Shannon has a background in theatre and choir, rather than tv/media production * “How the sausage gets made” aka “The recipe” for podcasting * Ham Radio * Prescott is obsessed with DIY Network and HGTV * National Weather Service * Garage/Hacker Mentality * Shannon’s dad was a nerd and early computer guy * Star Trek * X-Files * Previous episode with Ashley Milne-Tyte * BBC Radio 4 * When Gmail is down * The Slash Generation * En-tre-pren-eur, hard for Shannon to pronounce * Shannon is obsessed with Anime * Sailor Moon * Shannon is a coupon maven, who recently donated a cache of grooming products * Hoarding, a pathology that might affect Prescott’s parents * Zombie Apocalypse planning * Prescott created a “Lucifer’s Hammer” wish list on Amazon * Lucifer’s Hammer by Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven * Hurricane Sandy * LED Candle * 1Password episode of Mac Power Users * On a call with the cable company * Weddings are hard, even for producers

Tools * Google Apps * Slate board * Google Hangouts, for remote conversations * Trello * HTML format * UpWrite Desk * Keepass * Lastpass * 1Password for Mac and iOS * info.xhead (RIP) from xhead software * Wallet (RIP) after their founders were acqui-hired by Facebook

Techniques * Divide duties and responsibilities to prevent overlap, chaos * Write as if you’re speaking it. Practice until you get it. * Record multiple takes into multiple cameras. * Know yourself, and what type of employment best suits you.

Habits * Keep the editors in mind when shooting video. Think of other people when you’re working. * Make annotations and notes, even if they’re only for yourself * Record all your passwords and other info in a password manager; back up the data file to an external drive (don’t trust the cloud only) * Use 2-factor authentication for all your sites * Wake up at a consistent time every morning * Always have cereal! * Dedicate certain days to specific aspects of your business, eg. recording day, editing day

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 18 with Design Firm President, Author, Podcast Host, and Professor Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman (@DebbieMillman) is a design and branding industry impresario. She will, at any given moment, be involved in a multitude of projects and roles across the profession. For nearly 20 years, she’s been the President ofSterling Brands, a design and brand strategy firm based in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Since 2005, she’s hosted Design Matters, one of the most successful radio shows (now podcasts) about design and creativity. She also founded and chairs the Master’s in Branding course at theSchool of Visual Arts in New York, and has authored numerous books.

In this episode, Debbie speaks about the structure and workflow of Sterling — now a corporate agency, how she stays energized across her many endeavors, and how she’s still working to overcome awkwardness in her life and career. We also get to hear the story of how Debbie and Prescott first met.

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Show Notes & Links * Prescott discovered Design Matters while working a crappy job working for a startup marketing firm. * Helvetica, by Gary Hustwit * Prescott is standing on the shoulders of giants with his podcast * Debbie describes herself as a brand consultant, wannabe artist, and chair of the MFA Master’s in Branding at SVA * Debbie and her partners at Sterling sold to the businessOmnicom in 2008 * Sterling defines itself as a Brand Consultancy with three disciplines – Design, Strategy, and Innovation * DeeDee Gordon runs Innovation from Los Angeles; Austin McGhie runs Strategy from San Francisco * Sterling acquired Philippe Becker in San Francisco, joining that to their studio. * Simon Lince is Sterling’s Chief Creative Officer in New York, with four Creative Directors under him. Same with Philippe Becker in SF. * Sterling consciously went to the traditional advertising agency model, rather than a “bullpen” model, with lots of cross-disciplinary work. It was “less deliberate”. * “Institutional knowledge” is important for growth within an agency. Helps to serve clients year-on-year. * Design strategy entails asking questions: What is the brand? What is the criteria for success? What is the “whitespace” we want to uncover? Can we own that space? What is the dynamic for change within an organization? etc. * “Common vocabulary does not always equate to common behavior.” * “The only people that really like brand design changes are brand designers.” (joking/not joking) * “Ambiguity is never seen positively.” (e.g., ambiguous emails) * Package design is a “very specific language.” One must know the grammar of a language, but not necessarily all the dialects, which are learned on the job. * Design Matters is a cultural force, whether Debbie thinks it or no. * Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, 2011 * Bill Drentell * Tina Roth Eisenberg (@swissmiss), Swiss Miss * Maria Popova (@Brainpicker), Brainpickings * Debbie does “an exhausting amount of research” for Design Matters interviews * 20-50 pages of notes for each guest, reduced to 5 pages of questions * Lining Up a Shot * Design Matters on SoundCloud * “I don’t even know that I was a fully formed human being when I was 30.” * All The Wrong People Have Self-Esteem by Laurie Roselwald * Adult Onset Awkward * “Getting your first job out of college is like starting kindergarten all over.” * “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellent, then, is not an act but a habit.” –Aristotle * Babson College * Omnicom University * Nancy Kane, from Harvard Business School * Information Recreation * Design Observer * Brand New (and all the UnderConsideration blogs) * Design*Sponge * HOW and Print * The New York Times * CNN * The Wall St. Journal * The New Yorker * Vogue * Harper’s Bazaar * Scientific American / SciAm Mind on airplanes, where it’s quiet(?) * “Multitasking is the enemy of focused creativity” * Debbie is now ashamed of her past pride as a multi-tasker * “When the going gets tough, we go to Facebook.” * Multi-tasking is usually “rapid-switching” * Lisa Grant, Debbie’s better half at Sterling * J’aime Cohen, original SVA dir. of operations * Mark Dudlik, current SVA partner in crime * Curtis Fox, producer for Design Matters * Energy management is more important than time management.

