What the Helvetica?

Epizode

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  Ep. 30: The Future of Logo Design, AI, and Branding with LogoLounge Founder Bill Gardner 13.10.2026 1h 26min

  Are logos becoming obsolete? Is AI going to replace graphic designers? And what does it take to build a successful creative agency that lasts more than 40 years? In this episode of What the Helvetica, Michael Janda sits down with Bill Gardner, founder of LogoLounge, legendary logo designer, branding expert, and author of Iconic Branding, to discuss the past, present, and future of graphic design. Bill shares lessons from four decades of running a creative agency, his unforgettable meeting with legendary designer Saul Bass, and why designers need to stop designing for today and start thinking about tomorrow. We get into AI and its impact on graphic design, the evolution of logo design trends, controversial rebrands like Jaguar and Cracker Barrel, and why great branding goes far beyond a logo. Whether you're a graphic designer, brand strategist, freelancer, or creative agency owner, this conversation is packed with insights about building a lasting creative career and staying relevant in an industry that's constantly changing. Connect with Bill: 📚 Bill's New Book — The LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding
https://amzn.to/4zjlz2v 🔗 LogoLounge — Logo Design Inspiration & Trends
https://www.logolounge.com/ 🎨 Gardner Design — Bill's Branding Agency
https://gardnerdesign.com/ 👤 Meet Bill Gardner
https://www.instagram.com/bill.gardner.design https://gardnerdesign.com/team/bill-gardner 📸 LogoLounge on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/logolounge/ 📈 LogoLounge Annual Logo Trend Reports
https://www.logolounge.com/trends
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  Ep. 29: How Creative Leaders Sell Big Ideas w/ Danielle Giroux 04.05.2026 1h 22min

  Making Ideas Real with Danielle Giroux In this episode, Michael Janda sits down with Danielle Giroux, Senior Director, Brand & Creative at Clio, to unpack what it really takes to move ideas from “interesting thought” to actual business impact. Danielle shares her path from walking into a local design studio at 13 with a faux-leather portfolio, to building a creative career across agency, tech, brand leadership, AI adoption, and now her upcoming platform and book, Making an Idea Real. This conversation goes deep into the messy middle of creative work: selling ideas, building alignment, navigating stakeholders, using AI responsibly, knowing when to pivot, and learning that the real work is rarely the polished final output. It is the trust, clarity, resistance, decision-making, and leadership required to get the idea across the finish line. Big Ideas from the Episode 1. The portfolio gets you noticed. Relationships move your career.Danielle’s early story shows how ambition, trust, and human connection can open doors long before the work is perfect. 2. Awards matter—but business impact matters more.Danielle reflects on the difference between agency award culture and in-house creative leadership, where the real question becomes: did the work move the needle? 3. AI is not just a production tool. It is an alignment tool.Danielle shares how AI can help translate ideas for different stakeholders—CMOs, CFOs, sales leaders, clients, and internal teams. 4. The 1% idea is not enough.The brilliant idea is only the beginning. The other 99% is navigating people, resistance, timing, belief, trust, and execution. 5. Being “real” is becoming a creative advantage.In a world of AI-generated polish, the human layer—your voice, your presence, your perspective, your imperfections—matters more than ever. Memorable Quotes “Great ideas don’t fail. They fade.” “The other 99% is everything it takes to make it real.” “The win can look different on different days.” “You have to know when to pivot before it’s too late.” “Being real means showing more of yourself than you might be comfortable showing.” Guest Links: Danielle Giroux Website: daniellegiroux.com About Danielle: daniellegiroux.com/about-1 Making an Idea Real: daniellegiroux.com/making-an-idea-real Blog: daniellegiroux.com/blog-making-an-idea-real Instagram: instagram.com/DANIELLE+GIROUX LinkedIn: Danielle Giroux on LinkedIn Clio profile via The Org: Danielle Giroux at Clio DAM Consultation: Danielle’s DAM Consulting Page Superside SHIFT Summit: Danielle at Superside SHIFT OnBrand Speaker Profile: Danielle Giroux on OnBrand Bynder Customer Story with Clio: Bynder: Clio + Danielle Giroux
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  Ep. 28: A.I. vs. Creatives: The Real Problem w/ Stef Hamerlinck 01.05.2026 1h 6min

