Mark It 2 Me

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

    15H AGO

    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
  2. From Courtroom to Art Galleries

    MAR 31

    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
  3. How A Freelancer Built a Community That Works

    MAR 17

    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
  4. A.I. Isn't Your Enemy

    MAR 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 into The 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
  5. Being Intentional with Ryan Roghaar

    FEB 17

    Being Intentional 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
  6. Ice Cream Sneaker Collection with Anderson Bluu

    FEB 3

    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
  • 6 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
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark It 2 Me
  • Show Website
    Mark It 2 Me