CAPTN OffScript

CAPTN OffScript

CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted. Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths. No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between. New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.

  1. S02/E12 - Kieron Anthony Lewis on Editorial Design, Identity, and Finding Meaning Through Work

    17 DEC

    S02/E12 - Kieron Anthony Lewis on Editorial Design, Identity, and Finding Meaning Through Work

    Kieron Anthony Lewis is an editorial designer, speaker, educator, and Adobe Live host whose work is deeply rooted in culture, community, and meaning. In this conversation, we go far beyond design portfolios and talk about the life experiences that shaped how he works and why he creates. We discuss the monumental Lagos publication, designing books as cultural artifacts, and how Kieron’s love for magazines and editorial structure began long before he knew design was a career. He shares his journey through agencies, freelancing during COVID, and the unexpected chain of events that led to working with Adobe and major publishers. The episode opens up into fatherhood, grief, identity, and perspective. Kieron reflects on becoming one of the Design for Planet Trailblazers on the same day he lost his grandfather, and how that moment reshaped his understanding of success, ambition, and what truly matters. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about creative purpose, humility, and building a life that aligns with your values, not just your output. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes and episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e11-james-barnard-on-creativity-speed-and-designing-a-life-you-love 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week, where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 6m
  2. S02/E11 - James Barnard on Creativity, Speed, and Designing a Life You Love

    10 DEC

    S02/E11 - James Barnard on Creativity, Speed, and Designing a Life You Love

    James Barnard is one of the most recognizable logo designers working today, but this conversation goes far beyond logos. We talk about how he entered design at 25, why he left agency life, and how freelancing became the turning point that gave him freedom and clarity in his work. James shares how a single TikTok changed everything, why he only presents one concept to clients, and how he built a process that now gets projects signed off with no amends. We get into speed, systems, taste, experience, and how his Illustrator mastery became a core part of his career. He also explains how Allan Peters’ brand noun method helped him rebuild his entire approach to discovery and direction. We talk about momentum, visibility, imposter feelings, and the pressure creators feel to always keep up. James opens up about burnout, family life in Australia, raising kids, wildlife encounters, and the real tradeoffs behind the lifestyle he intentionally (and unintentionally) designed. There are stories from Adobe Max, embarrassing Allan Peters on stage, building the Designers Community, and how teaching, connection, and sharing knowledge became a huge part of why he shows up online. If you’re a designer, freelancer, or creative navigating uncertainty, growth, or overwhelm, this episode offers clear, grounded insight into building a career that feels good and actually works. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes and episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e11-james-barnard-on-creativity-speed-and-designing-a-life-you-love 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week, where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 6m
  3. S02/E10 - The Creative Life of Angela Lyons: Visibility, Intent, and Showing Up

    3 DEC

    S02/E10 - The Creative Life of Angela Lyons: Visibility, Intent, and Showing Up

    In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, I sit down with UK based designer, creative director, and community builder Angela Lyons for a grounded and deeply honest conversation about the creative life. Angela has worked in the industry for more than 20 years across branding, editorial design, magazine design, web design, and podcasting. She is also the co creator of Freelancer Magazine and the host of Creatives Like Us. We explore the themes that shaped Angela’s recent years, including visibility, intention, and her commitment to showing up even when it feels uncomfortable. Angela shares her perspective on social media pressure, the challenges of staying consistent, and the internal battles that many creatives never talk about publicly. We also dive into community, mental health, and identity. Angela opens up about her experiences as a woman of colour in the design industry, the biases she encountered early on, and how much the landscape has changed. She talks about the power of community through Freelancer Magazine and Black Women on Wheels, a London based cycling group where she found connection, movement, and joy. This conversation also touches on anxiety, imposter syndrome, parenting, and the importance of stepping away from the desk to find clarity. Angela shares how she uses yearly vision boards to stay intentional and how she has learned to trust herself more with each passing year. If you are navigating your own creative journey, this episode with Angela Lyons offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder that none of us figure this out alone. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes and episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e10-the-creative-life-of-angela-lyons-visibility-intent-and-showing-up 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week, where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 11m
  4. S02/E09 - David Airey on Creativity, Calm, and a Life Built With Intention