Tools * SWOT analysis for brands * Facebook (the default distraction; internet background noise) * Twitter * Instagram * To-do lists (for things with deadlines)

Techniques * Copy the habits of small studios and create “in-house studios” within the larger agency * Allow strong personality to exist and thrive in a company; build a culture as such * Prepare strategy and challenges during proposal/pitch stage. Don’t wait until you’ve won it. * Want something done? Ask a busy person — they have less time to procrastinate. * Learn what you’re good at. Production/details? Coming up with ideas?

Habits * Celebrate small victories, such as winning a new project or client * Sleep a lot. 8 hours at least. * Eat better. (better than soda, candy, cigarettes, that is.) * Read constantly.

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Charles Penn is a musician and music producer based in New Jersey. Together with Prescott they discuss the state of music on the Internet, including listening, buying, sharing, and the potential to collaborating world-wide. The conversation moves to music promotion and tactics for artists starting out. Check out Charles’s music on his website, The Sounds of The Underground.

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Show Notes & Links * First episode recorded face-to-face. Skype is awesome, but it’s nice to see people in real life. * Coverville * In The Groove, Jazz and Beyond * YouTube (yes, for music) * Prescott [still uses] an iPod Classic * Bob Marley on iTunes * Google Music * Juicy, by Notorious B.I.G. on iTunes * Pandora, for streaming * Music Genome Project * Sade on iTunes * Beats Music Service * Services are too associated with Social Media (Rdio and Spotify, especially) * Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne — all artists which Prescott has never heard of * Daley * Robin Thicke * 45 Record Singles * Beatles-a-Rama * Apple Records * iTunes v12 coming soon (to your Mac) * Google is Skynet * DRM * .Mac and iDrive (c. 2001) * CD Quality is 16-bit 44.1Khz Stereo PCM * Justin Bieber, discovered on YouTube * Gabrielle Aplin, has been playing her videos from her bedroom for years and is now a big star * Points on the back-end * Finding Llweyn Davis

Tools * Rhapsody * Spotify * Rdio * Shazam * Pandora * iTunes internet radio * ACB Radio for the Blind * The Halls of Ivy (every episode available for download) * Amazon Music * Google Wallet * YouTube, for sharing your music * Weebly, for website templates * ReverbNation * SoundCloud, for home-grown artists

Techniques * For Pandora, only vote songs down. Otherwise, you’ll hear the exact same song again and again. * Search for stations on the Internet Radio stream. Discover something unexpected. * Exchange features with other up-and-coming artists, then cross-promote for each other

Habits * Search randomly. Don’t “plan” your music. * Give away your music to build a fan base. The money will come.

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Marie Poulin (@MariePoulin) is a Digital Strategist and Web Designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Following her early work in a small Toronto-based studio, Marie set out on her own and established a solo web design practice before making a more recent transition to strategy. Marie has taken on more self-initiated projects, launchingDigital Strategy School, powered by Doki, the online teaching platform she helped build. Along the way she’s become resourceful and has had to teach herself a host of new skills. Marie can be seen on her site, MariePoulin.com

Show Notes & Links * Marie formerly called herself a “Digital Craftswoman” (because it’s more than just craft these days) * Lately, Marie does 60% her work; 40% client work * Oki-Doki * Digital Strategy School, for designers – 10–12 beta testers * “To teach is to learn twice” * York-Sheridan joint program in Design * Thinkhouse Design * Getting Things Done, by David Allen

