The Seattle Creative Show

Jonny McConnell, Lee Gehrig, Dustin Horn

5.0 (3)
DESIGN

A phonebook for all the creative studios in the northwest. Where we talk about what it means to be in the business of creativity, what gets us up at 5am, pours milk on our cereal, and keeps the wind in our sails. Directed by Jonny McConnell, produced by Dustin Horn.

03/05/2025

Lisa & Josh Tuininga of The Medium

Navigating Creativity and Business: The Story of a Small Art and Design Studio This episode delves into the journey of a small art and design studio run by a husband and wife team since 2003. Initially driven by confidence and a desire for creative freedom, the duo discusses their growth from freelancing and day jobs to establishing a sustainable business. They reflect on balancing personal creativity with business needs, and the dynamics of hiring and managing a small team. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of the design industry, the impact of technology, and their approach to client relationships. Personal anecdotes highlight their commitment to maintaining a balance between work, creativity, and personal well-being. 00:00 The Beginnings 01:16 Starting the Studio: Early Challenges 02:47 Taking the Leap: Quitting Day Jobs 05:56 Learning on the Job: Early Mistakes 08:58 Building the Team: Key Hires 11:17 Balancing Growth and Specialization 13:06 Client Relationships and Business Philosophy 16:22 Navigating the Design Industry 21:39 Authenticity in Business 26:14 The Changing Landscape of Design Firms 26:51 Client Relationships and Project Cycles 28:16 Balancing Small and Large Projects 29:36 Reflecting on Business and Success 31:20 Lightning Round: Fun and Quick Questions 32:13 Work Environment and Tools 34:00 Living and Working in North Bend 34:58 The Creative Bus Studio 36:13 Education and Career Advice 39:33 Internships and Remote Work 41:50 Freelancing and Building a Business 44:32 Future Plans and Personal Reflections 47:59 The Core of Our Relationship 49:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more go to https://seattlecreative.directory/ and say hi! jonny@seattlecreative.directory ad: Edited in Descript https://get.descript.com/rj9bozp5wx8e

49 min
02/12/2025

Josh Kornfeld of Tactile

The Journey Behind Tactile: From Start-Up to Success In this interview, Tactile's founder reflects on the company's 20-year journey, starting with his early design influences and education at RISD, and leading to the thriving design firm it is today. He shares personal anecdotes, including hosting Halloween parties and working for the Forest Service, and delves into the challenges of building and running a design business. Key topics include the importance of craft in design, maintaining a balanced work environment, and fostering long-term client relationships. Insights on leadership, team-building, and the evolution of the company's physical and cultural workspace offer a comprehensive view of the firm's success and aspirations. 00:00 Meeting Tactile: A Personal Introduction 01:54 The Journey to Industrial Design 02:40 Early Career and Key Experiences 05:16 Founding Tactile: From Freelance to Firm 07:47 Building a Team and Office Space 12:25 Balancing Business and Design 17:55 Client Relationships and Project Selection 29:02 The Value of Commitment in Design 30:07 Balancing Work and Personal Life 31:06 Collaboration and Expertise in Design 32:18 Enhancing Internal Design Teams 33:25 Finding Positive Influences and Community 37:06 Rivalries and Competition 37:56 Team Structure and Roles 38:44 The Importance of Craft in Design 39:40 Visual Storytelling and Marketing 43:32 Lightning Round and Conclusion 44:35 Tools and Work Environment 48:04 Design Education and Craft 51:01 Future Goals and Aspirations For more visit https://seattlecreative.directory/ And do say hi! jonny@seattlecreative.directory ad: Edited in Descript https://get.descript.com/rj9bozp5wx8e

55 min
06/14/2024

Jason & Corianton of Headquarters

Jonny sits down with Cori and Jason to reminisce about their early days at Tether and their journey since to establishing their own creative studio, their unique working dynamic, client relationships, and business strategies. And just the value of work-life balance and staying personally inspired in the creative industry.

55 min
04/05/2024

Dave Taylor of OkayBro

Joined by the fantastic voice of Dave Taylor, and creative force behind OkayBro- we try to understand what it means to be your own leader, how to balance making and being, and healthy ways to define success for ourselves.

1h 1m
01/26/2024

Sean Wolcott of Rationale

Jonny talks with Sean Wolcott about how his design studio is also a personal practice, blending business and culture and to make sure that the audience feels the work he’s putting out into the world.

37 min
10/20/2023

Alice Wicks of Form

Tracing the winding career path creatives end up on, how to build studio culture with a small staff of freelancers, and the relationship between you and the environment you create.

54 min
08/07/2023

Larry Asher - School of Visual Concepts

Creative principal of the studio Worker Bees and the director for the school of visual concepts, Larry Asher discusses the impact of design education on our region, becoming a creative community center, and where the school is headed next.

34 min
03/15/2023

Coonoor Behal of Mindhatch

Design thinking and the bettering of our work environments.

28 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

A phonebook for all the creative studios in the northwest. Where we talk about what it means to be in the business of creativity, what gets us up at 5am, pours milk on our cereal, and keeps the wind in our sails. Directed by Jonny McConnell, produced by Dustin Horn.

Creator

Jonny McConnell, Lee Gehrig, Dustin Horn
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

15
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2024 - Seattle Creative
Show Website

The Seattle Creative Show