The Angry Designer

A No-Bull Graphic Design Podcast that cuts through industry jargon & nonsense, to help frustrated Graphic Designers survive and thrive.

A No-Bull Graphic Design Podcast that cuts through industry jargon & nonsense, to help frustrated Graphic Designers survive and thrive.

  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    What Graphic Designers Get Wrong About Burnout and How to Reignite Your Passion for Design

    Burnout: the silent killer of graphic design careers.

    It creeps in slowly, disguised as endless revisions, soul-sucking clients, and monotonous work. Before you know it, you're questioning everything: Why did you get into design? Is this even worth it anymore?

    But here’s the hard truth: burnout isn’t the problem—it’s how you’re handling it.

    In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear down the myths about burnout and give graphic designers the real, no-nonsense playbook to fight back. Packed with hard-hitting truths, actionable advice, and a few well-timed rants, we’ll help you rediscover the passion that made you fall in love with design in the first place.

    From breaking free of soul-sucking clients to reigniting your creativity, we cover:

    • Why most designers burn out—and how to avoid it
    • The one mindset shift that will change everything
    • How to dump soul-sucking clients and focus on what lights you up
    • Why reigniting your passion isn’t just about design—it’s about YOU

    By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to ditch the burnout and embrace the badass creative you were born to be.

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    See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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    17 December 2024, 5:00 am
  • 52 minutes 58 seconds
    IMPOSSIBLE Graphic Design Choices You’ll Love to Make (Without Losing Your Cool)

    Graphic Design is full of tough decisions—fonts, colors, clients who don’t pay, deadlines that laugh in your face, and software that feels like it’s out to ruin your life. But what happens when you’re forced to choose between bad and worse?

    In this week’s episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we crank up the heat with 25 no-win ‘Would You Rather’ scenarios guaranteed to make every Graphic Designer squirm. 

    Brace yourself for a fun ride as we expose the quirks, frustrations, and downright absurd realities of being a graphic designer. It’s fun. It’s painful. It’s 100% the therapy session you didn’t know you needed.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • Why design decisions feel like emotional warfare.
    • What your answers say about who you are as a designer.
    • That sometimes, you just have to laugh to keep from quitting.

    Grab a drink, loosen up, and prepare to laugh (or cry) at the absurdity of it all—because sometimes, being a designer means embracing the chaos. Let’s see how tough you really are.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    Want to see more?
    See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
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    Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast

    10 December 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Why MOST Graphic Designers Feel Burnt Out or Stuck and How-to Break Free with Matt Essam

    Feeling Burnt Out or Stuck in a Design Rut SUCKS. But here’s the brutal truth: MOST Graphic Designers are sabotaging themselves. Grinding through bad clients, chasing endless projects, and staying trapped in the same broken patterns, all while wondering why things never change.

    It’s time to face reality with some tough love.

    In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re tackling the issues that terrify Graphic Designers most. Joined by coach and creative expert Matt Essam, we unravel the myths about burn out, the design business, expose the traps keeping creatives stuck, and deliver practical, BS-free strategies to break free and take control. 

    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • Why creativity alone will NEVER be enough to succeed
    • Dangerous myths keeping Graphic Designers trapped in mediocrity
    • How to build a Graphic Design business that WORKS for YOU
    • The mindset shift every Graphic Designer needs to escape the grind

    If you’re tired of feeling burnt out, making excuses, feeling stuck, and ready to do the work, this episode is your roadmap out. The only question is: are you bold enough to listen?

    Check out Matt's podcast, Creative Courage, for more insight for creative business owners:
    Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
    Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    3 December 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    What Graphic Designers GET WRONG About Their Clients. Yes, Size Matters!

    "Not all clients are created equal"—a truth every Graphic Designer discovers sooner or later. Whether it’s a small, scrappy startup or a sprawling corporate giant, working with different-sized clients presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

    But how do you navigate these extremes without losing your sanity (or your creativity)?

    In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re breaking down the fundamental differences between working with big and small clients. From the red tape of approval processes to the creative freedom (or lack thereof), we’ll guide you through the pros, cons, and strategies for thriving with these clients no matter who’s on the other side of the table.