• Work The System, by Sam Carpenter
• Erica Heinz & Niki Brown, web designer guests on The Busy Creator
• Joel Duggan & Laura Thomas, Canadian guests on The Busy Creator
• Marie is not a morning person, so she’s set up her workflows around this

Tools * Basecamp, for client management * RescueTime, tracks what you’re working on * Systematic Success * Get Stuff Done Like A Boss: Design Your Workflow and Double Your Productivity in 21 Days, on Skillshare * Amazon, for lawn-care equipment * SASS * Flow app * IFTTT * Evernote * Google Docs/Drive * Wishlist, WordPress plugin * TextExpander * ClipMenu * TextMate or Sublime Text, text editors for web design * Timely app * Pillow Fight * Squamish, BC * Gaelic Football * Fitbit, which nags me during the day

Techniques * Be mindful of different working styles and personalities in a multi-disciplinary team * Facebook groups for professional insight * Share your behind-the-scenes process will help your peers and the industry * Use Wishlist to have your clients become “members”, with on-boarding and training built in * Set up a secret Pinterest board to collaborate with clients * Record your screen to teach staff necessary tasks * Number tasks and task components for easy organization * No meetings on Mondays * Use a Vision Board — a place to list goals for the month or year, big plans and project.

Habits * Take it upon yourself to learn new skills * Pick up good habits from the jobs you have; leave the bad ones * Learn best practices [for programming] from a true developer * Design your morning routine, even if it’s a later morning * Share your processes with people, even if it’s imperfect * Keep a “praise” folder in Evernote, email, etc.

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 15 w/author, speaker, and creative consultant Todd Henry

Todd Henry (@ToddHenry) is an author, speaker, workshop leader, and creative consultant who has written two books on practices observed in successful creative professionals, and tactics for being prolific, brilliant, and healthy. He regularly speaks and consults with companies about how to develop practices and systems for success. In addition, he’s been writing and podcasting since 2005 on his website,Accidental Creative. Read more about Todd on his personal site.

For this particular discussion, we were slightly pressed for time, so to augment our chat, here is a video of Todd speakingat Creative Mornings in Cincinnati in November 2013.

Show Notes & Links * The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry * Die Empty by Todd Henry * The Accidental Creative Podcast (iTunes, Stitcher) * Prescott calls Todd “The Patron Saint of Creative Productivity” * Todd calls himself an “Arms Dealer for the Creative Revolution” * “We battle against uncertainty everyday.” * Mitch Joel, “Embrace the Squiggle“ * Todd started as a musician, “as successful as [one] can be without being successful.” * “You can navigate to where you want to be from wherever you are.” * Purpose Paralysis — being halted by the search for The Thing * Rugby is a game of inches. Keep the ball; move forward one inch. * Writing a book is simple, but it isn’t easy. Same with running a marathon. * Focus is how you define the edges of your work. * Relationships help you see the world through different lenses. * Energy needs management; not just time. * Stimuli are things that inform your creative process. * Hours are the currency of productivity. * Don’t make friends, launch friends. * Your job is to make your boss’s job easier. Be resourceful. * Todd’s rhythms change throughout the year with his children, or with his speaking calendar. By season, essentially. * “The seeds of tomorrow’s brilliance are planted in the soil of today’s activity.” * Todd’s next book will be released summer 2015

Techniques * Break down large, difficult tasks into smaller bits. e.g. “Take one pill.” * Look for milestones on which to build motivation. Don’t start over every time. * Establish problem statements for each challenge or project. Your mind is wired to solve problems, not broad concepts. * Distill problems into The Big Three. The largest open loops in your life. Write those down so your mind can dwell on them. * Avoid relationships of convenience or obligation. Instead, build a circle of trusted people to discuss inspiration, challenges. * Develop a study plan which you can stick to. * Work on unneccesary creating. * Wake up early to chat with your circle. * Look out for unclear definitions of work. * Look out for unintentional stimuli (CNN, YouTube) * Do not check your email in the middle of the night out of fear-of-being-out-of-the-loop. That’s just absurd. * Let your rhythms serve you, not the other way around

Habits * Embrace the ebb and flow of productive seasons. * Work on being F.R.E.S.H. (Focus, Relationships, Energy, Stimuli, Hours) * Speak to your circle regularly * Prune your obligations to preserve energy. * Evaluate which tasks are effective, not just efficient * Create habits of design, not default. Avoid the need for approval of others; listen to our own internal compass. * Be ruthless about your time and energy; don’t let people chip away at your best hours.

