Published by Robin Son | Brands By Robin
Creative Confessions® is the podcast that collects and shares anonymous confessions from creatives to normalise the ups & downs of freelancing. Submit your anonymous confession! - www.brandsbyrobin.com/confess Instagram - www.instagram.com/brandsbyrobin Website - www.brandsbyrobin.com/podcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts43 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Jack Chitty, brand designer and founder of Chittco to talk all about his experience with pursuing a creative career even when you’re scared to. We talk about Jack’s life changing medical emergency that pushed him to go for what he really wants in life. The Anonymous Creative Confession ® we're discussing: “I've tried to start a design and illustration page at two different stages but I have an immense fear of failure. So I don't share my work and don't create work for me anymore. I fear people knowing me seeing me fail. I fear failing myself. I fear people judging me.“ CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses Jack’s first-hand experience with a brain aneurysm including symptoms and the experience along with brain surgery and recovery which some listeners might find distressing. Please take care when listening or skip this episode if these topics are difficult for you. CONNECT WITH JACK: Jack's Instagram and Tiktok Jack's Youtube Jack's LinkedIn Jack & CJ's Podcast, Sticky Notes ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
26 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Isted, marketing expert and founder of HI Communications to talk all about how you can make Instagram content less overwhelming. We talk all about promoting your creative business online and how you can take the pressure off and find small pockets of time to make imperfect content. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: “I never know what to post on social media and I work a full time job so I don't have time to make a lot of content“ CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Hannah’s Instagram Hannah’s Website The Best 90 Days Ever ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
25 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Jess Goldsmith, illustrator, author and founder of Women Of Type and Chick Of All Trade to talk all about whether niching down as a creative is the right choice. Jess has worked with big name brands and been on stages all over the world by doing one thing; being herself. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: “I really want to work with everyone but to get high ticket clients I've heard that you need to niche down. I really don't know what to do" CONNECT WITH JESS: Jess' Instagram Jess' Website Women of Type Website WOT Instagram ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
27 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Briony Davis to talk all about making a positive impact using your creative skills. Briony is the founder of a program called Branding For Impact which makes brand identities accessible for small, women-led businesses, while donating money to PCOS awareness. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: “I gave up my graphic design biz because it felt I was encouraging consumerism. I went into copywriting/comms and wider branding for orgs instead. (Still use my skills ofc, but differently) ” CONNECT WITH BRIONY: Briony's Instagram Briony's Website GET INVOLVED WITH BRANDING FOR IMPACT: Chat with Briony / Become a sponsor Learn more about BFI ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
27 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Trent Duffy, founder of Duffy Design Co to talk all about promoting yourself on social media. For the first time on the podcast, Duffy has come on to discuss his own confession of what it means when content 'performs well'. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: “I have found that some of my worst performing posts on social media were the ones that landed me my biggest clients. This changed the way I looked at social media numbers. It’s not about how many people see it as long as the right person does.” CONNECT WITH TRENT: Trent's Instagram Duffy Design Co Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
35 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Morgan Hastie, also known as The Logo Lassie, a Scottish designer and university graphic design student to talk all about balancing freelancing and student life. Morgan and I talk all about what it's like balancing freelancing with brands all over the world and getting her degree. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: "I’m a student and I want to build my own business but I have no idea where to start. I thought my course would help me prepare for the “real world” but I do not want to go into a studio ” CONNECT WITH MORGAN: Morgan's Instagram Morgan's Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
23 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Vickie Moore-Gourd; designer at Design Some Moore to talk all about free co-working sessions for designers and creatives who want to connect and make friends with others in the industry. Vickie and I talk all about what it takes to run an unpaid community, why we feel creatives need spaces like this, and what it takes to start your own. The Creative Confession ® we're discussing: "There are hardly any unpaid communities. Every group chat or session seems to be behind a paywall and it's hard for designers who just want to make friends not take a course to find like-minded creatives” CONNECT WITH VICKIE: Vickie's Instagram Vickie's Website Join the co-working sessions! ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ® here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
