Stay ConnectedThe Side Hustler’s Perspective Podcast is fuel for your mind and creative grind.
Each week, Coach Scotty Russell puts you in a position to get paid to play creating work that lights you up…
All while navigating a day job, family life, the inner critic, and more.
This is for those who want to master the art of healthy hustling while growing their creative business.
You can follow Scotty on Twitter @ScottytheCoach and IG @CoachScottyRussell for all things coaching and art.
Copyright: © All Rights Reserved 2020
Adam Grason: Responding to Adversity While Not Being a Dick
From the outside looking in, we tend to think the rockstar creatives we look up to are living a perfectly curated life through the social media lens. However, when you peel back the curtain, things aren’t always what they seem.
We all deal with adversity whether you see it or not. At the end of the day, it’s about how you respond.
Are you the type of person who cowards in a corner when you take an L? Or are you the type of person who dusts yourself off and takes the blow to the chin as a learning experience?
It all boils down to a choice.
Creating Something That Lasts
Queue today’s guest: branding, design, and Illustrator Goliath Adam Grason of Grason Studio out of Orlando, FL.
Adam has crushed projects for design brands like Google, Vayner Media, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Target to name a few. Behind the social media lens, he’s just a normal, down-to-earth, genuine dude who deals with his own adversity as a father, husband, and designer.
In this episode, Adam serves up an enthusiastic and transparent cocktail of topics like:
I have a feeling you’re going to want to take on the world after hearing this one.
Shownotes
Follow Adam Grason: Website | Instagram | Dribbble | Twitter | Behance
Hire Adam via Closer & Closer
Dose of Inspiration: DustyDink
Podcast Editor: Aine Brennan
Shownotes Editor: Paige Garland
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Reframing the Lens with Propaganda
Sometimes, we get so stuck in our way of thinking because of what’s been force-fed to us. Often we must unlearn what we’ve been taught and reteach ourselves to see things from different perspectives.
Perspective is key. When you reframe the lens you look through, you can better deal with issues in both your creative and daily life.
Simply visualizing yourself in someone else’s shoes can radically change the way you think, speak, and act on a certain subject. When you are able to see a bigger picture at stake, you begin to find ways you can contribute to a greater cause.
That’s what this show is about. I’m no one special, but I feel I have a special privilege and duty to invest a large chunk of my existence into pouring something “good” into this world. I feel called to be a player on a star-studded team that’s going to accomplish something phenomenal in the grand scheme of things. You could be a pivotal role player, too.
Fail and See What Sticks
Queue today’s guest: Jason Petty, a Hip Hop and Spoken Word juggernaut who slays under the alias Propaganda. While I see myself as the role player, like a Derek Fisher or Robert Horry of 2001-2002 Lakers, PropHipHop is a superstar—say like Shaq or my all-time favorite player, Kobe Bryant, in this greater picture.
Before I heard his music, I was captivated by his Keynote talk at the AIGA Thrive Conference in Raleigh, NC, back in late February. The way he commanded the stage, plus the ideas and critical thinking he showered our brains with, left me speechless and inspired. I knew I had to have him on the show to share his perspective with you.
Once I started listening to his music, it only elevated my respect for him as he’s a master at crafting a visual picture with his words.
He’s a down-to-earth dude who can inspire you to get into the boxing ring with the gloves laced up and to start putting more intention behind your work and actions.
Today, Prop and I peel back layers and go deep into topics of:
There's a lot of hype built around this episode and I promise it won't disappoint.
Shownotes
Listen / Download Propaganda Music: YouTube | Spotify | Humble Beast Site
Dose of Inspiration: @JoeLucio_
Podcast Editor: Aine Brennan
Shownotes Editor: Paige Garland
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Show Your Weird & Banish the Vampire Trend Suckers
A wise philosopher once said,"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." This wise soul was Dr. Seuss.
We live in a society where you are brainwashed to feel like you're missing out if you aren't jockin' the latest trend.
Sorry bruh, but you're doing it wrong if you don't have the freshest $120 Supreme t-shirt or the top of the line headphones that break within a month.
This culture can also parallel the creative world you and I operate in. There are waves of trendy work being featured and many of these geniuses are being hired by the big wigs with deep pockets.
Who doesn't want to catch features and have these businesses make it rain dollar bills on you?
This fear of missing out or being irrelevant causes us to lose sight of who we are at our creative core.
More than ever, I feel it's crucial to get back in touch with your weird quirks that make you you.
It's time to stop being a vampire trend sucker.
It's time to stake your claim on your small unique pixel patch of the internet.
