Working With Designers

On technology, human behavior, social structures, and the things that bring us together

On niching, perception, and getting closer to the people you’re trying to reach.

On creativity, connection, and sharing your work as you grow

On taste, decision-making, organization, and using technology to understand yourself before you act.

In this episode, Kristin and Jake explore the evolving landscape of AI tools, personal productivity, and social media dynamics. They share insights on using AI for systemizing life, creative projects, and business strategies, while also discussing the impact of social media on authenticity and community.

How motherhood, AI and shifting priorities are changing the way we think about creative work.

AI isn’t coming for your job—but it is changing how designers work. In this episode of Working With Designers , we unpack the real impact of AI on creative work, design strategy, and client expectations. Jake and Kristin explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva are showing up in real projects, what designers should (and shouldn’t) worry about, and how to navigate the shifting landscape of origi...

Kristin Silva and Jake Cooper dive into the realities of running a creative business—from strategic networking and portfolio challenges to marketing, sales, and client management. They reflect on local creative communities, the pitfalls of bad industry advice, and the tech gaps small businesses face. The conversation highlights the balance between strategy and execution, the evolution of design ex...

Summary In this episode, Jake and Kristin dive into the messy, meaningful side of client work—where strategy meets real talk. They unpack the importance of setting expectations early, owning the process, and leading clients with clarity and confidence. From subscription models and value-based pricing to design briefs and project pivots, they share hard-earned lessons from the trenches. It’s a cand...

Summary In this episode of 'Working with Designers', hosts Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva engage with Sean Clancy and Elina Picciocca, co-founders of Space Out Design. They discuss the realities of creative partnerships, the journey of starting a design studio, navigating roles and responsibilities, client relationships, and the challenges of transitioning to full-time freelancing. The conversation...

This episode of Working With Designers explores the complexities of niching as a creative professional , including when it's beneficial, when it’s limiting, and how to balance specialization with flexibility. Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva break down real-world experiences, industry misconceptions, and strategies for making the best decision for your business. 00:00 – Weekend Reflections 03:03...

Summary In this conversation, Jake and Kristin explore various themes related to design, branding, and client relationships. They discuss the importance of mental health in business, the delicate balance between branding and marketing, and the challenges of educating clients about their needs. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, on content creation and...

In this episode of 'Working with Designers', hosts Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva discuss the intricacies of branding, client management, and the challenges faced by designers in the creative industry. They explore how to determine the branding needs of clients based on their business stage, the importance of establishing a strong brand foundation, and strategies for effective networking and findin...

In this episode of 'Working with Designers', Kristin Silva and Jake Cooper explore the multifaceted value of design in business. They discuss the challenges of quantifying design impact, emphasizing that design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating systems that enhance efficiency, retention, and revenue. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding metrics, the inter...

We're letting our hair down! This week, we switched things up! Stay tuned, dive in, and give it a listen if you’re in the mood for a casual conversation about navigating change. We cover a mix of topics, like conflating ones identity with ones work, using social media with a healthy dose of skepticism, and the post-election energy that’s shaping our mindset as we look toward 2025. We also chat abo...

This is truly an introduction, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this space with fellow creatives and business owners alike. So, let’s dive right into what you’ll be listening to. We’re calling it… Episode 0—a humorous yet meaningful way to commemorate the true beginning of this journey. Here’s a quick, timestamped guide: 0:00 — Introductions 5:52 — Diving in! 8:12 — What is branding? 14:0...