We are both graphic and web designers so we created a platform to discuss graphic design and web design in everyday situations.
We start off with an update on Anthony's job search side quest and venting about job assessments. We also talk about the feeling and what is learned when you get to see your designs in use.
We start this episode off trying to explain why we haven't recorded in awhile and our goals for the new year. Then we talk about charging what you are worth as a designer, your price has to be your price. We also spend time talking about looking for a job as a designer, portfolio tips and suggestions. We also give semi legal advice on documenting the work you've done while on a job if you can.
In this episode we talk about managing your online business through one platform, risks vs. benefits. We also talk about Adobe Max and our preferred methods of learning new skills.
In thbis episode we catch up on why we've been away from podding. Our main topic we focus on what increasing your value as a designer means and how to pick projects based on your value not your availability. We also talk about under pricing yourself and finding the right clients.
In this episode we welcome everyone back after our brief hiatus. We then talk about how Juneteenth could be much more than a reference to slavery. We finish up by talking about our thoughts on being a design consultant and how you could sell your services.
In this episode we discuss, the not so new, social media tik tok and how it is different than other platforms. We also discuss how people and business are using it for their different purposes. We also talk about introducing people unfamiliar to marketing and creative work to a new field. We also discuss ways to find inspiration and how to hone your creative skills.
In this episode we talk about accepting payment in cryptocurrency, and investing. We also talk about finding balance between hustles that get you short term money vs. investing time in projects that will help you grow and make money long term.
In this episode we first talk about managing and mentoring new designers. We also talk about NFT's, what they are, why we are confused, and if we think they are beneficial for artists, especially POC artists.
In this episode we talk about automotive marketing tactics used to target different communities. We also talk about what it's like going back in to the office and what precautions companies are taking if they are taking any at all.
In this episode we talk about design trends around black history month and how they could be better. We also talk about highlighting "regular" black experiences. We also briefly speak on the lack of black designers and how access and tools are needed.
This is a quick episode. We talk briefly about wisdom teeth, the insurrection at the capitol and the appeal of instant gratification.
In this episode we talk about how this year has affected us personally and professionally. We also talk about wins, losses and the things we think will stick around post-pandemic. We also talk about how we can help young artists can learn how to be designers.
In this episode we talk about the "fallout" of the election and how people in different parties are aligning themselves. We also talk how it feels to be in a battle ground state, Georgia, that has another election in 2 months. We then talk about Adobe max, what we learned, what we hope they will do in the future, and if there was diversity in the presenters alienmuffin.threadless.com
In this episode we talk about going back into the office a couple days out of the week and how much time is wasted commuting. We also talk about voting this year, our thoughts on absentee or early voting and the political climate. We also talk about what hardware we use to do our jobs as designers, desktops vs. laptops vs. tablets and mac vs PC.
In this episode we talk about a variety of topics from puppies to politics but our main focus is how to say no to work. Taking on more than you can handle can be bad for your reputation and a waste of time for you and the client. We tell discuss how and when to say no.
In this episode we talk about how we have invested in ourselves. Not just with money but with time and energy. We talk about how you can get started investing with a little extra money and how the branding and marketing of investment has long been geared towards those who are already wealthy.
In this episode we talk about how the new normal is now old. We also talk about how we are using and not using our time to our advantage. We talk about the importance about creating a routine and daily schedule especially for people now doing WFH.
In this episode we talk about the recent hoopla surrounding the design of Pop Smoke's album by Virgil. We talk about how hype influences what is accepted as good design and some things everyone loves that we hate lol. We talk about the difference between "bad" good designs and "bad design". Have you ever made a bad design that people loved?
In this episode we discuss our plans for celebrating our first Juneteenth. We also discuss the current momentum of the BLM movement and how businesses are reacting many times to little too late, ei. Starbucks. We talk about the recent rebranding decisions for brand with racists tropes ei. Aunt Jemima and Cream of Wheat.
In this episode we talk about the co opting of recent protest around police brutality and people trying to profit off of tragedy. We also talk about steroetype that you cna have about your own people and others that can influence and hinder the way you design.
In this episode we first talk about finding the right distraction or entertainment while you do your work and how that can effect work productivity. That could be podcasts, shows, music, movies etc. We then talk about designing or developing branding for yourself as a designer. Are you a good client it for yourself? Are you constantly making arbitrary changes? Do you even have a clear vision of what your brand is? We dive into all of this.