  Brand Mascots, AI, and the Future of Creative Work with Stef Hamerlinck In this episode, Michael Janda talks with Belgian designer, brand strategist, and mascot-obsessed creative Stef Hamerlinck about the strange, exciting, and controversial intersection of brand mascots, generative AI, and creative entrepreneurship. Stef shares how he moved from general graphic design to agency ownership, then into brand strategy, and eventually carved out a unique niche helping brands create memorable mascot-driven identities. He also opens up about the business model that gives him creative freedom: one major retainer client that covers his needs, plus selective side projects that fuel experimentation. The conversation dives deep into AI’s impact on the creative industry. Michael and Stef tackle the ethical concerns, the “AI is stealing jobs” argument, and why creatives need to stop hiding from the tools that are already reshaping the market. Their take: AI is not going away, and the creatives who thrive will be the ones who learn to direct, conceptualize, experiment, and bring personality to the work. Key Takeaways 1. Recurring revenue creates creative freedomStef’s big retainer client gives him the ability to say no, charge more, and only take side projects that genuinely excite him. 2. Mascots are powerful brand assetsStef explains that characters and sound are among the most memorable brand assets, often outperforming logos, colors, and typography. 3. AI is changing production, not eliminating creativityThe future creative role is less about pushing pixels and more about directing ideas, taste, personality, and brand worlds. 4. The real differentiator is personalityAs high-production visuals become easier to generate, what stands out is character, point of view, humor, and human connection. 5. Don’t be “cooked”—start cookingInstead of ignoring or hating AI, creatives should experiment with it, understand it, and decide how to use it ethically and strategically. Memorable Quotes “Production value on its own is not going to be enough anymore.” “You still need creativity. You still need conceptual thinking.” “Stop saying we’re cooked and start thinking about how we can be cooking.” “The future of creative people is not as much about pushing the pixels as it is directing how those pixels are generated.” Topics Covered Brand strategy, mascot design, AI tools, generative AI ethics, personal branding, creative entrepreneurship, recurring revenue, pricing power, creative direction, brand memorability, and the future of design work. Guest: Stef HamerlinckWebsite & Substack Links Stef Hamerlinck Official Website Marcel’s Lab (Substack) Stef Hamerlinck on Substack (@letstalkbranding) Let’s Talk Branding Podcast (Substack) 📸 InstagramPersonal IG
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  Ep. 27: Is AI Art Actually Art? Breaking Down The Oatmeal’s Spicy Rant w/ Jena Gribble 25.11.2025 1h 22min

  In this episode, Michael Janda and Jena (“the Gribbler”) break down Matthew Inman’s (The Oatmeal) comic about AI art and what it means for creatives. They talk about that weird “deflated” feeling when you realize something you liked was AI-generated, why artists feel threatened, and how AI both democratizes creativity and risks devaluing hard-earned craft. They compare AI tools to things like Photoshop and digital cameras, dig into why process and struggle matter in art, and ultimately land on a nuanced view: AI-generated stuff is here to stay, but it’s different from human-made art—and creatives can still win by doubling down on their humanity, story, and point of view. About Jena: Jena Gribble is the owner and creative lead of Blush Cactus ( ⁨@BlushCactus⁩ ) Design Studio, a Phoenix-based branding and design agency. Originally from a small town in South Dakota, she moved to Arizona after studying at the University of North Dakota. With over 12 years of experience in graphic design and several years running her business, Jena empowers fellow creatives by offering not just design services but also education, community and mentorship to help them turn their passion into a viable business. ----more---- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Website Courses Community
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  Ep. 26: The Real Startup Story: Mental Health, Marriage, and Making Dubsado w/ Becca Berg 17.11.2025 1h 6min