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Laura Thomas (@Laura_Raptor) is a writer living and working in Canada. Previously, she has published a full-length novel, but has changed her focus to the short form novella, especially in the Erotica genre. Laura has created a productive workflow and lifestyle that allows her to publish up to three stories per week to online and via electronic platforms like the Amazon Kindle.

Check out Laura under her pen name, Selena Storm, (@Selena_Storm) where you can find about 40 titles.

Show Notes & Links * Apologies to Joel Duggan, our first international guest * Laura lives in Hamilton, Ontario * Virginia Wade * EL James * Novels are 80,000 words; lately Laura’s works are 5000-7000 (better returns for the genre) * How stories are born * Laura is inspired by things that interest her * For some people, kink/fetish comes first; Laura does the opposite finding the setting first * There’s only so many ways to say “he put this in that.” * “I felt like I was north of The Wall” (a reference to the winter of 2013-14 and A Song of Ice and Fire) * Wrestlemania, inspired some of the content in her books * Laura does her own cover design * Laura’s husband is a comic artist * “New York Publishing” * Harry Potter by JK Rowling * Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James * The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins * Laura self-publishes her stuff because publishers take too much money * Scott Sigler, author and self-publisher, also goes it alone * The New York Times Bestseller List * Vanity Printing * National Novel-Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) should be succeeded by National Novel-Editing Month * “The days of the celebrity author are done.” * The Long Tail by Chris Anderson, and the “Hit Model” * Publish or Perish (not just for professors) * Laura publishes 3 short stories per week * The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, and The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by “A. N. Roquelaure.” (actually Anne Rice) * Silvia Day, prolific author in romance/erotica * Cosmopolitan, a communal effort for graphics, photography, print, etc. * Laura & her husband have a podcast, The Untitled Mike & Laura Project * Ghost Adventures * Bigfoot Erotica and other books by Virginia Wade * “There’s no such thing as an overnight success.”

Tools * A smart phone, for recording thoughts/ideas on the go * Living room PC, for streaming videos and Google Docs, etc. * MS Word * Amazon (Amazon Canada) * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble (in Britain, but not yet Canada) * Twitter is the number 1 platform for communicating/promoting * Tumblr * DeviantArt (for book covers with some text explanation) * GoodReads, hit or miss from a promotion point of view * Audible, and their star-rating * KDP Select, for Kindle * Reddit, if you find the right communities

Techniques * Use a crummy computer to avoid distractions while writing * Use a different computer in a different setting to see a document with fresh eyes * As the document evolves, use an e-reader to keep things fresh * Format the text for each format, following guidelines for each publishing platform and device * Write three books to sell as a bundle (buy two get the third free) * Try disconnecting from the Internet to actually get something done

Habits * Create a morning routine, as you would for a job * Keep the “lunch break” brief * Treat writing — and promotions — like a full-time job * Some kind of media (like television) in the background

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 13 with Singer-Songwriter-Musician Blake Stratton

Blake Stratton (@BlakeStratton) is a Nashville-based musician and songwriter. In his twenties he was a touring musician living the Nashville lifestyle. Lately, he’s switched toward collaborating and composing, as well as seeking to connect independent creatives through his blog and podcast, Life in The Woods. With Prescott, he discusses the virtues of waking up early, the struggle for continued creative success, and the strangeness of the music profession.

Show Notes & Links * Musicians, and their nocturnal schedules * “I do my best creative work in the morning time.” * Will Power, and its finite nature * Teenage physiology, and wake-up time * Before-school programs at work, to accommodate working parents * Blake is an introvert. He creates where no one else does. * Rush hour in New York is (at least) 2.5 hours * Blake’s podcast, Life in The Woods, catered toward “independent creatives” * Blake was, until very recently, a “working musician” * Prescott has “no idea what it’s like to be a musician” * Studio-style production of music, which we might call “staff writers”, as opposed to “independent artists” * Writing season, recording season, touring season * Ben Rector, independent artist * “The best songs happen in, like, an hour.” * Art is like mining. You have to extract it all without breaking it. * Where 90% of Great Writing Happens, a podcast episode by Blake * Todd Henry, who encourages us to “maximize the number of creative accidents” * Jonathan Coulton‘s project, Thing A Week * Music in the Classical sense. But not “Classical”. I just mean old-fashioned. Written. * Blake studied upright bass in the European classical orchestral tradition. * The Nashville Number System, how musician do it down there * Joaquin Cotler, also a musician * David Wood, podcaster * Killing It or Crushing It — positive terms, in fact * Getting Things Done by David Allen * lifeinthewoodspodcast.com/rate, direct link to rate Blake’s podcast * The Bellevue EP on iTunes, Spotify, and Band-camp

