The Typecast: Grow Your Art Business

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie and Ilana talk with Radim Malinic, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans graphic design, music, branding, publishing and building a business that celebrates visual storytelling. Radim opens up about how naivety fueled his early career, the challenges of burnout, and the pivotal role of self-acceptance in finding balance. His story emphasizes the importan...

Send us Fan Mail Building a creative career is one thing—making it sustainable (without burning yourself out) is another. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Smith, an artist and author who’s proof that you can build a thriving creative business without selling your soul. We talk about the power of embracing silliness, the realities of mass-market licensing, and why betting on yourself is the b...

Send us Fan Mail The idea of having your art sold in retail stores across the country sounds like a dream, right? Big and small retailers carrying your work, more exposure, and (hopefully) more income. But what does it actually take to sell your art wholesale–and is it the right path for you?  In this episode, we’re joined by Katie Hunt, founder of Proof to Product, to break down everything artist...

Send us Fan Mail Can two artists build a $100K art business in one year? In this episode, Katie and Ilana share their unfiltered journey as they create and conquer bold experiments to combine their love for art and education into a thriving creative business. We’re breaking down the numbers, setting actionable goals, and sharing how we’re blending freelancing and art licensing to find a sustainabl...

Send us Fan Mail This past year has felt like a total sprint—so much has happened, and it flew by in the blink of an eye. In this episode, we’re hitting pause to reflect on the highlights, the hiccups, and how we’ve grown as creatives and entrepreneurs. We’re sharing the moments that made us feel on top of the world, the challenges that tested our limits, and the lessons we’ve learned about chasin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with Amy and Jen of Hoodzpah Design about dream jobs, type design, running a small studio, and pretty much everything in between. From navigating the ups and downs of your creative process to type design and balancing multiple income streams. The duo shares a light on what happens behind the scenes with a side of real talk about balancing big-picture proje...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Clarke, a designer who's worn all the hats—from web design to founding his own type foundry. Jamie opens up about the power of community and how networking played a pivotal role in his creative journey. He also takes us through his evolution as a designer and gets real about the financial side of type design. Plus, we dive into a hot to...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie and Ilana catch up with graphic designer and type aficionado Harbor Bickmore, as he takes us through his journey from design student to thriving type designer.  Harbor breaks down the delicate balance between passion projects and making a living, the hurdles of marketing and selling fonts, and the importance of knowing what your audience wants and needs. He...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie and Ilana sit down with Annica Lydenberg, aka Dirty Bandits and explore her creative journey through lettering, sign painting, and mural art. Annica also shares about her co-founded non-profit, the deeply personal “You Are Not Alone” Mural Project. Throughout her work, her dedication to her craft, community, and making meaningful connections is always front...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the creative mind of Andy J. Pizza—author, illustrator, and podcaster—who shares his journey of staying true to himself in a world where commercial pressures often feel at odds with personal expression.  Andy shares how he navigates the balance between creativity and business. His disciplined yet playful approach is a powerful reminder that each...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie and Ilana chat with the artist behind their podcast art, Matthijs Herzberg. Matthijs is a self-taught type designer and artist in New Orleans. This conversation dives into the world of type design, and a little Mardi Gras. The discussion also covers valuable learning resources, some truths about time management, and balancing client work with personal projec...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie chat with  Lauren Hom, a celebrated freelance artist renowned for her distinctive lettering style and entrepreneurial prowess. Lauren is known for combining her passion for lettering with culinary arts, creating a unique recipe of creativity and business. Lauren shares her insights into the creative process, entrepreneurship, and how her unexpected...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie get real about the tricky balance between productivity, creativity, and finding joy in their work and life. They discuss how society’s focus on accomplishment can lead to burnout, and how they’re working to navigate this. Ilana talks about her excitement—and a bit of fear—as she challenges herself to find fulfillment without constantly chasing the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the world of Cymone Wilder, a lettering artist and designer. Cymone shares how working with an agent has positively impacted her career and what that relationship looks like.  Cymone also explains her choice to work a full-time job while freelancing, highlighting the stability and benefits it offers. She shares the challenges and perks of...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the creative world of book cover design with Art Director, Casey Moses. Casey shares her journey into the field of books and insight into her job as an Art Director at a major publishing house. They explore how book covers influence reader choices, and discuss their favorite genres. The conversation also details Casey’s process for design...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie sit down with Scott Fuller, the designer, illustrator, and founder of The Studio Temporary — specializing in crafting compelling brand identities, illustrations, logos, type designs, packaging, and more. Scott discusses the significance of focusing on the end goal and creating timeless, and memorable work. Scott shares the importance of building hu...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie delve into the world of diversifying income streams in the creative industry with Jessica Hische, everyone’s favorite OG lettering artist. They discuss the importance of financial stability and how incorporating various revenue streams can contribute to a more robust creative career. From client projects to online classes and book royalties, Jessic...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana, Katie, and Fabiola Lara explore the process of passion projects and merging different interests to create unique content.  Fabiola shares her experience as an illustrator and content creator, highlighting the importance of finding one's voice and staying authentic on social media. She also addresses navigating burnout, emphasizing self-care and the val...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie, Ilana, and Dan had an animated discussion, explored the idea of introducing oneself with dislikes, dove into the Chicago pizza scene, and shared stories of how MTV and Nickelodeon shaped their creative journeys.  Dan delved into his experience uncovering subliminal messages in graphic design and his transition to working with bands and the drag community. T...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the journey of graphic design and illustration with the creative minds behind DKNG Studios, Dan Kuhlken and Nathan Goldman. They cover a wide array of topics, from the importance of creative freedom and the challenges of licensing to the benefits of business diversification.  The conversation touches on the delicate balance between fan ar...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana, Katie, and Freddie discuss the journey of being a multi-passionate creative and building a design business. They talk about the value of incorporating play and fun into your work. They also discuss the importance of standing up for your ideas even if it means some people won't like you. They highlight writing books, dealing with criticism, building tea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Liz Mosley takes on the role of host and interviews Katie and Ilana. Despite living in different parts of the US, they share how they came to collaborate at Goodtype, discussing their journey into leadership roles and the team structure they've developed.  This episode emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and embracing weaknesses in entrepreneurship (...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Katie talk with Creative Strategist, Lennon Bone from Stop the Starving Artist. They discuss a range of topics related to creativity, music, production, and selling your work. They explore the dynamics of collaboration among musicians, transitioning from unpaid work to paid projects, and the significance of storytelling in artistic expression.  They refl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth dive into their experiences in the surface pattern design and art licensing industry. Elizabeth shares her journey from working as an in-house designer to freelancing and licensing her artwork. They discuss the misconceptions about art licensing, the importance of balancing multiple income streams, and the challenges of managing time and energy...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into the creative journey of Elliot Jay Stocks, a versatile designer and author. They discuss the importance of embracing new projects and taking risks, as well as the value of side projects and passion.  Elliot shares insights into the creation of his new book, 'Universal Principles of Typography' and the roller coaster of emotions...