  In this candid conversation, Becca Berg—founder and CEO of Dubsado—shares the real story behind building one of the leading client-management platforms from the ground up. From her scrappy entrepreneurial childhood to launching Dubsado with zero funding, Becca opens up about competition, burnout, mental health, and the relentless drive that fueled her journey. She and Michael Janda dive into marriage, business, motherhood, and the mindset required to build a company that lasts—without losing yourself along the way. In this episode learn how:  How Becca built Dubsado from scratch without outside funding and why bootstrapping shaped the company’s culture and product. The power of deep automations and branded client experiences—and how they differentiate Dubsado in a crowded market. Becca’s real entrepreneurial journey, from childhood businesses to juggling motherhood, marriage, and a fast-growing tech startup. The role of competitiveness, mindset, and community in building a successful business. Candid insights on burnout, mental health, and finding balance after nearly a decade of nonstop hustle. About Dubsado: Dubsado is an all-in-one client management platform designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses streamline their workflows. It combines proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, forms, and powerful automations into one customizable system—allowing users to manage leads, onboard clients, and run projects without juggling multiple tools. Known for its deep automation capabilities and fully branded client experience, Dubsado helps business owners save time, stay organized, and create a seamless, professional process from first inquiry to final payment. Website  Instagram About Becca Berg: Becca Berg is the founder and CEO of Dubsado, the popular client-management platform built to help entrepreneurs streamline their businesses. A lifelong creative with deep entrepreneurial roots, Becca launched Dubsado in 2015 with her husband, bootstrapping it from a simple idea into a leading software company known for its powerful automations and customizable client experience. Passionate, competitive, and candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, Becca is committed to helping business owners save time, build better systems, and grow with confidence. LinkedIn 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Website Courses Community
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  Ep. 25: HUGE Affinity Announcement - Affinity is Not "Free" w/ Michael Janda 31.10.2025 34min

  Michael Janda discusses Affinity Designer's huge announcement that their software is now completely free to download and use forever. He shares his thoughts and reactions to this surprising move and what it means for the design community. What's your hot take on the new announcement? ----more---- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com  
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  Ep. 24: From Rage to Regulated: Finding Peace as a Creative w/ Chris Geisler 17.10.2025 1h 7min

  Creative entrepreneur Michael Janda and Briana Taylor sit down with men’s coach and breath work guide Chris Geisler to explore how nervous-system awareness, breath, and environment shape our ability to create under pressure. From rage and burnout to peace and presence, Chris shares the practical tools that help stressed-out creatives regulate, connect, and thrive.
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  Ep. 23: Imposter Syndrome: How Creative Meltdowns Fuel Success w/ Will Paterson 26.08.2025 1h 23min

  For: Graphic designers, creative freelancers, YouTubers, and anyone navigating the mental game of the creative industry. Struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or creative overwhelm? In this episode, Michael Janda and Will Paterson get real about the emotional rollercoaster of creative careers. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs, we unpack what it really means to succeed as a designer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur in today’s AI-driven world. Learn why saying “no” is essential, how to stay human in your work, and why being their favorite matters more than being the best. 🔑 Topics: Imposter Syndrome in Creatives Dealing with Burnout Creative Business Boundaries YouTube Growth & Personal Branding AI vs Human Creativity About Will Paterson: Will Paterson is a graphic designer and content creator specializing in logo design, hand lettering, and brand identity. He shares his knowledge and expertise to help other designers. The channel offers: ✅ In-depth design tutorials ✅ Logo critique and review videos ✅ Graphic design tips and tricks ✅ Brand identity breakdown videos   This channel aims to help students, freelancers, and in-house designers. YOUTUBE // WEBSITE  // MASTERCLASS // INSTAGRAM ----more---- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com  
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  Ep. 22: The Retreat For Creative Burnout: Morepalooza w/ Michael Janda x Bri Taylor 21.08.2025 50min

  Bri, MCA's very own VP of Operations, joins us on WTH to talk about alll the details for our upcoming Creative Professional Retreat, Morepalooza. The retreat is set to begin in London September 10-14 with a one-day workshop stacked with incredible creative talent.  Swag. Venues. Excursions. Weather. What to Expect and more. If you are considering attending Morepalooza or you've snagged tickets, this episode is for you! LEARN MORE GRAB TICKETS   🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com
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  Ep. 21: Creative Grit & Purpose: Tyler Tolson on Building Denik 29.07.2025 1h 11min

