The Creative Mindset

The Creative Mindset

I&CO founding partner Rei Inamoto speaks with the world’s leading practitioners of creativity from industries such as art, design, architecture, cuisine, and much more, to offer a glimpse into the minds of what it takes to build a successful career. In each episode, these creative luminaries share their beginnings, intimate moments of success and failure, and pieces of advice for work and life. ◆Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reiinamoto/ ◆Twitter https://twitter.com/reiinamoto

  1. #043 - Bonus Track: Lightning Questions with Stefan Sagmeister

    NOV 7

    #043 - Bonus Track: Lightning Questions with Stefan Sagmeister

    In addition to the in-depth conversations with each guest on our show, we have a lightning round segment where we ask each guest to respond on the spot without seeing the questions in advance. This week, we welcome back renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister to hear his alternative career choices, next travel destinations, favorite food, and much more. Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award. Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers. His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history.  A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York. Episode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    4 min
  2. #042 - The Power of Aesthetics in Design and Why Beauty Matters

    OCT 31

    #042 - The Power of Aesthetics in Design and Why Beauty Matters

    Copying is a great way to study what makes an impactful website, poster, or even a social media post, according to Stefan Sagmeister. Rei welcomes back graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore the importance of beauty in form and design. Reflecting on his career, Stefan shares how his collaboration with Jessica Walsh transformed his perception of design aesthetics, the impact of Apple's design philosophy, and his innovative sabbatical approach and its role in maintaining his creative passion. With insights on embracing change, valuing aesthetics, and intentionally designing one's life, this episode offers profound wisdom for aspiring designers and creative professionals. Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award. Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers. His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history.  A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York. Timestamps:0:03 The Evolution of Aesthetic Importance in Design4:25 Apple's Unwavering Commitment to Design and Aesthetics9:03 Stefan Sagmeister on Long-Term Projects and Creative Sabbaticals16:54 The Importance of Form and Copying in Design Learning20:20 The Dual Nature of Online Interactions and Empathy22:57 Stefan Sagmeister on Design, Beauty, and Evolving Perspectives25:12 Three Takeaways Episode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  3. #041 - Why “Now is Better” from the Eyes of a Designer

    OCT 17

    #041 - Why “Now is Better” from the Eyes of a Designer

    How does long-term thinking influence creativity? Rei sits down with renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore how the interpretation of data through art can shift public consciousness towards optimism. The episode places particular emphasis on Stephan’s exhibition “Now is Better,” which centers around the idea of long-term thinking of humanity’s progression. The conversation dives into Stephan’s underlying philosophies throughout his design process, belief in “low-function design”, and thoughts on balancing beauty and functionality. Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award. Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers. His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history.  A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York. Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Long-Term Thinking in Design and Art5:10 The Long-Term Perspective on Global Democracy and Progress8:40 Transforming Antique Art with Modern Data Representations15:56 The Intersection of Art, Design, and Commercial Viability19:43 Exploring Communication Design Beyond Commercial Boundaries20:48 The Intersection of Design and Art in Austrian Culture22:16 Blurring the Lines Between Design and Art26:11 The Allure of Low Functioning Design in Modern Life30:41 The Joy of Low Functionality in Everyday Activities34:43 The Sliding Scale Between Art and Design36:20 The Interplay of Beauty, Function, and Form in Design41:29 The Intersection of Design, Art, and Functionality46:11 Three Takeaways Episode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  4. #040 - Bonus Track: Lightning Questions with Julie Channing

    SEP 19

    #040 - Bonus Track: Lightning Questions with Julie Channing

    In addition to the in-depth conversations with each guest on our show, we have a lightning round segment where we ask each guest to respond on the spot without seeing the questions in advance. This week, we welcome back Julie Channing, a seasoned marketing leader with an impressive portfolio spanning Levi’s, Google Nest, and Allbirds, to hear her alternative career choices, next travel destinations, favorite food, and much more. A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team. Episode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    9 min
  5. #039 - Top 3 Skills to Master Marketing Today and Beyond

    SEP 12

    #039 - Top 3 Skills to Master Marketing Today and Beyond

    What skills are the most important for marketing in today’s environment and beyond? In this week’s episode, we welcome back Julie Channing, a seasoned marketing leader with an impressive portfolio spanning Levi’s, Google Nest, and Allbirds, to explore the essential skills required for today’s marketers. Key topics include the importance of curiosity, balancing art and science, and the necessity of collaboration in marketing. Julie highlights the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and how staying curious can make a significant impact. She also stresses the importance of combining storytelling with data for effective marketing and leveraging teamwork to achieve collective goals. A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team. Timestamps:0:03 Essential Skills for Modern Marketers: Curiosity, Balance, Collaboration5:31 The Lost Ring: A Revolutionary Marketing Campaign for McDonald's11:55 Resilience, Teamwork, and Mindfulness in Professional and Personal Life16:52 Navigating Career Changes and Personal Fulfillment21:25 Julie Channing's Career Insights and Soccer Skills Episode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 min
  6. #038 - Brand-building and Engaging the Modern Consumer

    SEP 5

    #038 - Brand-building and Engaging the Modern Consumer

    Brand-building at Allbirds began with a clear purpose: “to reverse climate change through better business.” In this week’s episode, we welcome Julie Channing, former CMO and Global VP of Marketing at Allbirds, to explore the fundamental principles behind Allbirds’ exceptional branding success since its launch in 2016. Julie recounts her early days at Allbirds, from joining as the first full-time employee to helping the brand craft a compelling narrative and marking its territory in a competitive landscape dominated by giants like Nike and Adidas. The conversation covers crucial steps in building a brand, including establishing a clear purpose, engaging PR and social media strategies, and staying true to the brand’s core values. A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team. Timestamps:0:03 Julie Channing's Journey from AKQA to Marketing Leadership3:54 Building Allbirds from Scratch: A Leap of Faith12:56 Allbirds' Mission to Reverse Climate Change Through Better Business17:47 Crafting a Powerful Brand Story for Allbirds22:30 Making Better Things in a Better Way26:26 Early Wins and Strategic Breakthroughs for Allbirds’ Brand30:40 Embracing Authenticity and Experimentation in Social Media Marketing36:51 Consumer Feedback Drives Allbirds' Gender-Neutral Color Strategy38:51 The Importance of Authenticity and Purpose in Brand Communication43:05 Building Brand Loyalty Through Local Community Engagement51:29 City Collaborations and a Major Partnership with Shake Shack53:24 Creative Collaboration Between Shoe and Burger Brands55:19 Building Brands with Purpose and Navigating Social Media Evolution59:41 Building World-Class Brands Through Purpose, Edutainment, and Common Enemies Episode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

I&CO founding partner Rei Inamoto speaks with the world’s leading practitioners of creativity from industries such as art, design, architecture, cuisine, and much more, to offer a glimpse into the minds of what it takes to build a successful career. In each episode, these creative luminaries share their beginnings, intimate moments of success and failure, and pieces of advice for work and life. ◆Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reiinamoto/ ◆Twitter https://twitter.com/reiinamoto

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