State of the Union

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer, educator, and writer Gail Anderson about building a career that spans decades without losing curiosity or joy. From her early days at the School of Visual Arts to roles at Random House and The Boston Globe, through her influential run at Rolling Stone alongside legendary art director Fred Woodward, Gail’s path is a masterclass in staying committed...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer and hand letterer Dan Lee, aka @dandrawnwords, about building a creative life that still looks and feels human. Dan’s work is full of the pencil lines, guides, and imperfections that prove a real person made it, and that honesty is the point. They walk through Dan’s pivot from a chemical engineering degree and a “safe” path at Drexel, to a full-body...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Tyler Deeb—designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Misc. Goods Co. From a 2012 Kickstarter deck of playing cards to a full-scale brand built on craft, honesty, and restraint, Tyler’s path is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts. They talk about how Tyler found design late, why self-initiated work mattered in the early internet era, a...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Cymone Wilder, designer and lettering artist behind Simon & Moose, about making work that speaks plainly and honestly in a moment that demands it. They talk about navigating creative spaces that still feel exclusionary, why representation at conferences and events matters, and how access, ticket prices, and corporate decision-making quietly shape who get...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Nathan Goldman, designer, illustrator, and cofounder of DKNG Studios, about what it really takes to build, and sustain, a long-term creative life. Nathan reflects on growing up in an artistic household, finding his creative footing through music and screen printing, and how a high school friendship evolved into a 20-year studio partnership. Together, they un...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Allie Mounce—Memphis-based designer, illustrator, and cofounder of Pretty Useful Co—about what it means to build a creative life that actually works for you, not just your résumé. They cover the realities of working in a small market during a recession, recovering from agency burnout, and redefining success after the pandemic. Allie shares how stepping away...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Austin Dunbar—designer, entrepreneur, and studio owner. Austin is the Principal of Durham Brand & Co. and a partner at Wenzel Distillery, and he’s built multiple businesses and long-term client relationships through some of the most volatile years the creative industry has ever seen. Together, they talk candidly about what it actually feels like to b...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Brandon Rike—creative director and designer known for shaping the visual world of bands and musicians across genres. Over the last two decades, Brandon has worked with artists like Twenty One Pilots, Skrillex, Thirty Seconds To Mars, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182, and Underoath, building a career that’s as prolific as it is honest. Together, they talk...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Tracie Ching—illustrator, poster artist, and one of the most distinctive digital printmakers working today. Known for her meticulous vector work and striking limited-edition posters, Tracie has built a career defined by discipline, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to craft. Together, they dig into the realities of building a creative career in publi...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Amy Hood—designer, co-founder of Hoodzpah, and one half of the sister-duo that’s helped shape everything from startup brands to global campaigns with their bold, unmistakable style. Together, they dig into Amy’s Southern upbringing, how it shaped the way she sees people and work, and the differences she and her sister Jen have noticed between design scenes a...

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer and illustrator Matt Stevens—longtime friend, collaborator, and the creative mind behind projects like Max 100 and Good Movies as Old Books . They explore how personal work can reshape a career, what it takes to stay inspired as a one-person studio, and how curiosity, clarity, and consistency have guided Matt’s path for more than a decade. Together,...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Brian McDonald—an award-winning screenwriter, director, and author of Invisible Ink and Land of the Dead . With over 30 years in film, television, and comics, Brian’s storytelling wisdom has shaped generations of writers and filmmakers. Together, they talk about the craft and truth of storytelling—why good stories last, how AI challenges creativity, and...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Theresa Fitzgerald — a mission-driven designer, educator, and creative leader behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in children’s media. Together, they explore the evolving role of education in a fast-moving world. From the global influence of Sesame Workshop to the principles of designing for children, they discuss the power of play, nostalgia,...

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Miné Day, Brad Hodgkiss, and Clinton Campbell — the partners behind MUTI, a Cape Town–based design and illustration studio known for its stunning range of styles, collaborative energy, and deeply human approach to creativity. They talk about how the studio formed through trust, friendship, and a shared vision — and how it grew organically into one of the...

In this first episode, Josh Horton—founder of Creative Works and the Creative Workers Union—shares the honest story behind this podcast: why it took years to launch, what finally pushed him to hit record, and why real, unfiltered conversations about creative work are more important now than ever. If you’re feeling uncertain, burned out, or just looking for something real, this episode is for you....