In this episode we talk about adjusting to our new normal during and post quarantine. We talk about what adjustments you need to make to your work schedule and workspace to accommodate what may very well be the new normal.
How we are handling the ongoing pandemic. What habits have we formed in quarantine. In this episode we talk about how our grand plans for quarantine didn’t quite work out. We also talk about what habits good and bad have developed during this time of working from home. We also talk about learning and evolving during difficult times. Don’t forget to check out our shopalienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
How we are handling the current quarantine. Projects we are going to work on while social distancing. Yup we are talking about COVID-19. We talk about what we can do with our time away from our day jobs and how we can use the free time to tackle projects we didn’t feel we had time to handle before. We also talk about clients sharing our prices. Don’t forget to check out our shopalienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
Thoughts on McDonalds new minimal design. Designers teaching design. Skills designers need outside of design. In this episode we talk about the new style of design McDonalds is starting to use and if it could work for other companies. We also talk about our feelings on designers charging for design classes while not having good designs. We then talk about what skills outside of design a designer should pick up to expand their offering to clients. Don’t forget to check out our shopalienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
Are people using tragedy and grief to highlight their brand In this episode we first talk about the passing of Kobe Bryant and the 7 other passengers. We address the concern that people use a tragedies to promote their own brand. Being genuine in your intentions is important and can be felt by the people. Don’t forget to check out our shopalienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
What should a graphic designer charge and how to simplify your projects In this episode we first talk about a document put out by the Designers Union containing suggested minimum prices for different types of design tasks. The goal is to have a standard rate the designers get paid across the industry to prevent us being taken advantage of. You can download here We alos talk about ways to simplify your side projects so that you can effectively juggle your passion projects and achieve your goals. Don’t forget to check out our shopalienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
Thank you to everyone that has joined us this year and those that have been here for longer. In this episode we discuss how our year has gone. We talk about things we accomplished and things that we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. We also announced the release of a new design, go check it out at alienmuffin.threadless.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we get into what we did for Thanksgiving and if we took advantage of any Black Friday shopping. Anthony then goes on a rant about terrible logos sent by a vendor. We also talk about what it means to make a simple design but still put in design elements that take it to the next level. We identify ways that you can modify and enhance a logo to make it unique for a client . Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we talk about competing for clients with other designers. Do you even play that game? How do you keep a client, and why would they ultimately leave you for someone else? We also talk about showing your worth to a job that might replace you. Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we talk about the different things that can make you feel valued in your work a a graphic designer. Is it purely financial or are you needing something more? Do you continue to work for people that only benefit you financially? Is exposure value? We answer all these questions and more. alienmuffin.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we talk about the soft skills graphic designers should develop to further their craft and career. We also spend some time talking about what tv shows we are watching and what books we are reading. alienmuffin.com Social: instagram.com/alienmuffin twitter.com/alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we talk about new programs we are using like Adobe XD. We then discuss career progression for designers and what your job title should be. We then talk about the struggle designers have when creating for themselves and the underlying reasons that it is so difficult. alienmuffin.com Social:instagram.com/alienmuffintwitter.com/alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we briefly discuss Anthony’s experience attending Dragon Can and then we quickly get into our thoughts attending a conference for designers. We talk about the benefits of picking up new skills from classes. we also talk about experienced designers getting stuck in a design rut and how to continually evolve your skills and creativity. We round out the discussion talking about client budgets and if you should ask up front. Social:instagram.com/alienmuffintwitter.com/alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we discuss coping with burnout from life and work. We talk about what it means to take a step back and how we find ways to recharge. Social:instagram.com/alienmuffintwitter.com/alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we discuss how graphic designers performance should be measured and if it is accurate. We also discuss how a graphic designer can adapt when presented with the challenge of working with a brand that has bad branding. Special thanks to @ChrisHardknocks for the intro music:@chrishardknocks Social:instagram.com/alienmuffintwitter.com/alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/
