Twenty-Seven

A lot has happened in the last couple of months, including a rebrand from Studio DBJ to Don't Be Jealous Studio! Jean and Calvin have a conversation about other big changes that are coming up. This turns into a discussion about what it's like hitting a wall in your creative/professional life, and how to get around it.

Studio DBJ is set to release a creative worksheet helping people talk about themselves, so Jean and Calvin wanted to have an episode where they give a little more detail about that. They talk about talking about yourself in social and professional situations, what they think is memorable, things maybe to gloss over, and ways to feel more in control of a conversation.

Jean and Calvin are back with an episode where they reflect on 2021. They talk about the things they discovered about themselves, the things they continue to learn, and what they are working towards in 2022. They thought Saturn was done returning, but it seems like they have a lot more in store for them very soon.

Jean and Calvin talk mental health, and the unique place that it's in currently. They talk about what poor mental health maintenance looks like, how the two of them developed more awareness around their wellness, and give some tips about how to start feeling more level. The conversation is surprisingly very light and easygoing!

Last month's podcast episode was pretty heavy, talking about what it looks like to love your job. This time around, Jean and Calvin talk about some contentious topics in design, from spec work to Helvetica, and share whether they think it's overrated or underrated. Jean in particular has some unexpected stances!

In response to a conversation Calvin had, Jean and Calvin discuss what people might mean when they say they "love their job", the different ways that can happen, and what happens when you tie your feelings of passion to the source of your livelihood. And what does it even mean to "pay your dues" at an entry-level position? Art by @lemon.pup on Instagram.

Jean and Calvin are joined by special guest Ochuko Akpovbovbo from Parachute Media. Ochuko talks about her journey starting Parachute Media, and the three of them talk about how to build a great team, how they approach running a business as people with more progressive values, and how they approach storytelling!

Jean and Calvin have been so excited to take the "break" that they've set up for themselves this month so they center the conversation this episode around what it means to take time off from work. They talk about sussing out when you need to step back, how to ask your team and what to do during your vacation.

Jean and Calvin share their experiences with adult friendship and how growing up changes the way you relate to your friends. How have they kept old friendships going and how do they make new friends without school holding everybody together?

Jean and Calvin talk about whether talent is important to being successful, and what other factors come into play when it comes to making it. They also talk about how to capitalize on your talents, how to compensate in spaces where you may be lacking, and take a small detour talking about Kris Jenner.

Since Studio DBJ is making their way through a heavy month of client work, enjoy this episode containing a part of the conversation with Elie from last episode that was trimmed for time. Jean and Calvin are joined by special guest Elie Hutchinson from Lorica Clothing. They talk about cosplay, originality in creative work, and chainmail bikinis.

Jean and Calvin are joined by special guest Elie Hutchinson from Lorica Clothing. They talk about their feelings on what well-executed inspiration looks like, and how artists and designers can create more meaningful work with a deeper understanding of the source material. Also, Elie speaks on her experience as the founder of a viral crowdfunded clothing brand!

Jean and Calvin have touched on what it took for them to leave their 9-to-5's for Studio DBJ, but they go into much more detail about it on this episode. They reflect on what held them back, what pushed them forward, and whether they made the right decision. And they also give tips for people who are considering leaping themselves.

Jean and Calvin work through their feelings about the recent controversy around The Mahjong Line and their visual refresh of a Chinese game. They discuss the difficult history of Asian Americans in the U.S., and the difficult present of Asian Americans' place in social movements in the 21st century.

Jean and Calvin start off by talking about Studio DBJ's 2020 and how the year has been treated them, personally. Then they go into a discussion about their ideas on manifesting: what it is, what it isn't, and how they think it works.

Jean and Calvin share their past holiday traditions, gifts that they love, and some tips for giving great gifts for the designer in your life.

Jean and Calvin discuss getting paid, both in their pasts as employees under payroll, and as a studio. They touch on how people (especially as designers) can set their rates and understand their worth when seeking work.

Jean and Calvin scratch the surface about the similarities and differences between their experiences growing up, and how being Asian-American (in addition to other stuff) shapes the way they approach things today.

Jean and Calvin talk about things they've learned about setting boundaries, how they do it now that they're self-employed and share tips about working from home.

Jean and Calvin talk about their very different paths that led to them working together, and what they'll be talking about in future podcast episodes.