Mark It 2 Me Podcast

Mark It 2 Me
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Mark It 2 Me is a bi-weekly podcast about branding, design, and the business behind creative work. Hosted by Joe Baron of Branded Baron, each episode features real conversations with designers, illustrators, marketers, founders, and fellow creatives who’ve been in the trenches. From logo marks to market strategy, we break down what actually works when building brands, creative careers, and businesses that last. From brand marks to market moves, it's real conversations on design, branding, and creative business.

Episodes

  1. Ep. 10 - Lettering, Design, & Building a Niche Career

    16H AGO

    Ep. 10 - Lettering, Design, & Building a Niche Career

    OverviewJason Carne has been doing lettering professionally for two decades. His client list reads like a mashup of a record store, a sports bar, and a spirits cabinet — and that range isn't accidental. It's the result of staying a student of lettering long after most people would've gotten comfortable. In this conversation, Jason and Joe get into how that career actually gets built: the early days doing hardcore merch, the pivot toward packaging and branding, the Stanley Cup project that came in during COVID and somehow still landed, and the ongoing challenge of positioning yourself without losing what makes your work yours. Key TakeawaysJason started in design through the NJ hardcore and metal scene ( making flyers, album art, and MySpace layouts for friends' bandsThe Stanley Cup project came through Fan Brandz (via a conference connection with Mike Sulik), got shelved when COVID hit, and was quietly approved once sports resumedWhen he works with big names (Harley-Davidson, NHL, Wu-Tang ) he's rarely talking directly to them. There's always a layer between. Know what you're claiming and how.Closer and Closer reps him; roughly 50% of his work comes through them, the rest directHe's currently repositioning his site to focus on two things: high-end spirits packaging and logo/branding workCarmel Type Co fonts (including Botanist, Railroad Company)The Lettering Library to preserve lettering and design from the past.His ideal art director gives some guardrails, then trusts the creative like the positive experience working with Joe BaronWhen work slows down: focus on personal work, fill gaps with less glamorous jobs, and reach back out to clients you already have relationships with "Give me some guardrails, but trust me enough to do my thing." - Jason Carne 0:00 - Preview 0:04- Intro 1:19 - Influence of the Hardcore Scene on Design 2:34 - Tom was everyone's 1st friend 3:01 - Creative Challenges in High-Stake Projects 4:12 - The Stanley Cup Project 5:45 - Working with Smaller Agencies vs. Big Brands 7:50 - Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations 8:52 - Lettering is Easy 12:52 - Relationships in the Creative Industry 16:57 - Quality Work and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 19:45 - Client Needs vs. Personal Vision 22:19 - Marketing Yourself as a designer 25:10 - Art Representation 28:26 - Navigating NDAs 30:07 - Jason Carne's Type Foundry 33:08 - The Business of Fonts 35:57 - Preserving Design History with the Lettering Library 40:02 - Art Directors nailing it like Joe Baron 44:46 - Adapting to Slow Periods 45:18 - Rapid Fire Questions Connect with US https://markit2me.com/ Jason Carne http://jasoncarne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncarne Behance: https://behance.net/jasoncarne Joe Baron https://www.brandedbaron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandedbaron

    54 min
  2. Ep. 9 - This Brand Doesn’t Sell T-Shirts - It Sells an Experience

    MAY 12

    Ep. 9 - This Brand Doesn’t Sell T-Shirts - It Sells an Experience

    Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo — Owner and CSO (Chief Sandwich Officer) of Deli Fresh Threads — joins Mark It 2 Me to talk about building a concept-driven apparel brand rooted in nostalgia, packaging experience, and real-world community. From launching KnightMare Apparel at the University of Central Florida in 1997 to founding Deli Fresh Threads in 2013, Biggie shares lessons learned from nearly three decades of entrepreneurship. He breaks down how turning a sandwich into a brand universe led to restaurant partnerships, monthly SandwichEatUp events, and a loyal following built through connection — not just content. We dive into: • Why packaging is marketing • The power of community over paid ads • Hard lessons in production and inventory • Expanding beyond parody into sports-inspired designs • Transparency in small brand building • What it really means to measure success This episode isn’t about sandwiches, it’s about turning a product into a place. CONNECT WITH US Guest Info Anthony "Biggie" Bencomo Website: http://delifreshthreads.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/delifreshthreads/ Host Info Joe Baron Website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/ Mark It 2 Me Website: http://markit2me.com/ instagram -   / markit2me