Tools * Evernote * Google Drive and Dropbox * Day One, journal app for iOS * DoIt.im, app for GTD

Techniques * No two songwriters have the same process * Allow yourself to have “seasons”, where you push hard for a while, and then relax. * Go on a “Songwriter Retreat” to purposefully (and forcefully) disconnect * Use Evernote to keep journals, song lyrics, etc. * Use a “Trigger” when you start a habit. Ask “what’s the domino effect?”

Habits * Waking up early. Something Prescott and Blake both do. * Create a “Gratitude Habit”, write down things you’ve done well. * High-Low, name one “high” and one “low” of the day. Do this before you go to sleep.

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 12 with guest Will Hudson

Will Hudson (@WillHudson) is the Co-Founder and Director of It’s Nice That, a publishing company that champions creativity across the world of art & design. Together with Prescott, he discusses how It’s Nice That began as an art school project and grew into a publishing empire cum creative agency in London. We also hear about Will’s productivity habits, and how he manages the assault of so much email.

Show Notes & Links * Prescott and Will met a few times, in New York and in London * It’s Nice That began as a university project * INT publishes about 9 articles per day, across art, design, fashion, film, animation, etc. * The difference is “creative expertise” and giving all submissions equal weight * Printed Pages, quarterly magazine * Here London, annual creative symposium * Nicer Tuesdays, a monthly event * First Broadcast, audio-visual site * Company of Parrots, a shop * This At There, London events listing * Studio Audience, weekly podcast * Core offerings: online, monthly events, the magazine * INT Works is a creative agency that now operates independently from It’s Nice That publication methods * “Don’t get too content with the way we publish content” * Will’s background is graphic design and photography, but there was “academic interest” * Alex runs INT Works and client projects; Will runs editorial. Happened naturally that way. * It’s Nice That’s editor-in-chief, Rob Alderson (@RobAlderson) * “… become the Ambassador of the company, rather than the Sergeant Major.” * the commute from Brighton to London * “Email seems so defunct for a 21st century operation.” * Email: 10% need a reply; 20% get a reply for politeness; the rest is rubbish * Online editor Liv Siddall (@LivSiddall) * An article exists to: showcase the work, and to give context (not just a gallery) * Special effects dad creates videos of his son * Google’s search algorithms * Facebook’s sharing of page content * Banner advertising vs. new, interesting content * Vice * Steer, web development courses * WorkOutOfWork.com

Tools * One sheet of A4 paper (double sided) for the week * Paper and Pen, to make sure. * Macs, with email. * Evernote * A3 sheet of paper for Editorial planning * Google Doc * Folders of screen-grabs * Highrise * Pocket (formerly Read It Later)

Techniques * Mix old-school and new-school methods * T.R.A.P. your email (Toss, Reply, Action item, or Pass). Leave off the last P for procrastinate. * Pick up the phone to save time on Email * Have a Monday morning meeting with everyone. Keep it to under an hour. * Build a system that will be stressed down the road * Host editorial meetings to preview ideas and prioritize publishing order * Write your blog posts with future discovery in mind * Approach change positively, as a challenge, even when it’s from Facebook * Move email conversations to Twitter to keep them short

Habits * Do an hour’s work on the train during the morning commute; use the time to clean up thoughts and work through email * If someone emails you personally, respond. Even if it’s short. * Take a screenshot of your [company's] website everyday * Get the early start — 1.5 hrs in the office before everyone else arrives * Change your routine so you can see things differently, and re-evaluate priorities

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The Busy Creator episode 11, w/guests Michael Sacca and Alex Rolek, co-founders of Brandisty.com

Michael Sacca (@MichaelSacca) and Alex Rolek (@AlexRolek) are the co-founders of Brandisty.com, a website that allows companies to put their brand on the web. The duo started out as a small agency doing web design and software development before shifting towards a B2B product. Along with Prescott, they discuss the origins of Brandisty, how they went about getting early feedback, and the day to day scrappiness of running a small web software company.

