THE CREATIVE SHIT SHOW

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In this podcast, we're going to have honest conversations about the ups and downs of the design and marketing business, lessons we've learned, and share ideas and support that get us all through the day. Sometimes, we'll just shoot the shit!

THE CREATIVE SHIT SHOW


    • Apr 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 38 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The CREATIVE SHIT SHOW podcast is a must-listen for anyone working in marketing or design. The hosts have managed to create a show that feels like being in a room full of friends, where they openly discuss the struggles, laughter, and love of being a creator. As a creative myself, I truly feel seen and understood by this podcast. Each episode tackles topics that are on point and relevant to the industry, making it both informative and relatable.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it brings together an experienced group of well-known creatives who openly share their own struggles and challenges. It's refreshing to hear that even industry leaders face the same obstacles as "mere mortals," which makes their content all the more relatable. This show provides a sense of connection for designers who may often feel disconnected in their work.

    The conversations on The CREATIVE SHIT SHOW are thoroughly enjoyable and insightful. The hosts dive deep into the ups and downs of the creative process, making it clear that they are the real deal. It's not just about freelance issues; they also touch on agency and corporate challenges, broadening their appeal to a wider range of creatives.

    While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one potential downside could be that it focuses primarily on marketing and design. While this is great for professionals in those fields, listeners seeking more diverse topics may not find what they're looking for here. However, given the expertise and authenticity of the hosts, it's still worth exploring even if you don't work in those specific industries.

    In conclusion, The CREATIVE SHIT SHOW podcast is a welcome addition to the design world. It provides an engaging platform for industry leaders to candidly discuss their experiences while offering valuable insights and relatability for creatives at all levels. Whether you're seeking inspiration or simply want to feel connected within your field, this podcast delivers on all fronts. Don't miss out on this enlightening and entertaining show.



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    Latest episodes from THE CREATIVE SHIT SHOW

    Ep 38: Pricing Your Shit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 1:07


    Time to tackle everyone's favorite topic to avoid: pricing. You know, that thing keeping you up at 3 AM questioning all your life choices? Yeah, that one. In this BS-free episode, we're breaking down everything from billing hourly (probably screwing you over) to value-based pricing (scary but worth it). Learn how to graduate from project monkey to a strategic partner who commands premium rates. Time to get real about talking to clients about money. Your future self will thank you for listening to this one.

    Ep 37: Thriving or Surviving?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 0:54


    In this episode of The Creative Shit Show, we dive deep into surviving—and thriving—in today's wild economic ride. From the feast-or-famine freelancing grind and pricing pressures to standing out with a killer portfolio, we've got you covered. We unpack how to niche down, turn past clients into a referral goldmine, and position your work to show real value. Plus, we tackle AI's big shake-up—Midjourney, Canva, and beyond—and how designers can lean into strategy, intuition, and storytelling to stay ahead. Tune in for raw talk on networking, portfolio power moves, and the skills (hello, UI/UX and brand strategy) that'll keep you in demand. Chaos? Sure. Opportunity? Hell yes. Listen now.

    Ep 36: Sh*t Happens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 57:37


    The Creative Shit Show crew reunites after months apart! Life threw us some curveballs this past year, prompting a break from recording, but our bond as friends is rock solid, supporting one another through thick and thin. We hit record on a recent Zoom chat to give you an unfiltered update on our adventures. No cuts, no edits - just raw and real conversations. Enjoy the show!

    Ep 35: Artificial Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 0:52


    In this episode of the Creative Shit Show, we dive into a topic that we've all talked about before, and we believe it's been on everyone's mind — and that's AI. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of AI and creativity. We'll explore the capabilities and limitations of AI when it comes to generating unique and innovative ideas. We'll also touch on some of the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the creative realm. Sit back and take a listen!

    Ep 34: Year-End Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 16:30


    It's an episode of looking back to go forward. The Creative Shit Show co-hosts share their favorite moments and experiences from 2023, and what they're looking most forward to in the 2024 New Year ahead. We're so thankful for our amazing listeners, friends, family, and everyone who has supported us in our careers. You're the bestest! Have a listen, and share your favorite memories from 2023, and what's next for you in 2024.

    Ep 33: Special Guest: Andrew Gibbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 45:26


    For this special episode, the gang is joined by Andrew Gibbs, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of the Dieline which has been delighting passionate packaging designers since 2007. We dove deep into the world of packaging and package design, honing in on the importance of sustainability and where the next generation of package designers should focus their efforts. So, grab your favorite cocktail, sit back, and get ready for some serious inspiration. The Creative Shit Show is about to begin!