    26 NOV

    S02/E09 - David Airey on Creativity, Calm, and a Life Built With Intention

    In this episode of CAPTN OffScript I sit down with David Airey, a designer whose books, thinking, and calm perspective have shaped how countless creatives approach identity design. But we go far beyond the craft in this conversation and explore the human side of a long creative life. David talks openly about growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, finding his way through early jobs, and how traveling across Asia shifted his understanding of the world. He shares the story of building a twenty year independent career, how he learned to slow down, and why he chooses a life defined by intention instead of speed. A big part of this episode focuses on comparison, self doubt, and the quiet pressure that follows every creative who works in public. David explains why comparing yourself to other designers is never healthy and why the only comparison that matters is the one with your past self. He talks about fatherhood, family, burnout, balance, the need to disconnect, and the small moments that bring meaning back into your days. We also dive into the third edition of Logo Design Love. David walks through what it feels like to revisit and rewrite work more than a decade later, how much of the book has changed, and why designing for yourself is always harder than designing for others. This is a calm, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation about creativity, life, focus, and the choices that shape who we become. If you are a designer, freelancer, or someone trying to build a creative career without losing yourself in the noise, this episode will resonate on a different level. Tune in for one of the most grounding conversations of the season. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes and episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e09-david-airey-on-creativity-calm-and-a-life-built-with-intention 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week, where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 3m
  5. S02/E08 - Mat Voyce on Anxiety, Creativity, and Finding Your Thing

    19 NOV

    S02/E08 - Mat Voyce on Anxiety, Creativity, and Finding Your Thing

    In this episode of CAPTN OffScript I sit down with Mat Voyce, the designer known for his expressive type animation work and his instantly recognizable visual language. We go far beyond the craft in this conversation and dive into the emotional and personal side of being a creative today. Mat talks openly about growing up as an introverted kid, finding his way through graphic design and agency life, and slowly developing a unique style in type and motion. He shares stories from his early days, the moment he realized animation could become his thing, and how it felt to work with global clients like Disney, Nike, and Pepsi. A big part of this episode focuses on anxiety and mental health. Mat discusses the sudden spike in anxiety that changed his daily life, his experience with therapy and hypnotherapy, and the moment he decided to start medication to soften the constant noise inside his mind. We talk about overthinking, sleepless nights, worry loops, and what it really feels like to freelance when you spend most of your time inside your own head. We also explore parenthood, loneliness, the pressures of creative work, and the grounding power of simple routines. Mat shares what helps him, what he is still learning, and why he believes honesty and community can make such a difference for creatives who feel alone with their struggles. This is a warm, human, and very real conversation about creativity, fear, growth, and the quiet work of becoming yourself. If you are a designer, animator, illustrator, or someone navigating anxiety while building a creative career, this episode will resonate deeply. Tune in for one of the most personal and grounding conversations of the season. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e08-mat-voyce-on-anxiety-creativity-and-finding-your-thing 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week — where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 1m
  6. S02/E07 - From Magic Tricks to Iconic Brands – The Bill Gardner Story

    12 NOV

    S02/E07 - From Magic Tricks to Iconic Brands – The Bill Gardner Story

    Bill Gardner has reviewed more logos than almost anyone on the planet — over 450,000 through his work with LogoLounge. But behind the numbers is a deep-thinking, long-game designer who believes that real identity design isn’t about trends — it’s about clarity, consistency, and curiosity. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Bill shares the winding story of how a childhood fascination with magic led him to branding, how he built one of the most respected identity studios in the U.S., and why most design problems start before a single sketch is ever made. We talk about the early days of analog design — cutting logos by hand, setting type with rulers, and building trust without a Behance profile. But more importantly, we explore what still matters today: how to create logos that last, how to balance subjective and objective thinking, and how to build systems that serve brands beyond the pretty mark. Bill opens up about landing clients like Kroger, Cessna, and Pizza Hut, what he’s learned after reviewing hundreds of thousands of logos, and how fishing in deeper waters has become his life philosophy — both creatively and professionally. We also explore the upcoming evolution of LogoLounge, his new book Iconic Branding, and how AI may shape the future of identity design (and why the human side still matters most). Whether you’re a young designer trying to find your place, or a seasoned creative looking to reconnect with the deeper purpose of your work — this episode is packed with practical insights, lived experience, and the kind of clarity that only comes from decades of doing the work. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. — 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e07-from-magic-tricks-to-iconic-brands-the-bill-gardner-story 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week — where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success. #BillGardner #LogoLounge #CAPTNOffScript #BrandIdentity #DesignPodcast #VisualIdentity #IconicBranding #CreativeLeadership #GardnerDesign #DesignWisdom #LogoDesign #DesignLegacy #AIandDesign

