State of the Union

Creative Workers Union Media Association
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DESIGN

State of the Union is a podcast from the Creative Workers Union, created for designers, illustrators, and creative professionals who are tired of pretending everything’s fine. Hosted by Josh Horton—founder of Creative Workers Union—this show features honest, unfiltered conversations about the realities of creative work: the wins, the losses, the fear, the breakthroughs, and the moments that make it all worth it. No posturing. No highlight reels. Just real stories from people who show up, do the work, and still believe in the power of community. If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, overlooked, or on the edge of giving up, this podcast is for you. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how we move forward, together.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 14: Gail Anderson

    In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer, educator, and writer Gail Anderson about building a career that spans decades without losing curiosity or joy. From her early days at the School of Visual Arts to roles at Random House and The Boston Globe, through her influential run at Rolling Stone alongside legendary art director Fred Woodward, Gail’s path is a masterclass in staying committed to the work. They discuss what real mentorship actually looks like, how strong creative teams pursue great ideas without ego, and why critique, storytelling, and collaboration still matter more than any tool. Gail reflects on the late nights, the love of type, and the discipline of protecting a full life outside the studio. They also get into design education in the age of online tutorials, what’s changed for graduates trying to land that first job, and why community remains the foundation of growth. Gail shares what it’s meant to help document design history through books on everything from postage stamps to the impact of Black designers on the field. If you’re trying to build a career that lasts, wondering whether mentorship or school is worth it, or feeling the responsibility to invest in the next generation, this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKS Gail’s Portfolio: gailycurl.com——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletterCreative Works WEST '26: creativeworks.co/west 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers Union Hosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney Gladu Artwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 13m

  2. FEB 9

    Episode 13: Dan Lee

    In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer and hand letterer Dan Lee, aka @dandrawnwords, about building a creative life that still looks and feels human. Dan’s work is full of the pencil lines, guides, and imperfections that prove a real person made it, and that honesty is the point. They walk through Dan’s pivot from a chemical engineering degree and a “safe” path at Drexel, to a full-body panic about that future, to brute forcing his way into design and finding his voice through hand lettering. Dan shares how the online lettering community helped him get momentum, why “helpful delusion” can be a real creative skill, and how he eventually ended up in Sheridan, Wyoming, where his work now lives on the walls of his town. They also dig into AI, taste, and mass consumption. Why so much of what we see feels plastic. Why convenience keeps eating real creativity. And why slow, human craft still matters in a world that wants everything instant and average. If you’re trying to pivot out of a “stable” career, burned out by platforms, or hungry to make real work that leaves your community better than you found it, this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSDan’s Instagram: instagram.com/dandrawnwords Dan’s Portfolio: destinykid.com——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletterCreative Works WEST '26: creativeworks.co/west 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers Union Hosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney Gladu Artwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 32m

  3. FEB 2

    Episode 12: Tyler Deeb

    In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Tyler Deeb—designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Misc. Goods Co. From a 2012 Kickstarter deck of playing cards to a full-scale brand built on craft, honesty, and restraint, Tyler’s path is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts. They talk about how Tyler found design late, why self-initiated work mattered in the early internet era, and what happens when a creative gets forced into learning business in real time. Tyler shares the uncomfortable seasons too: taking a job he didn’t want for stability, shedding the need to be perceived a certain way, and learning to make decisions he can live with instead of decisions that win approval. They also get into the emotional reality of entrepreneurship—the swings, the pressure of carrying a team, and the discipline of staying level. Tyler breaks down the principles he keeps coming back to: don’t chase the glory, work hard, and be satisfied. And they zoom out on the state of the industry: AI, social media noise, the loss of genuine online community, and why real-world connection is still the point. If you are trying to build something of your own, if you feel the weight of money and responsibility on your shoulders, or if you just need to hear someone talk honestly about what a creative life actually costs, this one is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSMisc. Goods Co.: misc-goods-co.com——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletterCreative Works WEST '26: creativeworks.co/west 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers Union Hosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney Gladu Artwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 21m

  4. JAN 26

    Episode 11: Cymone Wilder

    In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Cymone Wilder, designer and lettering artist behind Simon & Moose, about making work that speaks plainly and honestly in a moment that demands it. They talk about navigating creative spaces that still feel exclusionary, why representation at conferences and events matters, and how access, ticket prices, and corporate decision-making quietly shape who gets to participate in creative culture. Cymone shares what it’s like to do politically charged work as a creative, why discomfort is often unavoidable, and how saying the hard thing clearly can be an act of care. They also explore wealth, power, burnout, and the tension between making a living and staying human in systems that often reward silence over conviction. If you’re trying to reconcile your values with your creative work—and wondering how to show up honestly during a complicated time—this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSCymone’s Portfolio: simonandmoose.com——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter Creative Works WEST ’26: creativeworks.co/west 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers Union Hosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney Gladu Artwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 27m