    Ep 32: For Love and Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 37:38


    Can you monetize the thing that you love AND still love what you do? In this episode, the gang explores the possibilities of intersecting things you like to do, things you want to do, and things that could make you money. Jamie and Justin both made commitments to Von and Karen that you don't want to miss. Grab a cocktail, and have a listen.

    Ep 31: Special Guest: Ilise Benun

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 45:38


    Get ready to meet the fabulous Ilise Benun, the founder of Marketing-Mentor.com! She's the go-to guru for creative professionals who want to level up their projects and budgets. Ilise is the real deal, with over 35 years of experience teaching basic business skills like mindset, money, and marketing to solopreneurs and creatives. We're thrilled to call her a friend, and every time we catch up, she drops some serious wisdom on us. Listen, learn, and leave us a comment on social about your favorite part!

    Ep 30: LIVE at HOW Design Live

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 53:13


    For our 30th episode and our first time together in person in 10 years, the gang puts on a shit show at the HOW Design Live Conference in Nashville, TN. The common thread of the conference was about celebrating human connections, collaboration, and talking about your mistakes as openly as you talk about your wins. We covered all those topics and more through Q&A with a live audience. Grab a cocktail, and listen to us LIVE at HOW Design Live.

    Ep 29: Special Guest: Debbie Millman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 41:42


    The gang hosts the one and only Debbie Millman. We touch on many topics, including the story behind her iconic world's first podcast, “Design Matters,” her work curating an insane list of speakers for the HOW Design Conference, and she surprised us with a sneak preview of her next project! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail while you listen to this enthralling episode.

    Ep 28: There's No Magic Formula

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 0:38


    The Creative Shit Show posse has reunited once again to chat about a wide range of topics, ranging from how to promote your own business even when you're not in the mood, to ways that AI can be leveraged to overcome creative obstacles, fine-tune your workflow, and provide some much-needed companionship during those solitary moments as a business owner. This description may or may not have been written by AI. You decide. Enjoy the show!

    Ep 27: Special Guests: Marty Neumeier and Andy Starr

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 52:27


    Branding master Marty Neumeier returns and brings with him his brand education partner in crime, Andy Starr. Marty and Andy are co-founders of Level C, the world's most visionary brand education program. Creative Shit Show co-hosts and branding strategists Karen Larson and Justin Ahrens chat with the pair about all things brand and the Level C program, plus share other personal stories from their decades in design. Have a listen.

    Ep 26: Special Guest: Sara Rosinsky

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 43:00


    We are so happy to have copywriter and creative brand builder Sara Rosinsky join us for this special episode. Sara has named high-tech companies and brands of ice cream. Written ads for banks, taglines for software, a website for MIT, and so much more. She's also the author of the book, Unflubbify Your Writing, a book about fun ways to remember tricky spelling, punctuation, and grammar rules. We had a blast playing with words, and talking about the keys to sustainable creative success. Have a listen.

    Ep 25: Special Guest: Stefan Mumaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 60:32


    Designer, strategist, speaker, storyteller, copywriter, movie watcher, husband, dad, friend, etc. We're convinced that there is nothing that our guest Stefan Mumaw can't do. On this special episode of The Creative Shit Show, he drops some useful knowledge about the art of believing in achieving and building an inclusive creative process that produces maximum results. Pour a tall one, and prepare to be captivated.

    Ep 24: Special Guest: Steven Morris

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 45:00


    Sometimes we all desire to have someone wise and kind who knows our business and can help guide us into a positive mindset and point us toward what a successful path or future can look like. Steven Morris is that person, and he joins The Creative Shit Show to share that wisdom with us. Learn the power of good and what that can do to help us live, run our businesses or teams, and feel more fulfilled. Listen now.

    Ep 23: What Drives Us?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 41:25


    The Shit Show gang goes deep into what drives us. You might laugh or cry with us, but you'll also walk away insights and motivation for yourself and your business. What drives you? After you listen, head over to our social channels and let us know!

    Ep 22: Special Guest: Marty Neumeier

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 45:00


    Legendary branding master Marty Neumeier joins the Creative Shit Show to share stories from his fantastic career and speak to his current mission to continue to bring the conversation about branding and branders to the forefront of the C suite and businesses worldwide. From humble beginnings to working with iconic brands like Apple, Netscape, HP, Adobe, and Google, this best-selling author has a lot of stories to tell, and we wanted to hear all of them. We think you will too. Grab a cocktail, and have a listen.