  What does a third-grade drawing of Shaq, a $3,000 domain deal, and notebook paper from Walmart have to do with building a global creative brand? In this episode of What the Helvetica, Mike Janda sits down with Tyler Tolson, founder of Denik, to explore the real behind-the-scenes of how a small idea in college became a purpose-driven design brand building schools around the world. 🎙️ We talk about: How Tyler turned a personal passion into a full-time creative business What it really takes to build your design agency from scratch Why grit outperforms talent every single time Embracing creative failure, surviving stress, and finding your “why” The true story behind Denik’s name, funding, and first machines (and yes, it involves beef bologna) How Denik’s design-forward notebooks are competing with Moleskine — one bold decision at a time Whether you're freelancing, building a brand agency, or stuck in survival mode trying to figure it all out — this is the episode that reminds you: You're too good to throw away. 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com 🤝 Connect with Tyler Tolson Tyler Tolson is the CEO and Founder of Denik (deh-neek), a designer notebook and lifestyle product company that uses a portion of its funds to build schools and support artists. He started the company in 2011 as an artist and full-time student at Utah State University. The company has blossomed into an 8-figure brand and serves customers like Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Target in over 16,000 retail locations in North America. Denik also produces custom notebooks for brands like Nike, Disney, Google, and TikTok. The Denik creative community has funded and built 10 schools to date — in Laos, Guatemala, Ghana, Nicaragua, Senegal, Mali, Malawi, and Nepal. Tyler has been named a “Young Emerging Leader” by the Leader to Leader Institute in New York and was selected as one of the "Top 40 Under 40" leaders in the Gift and Stationery Industry. He currently serves on the Entrepreneurship Center Board at the Huntsman School of Business. Over the past eleven years, he has taught and trained audiences of various capacities, and has consulted entrepreneurs, students, and artists at all stages of business. However, Tyler's greatest accomplishment is marrying the girl of his dreams and raising his five (almost six) rockstar kids.IG: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.at.denik/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylertolsonShop Denik: https://denik.com/Book a call with Tyler: https://calendly.com/tylerdenik
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  Ep. 20: Jack of All Trades or Agency Star? A Real Portfolio Review with Art Director Tonichi Acenas 10.07.2025 1h 15min

  In this bold and honest What the Helvetica episode, Mike Janda reviews the real portfolio of Tochi — an art director with serious agency cred and a broad creative skillset. We dive into her site, case studies, UX decisions, and brand positioning to uncover what works, what needs tweaking, and how to turn great work into even greater opportunities.
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  Ep. 19: "I Got to Design for Harley-Davidson — Then They Didn’t Use It” w/ Jeremy Berger - Ep. 19 17.06.2025 1h 16min

  Jeremy Berger, founder of Blake Press, shares how he landed a dream project with Harley-Davidson—only to have the work shelved. From burnout and early career lows to building a hands-on design business rooted in printmaking and motorcycle culture, this episode dives into what it really takes to stay creative, relevant, and fulfilled in today’s design world.
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  Ep.18: Proven Marketing Strategy for Creative Entrepreneurs to Get Ahead of the Competition! 28.11.2024 53min

  🎙️ What’s in Today’s Episode? This week, we're talking all things freelancing, creative growth, and marketing hacks for designers! Mike Janda sits down with multidisciplinary designer Maiteryee Kalaskar (M for short 😉) to break down strategies for finding clients, staying consistent in marketing, and building authority as a creative professional. 🎧 Episode Highlights: 🧠 The Power of Consistency: Why "hope is not a strategy" and how to consistently market your services.💡 Top 3 Sales Strategies for Creatives: Practical tips for staying top of mind, networking, and building authority.🛠️ Cold Emailing Done Right: How to approach skincare brands (or any industry) with confidence.🌍 Networking That Works: How face-to-face connections can lead to big opportunities.💰 Who Should Sell Your Services? Exploring whether to hire a salesperson or handle it yourself.🎨 Authority Building: Why posting online can give you the edge in client selection. 💡 Bonus: M shares how her YouTube presence helped her land a skincare client—and why consistency matters more than ever. 💡 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:📌 Every day, do something related to sales. Small actions build momentum.📌 Use a niche landing page to stand out in cold outreach.📌 Build authority by showcasing your work and expertise online.📌 No one closes sales better than YOU. Own your expertise.   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Maitreyee Kalaskar ---------------------- Maitreyee Kalaskar is celebrated for her vibrant, bold design style and her constant drive for experimentation. Through her social media platforms, she shares valuable insights, tips, and resources from her experiences. She also engages with the global creative community by hosting meet-ups and live sessions to discuss key topics in the creative industry. Mee Studios, founded by Maitreyee Kalaskar, is a multidisciplinary creative agency that specialises in custom design solutions. We feel no two brands are alike, so the same solution cannot be copy-pasted. With experience working with major brands like Budweiser, OnePlus, Adobe, UCLA, and ADPList, the studio blends in-house talent and renowned freelancers to deliver top-tier creative work. Behance: https://www.behance.net/Maitreyee_k
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  Ep. 17: Disruptive Branding: Making Ordinary Extraordinary with Thad Cox 17.10.2024 59min