41 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Gareth Robertson; designer at Gr-aphic Studio to talk all about his recent experience with completing a 100 day design challenge. After getting a confession from a creative who said they started a 100 day design challenge and gave up after 1 week, we talk about what it’s like to keep pushing and complete a challenge like this Gareth and I talk all about accountability, pushing yourself, protecting your creativity and the pressure we feel to be perfect when creating. The Creative Confession ™ we're discussing: “I started a 100 day design challenge and gave up after 1 week. I was posting the designs daily but I wasn't getting anywhere it felt like a waste of my time. Is it even worth it?” CONNECT WITH GARETH Gareth’s Instagram GR-APHIC STUDIO Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
23 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Jess and Rachel, the duo behind Studio Morii to talk all things business partnerships, friendship, and honesty. After getting a confession from a creative who said starting a business with a friend feels scarier than going solo, we dig into what it’s actually like to build a brand with your best friend. We chat about keeping communication open, navigating finances together, managing stress in totally different ways, and how to protect your friendship when business gets serious. The Creative Confession ™ we're discussing: “My friend and I have a plan to go into business together as a partnership and I am more anxious than her. I am nervous about starting a business with another person and it actually feels scarier than going solo.” CONNECT WITH JESS & RACH! StudioMorii Instagram StudioMorii Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
29 min
In this episode, I'm exploring an anonymous confession about using AI in creative work through a community-driven discussion. I collected anonymous responses that represent a range of viewpoints, highlighting the conversations happening in the creative community. DISCLAIMER: This episode aims to create understanding and encourage a conversation rather than shame. Even though all responses couldn't be read in this episode, I aimed to read multiple responses with differing viewpoints. I acknowledge the complexity of the issues discussed & I do want to emphasise that I am still unsure where I stand on the topic. My approach with this episode is to present various perspectives and let you draw your own conclusions. Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit it here Sign up for the newsletter & Get involved with the podcast here Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
32 min
In this episode, I’m doing something a little different. Recently, I sent out a newsletter about how I noticed designers Googling each other’s clients to “check if the projects are real.” I didn’t expect much. But then… my inbox exploded. Turns out, people have thoughts . Some agreed with me. Some challenged me. So in today’s episode, I’m reading out a bunch of those anonymous replies and reacting to each one with my honest take. We’re talking: Whether designers should disclose passion projects Why people get weird about “fake clients” The pressure to look busy online Real vs. passion work and does it even matter? If you’ve ever hesitated to share a mock project or worried you’d be seen as “less than” for doing passion work, this one's for you MENTIONED EPISODE: When pretending to have clients backfires Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit it here Get The Newsletter, Templates & Design Freebies here Follow Robin on Instagram here Follow the Podcast Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
28 min
In this episode, I’m joined by designer James Barnard to talk about pricing transparency. After reading a confession from a creative who said listing their prices might have scared off all their leads, we talk about why this advice doesn’t work for everyone. We also get into how to communicate your value without putting numbers on your site as well as some of James' tips for social media content. If you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing, or wondered whether you’re making things harder for yourself, this one’s for you. The Creative Confession ™ we're discussing: "I saw designers on Threads saying that if we want to be as transparent and as accessible as possible then we should put our prices on our websites so I did. I've noticed I haven't had a single lead since. I had a good flow of leads before and I think I tried to fix something that wasn't broken. " CONNECT WITH JAMES: James' Instagram James' Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
28 min
This week I’m joined by Jenn from Stankin Good Design to talk all about the pressure to perform on social media, designing for visibility instead of value, and the real cost of chasing validation from other designers instead of your actual clients. Together we unpack: How to spot when you’re designing for the algorithm, not your audience Whether trends are helping or hurting your creativity The difference between soul work and survival work Why not everyone can afford to “just create for fun” Reconnecting with your creative voice (and your clients) offline If you’ve ever caught yourself designing for likes instead of purpose, this one’s for you. Connect with Jenn! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stankingood_design/ More links: linktr.ee/stankingood Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit it here Follow Robin on Instagram here Follow the Podcast Instagram here Get The Newsletter, Templates & Design Freebies here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
58 min