    Ep 21: Goal Setting: Love it or Leave it

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2023 34:00


    Season 2 kicks off with the gang debating the merits of goal setting. Jamie, Justin, Karen, and Von break down our goal-setting strategies, touching on habits, resolutions, and why we do or don't like to commit. Goals can be motivational but also cause stress, fear, and disappointment. This episode explores all of that and how we handle it. Grab a drink, and have a listen.

    Ep 20: Season 1 Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 25:00


    We can't believe Season 1 has come to a close. We've had a blast! In this episode, our co-hosts share their favorite moments, what we are looking forward to in 2023, and shoot the shit one last time this season. Grab a drink as we say cheers to an amazing year with the very best listeners! Listen now.

    Ep 19: Special Guest: Ivy Malik

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 45:00


    Special guest Ivy Malik joins The Creative Shit Show. Ivy is a business and sales coach for creatives. Her mission is to help you attract and win quality clients without justifying your price. She's a shit show favorite for dispensing invaluable advice across her social media channels and through her Winner's Circle coaching program. This is a must-listen for creatives of every type — from newbies to veterans. Grab a drink and enjoy the show!

    Ep 18: Red Flags and Ridiculous Requests

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 47:00


    We've all been there before. You're on a call with a client or potential client, and you get that terrible feeling in your gut. The red flag. Our co-hosts have experienced just about everything when it comes to client interactions. Pricing disputes, lack of budget transparency, design by committee, and so much more. In this episode, we'll explore some of our red-flag moments and ridiculous client requests and how we deal with them. Grab a cocktail, and join us.

    Ep 17: Special Guest: Jamal Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 42:00


    Changemaker Jamal Collins, of Creative Kids Group, joins The Creative Shit Show for an inspirational and enlightening conversation. Jamal is a designer, photographer, videographer, speaker, and storyteller based in Cleveland, Ohio. After a transformative moment early in his creative career, Jamal set on a course to mentor, advise, and teach design to at-risk you. A real-world example of “Design for Good.”

    Ep 16: Shit Show Stories Volume 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 46:00


    We dug through a mountain of listener submissions and found a real gem to share and discuss. Warning, if you're in marketing (like Jamie), you'll want to have a drink before listening. Our hosts share relatable stories, red flags, and showstoppers, while Karen gives insight into working with people you don't have respect for. Be sure to check the show notes for an original illustration of Justin by Von - it won't disappoint! It's a super creative shit show. Enjoy!

    Ep 15: Special Guest: Gage Mitchell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 52:38


    It's a sustainable shit show! Special guest Gage Mitchell, Principal & Creative Director of Modern Species and host of the popular podcast Evolve CPG, joins the Creative Shit Show for a lively conversation about creating powerful impact by designing for the environment. Gage dispenses advice about supporting impact-driven CPG brands to grow through strategic branding, sustainable design, and community. We asked all the questions about the significance and benefits of B-Corp certification, and how to activate environmental change in your community. Grab a beverage and enjoy the show.

    Ep 14: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 45:00


    With so much going on in the world, staying focused and motivated as entrepreneurs and business owners can be challenging. Our co-hosts, Jamie Saunders, Von Glitschka, Karen Larson, and Justin Ahrens, have an open conversation about the power of introspection and leaning on those you trust to give you honest feedback to improve how you run your business. Mix up your favorite cocktail and have a listen.

    challenges overcoming mix entrepreneurial justin ahrens von glitschka jamie saunders
    Ep 13: Special Guest: David C. Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 45:00


    We are humbled to have the legendary David C. Baker with us for a special guest episode of the Creative Shit Show. In this episode, we pick David's brain on everything from his career start to how he comes up with his creative ideas for his popular newsletter articles, books, and the 2bobs podcast. A must-listen to elevate yourself or your business. Grab a drink and hit play.

    Ep 12: Whatcha Watching?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 34:00


    Co-Hosts Jamie Saunders, Justin Ahrens, Karen Larson, and Von Glitschka explore the plethora of movies, documentaries, and streaming series we've been watching. We weave in some camping stories, doppelgängers, facial recognition, and give each other shit. Grab your popcorn; it's time to go to the movies!

    whatcha watching justin ahrens von glitschka
    Ep 11: Special Guest: Terri Trespicio

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 47:00


    A force of nature, Terri Trespicio steps in for Von as co-host for this special episode of The Creative Shit Show. We chatted through everything from using the powerful Gateless method to write without hesitation to using stand-up comedy and improv to improve your public speaking and creativity to Terri's experience working with the queen of DIY, Martha Stewart. Grab a drink and have a listen.