    1h 7m
  7. S02/E06 - Redefining Indigenous Design: Jennifer Taback on Leading with Culture, Story, and Courage

    5 NOV

    S02/E06 - Redefining Indigenous Design: Jennifer Taback on Leading with Culture, Story, and Courage

    Jennifer Taback didn’t set out to become the co-founder of one of Canada’s leading Indigenous creative studios — but that’s exactly what she’s built with Design de Plume. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Jennifer shares her journey from tech burnout to co-leading a values-driven design agency that works with clients like Indigenous Tourism Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Johns Hopkins University — all while centering Indigenous identity, storytelling, and cultural context in everything they do. We talk about what it really means to run an Indigenous creative agency: the invisible labor, the cultural weight, the moments of pushback, and the deep joy of designing work that reflects community and connection. From decolonizing minimalism to designing complex, story-rich systems — Jennifer brings a perspective that’s as bold as it is needed. She also opens up about the personal side of leadership — balancing motherhood with agency life, letting go of perfectionism, and using beadwork as a creative outlet. And in a first for this show, Jennifer brings a free gift to share with the entire design community… ✨ The Indigenous Communications Toolkit – created by Design de Plume – is now available and free to download. It’s a practical, thoughtful guide to writing and speaking with more clarity, respect, and cultural awareness. Whether you’re an agency owner, creative director, designer, strategist, or simply someone who wants to do better — this episode is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full episode notes + transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e06-redefining-indigenous-design-jennifer-taback-on-leading-with-culture-story-and-courage 📖 Download the Indigenous Communications Toolkit: https://deplume.ca/IndigenousToolkit 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ New episodes every week — subscribe, share, and stay bold. #JenniferTaback #DesignDePlume #IndigenousDesign #CAPTNOffScript #DesignLeadership #InclusiveDesign #CreativePodcast #WomenInDesign #IndigenousToolkit #CreativeStudio #DesignCulture

    1h 4m
  8. S02/E05 - Destination: Design – A Conversation with Adrien Piro, CEO of Creative Market

    29 OCT

    S02/E05 - Destination: Design – A Conversation with Adrien Piro, CEO of Creative Market

    From art teacher to tech CEO, Adrien Piro has taken one of the most unconventional paths to the top of the design world — and she’s now leading one of the most recognized creative platforms on the planet: Creative Market. In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we talk about what it really takes to lead with purpose in an industry where growth is often prioritized over people. Adrien opens up about her creative beginnings, her time building games like Plants vs. Zombies 2, and how burnout pushed her to reevaluate everything — including the kind of leader she wanted to become. Now, as CEO of Creative Market, she’s reimagining what a design platform can be. One that supports artists instead of overwhelming them. One that values transparency over metrics. One that still believes creativity is human at its core. We talk about her vision for the platform, the tension between scale and soul, the challenge of being both a parent and a public figure, and how she’s navigating the rise of AI with a strong stance on artistic integrity. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and full of quiet wisdom — the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends. Adrien doesn’t just talk about leadership — she lives it, and her perspective on creativity, business, and the future of design is something every creative should hear. Whether you’re a seller, designer, agency owner, or just someone who wants to understand the people behind the platforms — this one is for you. 🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons. Welcome to CAPTN OffScript. ⸻ 🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e05-destination-design-a-conversation-with-adrien-piro-ceo-of-creative-market 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript ✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.

    1h 2m

About

CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted. Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths. No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between. New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.