    • Discover why small clients aren’t just "stepping stones" but gateways to creative freedom
    • Learn how big clients can offer stability—and the hidden pitfalls to watch for
    • Get insider tips on navigating scope creep, managing expectations, and building lasting relationships with both client types

    Packed with our no-holds bared advice, fiery insights, and a bit of ranting, this episode will leave you equipped to tackle any design client, big or small, with confidence.

    By the end, you’ll understand the game-changing differences between Big vs Small clients and how to use this knowledge to elevate your Graphic Design career. 

    So grab your coffee (or Bourbon) and tune in!

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    26 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    The REAL Truth On Macs vs PCs for Graphic Design. Are You on the Wrong Side?

    Forget about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul - there is a BIGGER rivalry for Graphic Designers: Mac vs PC. For decades, Graphic Designers have worshipped at the altar of the Mac—it's been the gold standard for Graphic Designers, the non-negotiable creative tool, right? But is that reputation still deserved, or are designers just caught in the cult of Mac? Do you really need a Mac for Graphic Design?

    This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we dive into the ultimate creative rivalry: Mac vs PC. Do you really need a Mac to be a great Graphic Designer, or are you just paying for the brand? We're tearing down the hype and dissecting the hard facts to uncover:

    • How Mac's slick tradition turned into a Graphic Designer status symbol
    • The raw truth about performance, price, and longevity between MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and Surface for Graphic Design
    • Which computer is right FOR YOU!
    • The ONE thing Mac has that PCs can’t touch—and why it might be a game-changer


    Whether you're a loyal Mac diehard or a PC tinkerer, it's time to question what really matters for your creative career.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    Want to see more?
    See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
    Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
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    Stay Angry our Friends
    –––––––––––
    Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
    Want to see more?
    See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
    Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
    Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast

    19 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 56 minutes 45 seconds
    How Successful Graphic Designers Are Using AI to Level Up - Don't Get Left behind!

    ChatGPT AI was made for Graphic Designers, helping them go further, faster, and deliver at levels they never thought possible. But only a few are taking full advantage, and they’re already propelling themselves ahead of the pack.

    While some Graphic Designers fear it’ll make them lazy or irrelevant, the truth is, ChatGPT AI is the ultimate game-changer—freeing up time for the creative work that matters and pushing your design process further than ever before.

    In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we’re calling out misconceptions, breaking down myths, and giving you the inside scoop on ChatGPT AI for Graphic Designers, including:

    - Why fearing AI will only set you back – discover how AI can handle the mundane so you can focus on the parts of design process that truly matter
    - The intersection of efficiency and authenticity – AI can’t replace your intuition or unique creative vision; it’s here to amplify it
    - How a Graphic Designer’s role is evolving – step into the future, where AI lets you become the creative director of your own work, a maestro in full control

    From streamlining research and discovery to sparking fresh ideas through brainstorming, we’ll show you how ChatGPT AI is built to make Graphic Designers look like rock stars. If you’ve been hesitating to embrace this new tool, now’s the time to level up. Grab your drink, buckle in, and get ready to rethink what it means to be a Graphic Designer in the age of AI.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    12 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    The Brutal Truth Why Your Brand Isn’t Working & How to Fix it with Anneli Hannson

    Forget the Branding BS and start embracing what truly sets you apart. 
    In this episode of The Angry Designer Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of branding and personal authenticity with none other than Anneli Hansson. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Anneli sheds light on how brands and designers alike can cut through the corporate jargon and connect on a human level.

    Anneli takes us behind the scenes of her journey—from a small island in Sweden to working with billion-dollar brands—and unpacks why most branding advice out there is missing the mark. Together, we tear down the myths that keep designers stuck in the order-taker role and discuss how to shift from being a task-doer to a problem-seeker, helping you build a brand that actually connects.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:

    • How to create authentic branding without getting lost in corporate BS
    • The real difference between branding and marketing—and why it matters
    • Proven strategies to take control and start solving real problems for clients

    Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about branding and give you the tools to take your design career to the next level.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    5 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 42 minutes 9 seconds
    What Graphic Designers Need to Reclaim and Why Your Future Depends on it!

    Graphic designers have been cornered for far too long—boxed out of web design by coding barriers, developers who just don’t get it, and platforms that never really worked for us. The web was always meant to be a designer’s playground—so why did we walk away from it?