    1h 33m
  3. Ep. 8 - The Logo Geek Strikes Back

    MAY 4

    Ep. 8 - The Logo Geek Strikes Back

    In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe Baron continues his discussion with logo designer, author, and Logo Geek founder Ian Paget. The episode picks up as Ian shares the thinking behind his book, including an overlooked intermediate step in the logo design process that helps clients better understand creative decisions. From there, the conversation expands into self-publishing, his Kickstarter experience, and the realities of using Amazon KDP. Joe and Ian also discuss design awards, industry trends, and why designers should focus less on gatekeeping and more on helping the next generation grow. The conversation ends with some fun conversation on pop culture and history as Ian discusses his fandom for Star Wars and meeting Mark Hamill as well as Stan Lee and moon walking astronaut Buzz Aldrin. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • The missing “intermediate step” in logo design • Why Ian wrote his book and what designers should take from it • Lessons from launching a Kickstarter campaign • Pros and cons of Amazon KDP and print-on-demand • Why community matters in creative careers • Thoughts on design awards and industry credibility • Easy hack to win design awards • The problem with “fixing” brand logos • Why sharing knowledge matters • Getting an autograph from Buzz Aldrin • What Mark Hamill is really like • What makes a good logo • Ian talks about his logos • Does it matter if you go to school for design 0:00 - Preview 0:10 - Intro 0:46 - New Book and Presenting Concepts 11:35 - Awards and how to win them 20:21 - What makes a good logo - Logo Reviews 32:42 - Ian talks about his logos 39:53 - Not going to University for Design 44:12 - 16 Year Old Me would learn AI Tools 50:07 - Running a Science T-shirt Company 52:31 - Moon Landings and Buzz Aldrin 56:16 - Star Wars Fan 59:31 - Meeting Stan Lee 1:01:58 - Leaving a Legacy Connect with Ian PagetWebsite: https://logogeek.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logogeek Connect with Joe Baron / Branded BaronWebsite: https://www.brandedbaron.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron Connect with Mark It 2 Me PodcastWebsite: https://www.markit2me.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markit2me Listen to Part 1If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 of this conversation where we discuss: Mental health in the creative industryThe reality behind “fixing” brand logosWhy creative block might not actually existThe importance of community

    1h 7m
  4. Ep. 7 - A New Hope for Creatives: The Rise of Logo Geek

    APR 28

    Ep. 7 - A New Hope for Creatives: The Rise of Logo Geek

    What does it actually take to build something meaningful as a creative without burning yourself out in the process? In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with logo designer, educator, and founder of Logo Geek, Ian Paget, to break down the early stages of his journey to building a respected platform within the design community. We talk about how he got started in graphic design, the realities of freelancing, and what it takes to stay consistent long enough to see real progress. A major part of this conversation also focuses on mental health. the pressure creatives face, the importance of work-life balance, and why taking care of yourself is just as important as developing your skills. Ian shares insights on overcoming creative block, why it’s often more about mindset than ability, and how building a supportive community can change the trajectory of your career. This isn’t a conversation about shortcuts or overnight success. It’s about the long game, building something sustainable, staying grounded, and creating work that actually lasts. If you’re a designer, freelancer, or creative trying to find clarity in your path while protecting your mental well-being, this episode will resonate. Connect with us: Ian Paget Website: https://logogeek.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logogeek/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianpaget/ Joe Baron Website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandedbaron Mark It 2 Me Website: https://markit2me.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/markit2me In This Episode, We Cover:Ian Paget’s journey into graphic designFrom warehouse job to building Logo GeekThe realities of freelance design and early career growthMental health in the creative industryWork-life balance and avoiding burnoutCreative block and why it’s often a mindset issueThe importance of community for designersStaying consistent and building something over timeAbout the PodcastMark It 2 Me explores how working creatives turn their work into brands, careers, and creative communities.

    1h 28m
  5. Ep. 6 - Why Companies Fail at Marketing — Advice from a Marketing Agency Owner

    APR 14

    Ep. 6 - Why Companies Fail at Marketing — Advice from a Marketing Agency Owner

    In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Brianna Calero, founder of Pastel Creative and Fractional CMO, to unpack what real strategic marketing leadership actually looks like. We talk about the difference between visibility and authority, why most companies chase acquisition instead of retention, and how serving your “super fans” can build stronger revenue than chasing mass audiences. Brianna shares how she transitioned from wanting to be a pastry chef to becoming a growth engine for founders, how she approaches market intelligence before building strategy, and why she believes discernment is more profitable than hype. We also dive into marketing alignment, authenticity in business, and the mindset shift that separates sustainable growth from hustle culture. If you’re a founder, creative, or marketer trying to build authority instead of just traffic this conversation is for you. Guest Info Brianna Calero - https://pastelcreative.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pastel-creative/ Host Info Joe Baron - https://www.brandedbaron.com/ Mark It 2 Me instagram - https://instagram.com/markit2me