Show Notes & Links * Brandisty is a small software company, about 5 staffers plus contractors * TinyFactory, the agency from which Brandisty was born * Brandisty’s inception was born from frustration — “can I get a transparent PNG?” * Valio Con, a design conference where Brandisty was introduced as a beta product * The Busy Creator on Brandisty * Delete Blood Cancer on Brandisty * TinyFactory started as an agency * Michael studied the music business * Alex studied finance and real estate development * Entrepreneurs struggle to install productivity habits * Distractions at work are annoying * The difference between marketing and sales * The conference was to validate the idea * “customer service is our marketing” * Say Rhythm rather than Routine. * Alex endorses a lifestyle of moderation

Tools * Brandisty.com, (obviously) * HTML5 * Node.js * AoHell (RIP) * Visual Basic * Amazon Web Services: Route 53, EC2, Virtual Private Cloud, S3 * SublimeText, the text editor of choice * TextMate, also good * Git and custom Git servers, rather than GitHub * GoLang, a language for lower-level image processing * Trello, for project management * Do.com (RIP), Jira — other project management software tools * Salesforce, the owners of Do.com * gChat and Skype to keep track of remote workers * Google Docs for company-wide assets * Medium, well-read site but doesn’t convert well * Reddit, as an underrated communication medium * Designer News and Hacker News * Inbound.com / Hubspot.com * GrowthHackers.com * HOW Forums (RIP) * Creative Mornings * Likemind

Techniques * Use a blackboard in your office. Keep it old school * Keep a Kanban board with projects; rearrange as necessary * Use small post-its on the cards * Don’t use a mobile phone app to do your laundry (it’s not needed!) * Use the Rubber Duck test * Template your email responses and communication tools * Set “Do Not Disturb” mode for the working day, counter-interuitively * Generate potential leads, do some research, ask them to become beta testers * Generate leads from content and social media * Aim for better quality traffic, not necessarily more * Give up coffee or alcohol; observe results. * Don’t forget to read books, in addition to blog posts, to learn other people’s perspectives

Habits * Get everyone together for planning and vision; let people work independently from there * Monday morning meeting: plan the week, review stats, update on all departments * Friday meeting focused on marketing and to review stats * Handle communication and responses in the morning; focus on productivity the rest of the day * Alex favors the “anti-routine”, and fear of monotony. Varies his wake-up and work-out times. * Michael favors a strict routine (due to fatherhood). Gym in the morning, breakfast, show, and off to work. * Wake up before the sun rises. * Try networking events in the morning, rather than those in the evenings

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The Busy Creator Podcast episode 10, with guest Web Designer Erica Heinz

Erica Heinz (@ericaheinz) is a web designer in Brooklyn, NY. As a veteran freelancer, she’s work for a variety of clients and sectors, lately focusing on fast development around humanitarian and public sector projects. She’s also a teacher of web design, and of yoga. Together, Prescott and Erica discuss tools of the trade, best practices for web designers, how to continue to learn, and how to avoid becoming overwhelmed by systems. This episode features the most in-depth show notes to date, with a ton of links to websites, tools, and tips.

Show Notes & Links * Previous web designers on The Busy Creator Podcast, Niki Brown * Erica does Humanitarian Work and Rapid-Responce work * Occupy Sandy, built in 6 Days * Peace Talks in Ireland for the Council on Foreign Relations * A microsite for Richard Branson’s B Team, done in 3 weeks * Prototyping * Prescott hates the term “Product Designer” in the realm of Web Design * “Visual Designer” is a term that was fast outdated * Description vs. Rank in terms of job titles * Erica started in illustration, switched to design for the problem-solving * Terms like “New Media” for early Internet instruction * From fashion to packaging to software, Erica’s freelance career * Erica is an early adopter, but not bleeding edge * Studiomates, bunch of smart people * Using SASS to streamline a web workflow * BusyCreator.com is really just the basics * A Book Apart‘s books * Parsons, The New School for Design * ADOCHD (ADHD with OCD thrown in there) * “I have CDO …” * Blister pack of pills … for OCD * “The Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone“ * Not everything is a checkbox (I’m looking at you, Basecamp.) * Getting Things Done philosophy * “GitHub is the new View Source.” * “HTML elements are like the alphabet.” * Jen Simmons on Drupal.org * Jonnie Hallman on Ruby on Rails * “Do things the long, hard, stupid way.“ * So-called “Hacker/Garage Culture” * “A really good website lasts two years, and then it’s gone.” * Agile development * EricaHeinz.com

