Able Heads

You'll discover why starting small with low-stakes digital products can spark your entrepreneurial fire and how quirky, niche items can surprise you with virality. Amy Hood from and Bea Morgan from  @Hoodzpah  break down the importance of community validation, the art of crafting memorable unboxing experiences, and the secret sauce behind slow growth that nurtures genuine fans. Plus, get their...

Motion designer and artist Ryan Selvy joins Able Heads for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on AI, creativity, and what it means to be a working designer in 2026. Ryan who specializes in motion design and does contract work with Adobe Live — breaks down exactly how he uses AI tools day-to-day, why he'd never use AI for a final output, and what the industry is getting wrong about replacing h...

Howard Pinsky and Anika Aggarwal discuss the importance of emotional storytelling in creative work, the role of platforms like Reddit in fostering community feedback, and the future of AI in both creative and medical contexts. Howard shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with AI and emphasizes the need for a balance between technology and human emotion in creative processes. 🎧 Able Head...

We discuss the intricacies of freelancing, focusing on the importance of contracts, community support, and pricing strategies. Books that might help:https://pricingdesignbook.com/https://jessicahische.shop/products/the-dark-art-of-pricing 🎧 Able Heads is a podcast about the creator economy, business, and the decisions that shape a creative life. New Episode every week! Check out Kirk's YouTub...

What does pitching yourself to brands look like behind the scenes? Not the polished pitch deck, but figuring out how to explain your work, trust your process and show up without overthinking. If you've ever struggled with pitching, I hope this episode helps you talk about your process without overselling it, and connect clients with what you're making and your story.🎧 Able Heads is a podc...

Kirk and Anika dive into the multifaceted relationship between AI and creativity. They explore emotional responses to AI tools, the cultural implications of AI in creative workflows, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in design. Episode 4 is part of a 6-episode Able Heads series focused on creative discomfort, authenticity, and staying in the work long enough to build somethi...

The small choices that turn work from “nice” into meaningful. This conversation is about slowing down, paying attention, and digging deeper into what you’re actually trying to say with your work. Episode 3 is part of a 6-episode Able Heads series focused on creative discomfort, authenticity, and staying in the work long enough to build something real. 🎧 Able Heads is a podcast about creativity, b...

In this episode of Able Heads, Kirk Wallace and I talk about authenticity as something quieter and more sustainable than a personal brand strategy. Staying aligned with how you want to work and live. Kirk shares how he's navigated building an online presence without pressure to fit a mold, and I reflect on my own experience with brand partnerships and the line between visibility and alignment....

In this episode of Able Heads, I sit down with Kirk Wallace to talk honestly about a decade of freelancing, creative doubt, mid-project panic, and the mindset shifts that come with turning art into a long-term career. 🎧 Able Heads is a podcast about creativity, business, and the decisions that shape a creative life. Subscribe for the rest of this 6-part series with Kirk, where we dive deeper into...

Alanna Flowers, a freelance lettering artist and graphic designer, shares her insights on art licensing, pitching, and the importance of personal projects. She discusses her journey in freelancing, the strategies she employs for outreach, and the balance between self-promotion and networking. Alanna emphasizes the significance of contracts, negotiation, and the impact of AI on the creative industr...

In this conversation, Anika Aggarwal and Kaya Marriott discuss the evolution of content creation, focusing on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube. Kaya shares her journey from blogging to becoming a content creator, emphasizing the importance of leveraging different platforms for traffic and engagement. They explore strategies for creating engaging content, understanding ROI on Pinterest, and the...

Anika Aggarwal and Carra Sykes explore the journey of creativity, the challenges of defining success, and the importance of personal branding in the design world. They discuss the impact of personal experiences on creative work, the significance of attracting the right clients, and the evolving nature of success in a fast-paced industry. Carra shares insights on dealing with imposter syndrome and...

In this episode, Voodoo Val shares her journey as a creative professional, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the art world. From the role of AI in enhancing creativity to the importance of community support, Val emphasizes the need for personal projects to combat burnout and maintain passion. We also talk about self-promotion from a PR standpoint, the impact of rejections, and t...

This week I’m solo on Able Heads, pulling together the five shifts that actually helped me move my creative business forward, without burning out or chasing every shiny trend. Think of it as a tiny, evidence-backed playbook to hit your business goals: defining success beyond money, being seen on purpose, letting form follow a clear “why,” learning out loud with drafts and feedback, and building a...

Troy Leinster has spent years in the world of type design. From working at Hoefler & Co. (now Monotype) in New York to now running his own studio, Leinster Type. In this episode of Able Heads, we talk about building a career in type, how to pitch your work to foundries like Adobe Fonts and Sandoll Cloud, and making it sustainable through teaching and licensing, and learning to step up when opp...

Should every creative act like an influencer to stay relevant? Flyn Tracy thinks not. In this Able Heads episode, we talk about authentic storytelling, why repurposed TikToks aren’t the answer, and how to get discovered for events like Adobe MAX. We also cover portfolio pitfalls, building trust with audiences, and the fine line between content strategy and chasing trends. Check out Flyn's work: ht...

In this conversation, Fiorella Granda shares her journey from being an architecture student to becoming a successful freelance illustrator and designer, focusing on sports and community engagement. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of social media in her career, and how cultural influences shape her design perspective. Fiorella emphasizes the significance of...

Join me in conversation with Nick Longo, design professor and podcast host, as we explore the future of design education and redefining success in creative fields. Nick Longo is the founder of Longo Designs, a studio specializing in bold branding and packaging for food, beverage, and restaurant brands. Nick is a design instructor at California State University, Northridge, and co-hosts the Deeply...

In this conversation, Anika and Mateusz explore the intersection of design and mental health, discussing the journey of running a creative studio, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of self-care. Mateusz shares insights on how his Polish and Canadian identities influence his work, the impact of motion design on his illustrations, and the significance of journaling and reflection in...

In this conversation, Adam the Illustrator shares his journey from being laid off to becoming a successful content creator and illustrator. We discuss the importance of storytelling in your work, the challenges of maintaining mental health while navigating social media, and the significance of authenticity in a crowded digital landscape. Adam emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and share...

In this conversation, Alex Lazaris discusses the current challenges in the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of strategy over design. He shares his evolving definition of success, the significance of building trust with clients, and the holistic approach to branding. Alex also delves into the intricacies of the strategy process, client retention, and the impact of AI on branding. He in...

In this episode of Able Heads , we go behind the scenes with Mike Di Genova, founder of Work Louder — the hardware startup rethinking creative tools from the ground up. From building their first keyboard prototypes with 3D printers to launching Creator Board and Nomad[E], Mike shares the real, unfiltered story of how Work Louder came to be. We talk about: Why Mike chose to launch a hardware startu...

In this episode, Liz Mosley shares her journey as a graphic designer and branding expert, discussing the challenges and triumphs of working with small businesses. She reflects on her transition from a stable job to freelancing, the importance of authenticity in personal branding, and the impact of motherhood on her career choices. Liz also introduces her 'Rejection Challenge,' which encourages bol...

In this episode, Anika and Fergie dive into bold branding, rebranding challenges, and the power of personal style. They unpack how AI is reshaping design workflows, client relationships, and personal branding—while staying true to human intuition. Fergie shares her ‘anti-beige’ approach and insights on mentorship, individuality, and mental health in the digital age. Fergie is an award-winning desi...

Welcome to Able Heads, the space where we dive into creative minds and unpack how people actually get things done. In the first episode, designer Colby Clites shares his journey from aspiring musician to a successful illustrator and packaging designer. Colby highlights the significance of building relationships with print partners, talks about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields and...