Exchanging Ideas with Thad Cox Thad Cox

Alright, creative minds and freelance designers, let's wrap up the latest juice from our Community Chat. This week we hit a gold mine discussing Studio Ghibli's unique charm and their cold shoulder towards AI. It's not just about animation; it's about what tickles the creative bone in all of us.

Key Takeaways:


Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your personal touch is what sets you apart in a sea of AI-generated perfection. Don't shy away from those idiosyncrasies in your work.


Quality Over Quantity: In the rush to deliver, don't lose sight of what matters – the heart and soul poured into each project. Sometimes, taking it slow can lead to more meaningful work.


Legacy Matters: Think about what you're leaving behind. Each project is a brick in the legacy you're building, not just as a designer but as a creative force.



Get out there and make your mark, folks! Let's take a cue from Studio Ghibli and focus on the depth and soul of our work. Share your projects that you believe truly embody the human touch. Who needs AI when we've got a world of imagination at our fingertips? Let's show 'em what we've got!



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Alright, fellow freelance designers and creative minds, let's dive into a discussion that's as real as it gets in our world – the curious case of designers over 40. Have you ever wondered where they all vanish to? It's like there's this mystery zone where seasoned designers seem to disappear.

But hey, let's get real. They're not hiding under a pile of outdated MacBooks or fading into the backdrop of design history. They're very much here, bringing a wealth of experience and creative firepower that's just too good to ignore.

Key Takeaways:


Experience is Gold: Being over 40 in the design industry doesn't mean your creative spark has fizzled out. It means you've got a treasure trove of experience, insights, and skills that can elevate any project. It's about blending this wisdom with the fresh, dynamic energy of younger creatives to create magic.


Evolving with Time: The digital landscape is ever-changing, and staying relevant means continuously learning and adapting. For all you seasoned pros, it's not just about keeping up with the latest design trends but also mentoring the next gen on the nuances of design thinking and problem-solving.


Breaking Stereotypes: There's this myth that once you hit a certain age, your design ideas are outdated. Let's shatter that! Your work can be as fresh and relevant as any hotshot designer straight out of school, if not more. It's all about perspective and how you market your skills.


Embracing Independence: If the traditional job market seems to undervalue your expertise, consider the vast opportunities in freelancing or consulting. Many designers over 40 thrive by building their own brands, offering specialised services, or consulting for firms that appreciate the depth of their experience.


Your network is your net worth, especially in the creative industry. Keep those connections strong and continually expand your circle. You never know when an old colleague or a new acquaintance might lead you to your next big project.





Got any stories or insights about navigating the design world post-40? We're all ears! Share your experiences, tips, or even challenges you've faced.

Let's create a dialogue that empowers and inspires designers of all ages to push the boundaries and redefine what it means to be a 'seasoned' creative professional. Together, we can prove that creativity knows no age limit.



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thadcox/message

In this episode, we dove deep into the art of handling conflict, the double-edged sword of our digital lives, and how the younger crowd is managing (or struggling) to debate and disagree without losing their cool. It was a real eye-opener on how navigating our professional and personal worlds is changing, especially with technology gripping us tighter every day.



Takeaways & Highlights:


Conflict Isn't Always the Enemy: Turns out, a bit of conflict isn't the worst thing. It can actually push us to do better, think harder, and come out stronger on the other side. It's all about keeping it professional and not personal. When you know you're aiming to boost your work or business, a little heat in discussions can lead to better outcomes.


Debating Skills Are on the Decline: Is the art of agreeing to disagree is getting lost in the shuffle, making workplaces a bit more tense than they need to be.


Are Our Digital Bubbles Are Trapping Us? The digital world, for all its perks, is making us feel lonelier and more isolated. We're more connected than ever but feeling the pinch of real, meaningful interactions.


Professionalism Is Evolving (Or Is It?): This whole shift to digital has us rethinking what being professional means. From ghosting jobs to struggling with direct communication, it seems like the rules of the game are changing. Or maybe, we're just seeing a new side of the same dice?


Finding Your Footing Amidst Change: With all these shifts, especially for the Gen Z crowd stepping into their careers, it's about finding that sweet spot. How do you stay true to yourself, make the most of digital tools, and still keep those human connections strong?



Got any stories of your own about wrestling with these modern conundrums? How do you keep your cool in a heated debate, or find real connections in a swipe-right world?

Drop us a line, share your thoughts, or just let us know what's on your mind.



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thadcox/message

Navigating Career Challenges with Strategic Moves

Welcome back, everyone, to our cherished community discussions, where we dive deep into the real talk about careers, the hustle for work, and making those pivotal moves that define our paths.