Here are three super convincing reasons to show your weird and wave your freak flag with pride..
It's easy to get wrapped up in thinking you have to be a curated robot who creates for validation. Vanity metrics become your oxygen and you can't breathe if the internet doesn't like the work you created to please it.
However, when you allow yourself to play, experiment and fuck up, you create a breeding ground for your imagination to surprise you. You'll learn new techniques, styles and a deeper understanding of you and your process.
Getting to know yourself through your work can be frustrating, especially when you don't rock that first, second or tenth attempt of what's in your mind. Over time though it becomes rewarding as you begin finding your voice and unique style.
My strange obsession with pizza, cats and outer space have slowly found their way in my work over the years. I was hesitant at first because it broke "curation." Oddly enough, these weird quirks have become my highest engaging work and my best sellers in products.
It let people see my true colors and get to know Scotty, the human behind the work.
If a certain song or quote hits you deep, express it by creating some work.
Letter out that stupid pun or dad joke that only you laughed at.
Show your weird obsession for gummy bears or goat cheese in a abstract illustration.
Whatever it is, don't be afraid to experiment by finding and sharing yourself in your work.
Sometimes you scroll through your feeds and all you see is the same style of work or composition.
Yet once in a while you stop scrolling and have to pick your job off the floor due to someone's brilliant and original work.
That person is the black sheep, and you should strive to be that untamed beast.
Being the black sheep has always had a negative connotation to it. You're essentially the oddball in the family who sticks out for the wrong reasons.
However, in the magical creative realm, I'm learning that living the black sheep life is what helps you stand out and rise above the noise.
Instead of trying to fit it and mimic the waves everyone is riding, why not swim against the current?
A few people that do incredibly unique work that makes me pick my jaw off the floor are:
"Be brave enough to show your weird and OWN YOUR FLAVOR. The weird will be rewarded as you give permission to others to find and show their weird."
I totally paraphrased this but I believe I heard this from Lauren Hom's episode on the Creative Pep Talk Podcast with Andy J. Miller.
It's crazy how often I hear creatives tell me that they are reluctant to share their work at all due to the comparison trap and the fear of being judged.
I know this feeling all too well as it took me till the age of around 20-21 to claim I was an artist and to share my work publicly.
Regardless of your audience size or track record, publicly showcasing your weird can spark a ripple effect. When people see you comfortably sharing something that's out of the norm, I feel one can absorb some self-confidence through osmosis to do the same.
You never know who's paying attention to what you're kicking out and the impact that it could have.
It's Hard to Grow if You Don't Show
I get it, it's hard to shake things up and put yourself out there. However, it's hard to grow if you don't show.
We live in a world that tries to convince you that you should should want to be someone else. Hence getting out of your comfort and waving your freak flag is more important than ever.
Remember, nobody is better at being you than you.
Show your weird and be the black sheep.
Shownotes
Dose of Inspiration: @Fugstrator
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
The Peaks & Valleys of Nick Misani
How many times have you put yourself in a position to land an opportunity only to be rejected?
That shit hurts doesn’t it?
It not only leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but it also makes you reluctant to get back on the saddle and try again (I’m not a country fan but always wanted to say that).
That’s the curse of being a creative. You’ll always face adversity and fall on your ass from time to time.
It’s inevitable.
It’s also the beauty of being a creative. It's an every day challenge and you have the ability to dust yourself off and keep fighting.
This is how breakthroughs manifest.
Responding to Rejection
Queue today’s guest, Mr. Nick Misani. His one of a kind majestic Fauxsaic masterpieces has allowed him to quickly make a name for himself in the lettering realms.
However, that’s not the only style he excels at as he’s landed juggernaut clients such as Target, PepsiCo, Airbnb, Vanity Fair, etc with his diverse range of skills.
The only thing that matches his incredible work is his inspiring story as he’s dealt with waves of adversity and rejection to get to where he is today.
In today’s episode, we dive deep into the topics of:
So buckle your seatbelts, but not too tight though to restrict air circulation. Let’s dive deep into Nick’s story and work.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Louise Fili's: Website | Instagram | Latest Typeface Marseille
Dose of Inspiration: @adamgrason
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Play, Fuck Up & Experiment
I pursue this podcast because I love it.
I pursue drawing and creating because I love it.
Being a creative, you got into this whole mess because you tried it, you loved it and you figured it out along the way. Sometimes along the way you forget why you loved it and you can steer of course for a season or even a few years.