    Ep 10: The Episode About Nothing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 37:00


    We explore the summer slowdown, the medicinal benefits of cannabis and CBD, including packaging design trends for this growing industry, using the LinkedIn channel to your advantage, and shoot the shit. Grab a cocktail (or a “sample”) and join us.

    Ep 09: Special Guest: Bill Gardner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 56:00


    It's a Magical Creative Shit Show with the incomparable Bill Gardner of Gardner Design and LogoLounge.com. Bill took co-hosts Jamie Saunders, Von Glitschka, Karen Larson, and Justin Ahrens on a captivating journey through design history offering up insanely good advice on refining your designs, and dealing with clients who think they're designers, magical etiquette, and hidden features on logolounge.com. Come have a laugh and learn with us.

    bill gardner logo lounge justin ahrens von glitschka jamie saunders
    Ep 08: Special Guest: Terry Marks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 40:00


    It's a first for the Creative Shit Show! We invited the brilliant and funny Terry Marks, principal of tmarks creative firm in Seattle. We would say one and only, but we found out he's not! You may have seen Terry's work featured in PhotoDisc, Print Magazine, Communication Arts, Critique Magazine, HOW, and more. A dynamic storyteller, branding master, and collaborator, and somehow he manages to remain humble through it all. Join us for the laughs, stay for the stories, and leave feeling energized. You know what to do…grab a drink and enjoy the Creative Shit Show with our special guest, Terry Marks.

    Ep 07: Are You Thirsty?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 46:00


    Being self-employed is a dream for some, but not everyone. As small business owners, our co-hosts open up about the benefits and pitfalls of working for themselves. It's long hours and hard work, and you must want it. Before you leap, you must ask yourself one question. Are you thirsty? If so, grab a cocktail and have a listen.

    Ep 06: Why Are Creatives So Fluffy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 45:00


    Co-Hosts Jamie Saunders, Justin Ahrens Von Glitschka, and Karen Larson have a rough start to an incredibly vulnerable episode about the impact our emotions (or lack of emotions) have on creativity. Learn to work around your feelings and use them as your superpower in handling clients, bosses, or tough projects. Grab a drink, and have a listen.

    Ep 05: Live from HOW Design Live

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 57:00


    Our first ever LIVE podcast was recorded in front of an audience at 2022 How Design Live in Boston, with Von joining us via Zoom from Oregon. As always, we talk trash with each other, but we also took the opportunity to have the audience members ask questions — including Bill Gardner asking Jamie about stripper glitter! It's never dull, so take a listen!

    Ep 04: Unblocking Creative

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 0:29


    Co-Hosts Justin Ahrens, Karen Larson, Von Glitschka, and Jamie Saunders share ways to break through creative blocks and get your creative juices flowing. Some might surprise you, but all should get you thinking and moving forward. Grab a drink, and have a listen. 

    creative unblocking von glitschka jamie saunders
    Ep 03: Playing Nice With Others

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 37:25


    In this episode, Co-Hosts Karen Larson, Von Glitschka, Justin Ahrens, and Jamie Saunders discuss the power of playing nice with others. We tackle tough subjects like client disappointment and toxic co-workers and share our go-to tips for dealing with even the most impossible situations. Get your popcorn ready, it's about to get juicy. 

    playing nice justin ahrens von glitschka jamie saunders
    Ep 02: I Didn't Know That About You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 29:19


    In this episode, Co-Hosts Jamie Saunders, Von Glitschka, Karen Larson, and Justin Ahrens chat through why we do what we do, weave through the stories of our friendships, and share how we got to where we are in our lives and careers. Friends for over ten years, we learned something new about each other including how to pronounce our last names. We also found a recipe for our signature Shit Show cocktail that you do not want to miss. Enjoy the show!

    friends shit show justin ahrens von glitschka
    Ep 01: Welcome to the Creative Shit Show!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 39:39


    Co-Hosts Justin Ahrens, Karen Larson, Von Glitschka, and Jamie Saunders open the door for a peek inside the creative shit show that is our life. We love what we do, but it's not always perfect. In our inaugural episode of the Creative Shit Show, we talk through everything from nightmare clients and entrepreneurial challenges to what we should name our signature Shit Show cocktail. Grab a drink and have a listen.

    creative shit show von glitschka jamie saunders

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