Tools * SASS * Digital Typography on the web: Adobe Typekit, @font-face, etc. * HTML5 (with fallbacks) * Codekit, a way to compile code locally on your Mac * Coda, a text editor * SublimeText, another text editor * Emmet, CSS shorthand * Chrome, and its extensions * Safari, fewer extensions but many the same * Awesome Screenshot, extensions * 1Password, a Mac/iOS utility to store passwords * Pinboard, social bookmarking for introverts * Instapaper * Dropmark, quick-saving of images, links * Pocket, formerly Read It Later * Stylebot, add a new CSS * Bit.ly, for shortening * Gimme Bar, for random stuff * Browser Resize, for viewing your site in multiple sizes * Pepperplate, for recipes * Momentum, for new tabs * Basecamp * Kanban Flow * Dragdis, a browser add-on to quick-save items * Sprint.ly, collaboration for development * Waffle.io, a Kanban board for GitHub issues * TeuxDeux * Multiple Inboxes for Gmail * Coloured Stars add-on * Pivotal Tracker (which Erica refuses to use) * Slack, combines IRC and file changes, great for team communication * Subversion * LayerVault, version control for Photoshop * Editorial.ly, collaborative writing * Dropbox, with previous revisions * Google Drive * Skillshare * Bourbon/Bourbon Neat * CSS Mixins * Code Academy

Techniques * Clarify team roles as to who does what (e.g. UX, front-end design, back-end dev.) * Stay ahead of the curve to avoid headache later * Use Post-Its on a wall; colour-code for different aspects * Keep a postcard wall (outside of the computer) * Rearrange your Top 3 on the board, use small Post-Its on top of the index cards * Find a set of tools that work for you. You don’t have to be up-to-date on everything. * Go for 80%; let go of the compulsive tweaking of the last bit. * Use three-letter client codes * Use bullets to indicate time requirements (e.g. •••big effort, •not so much) * Learn how to build stuff from scratch * Be honest about what you should be doing in each moment * Try yoga or breathing techniques

Habits * Systematize your projects for sharing and collaborating. * Maintain the system, but not to a crippling degree. * Keep email separated by inboxes * Keep learning. Keep updating your workflows and skills. * Erica’s workflow Phase 1. Content and Site Map, Brand * Erica’s workflow Phase 2. Visual expression, typography, and details * Erica’s workflow Phase 3. Development, frameworks * Comment your own HTML and CSS code (e.g. “// Trust me, keep this.”) * Change your routines every once in a while * Erica is a night owl, enjoys being “out of sync” * Break your day into 2- or 3-hour chunks * Keep “busy” work for later in the day, when your brain is tired

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Bob Stanke (@BobStanke) is the Director of Digital Media for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over the years, he’s become an expert in Evernote, and has created several workflows he uses everyday to manage his bookmarks and other important information. In this episode, he shares with Prescott how he designed a system to use Evernote for contact management, including how that translates to use on mobile devices and how to create searchable data for future use.

Show Notes & Links * Google+ Podcasters Community * Evernote manages every aspect of Bob’s Life * Minnesota Timberwolves * BobStanke.com, media consulting on the side * Bob’s original blog post, Evernote as a Contact Management * Evernote is a blank slate * Bob likes to gather as much info as possible (name, address, birthday, spouse’s name, etc.) * Evernote beats Outlook/Contacts because it’s on all devices. It’s a central location. * Evernote lacked a reminder system, a way to create automated events. It’s now included. * No automation, unfortunately (ex. Thank-you emails) * It’s not a perfect system. Bob would love to develop his own. * Lifehacker * Evernote for sharing between teams/households * Bob’s podcasts: Minnesota Tech News Daily, The Springpad Podcast * Another blog post, How to Manage Web Bookmarks in Evernote * Bob like animated GIFs (who doesn’t?) * Bob uses Google+ for photo management; Google Drive for documents * How I Use Evernote and Google Drive Together

Tools * Evernote, of course * Google+ (+Bob Stanke, +Prescott Perez-Fox, +The Busy Creator) * Outlook * Apple Address Book/Contacts * IFTTT (If This Than That) * Zapier * Basecamp and Podio, project mgmt tools * Samsung Galaxy Note 3 * Microsoft Access * Evernote Business Account, for sharing with employees, contractors, virtual assistants * FollowUpThen.com * Mailbox for Android (part of Dropbox, actually) * Kippt * Cloud.app (on the Mac) * Google Drive * Carousel by Dropbox, for photo management

Techniques * Use pre-defined notes * Build your own workflow, if you have a complex, custom need * Set up an email-into system to create Notes on the fly * Make custom fields (ex. Pet) as you need them * Use a #Hashtag in a Note to create fast-search capabilities * Integrate Evernote with Android phones to make calls quickly * Use Evernote to create podcast show notes * Use FollowUpThen for job-hunting, get better responses

Habits * Record notes about people after meeting them * Use FollowUpThen to stay in touch with people, especially after meeting * Add metadata to a bookmark when adding to Evernote

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 8 w/guest Ashley Milne-Tyte

Prescott chats with Ashley Milne-Tyte (@ashleymilnetyte), a journalist, radio producer, and podcaster living in New York City. Together they discuss the daily grind of journalists and the process for recording and editing audio segments for radio and podcasts. We hear Ashley’s workflow and habits, and her plans to improve productivity as spring approaches.