I’ve been there as it’s also easy to get wrapped up in the validation of creating for others on social media instead of creating what you’re vibing too. When you give yourself permission to play, fuck up and experiment, amazing things can happen.
Brian Steely: Big Work, Chill Dude
Queue today’s guest, Brian Steely of Steely Works. Brian is the most chill, down to earth rock stars in the creative game right now. He’s done work for big brands like Element, Toyota, Nike and big bands like Phish, Mumford & son and My Morning Jacket to name a few. However, he’s not too proud to throw down with your average Joe brand looking to make a splash.
He’s made a name for himself with his monoline badge work that’s take the internet by storm.
In this episode, we cover topics of:
He’s a rad dude, a great friend and he drops a goldmine of takeaways that light a much needed fire under your ass.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Dose of Inspiration: @graphicdesign79
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Diane Gibbs: A Champion for Creatives
Somedays you just lack the spark. You know, that feeling or reason that gets you stoked to jump out of bed and work on shit that lights your soul on fire.
Often it’s hard to see the gold we have buried within us. The inner critic blinds us from catching a glimpse of our potential.
Sometimes having an outside voice of reason can help break through that wall and give you the needed push to light that spark again. Sometimes you just need a champion or cheerleader in your corner.
While it may not be easy to be your own champion, you always have the ability to champion someone else.
People appreciate being appreciated. You never know the impact you can have on someone by spending a few moments of your existence to pepper them with a verbal pat on the back.
Maybe it’s just my background in coaching as I’ve had some asshole coaches who would destroy my confidence when I played sports. Its shown me the power of building someone up to help them perform at their best.
Someone who is a champion for creatives and does so much for our industry is Diane Gibbs. There’s an endless list of reasons why Diane deserves recognition as she:
I could keep going but honestly, Perspective-Collective would not be where it’s at today without Diane.
Door Builder & Opener
True story. after writing shitty blog posts for almost a year, Diane offered me one of the biggest breakthroughs of my life when she asked me to be a Keynote at a conference she was hosting in Alabama. It scared me to death as doing your first talk in front of over 100 people isn’t easy, but reluctantly AND thankfully I said yes.
That opportunity jump-started my speaking career which then got me into teaching workshops and most importantly, starting this podcast.
Diane is a champion for creatives like you and me. I’m absolutely honored to have this brilliant woman on the show and I know you’re going to love her as much as I do.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Follow Diane Gibbs: Twitter | DRS Instagram | Instagram | Facebook
Dose of Inspiration: @jakegivens
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Going the Extra Mile to Catch Your Breakthrough with Matt Vergotis
Let’s get real for a second…
We live in a digital age where human zombies are glued to their screens and expect instant stardom after hitting publish.
When overnight success isn’t unlocked, It’s easier to quit and hop on board the next trend that may help them strike gold.
One of the harder lessons I’ve learned in life is that there are no shortcuts—everything takes time. I’m talking countless hours, days, weeks, months and years obsessively hammering away at honing your craft.
Something we have to remind ourselves is that continuing to show up when it’s not convenient and going that extra mile in your work can help you edge closer to catching that looming breakthrough.
Patience, Disconnecting & Chin Wags
This brings me to today’s guest, Matt Vergotis AKA the Verg. Matt is the prime example of being surgical with practice, having patience while knowing when to disconnect from the digital world.
When he’s not surfing the Gold Coast and spending time with his family, you can find him crushing Corporate Identities, Branding, Logos, Type Design, Calligraphy and Hand Lettering.
It’s a trip when I listen to Spotify and know that I’m looking at the titles he crafted on some of the most popular playlists, it makes the music I’m listening to that much better.
Matt is a down to earth, super energetic dude but knows how to throw down and get to work.
In today’s episode, we surf around topics such as:
My expectations were shattered with this episode and his transparency on pricing is what I think you’ll sink your teeth into the most.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Follow Matt Vergotis: Website | Instagram | Dribbble | Twitter
Troye Sevan's Blue Neighborhood Album Artwork Behance Presentation
Dose of Inspiration: @kirileighjones
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Elevate Your Instagram Lettering, Build an Audience & Attract Work NOTE: Read the full blog post on Lettering-Daily.com. The following is just an overview.
Hopefully, you know by now that I’m all about experimenting and pushing things to the next level. I realize many people in my audience are focused on lettering as they found me on Instagram. However, I know the majority of my audience wants to learn how to improve their craft and get more eyes on their work.
That’s why today, I’m switching things up with a collaboration blog post / episode with my brother Max at @Lettering_Daily on Instagram. Not only does he curate a successful lettering feature account, but he also loads up his website full of education, inspiration and resources for aspiring or seasoned lettering artists.
