Rocky Roark explores his personal design blunders to help you avoid making the same mistakes. He dives into one big mistake he made with Cards Against Humanity, the effects of going on a freelancing hiatus, and more!

Also on this episode:

• Why you shouldn’t ignore the red flags
• Long-term vs. short-term payments
• Diversifying your income streams
• Learning from your mistakes and failures

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack!

Rocky Roark dives into how to handle changes in your career path.  On this episode he talks about:

• The inevitable evolution of a creative career
• How to navigate a shift in your career
• What it takes to make a successful transition
• Thriving with your skillset and experience

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 
Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 
 

Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones to talk about how the pandemic affected Creative South and what the event will look like going forward.

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 
Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 
 

Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones for a deep dive into Creative South. They discuss how Creative South was started, what's changed with the event over the years, and why community is so important. 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 
Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 

 

On this week's episode, Rocky Roark dives into the world of design subscriptions. Topics covered include:

• What exactly is a design subscription?
• The pros and cons for freelancers and design businesses
• The pros and cons for clients

If you've ever considered offering design subscriptions, or might in the future, then this is the episode for you!

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 
 

In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of a designer's multifaceted influence, unwrapping the layers that make our role pivotal in the realms of storytelling, innovation, and strategic growth. Beginning with the cornerstone of our impact, we delve into the magic of problem-solving skills, highlighting how designers are adept at transforming challenges into triumphant solutions. 

Moving forward, we navigate the intricate landscape of user experience, where our expertise ensures seamless interactions that redefine ordinary experiences in today's user-focused market. From boosting marketing effectiveness to increasing business value, designers play a crucial role in enhancing the perceived value of products and services, strategically aligning creative decisions with business objectives. We then shed light on our unique contribution as outsiders, offering fresh perspectives that lead to breakthroughs and innovation beyond the usual boundaries. 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack!

In this eye-opening podcast episode, we dive into the alarming rise of scams targeting freelancers on popular platforms like Dribbble and Behance. Host Rocky Roark shares personal experiences and stories from the design community, shedding light on the various types of scams infiltrating these platforms, from payment advance and phishing schemes to identity theft and malware attacks. 

Rocky then presents a compelling case study, dissecting the "Monkey Pox Scam" and unravels its deceptive elements. The episode explores the profound impact these scams have on freelancers, affecting not only their wallets but also their confidence, time, and trust in the freelance ecosystem. Rocky leaves listeners with actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of staying informed, reporting scams, and implementing a verification process to foster a safer freelance community.

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 

In this podcast, the transformative influence of goal setting in freelancing and design is explored across various dimensions. The initial segment emphasizes goals as intricate blueprints, driving motivation and focus while serving as tools to overcome challenges in competitive career landscapes. Real-life success stories highlight the strategic use of goal setting, from achieving work-life balance to reaching significant career milestones. 

The subsequent segment introduces goal-setting frameworks such as SMART Goals, OKRs, and BHAGs, emphasizing customization to individual paths and the importance of selecting resonant frameworks aligned with personal working styles and aspirations. This comprehensive guide provides practical insights and inspiration for freelancers and designers, covering the empowering role of goal setting in shaping careers and lifestyles.

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 

In today's episode, we dive into a topic that has ignited debates in the design community—“Why inspiration is important for designers and their creative process.” This special episode challenges the recent notion that designers shouldn't rely on seeking inspiration. In Act 1, we explore the definition of inspiration versus imitation, its diverse sources, and its foundational role in innovation. Act 2 guides you through building a digital library of inspiration on platforms like Pinterest, Dribbble, Behance, and Instagram. 

We discuss effective categorization, regular maintenance, and strategies to use inspiration as a springboard for original ideas. Before we delve in, a quick shoutout to Creative South, a yearly creative conference where designers come together to share, network, and ignite their creativity. Tickets for their 2024 conference are on sale now at www.creativesouth.com. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and practical tips on why embracing inspiration is not just helpful but essential for designers in a dynamic field like design.

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 

Welcome to the finale of the Design Break podcast's communication mini-series. In this episode, host Rocky Roark emphasizes that the end of a project doesn't mark the end of communication—it's a new beginning. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights to transform one-off projects into ongoing partnerships.

We explore the importance of ongoing relationships, leaving the door open for future work, leveraging referrals, and the value of post-project reviews and testimonials. From regular check-ins to personalized holiday greetings, we dissect strategies to maintain communication for future opportunities. As we wrap up this transformative series, Rocky challenges listeners to reflect on their post-project practices and consider how adopting these approaches can reshape the trajectory of their freelance business. It's time to nurture your network and feed your future—buckle up for a journey beyond project completion!

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Join the Hustle Muscle Slack! 

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark highlights the significance of non-creative feedback in the freelance design industry. He explores how this type of feedback can reveal hidden issues, enhance client relationships, and improve overall business operations. Rocky emphasizes that valuing non-creative feedback sets freelancers apart, providing actionable insights to improve not just their work, but their entire freelance business model.

This episode covers key benefits of listening to non-creative feedback, including creating a holistic understanding of client needs, unveiling hidden issues, and fostering stronger client relationships. Additionally, it discusses how actively seeking and acting on non-creative feedback can lead to operational excellence, risk mitigation, improved client retention, and tailored future interactions. Rocky then concludes with practical tips on sourcing non-creative feedback effectively through methods like client surveys, post-project reviews, ongoing discussions, client exit interviews, and third-party feedback. 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 

The Futur Accelerator Program 

Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff

RetroSupply Co. (Code: ROCKY20)