Also, please note that Ashley is looking for an intern. If you’re interested in working alongside a podcast and radio producer in New York, please get in touch with her, via her site.

Show Notes & Links * The Broad Experience podcast * Women in the Workplace theme, including tangential themes like sex * Episodes include: Emotions at Work, How Aging Affects a Women’s Career, The Man Show * Ashley worked at Marketplace, the Public Radio business show * Metro, the commuter newspaper * The Financial Times, The Daily News, The Independent,Women of Influence — where Ashley has written * The New York Creative Class Busy-body * A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin * The Handspring Visor and Palm Pilot, which didn’t sync * NBC News * The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith * Radio Boot Camp at Columbia Journalism School * Dan Ariely * BBC Global News Podcast * Grammar Girl Podcast * This Week in Tech * On Waking Up Early, an article * The Broad Experience on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud

Tools * Post-it notes * Google Calendar * Getting Things Done methodology * Final Cut * Adobe Audition * Skype or Google Hangouts for hosting podcasts * Voice Recorder on the iPhone * Workflowy

Techniques * Use memory and self-discipline * Have a physical to-do list, cross things off * Get things out of your head — as soon as you think of it * Create a system for repetitive tasks, like conducting podcast interviews * Have interviewees record themselves using an iPhone and app * A lot of editing for podcasts; more than just a conversation. But not recommended. * Keep your podcasts short and punchy

Habits * Control Everything, a bad habit that affects women more than men * Gym time in the morning * Pilates on Saturdays * Twice a week, spend an hour taking care of things before getting dressed

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The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 7 with Designer & Blogger Courtney Eliseo

Prescott chats with Courtney Eliseo, graphic designer and founder of the popular design blog Design Work Life. They discuss keeping organized as a solo designer, the workflow of writing blog posts, and the balance of running a content business while staying relevant as a practitioner.

Show Notes & Links * Seamless Creative, Courtney and her husband’s design practice * Graphicology * Design Work Life on Pinterest * Courtney on Skillshare * perez-fox.com, Prescott’s design blog (since January 2006) * Prescott went to grad school * RSS, for reading blogs * The “brass ring” is clientless work * Courtney lives by her to-do list * Design Work Life is a show-and-tell blog. No problem with that. * Both Courtney and Prescott use Harvest for time-tracking * Omnifocus for to-do lists. Good because it’s based on GTD * Courtney’s husband is a web developer * Past Busy Creator guest Armin Vit is half of a husband-wife team * Prescott’s grandparents are a husband-wife team, married for 70 years. * Paul Graham, from Y Combinator wrote about Maker’s Time vs. Manager’s Time * Customizing Apps in Podio * Work.com and Do.com, both by SalesForce * Asana, a checklist turned project management app * “It’s impossible to find the perfect handbag.” —Jill Fox * Software as a Service * AJAX * “… emailing back and forth — especially files — especially MS Word docs — it’s just terrible.” * Jackson and Graham, contributors to Design Work Life * Courtney wants to experiment with a virtual assistant * Courtney is up at 6:00; at work by 7:30 * Businessology, with Jason Blumer & Dan Mall

Tools * Skillshare * Harvest * Omnifocus * Teux Deux * Podio * ScheduleOnce * Google Calendar * Asana * Zirtual * Press This, WordPress bookmarklet * Photoshop, and Photoshop Actions

Techniques * Dedicate one day to separate aspects of the business (client work, blog, finances, etc.) * When designing a brand identity, think of digital from day one * Use the to-do list over the calendar * Build workflows and automation for recurring tasks, such as resizing images for your blog * Listen to podcasts while you work

Habits * Stick to a plan * Meet with your boss every other week, review time * Generate a time report in Harvest * Create a “Dollar Jar” at work. Give $1 every time you email about a project instead of post on Basecamp (or your tool of choice) * Wake up early. (oatmeal optional)

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