He reached out to me in March asking if I wanted to publish a tutorial on his site, but I had a different idea. I’m not one to do tutorials because everything I would basically teach is done by someone else who probably did it better. So I figured why not create an in-depth resource to help lettering artists grow an Instagram audience and potentially land client work as well?
Don’t worry if you’re not a lettering artist, there is so much value in here that no matter what medium or style you create in, this can help you grow an audience and elevate your craft.
Below I'm listing a brief overview of what is covered in the full blog post and podcast episode. I strongly encourage you to read the full 6 Tips for Growing Your Instagram Lettering Audience blog on Lettering-Daily.com. It's loaded with resources, people to follow, links, images and bonus material.
If you think someone can find value in this episode please give it a share on social media. Your word of mouth is the reason the show keeps growing and you know I love you for it.
Instagram Lettering Tips
The following are the 6 tips I cover in the blog post / episode.
Yes, these tips will this help you develop your craft and grow an audience. More importantly, it'll help you stand out and land work doing what you love.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Dose of Inspiration:@Lettering_Daily
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Making Shareworthy Work That Lights up Your Soul
Do you struggle creating and promoting work that puts a pep in your step?
Do you want to learn how to create an engaging side project that people can’t resist sharing?
I get it, this shit can be difficult and stressful. It’s easy to overthink and take the path that you THINK people want to see. However, creating to please others is a slippery slope that can suffocate the joy of what it feels like to create work that lights you up and resonates with the right people.
What makes you different and what interests you could lead to a goldmine of work that generates a massive breakthrough in your creative career.
Instead of trying to fit in, why not try to stand out by being you?
Queue today’s guest, Lauren Hom of Hom Sweet Hom. Lauren’s built quite the reputation of combining her lettering, illustration, unique ideas and quirky sense of humor into side projects that takeover the internet and go viral.
It seems she’s cracked the code for creating work worth sharing while having the business chops to market herself and her projects.
With her weekly #HOMwork prompts on Instagram, she helps thousands of people create work that stands out amongst the noise. Not only that but she has a Passion to Paid course which dives deep into helping you create and market a side project that interests you. It’s currently taking place as we speak so sign up for the winter waiting list in the mean time.
A Heaping Serving of Lauren Hom Passion Project Advice
In this episode, Lauren dishes out:
Overall, this one will get you jazzed to get out of your comfort zone and dip your toes in a new project that excites your soul.
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Lauren’s Website | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
Get involved with #Homwork and catchup on the archive
Blog Post: You Don’t Need Much to Make Magic
Creative Pep Talk 153 - Making Shareworthy Work with Lauren Hom
Dose of Inspiration: @BeGoodStudio
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
The Dynamic Duo That is Super Team Deluxe
Our past experiences have the ability to positively or negatively impact and shape the future versions of ourselves.
So many times we let the bad things we’ve done or the things we don’t like in life define us. In reality, we should push our story forward by using those experiences as a guide to strive to do the best and to be the best we can.
As creatives, I feel we should constantly experiment, share our weird and let our freak flag fly. Your experiences, interests and quirks are the secret ingredients that’ll help you rise above the noise. Sprinkling in a dose of kindness will really add gas to the fire.
This brings me to today’s guests of Rogie King and Justin Mezzell.
Rogie King is a prolific coder, developer and illustrator who can name every Disney character from A-Z.
Justin Mezzell has built a stone solid reputation for his illustrations and witty yet whimsical copywriting. His love for Pokemon and people are second to none.
Together this dynamic duo makes up Super Team Deluxe, a collaborative funhouse that churns out merch that speaks to your soul.
Hold Onto Your Biscuits
Within this whirlwind of a ping pong conversation that feels like it’s fueled by your favorite caffeinated childhood soda JOLT, there is an abundance of value, encouragement and vulnerability tucked between the humor.
Hold onto your biscuits as we navigate topics of:
Most importantly, they let you see the value of why it’s okay to work at your day job while grinding on your dream
If you find value in this episode, please give it a share via Instagram or Twitter and share the love.
Shownotes
Super Team Deluxe - Instagram / Twitter / Dribbble / Website
Andy J. Miller - Creative Pep Talk Podcast
Dose of Inspiration: @BeGoodStudio
Podcast editor: Aine Brennan
Podcast music: Blookah
Want to Support the Show?
Share the show on social media or follow the Perspective Podcast Instagram
Crypto Donation Support
Subscribe via your favorite podcast player:
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