In this episode we talk about collaboration as a designer. Have you ever felt that you carried the weight of the project because you have all the tools to see it to the end? We also talk about creating boundaries when it comes to sharing your knowledge/ideas. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we discuss the logos of the current crop of presidential hopefuls for the 2020 election. Back in our second episode ever we covered the 2016 presidential hopefuls and now we get to do it all over again with mostly new candidates and some progressive designs. Follow along with our review of the 24(so far) candidates logos and find out who we think phoned it in and how we really believe has a plan for branding America that we can get behind. Follow along here * Michael Bennet (D), a U.S. senator from Colorado, announced that he was running for president on May 2, 2019.* Joe Biden (D), a former vice president of the United States, announced that he was running for president on April 25, 2019.* Bill de Blasio (D), the mayor of New York City, announced that he was running for president on May 16, 2019.* Cory Booker (D), a U.S. senator from New Jersey, announced that he was running for president on February 1, 2019.* Steve Bullock (D), the governor of Montana, announced that he was running for president on May 14, 2019.* Pete Buttigieg (D), the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, announced that he was running for president on January 23, 2019.* Julián Castro (D), a former U.S. secretary of housing and urban development and San Antonio mayor, formally announced his candidacy on January 12, 2019.* John Delaney (D), a former U.S. representative from Maryland, filed to run for president on August 10, 2017.* Tulsi Gabbard (D), a U.S. representative from Hawaii, announced that she had decided to run for president on January 11, 2019.* Kirsten Gillibrand (D), a U.S. senator from New York, announced that she was forming an exploratory committee on January 15, 2019.[11] She officially announced she was running on March 17, 2019.* Mike Gravel (D), a former U.S. senator from Alaska, announced he was running for president on April 2, 2019.* Kamala Harris (D), a U.S. senator from California, announced that she was running for president on January 21, 2019.* John Hickenlooper (D), a former governor of Colorado, announced that he was running for president on March 4, 2019.* Jay Inslee (D), the governor of Washington, announced that he was running for president on March 1, 2019.* Amy Klobuchar (D), a U.S. senator from Minnesota, formally announced she was running for president on February 10, 2019.* Wayne Messam (D), the mayor of Miramar, Florida, announced he was forming an exploratory committee on March 13, 2019.*
In this episode we talk about the stresses of revamping a large website. Finding ways to disconnect from technology to recharge. Noone loves group emails and we talk about ways to manage the email flow and reclaiming your time. We also talk about resume design vs. portfolio design. In our blackest black Business segment we also spend some time talking about the Kenyan running shoe company Enda. They have great branding and we point out our favorite elements. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we talk about Staples new “improved” logo and we briefly talk about the fake outrage around Joe Bidens campaign logo. We also talk about new design trends and if they even exist in 2019. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we start by saying Rest in Peace to Nipsey Hussle and what his example says about creating a personal brand that matches your real life. We also discuss outsourcing work to grow your business. We then spend time complaining about going to meetings and how we feel about managers. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we talk about collaborating with outside firms and how it can be positive or negative. We also talk about UX tools like Adobe XD and what the learning curve is for a new software. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we speak on outrage marketing. Outrage marketing in our definition is when you do something outrageous with the intent of capitalizing on the negative publicity. we talk about it’s effectiveness, if we think it’s real and if we can think of any successful examples. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we talk about the concept of living black that was presented in the show “Trigger Warning”. We also talk ways to find and support black businesses like webuyblack.com. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we check in on the current state of branding for the slew of people running for president in 2020. Slack gets a new logo and we critique it and give our thoughts on unfortunate logos and some of our design philosophy. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/
The new year is a time when many people make resolutions to change things about their lives. In this episode we discuss how we brought in the new year and what comes next. We talk about how our jobs have been weird recently and how we stay focused. We also talk about new ways of approaching resolutions and turning a vision board into an action plan. Alienmuffin Social:IG: @alienmuffinTwitter: @alienmuffinwww.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop:www.alienmuffin.threadless.com/ Other episodes: http://alienmuffin.com/category/i-see-pixels/
In this episode we discuss how we go about finding new clients and what we do to get return clients. Happy Holidays to our long time and new listeners! Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we talk about what we are doing to be more minimal in our day to day lives. We discuss how minimalism can play into graphic design and conducting business. We also discuss a recent Graphic Design webinar we attended and how we intend to apply what we learned. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we discuss ways that we procrastinate and what we are doing to get better. We talk about ways to present your social media feed like a portfolio and we once again cover why we suck at social media. We also talk about how a change in environment can have an affect on your productivity. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we discuss what it’s like to have a side hustle. We talk about the advantages of having an additional income and ho to manage your time. We also speak on why we are driven to do more and if it has a positive impact on our life. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
In this episode we discuss the everyday essentials of being a graphic designer. We talk about what we need to get the job done and the things we find are nonessential. Alienmuffin Social: IG: @alienmuffin Twitter: @alienmuffin www.facebook.com/alienmuffin/ Our shop: alienmuffin.threadless.com/
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