Today's chat revolved around a truth many of us face: the ongoing struggle to secure work and how to navigate these challenges with savvy and strategy.


We explored the reality that for most of us, being in high demand is more the exception than the rule. The conversation highlighted a strategic approach to career growth that involves leveraging unique advantages by making lateral or even unconventional moves to gain new experiences.

This includes stepping into roles at prestigious companies or entirely different industries to add an intriguing edge to our resumes, thereby increasing our appeal to future employers and broadening our skill sets.



Takeaways & Highlights:


The Struggle Is Real (And Normal): Most of us aren't turning down work; we're searching for it. Understanding this can alleviate some of the stress associated with job hunting.
Strategic Moves Pay Off: Transitioning to a role in a less conventional or smaller setting can lead to significant career advancements, provided it offers a new perspective or skill set.
The Value of Working for 'Free': Offering services without charge to gain unique experience can open doors that otherwise might remain closed, especially when trying to break into prestigious companies or industries.
Networking Is Crucial: Leveraging new roles to expand your network and signal your availability to headhunters and industry contacts can significantly enhance your job prospects.
Always Be Planning: Even while in a current role, strategise your next move. Being proactive about where you're heading next is essential, leveraging each position as a stepping stone to further your career.


We're eager to hear from you! Have you ever made a bold career move that paid off? Or are you contemplating a significant change and seeking advice?

Share your stories, insights, or questions with us. Your experiences could inspire or guide someone in a similar position. Let’s continue to support and learn from each other.

Drop your comments below or send in your questions. Let's tackle these career challenges together!



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thadcox/message

Unlocking the Hidden Opportunities in Career Transitions

Hey there, welcome back to our community discussions where we dive into the real stuff that keeps us up at night, especially about work, creativity, and making those big career moves.

Today, we’re unpacking an essential truth many of us face but rarely talk about openly: the constant hustle for work and the golden opportunities hidden in career transitions.



Highlights & Takeaways:


Lateral Moves Can Be Your Secret Weapon: Stepping into different roles or industries, especially ones that give you a unique edge, can significantly boost your appeal to future employers.
Free Work Has Its Value: Sometimes, offering your services for free to gain experience in a high-profile setting can open more doors than a paid gig in a less impactful role.
Networking Is Key: Whether it’s through strategic free work, attending prestigious companies, or simply connecting with peers, building your network is invaluable.
Plan Your Next Move Strategically: Always be thinking about how your current role or project can lead to the next opportunity. It’s not just about the work you do but also about the story you tell.


Got any career transition stories or strategies of your own? We’d love to hear how you navigated those tricky waters or if you're in the midst of figuring things out.

Share your experiences and questions with us, and let’s keep the conversation going. Your story could be the beacon of hope or the practical guide someone out there desperately needs.

Drop us a comment or send in your questions, and let’s tackle this journey together!



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thadcox/message

Diving Deep into Authentic Podcast Chats: What Makes Them Tick?

Hey there! So, we recently had this super engaging chat on our podcast, where Laneen dropped by (as she always does with her awesome questions).

It turned into this deep dive into why keeping things real and asking the nitty-gritty questions make for some seriously engaging podcast episodes.

Plus, we got into this fascinating story about Phil Aston and his YouTube channel, Now Spinning Magazine. Phil's journey is all about sticking to what he loves, music, and not sweating the small stuff like editing or SEO tricks. It's a revelation on finding that sweet spot between making sure people can find you and keeping your soul in the content.



Here's What We Unpacked:


Keeping It Real Wins: We highlighted just how much more engaging a podcast can be when you're being yourself and diving deep with your questions. It's like having a real conversation with a friend—people can't get enough of it.
Passion Over Perfection: Phil's story was a real eye-opener. He showed us that you could totally grow a loyal following by just doing you, even if that means skipping the fancy edits or SEO gymnastics.
The SEO Authenticity Juggle: We chewed over how you gotta play the game to be found but not lose your essence in the process. It's a tightrope walk but totally doable.
It's Okay to Shift Gears: Our chat emphasised the importance of flexibility. Got bored with a topic? Shift gears. It's all about following what lights you up.

So, What's Next?
Got any thoughts on keeping podcasts authentic or anything else that's on your mind? We're all ears and super keen to dive into what makes you tick in our next chat. Hit subscribe, send us your thoughts, and let's keep the real conversations rolling. Can't wait to hear from you!



Follow Thad:

https://www.thadcox.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thadcox/message