    1h 1m
  6. Ep. 5 - From Courtroom to Art Galleries

    MAR 31

    Ep. 5 - From Courtroom to Art Galleries

    In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with New Jersey's Larry Krayn an attorney, street photographer, curator, and rapper known as IL Lusciato. Larry opens up about rediscovering his creative identity after building a legal career, releasing his album Life’s Legacy and A World Not For Everyone, and embracing the idea that none of us are one-dimensional. The conversation explores: Releasing music after 10+ years and overcoming self-doubtBalancing a professional career with creative passionThe rise of Newark as a cultural hubBuilding community through Grit GalleryBreaking through gatekeepers by creating your own platformWhy thinking like a beginner can elevate advanced creative workThe tension between art and algorithms in the social media era This episode is about confidence, proof of concept, creative resilience, and embracing all dimensions of who you are. Follow Larry Krayn https://www.instagram.com/xquisite_grit/ http://youtube.com/il_lusciato Don't forget to follow Joe Baron https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/ https://www.brandedbaron.com/ Mark It 2 Me Podcast Instagram account - https://instagram.com/markit2me

    46 min
  7. Ep. 4 - How A Freelancer Built a Community That Works

    MAR 17

    Ep. 4 - How A Freelancer Built a Community That Works

    In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with designer, dad, and community builder Michael Smith, founder of Dadsigner, host of The Dadsigner Podcast, co-owner of R5 CoLab, and creator of two successfully crowdfunded children’s books. They dive into what it really means to build community, not just online, but in real life. Michael shares how a lonely coffee shop routine turned into launching a coworking space that prioritizes intentional connection. From setting clear expectations with a community handbook to fostering genuine engagement through pre-scheduled events, he explains why structure is essential to making culture work. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and the mental tug-of-war creatives face between making meaningful work and monetizing everything. Michael opens up about: The importance of hiring an accountant earlyWhy crowdfunding is really a marketing tool in disguiseWhat surprised him most about launching on KickstarterHow personal creative projects can have value years laterWhy professional growth isn’t just about titles and promotionsThe tension between ambition and family presenceThey close with rapid-fire questions (including the official dad sneaker debate) and reflections on what it means to build something sustainable both in business and at home. This episode is about ownership, intention, and creating community that actually feels real. You can follow Michael Smith on Instagram, Threads, and Youtube at @dadsigner His website: https://www.dadsigner.com/ You can follow the Mark It 2 Me official instagram: @MarkIt2Me You can follow Joe Baron specifically at @brandedbaron The website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/

    43 min
  8. Ep. 3 - A.I. Isn't Your Enemy

    MAR 3

    Ep. 3 - A.I. Isn't Your Enemy

    Joe Baron sits down with Creative Director and founder of the Artoholiks, Iquan Worthington, for a real conversation about creativity, leadership, ego, A.I., and long-term sustainability in the creative industry. Iquan breaks down why your full-time job should be treated like your biggest client, how setting boundaries protects your creativity, and why most designers misunderstand agency vs. in-house dynamics. He shares hard-earned lessons from building an agency, working inside a fast-growing Fintech company, and why "take all the work, figure it out later" isn't always what it seems. They also dive intoThe truth about designers "fixing" brandsWhy A.I. isn't your enemy and what actually isThe importance of ego management in creative leadershipCommunity building through flag football and art eventsWhy authenticity beats clout chasing Plus the return of the "Rapid Fire Questions" segment. You can follow Iquan Worthington at https://www.everydayimdoodling.com/ On his personal instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iquanw On the Artoholiks instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theartoholiks/ You can follow the Mark It 2 Me Podcast instagram at https://www.instagram.com/markit2me/ Follow Joe Baron on instagram https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/ And his creative agency website https://www.brandedbaron.com/

    53 min
  9. Ep. 2 - Being Intentional When Networking with Ryan Roghaar

    FEB 17

    Ep. 2 - Being Intentional When Networking with Ryan Roghaar

    In this conversation, Joe Baron and Ryan Roghaar explore the evolution of Ryan's career from agency owner to consultant, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships over transactional networking. They discuss the significance of intentionality in networking, the concept of the '10-year overnight success,' and the balance between work and personal life. Ryan shares insights from his experiences in the music industry and the freelance landscape, highlighting how personal connections can lead to opportunities. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire questions, revealing Ryan's personality and preferences.

    58 min
  10. Ep. 1 - Ice Cream Sneaker Collection with Anderson Bluu

    FEB 3

    Ep. 1 - Ice Cream Sneaker Collection with Anderson Bluu

    In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Anderson Bluu to talk about the unexpected start of his creative career, how an injury during a kids’ game led him into art and design, and eventually to designing multiple sneaker exclusives with Foot Locker. We break down the full process behind the Foot Locker x Diadora Ice Cream Collection, from pitching the idea and designing during the pandemic to creative direction, lifestyle photography, fast timelines, and the in-store release.

    57 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Mark It 2 Me is a bi-weekly podcast about branding, design, and the business behind creative work. Hosted by Joe Baron of Branded Baron, each episode features real conversations with designers, illustrators, marketers, founders, and fellow creatives who’ve been in the trenches. From logo marks to market strategy, we break down what actually works when building brands, creative careers, and businesses that last. From brand marks to market moves, it's real conversations on design, branding, and creative business.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark It 2 Me
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark It 2 Me
  • Show Website
    Mark It 2 Me Podcast