This year, I invited six incredible designers to reflect on their 2024 journeys. In this special end-of-year episode, they get real about their biggest wins, their hardest fails, the advice they’d give to new designers, and their creative confessions. This is a raw, honest look at the ups and downs of life as a creative. Whether you’re starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, these stories will inspire, motivate, and remind you that you’re not alone. GUESTS, LINKS & TIMESTAMPS Guest 1: Kristy Campbell - Brand & Graphic Designer & Owner of Pink Pony Creative (Segment Starts at 01:07) Kristy’s Website Kristy’s Instagram Kristy’s Adobe MAX Session Guest 2: Liz Mosley - Brand & Graphic Designer & Podcaster (Segment Starts at 11:56) Liz’ Website Liz’ Instagram Building Your Brand Podcast Guest 3: Frankie Harry - Freelance Brand & Graphic Designer (Segment Starts at 22:20) Frankie’s Website Frankie’s Instagram Frankie’s YouTube Guest 4: Craig Reid - Typography & Identity Designer (Segment Starts at 33:10) Craig’s Website Craig's Instagram Craig’s YouTube Guest 5: CK - Brand Designer for the Multi-passionate (Segment Starts at 40:36) CK’s Website CK’s Instagram CK’s Digital Store Guest 6: Morgan Hastie - Brand & Packaging Designer at The Logo Lassie (Segment Starts at 48:45) Morgan’s Website Morgan’s Instagram ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
23 min
Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your Creative Confession here Follow Robin on Instagram here Follow the Podcast Instagram here Get The Newsletter, Templates & Design Freebies here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
41 min
It’s the Halloween Special 👻 This week, I’m joined by Craig Reid; Scottish designer, art school student, and certified chaotic good for a Halloween episode full of creative horror stories and designer confessions that’ll make your blood run cold . We read through anonymous creative confessions™ from real designers who confessed everything from designing logos in Photoshop and skipping contracts… to staying awake for 24 hours to finish a brand and getting ghosted anyway. It’s part nightmare fuel, and part group chat energy, so if you’ve ever felt like your creative horror story belongs in a Halloween movie, this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH CRAIG: Craig's Instagram ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
44 min
I'm chatting with Kristy Campbell , founder of Pink Pony Creative , to talk about how embracing your unique style and personality can transform your business. We're talking all about the challenges and rewards of going all in on what makes you stand out, from creating a team to leveraging a unique name to building a brand that people can’t forget. The Creative Confession ™ we're discussing: “I have heard it’s good to show your personality through your work and business but I’m scared people won’t take me seriously” CONNECT WITH KRISTY: Kristy's Instagram Pink Pony Creative Instagram Pink Pony Creative Website ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here
40 min
Today I was joined by Liz Mosley to talk all about rejection in your business. Liz created her 'Rejection Challenge', a fun challenge allowing her to reach out for more opportunities than she normally would and embracing rejection as a normal part of running a business. Today's Creative Confession ™ : "I saw a TikTok of a designer going into their local stores to market their graphic design services - and I want to do this, but I'm worried that the store owners will laugh or straight up ignore me." Connect with Liz! Liz's Instagram Liz's Website Building your Brand Podcast ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here
41 min
Today I'm joined by Morgan of The Logo Lassie and we're talking about the use of AI in design work, mostly for creating mockups and product visualisations. We explore the pros and cons of using AI-generated content and share the importance of transparency and disclosure when presenting this work to clients. The Creative Confession ™ we're discussing: "I want to use more AI in my work for mock ups I designed for aestheticians and I find it hard to find good mock ups.I feel like I have to disclose that I'm using AI online and to my clients and I'm nervous that people will value my work less" CONNECT WITH MORGAN! Morgan's Instagram Morgan's Website Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Morgan's AI Workshop Laura Evans Packaging Course Pantone Colour Strips This episode is not sponsored or endorsed by any of these products/brands ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!
36 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Frankie Harry to talk honestly about loneliness in freelance design, building real community, and finding your rhythm as a creative. After getting two confessions about how isolating this industry can feel, we dig into practical ways to meet people offline and document your journey. The Creative Confession(s)™ we're discussing: ✷ “Being a self-employed designer full time is so lonely… I just want to design where I’m happiest and connect with other people, maybe have a co-working call with other freelance designers once a month.” ✷ “People underestimate how lonely it can be being a new designer. It’s easy to feel even lonelier when you see communities and just want to fit in especially when you’ve transitioned from a different industry.” CONNECT WITH FRANKIE! Frankie's Instagram Frankie's Website Frankie's Recent Video ✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can’t ask? Submit your own Creative Confession ™ here CONNECT WITH ROBIN: ✷ Get Design Freebies here ✷ Follow Robin on Instagram here Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!