  5. JAN 19

    Episode 10: Nathan Goldman

    In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Nathan Goldman, designer, illustrator, and cofounder of DKNG Studios, about what it really takes to build, and sustain, a long-term creative life. Nathan reflects on growing up in an artistic household, finding his creative footing through music and screen printing, and how a high school friendship evolved into a 20-year studio partnership. Together, they unpack how DKNG grew from gig posters and garage print runs into a diversified studio spanning illustration, branding, licensing, retail, and education. They also talk candidly about craft in the age of AI and easy tools, the pressure to become a visible online personality, and why Nathan still believes thoughtful, well-made work can stand out in a noisy industry. If you’re curious how a two-person studio is built, evolves, and stays committed to craft over decades this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSDKNG Studios Website: dkngstudios.comDKNG Studios Process Videos: youtube.com/@DKNGstudio——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter Creative Works WEST ’26: creativeworks.co/west 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers UnionHosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney GladuArtwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 17m

  6. JAN 12

    Episode 9: Allie Mounce

    In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Allie Mounce—Memphis-based designer, illustrator, and cofounder of Pretty Useful Co—about what it means to build a creative life that actually works for you, not just your résumé. They cover the realities of working in a small market during a recession, recovering from agency burnout, and redefining success after the pandemic. Allie shares how stepping away from hustle culture—and toward hobbies, therapy, and community—helped her reconnect with her body, her creativity, and the people around her. They also talk about the state of the industry—AI, the pressure to build a “brand,” and why doing work that aligns with who you are may be the most meaningful form of wealth right now. If you’re burned out, rethinking your relationship with work, or wondering how to build a creative life that feels sustainable and human, this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSPretty Useful Co.: prettyusefulco.comAllie on Instagram: instagram.com/alliemounce——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers UnionHosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney GladuArtwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 14m

  7. JAN 6

    Episode 8: Austin Dunbar

    In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Austin Dunbar—designer, entrepreneur, and studio owner. Austin is the Principal of Durham Brand & Co. and a partner at Wenzel Distillery, and he’s built multiple businesses and long-term client relationships through some of the most volatile years the creative industry has ever seen. Together, they talk candidly about what it actually feels like to be a creative right now—the emotional whiplash of being on top of the mountain one day and completely gutted the next. Austin shares why the work isn’t just about talent anymore, but about your nervous system—how you handle pressure, uncertainty, and the shrinking middle of the industry. Austin opens up about one of the hardest seasons of his life: surgeries, injuries, loss, and trying to keep a business and a family moving through it all. They talk about staying present, building grounding practices outside of work, and what it really means to show up—as a creative, a partner, and a dad. They also zoom out to the state of the industry—AI, shrinking budgets, and why relationships will always outlast portfolios. They talk about design as a trade, not a trend, the danger of chasing what’s cool over building real craft, and why Austin believes in a “we economy” over a “me economy.” If you’re feeling fried, questioning your path, or wondering how to build something more resilient than a social feed—this one’s for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🔗 RELEVANT LINKSDurham Brand & Co.: durhambrandco.comWenzel Distillery: wenzeldistillery.com——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter 📖 YOUR STORYGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎙️ PODCAST CREDITSPresented by Creative Workers Union Hosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney Gladu Artwork by MUTI  🎧 SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 19m

  8. 12/15/2025

    Episode 7: Brandon Rike

    In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Brandon Rike—creative director and designer known for shaping the visual world of bands and musicians across genres. Over the last two decades, Brandon has worked with artists like Twenty One Pilots, Skrillex, Thirty Seconds To Mars, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182, and Underoath, building a career that’s as prolific as it is honest. Together, they talk candidly about what it means to be a creative in real time—what “arriving” actually looks like, and what happens after you get there. Brandon opens up about the long road from playing in a Tooth & Nail band, to cranking out merch for half the music industry, to building an agency that grew too complex, and eventually stripping everything back to a simple, sustainable practice serving only the artists he cares deeply about. They explore ego, expertise, burnout, humility, parenting, creative uncertainty, and the courage it takes to keep evolving when everyone expects you to stay the same. If you’ve ever chased a milestone, hit it, and still felt restless—or wondered what career longevity really looks like—this episode is for you. ✊ SUPPORT THE SHOW → creativeworks.co/podcastState of the Union is self-funded and independently produced—these conversations exist for and because of people like you. If this episode resonated, please consider making a small donation to help keep the podcast going and these conversations alive. Sharing the episode also goes a long way. Tag us using #StateOfTheUnionPodcast so others can find it too. 🎙️ Podcast CreditsPresented by Creative Workers UnionHosted by Josh HortonEdited by Sydney GladuArtwork by MUTI 🔗 Relevant LinksBrandon’s Portfolio: brandonrike.comBrandon on Instagram: instagram.com/brandonrike——CWU Website: creativeworks.coCWU Newsletter: creativeworks.co/newsletter 📖 Your StoryGot a story about your creative life—a win, a struggle, a breakthrough, or just a moment that captures what it’s like right now? 📩 Email us at stories@creativeworks.co. Include your name and location—we may feature it in a future episode. 📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram → @creativeworksThreads → @creativeworksLinkedIn → Creative Workers Union 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss future episodes.

    1h 31m
See All (15)

About

State of the Union is a podcast from the Creative Workers Union, created for designers, illustrators, and creative professionals who are tired of pretending everything’s fine. Hosted by Josh Horton—founder of Creative Workers Union—this show features honest, unfiltered conversations about the realities of creative work: the wins, the losses, the fear, the breakthroughs, and the moments that make it all worth it. No posturing. No highlight reels. Just real stories from people who show up, do the work, and still believe in the power of community. If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, overlooked, or on the edge of giving up, this podcast is for you. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how we move forward, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Creative Workers Union Media Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Creative Workers Union Media Association

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