  In this episode of 'What the Helvetica', Mike Janda is joined by UK advertising veteran Thad Cox. Thad shares his unique insights on the ever-changing landscape of advertising and branding. From the evolution of Instagram content to disruptive packaging and emotional advertising, this episode is packed with valuable information. Thad also highlights innovative campaigns from brands like Lala Cafe's drive-by kindness and Gentle Monster's art gallery approach to sunglasses, and explains how the Wimbledon social media strategy gained 1 million new followers in 14 days. A must-watch for anyone interested in creative marketing strategies!   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Thad Cox ---------------------- Thad is a former Creative Director from the ad world, helping creative business owners use that creativity they’ve got to build their business in a way that’s effective and makes them happy, instead of them feeling like they have to sell their souls to survive. Website: www.thadcox.co.uk Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrthadcox Twitter: @mrthadcox LinkedIn: @mrthadcox Facebook: @coxthad Substack: https://thadcox.substack.com/
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  Ep. 16: The Art and Strategy of Brand Naming... with Rob Meyerson 08.10.2024 1h 1min

  Discover the art and science of brand naming with branding expert Rob Meyerson. In this insightful interview, learn essential strategies for creating memorable and impactful brand names. From qualitative and quantitative research to effective client communication, gain valuable insights to elevate your branding game. Join host Mike Janda on What the Helvetica as he delves into the world of brand naming and strategy with expert guest Rob Meyerson. Learn about the significance of qualitative and quantitative research, effective client communication, and the value of strategic thinking in creative work.   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 👋 Connect with Rob Meyerson ---------------------- Rob Meyerson is principal and founder of Heirloom, an independent brand strategy and identity firm. He is the co-author of Designing Brand Identity, sixth edition, and author of Brand Naming. He also hosts How Brands Are Built, a popular branding podcast and blog. Heirloom: https://www.heirloomagency.com/ How Brands Are Built (blog/podcast): https://howbrandsarebuilt.com/ Brand Naming on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Ulw4kK Designing Brand Identity on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jiK3kIp Personal Website: https://robmeyerson.com/
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  Ep. 15: Unlock High-Value Clients with These Proven Branding & Networking Strategies with Kady Sanders 03.10.2024 56min

  What does it take to level up your creative career and land high-value clients while maintaining balance in your personal life? In this episode, Mike Janda sits down with creative entrepreneur and educator Kady Sandel to uncover exactly that. They dive deep into personal branding, transitioning from low to high-value projects, breaking free from the feast-and-famine cycle, and the game-changing power of networking. Plus, Kady opens up about her inspiring journey from Serbia to the U.S., sharing her strategies for finding clients and successfully balancing business with family life. You won’t want to miss this episode packed with actionable insights!   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 👋 Connect with Kady Sandel ---------------------- Kady Sandel is a business coach for designers and the CEO of her own design agency in Austin, Texas. She is the host of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast, which has helped over 20,000 designers grow their businesses. She is also the creator of the popular 12-week program The Profitable Designer, and The Creative CEO Accelerator. Kady went from $65 logos to charging $10k+ per project, all by applying the business-building strategies she teaches at Aventive Academy. Kady is also an author with a bestselling book in the Logo & Branding category, titled BrandFix - Brand Strategy for Busy Entrepreneurs. Website: https://aventiveacademy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aventiveacademy/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ - use WTH coupon code to get it for free! Podcast: https://aventiveacademy.com/podcast/
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  Ep. 14: Embracing Your Creative Persona: A Conversation with G'Day Frank 26.09.2024 1h 15min