    In this episode of The Angry Designer podcast, we dive deep into the biggest missed opportunity in graphic design and why reclaiming the web is no longer optional—it’s essential to your survival. Whether you’ve tried building websites before and felt burned, or you’ve avoided web design altogether, we're here to shatter those fears and encourage graphic designers to reclaim web design.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why web design should have always been under your control
    • The real reasons designers abandoned the web—and how to fix it
    • How no-code tools are making web design easier than ever (no developer required)
    • Three easy steps to start offering web services today—and get paid what you’re worth
    • Why embracing web design now could be the difference between staying relevant or falling behind

    By the end, you’ll understand why your design journey has to evolve—and how the web could be the key to taking your business to the next level. The future is wide open for designers—if you’re ready to claim it.


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    graphic design, web design, layout design, no-code tools, design tools, future-proof design, graphic designer career, reclaim web design, design trends, designer tools, website design, creative control, design future, layout mastery, online design tools, website building for designers, digital design, design skills, hybrid designer, design evolution, web design tips, creative business growth, design strategy, branding and web design, design career growth, graphic design opportunities

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    29 October 2024, 4:00 am
  • 42 minutes 10 seconds
    How Not Being Authentic Is KILLING Your Graphic Design Career

    What if the reason you’re not landing the right Graphic Design clients is because you’re too busy trying to be someone you’re not? Too many Graphic Designers focus on trends, what’s hot, and what they think clients want. But what if clients are looking for exactly what you’re not giving—your true self?

    In this episode of The Angry Designer, we’re exposing how being fake costs more than it earns and why authenticity is your secret weapon. How staying true to your values attracts better clients, and how saying "no" to the wrong work opens the door to bigger, better opportunities.

    You’ll learn:

    • The Danger of Selling Out vs. Scaling Up – How compromising your values can stall your career.
    • The Power of Authenticity – Why being yourself attracts better clients and bigger opportunities.
    • Saying NO to Say YES – How setting boundaries creates space for growth and success.

    Don’t let inauthenticity ruin your design career! Listen now and learn how to thrive by staying true to your values, attracting the right clients, and building a business you believe in.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    22 October 2024, 4:00 am
  • 43 minutes 27 seconds
    15 Logo Red Flags: When to Pitch a Rebrand & How to Close the Deal

    Ever come across a logo and think, "Damn, that brand needs help"? You’re not alone. Designers can spot when a logo is dragging a brand down, but most clients don’t see it—until you show them.

    This week on The Angry Designer, we hand you the ultimate playbook to spot failing logos and use that knowledge to land more rebrand deals. Packed with brutal truths, strategic insights, and no-BS advice, we’ll teach you how to identify outdated logos, pitch rebrands like a pro, and close deals.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why outdated logos are costing clients
    • The key logo red flags to watch for
    • Why updating logos is a goldmine for designers
    • The emotional impact of logos that fail to connect
    • How to present rebrand opportunities without offending
    • The secrets to closing the deal

    By the end, you’ll have the tools to spot failing logos, approach clients with confidence, and boost your reputation and income.

    Get ready to turn design weaknesses into business wins!

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    15 October 2024, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 33 seconds
    How-To Build a Thriving Graphic Design Business & Community using CropCon's Founder, Matt Dawson's Key Strategies

    Think juggling a full-time Graphic Design job, a side gig, and a family is tough? Try doing all that while building one of the hottest Graphic design conferences in the U.S.!

    This week, on The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with Matt Dawson—founder of CropCon, Austin’s badass Graphic Design event, and the creative mastermind behind StayGray Ponyboy. From the gritty world of landscape architecture to the highs and lows of Graphic Design, Matt’s journey is all about hustle, passion, and refusing to settle for anything less than authentic success.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • No-bull strategies for keeping your cool while growing multiple creative brands
    • Secrets to carving out a brand identity that actually cuts through the BS in a crowded industry
    • Real talk on how the design landscape is evolving and what it means for building brands that last
    • How to unleash creativity without burning out—even when you're scaling your business to the next level

    If you’re a Graphic Designer tired of the usual industry BS and ready to build a career that actually excites you, this episode is a must-listen! Stick around for the rapid-fire round at the end—Matt drops some seriously fun, unfiltered insights you won’t want to miss.

    Stay Angry our Friends
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    8 October 2024, 4:00 am
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