  Curious about the life behind the persona of G'Day Frank? Join Michael Janda on this episode of What the Helvetica as he interviews the creative genius Reagan Mackrill. They dive deep into the art of personal branding, the hurdles of social media algorithms, and the balancing act of family life with content creation. Discover the highs and lows of Reagan’s journey and get an insider’s perspective on making it big in the digital world. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 👋 Connect with G’day Frank (Reagan Mackrill) ---------------------- Reagan 'Frank' Mackrill is the Aussie branding guy with the beard and hot pink fingernails from Sydney, Australia. He works with brands around the world to develop and manage their strategy, identity and market presence with his business, G'day Frank. He’s also a husband, father of 2 kids, Star Wars fanboy and podcaster. Website: https://www.gdayfrank.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdayfrank YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gdayfrank Podcast: Doctor Branding (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack & YouTube) 
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  Ep. 13: Scaling Creativity with Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co. 19.09.2024 1h 11min

  Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful design agency from the ground up? Join host Michael Janda as he sits down with Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co. for an insightful conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Discover how Dan navigates the creative process, develops standout brands, and scales his agency while tackling the challenges of the industry. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Don’t miss it!   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 👋 Connect with Dan Janssen ---------------------- Dan Janssen: Chief Creative Office at Lincoln Design co. Agency owner for 20+ years, designer, action sports enthusiasts. I got my start in the skateboard industry in San Diego and started my first agency in 2005. Fast forward almost 20 years and Lincoln Design Co is up and running in the Pacific Northwest, service clients in the outdoor, action and entertainment industries. Website: https://www.lincolndesignco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolndesignco/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LincolnDesignCo Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/lincolnproduction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlincolnco/
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  Ep. 12: Art at Scale: How Daniela de Castro Transforms Spaces with Her Unique Murals 05.09.2024 1h 12min

  Renowned fine artist and muralist Daniela de Castro joins host Michael Janda to share her inspiring creative journey from Venezuela to the U.S. She delves into her distinctive artistic process, emphasizing the recurring theme of hands in her work. Known for her large-scale murals and intricate hand paintings, Daniela also provides valuable insights into building a thriving art business, fostering community, and unveiling upcoming projects that explore the cutting edge of 3D installations.   ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 👋 Connect with Daniela de Castro ---------------------- Website: https://danieladecastro.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/danieladecastro_studio
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  Ep. 11: Freelance Freedom: Elisabeth Mayr on Life as a Digital Nomad 01.08.2024 1h 15min

  You may have dreamt of becoming a digital nomad, but what is it really like? Let's explore the ins and outs of digital nomad life in this episode of ‘What the Helvetica?’ with Michael Janda and Elisabeth Mayr. They discuss Elisabeth's journey as a freelance UX designer, educator, and podcast host. Discover her experiences traveling the world as a designer, starting a co-living space in Sri Lanka, and balancing work-life while freelancing from anywhere. They also touch on sensitive topics like diversity in the workplace, being an influencer, world issues, dealing with haters, and gaining a global perspective. #digitalnomad #creativelifestyle #digitalcreators ---------------------- 🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast ---------------------- ”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a 🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70 🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580 🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Michael Janda ---------------------- Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.” Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda Website: https://michaeljanda.com Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com   ---------------------- 🤝 Connect with Lensea Film / Destyn Patera ---------------------- Elisabeth Mayr is a freelance UX Designer and Digital Nomad with the mission to help fellow freelancers create a work life that works for them. Instagram: https://instagram.com/elisabethmayr Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/ Freelance Blueprint website: https://freelance-blueprint.com Client facing website: https://elisabethmayr.co.uk Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/freelance-blueprint/episodes/The-Freelance-Blueprint---Welcome-to-the-Podcast-e29bt72/a-aac0bul