In this podcast, we’re going to have honest conversations about the ups and downs of the design and marketing business, lessons we’ve learned, and share ideas and support that get us all through the day. Sometimes, we’ll just shoot the shit!
Ep 40: The Great Creative Devaluation: Did We Do This To Ourselves?
Jul 10, 2025
Show notes
Let’s talk about the big, ugly question no one wants to ask: Are creatives part of the reason we’re being undervalued?
This episode digs into the painful shift we’re seeing across the industry, layoffs, budget cuts, clients ghosting their design partners, and explores how we might’ve accidentally helped speed it along. From our obsession with aesthetics over outcomes to the slow creep of Canva and AI tools, it’s time to stop pointing fingers and start looking in the mirror.
But don’t worry, we’re not here to wallow. We’re here to reclaim the value of what we do, and how we do it.
You’ll hear:
Why leadership stopped believing in creative ROI
What Canva really represents
How to reposition creative work as a business driver
What we can do (starting now) to turn this around
Ep 39: Special Guess: Justin Kramm
Jun 16, 2025
Show notes
What happens when you name your agency “Shitshow Creative” and then build a brand that leans all the way in? You get Justin Kramm, a walking, talking, beautifully branded dumpster fire (his words, not ours).
In this unfiltered conversation, we go deep on chaotic naming sessions, misfit energy, and what it really means to own your agency's weirdness. We play name games, swap origin stories, and debate who would win in a full-blown brand mashup brawl.
Spoiler: His “Shiti-Festo” is real, brilliant, and probably not HR-approved.
You’ll hear: – How Shitshow Creative got its name (and what Grandma thinks about it) – Why chaos is a legit brand strategy – What happens when your agency is also a cocktail – The boldest thing they’ve done that no other agency would dare
Ep 38: Pricing Your Shit
Apr 27, 2025
Show notes
Time to tackle everyone's favorite topic to avoid: pricing. You know, that thing keeping you up at 3 AM questioning all your life choices? Yeah, that one.
In this BS-free episode, we're breaking down everything from billing hourly (probably screwing you over) to value-based pricing (scary but worth it). Learn how to graduate from project monkey to a strategic partner who commands premium rates.
Time to get real about talking to clients about money. Your future self will thank you for listening to this one.
Ep 37: Thriving or Surviving?
Mar 30, 2025
Show notes
In this episode of The Creative Shit Show, we dive deep into surviving—and thriving—in today’s wild economic ride. From the feast-or-famine freelancing grind and pricing pressures to standing out with a killer portfolio, we’ve got you covered. We unpack how to niche down, turn past clients into a referral goldmine, and position your work to show real value. Plus, we tackle AI’s big shake-up—Midjourney, Canva, and beyond—and how designers can lean into strategy, intuition, and storytelling to stay ahead. Tune in for raw talk on networking, portfolio power moves, and the skills (hello, UI/UX and brand strategy) that’ll keep you in demand. Chaos? Sure. Opportunity? Hell yes. Listen now.
Ep 36: Sh*t Happens
Jul 19, 2024
Show notes
The Creative Shit Show crew reunites after months apart! Life threw us some curveballs this past year, prompting a break from recording, but our bond as friends is rock solid, supporting one another through thick and thin.
We hit record on a recent Zoom chat to give you an unfiltered update on our adventures. No cuts, no edits - just raw and real conversations. Enjoy the show!
Ep 35: Artificial Intelligence
Jan 25, 2024
Show notes
Welcome to season 3 of the Creative Shit Show! In this episode, we dive into a topic that we've all talked about before, and we believe it's been on everyone's mind — and that's AI. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of AI and creativity. We'll explore the capabilities and limitations of AI when it comes to generating unique and innovative ideas. We'll also touch on some of the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the creative realm. Sit back and take a listen!
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 • “Home again home again, Jiggity Jig!” - Von Glitschka
0:11 • Intro
00:35 • Justin shares his inner feelings and paints them.
It’s an episode of looking back to go forward. The Creative Shit Show co-hosts share their favorite moments and experiences from 2023, and what they’re looking most forward to in the 2024 New Year ahead. We’re so thankful for our amazing listeners, friends, family, and everyone who has supported us in our careers. You’re the bestest!
Have a listen, and share your favorite memories from 2023, and what’s next for you in 2024.
Ep 33: Special Guest: Andrew Gibbs
Dec 21, 2023
Show notes
For this special episode, the gang is joined by Andrew Gibbs, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of the Dieline which has been delighting passionate packaging designers since 2007. We dove deep into the world of packaging and package design, honing in on the importance of sustainability and where the next generation of package designers should focus their efforts. So, grab your favorite cocktail, sit back, and get ready for some serious inspiration. The Creative Shit Show is about to begin!
Show Notes:
00:00 • “Packaging for me is the combination of the love of graphic design, stuff, products, and brands.” - Andrew Gibbs
Can you monetize the thing that you love AND still love what you do? In this episode, the gang explores the possibilities of intersecting things you like to do, things you want to do, and things that could make you money.
Jamie and Justin both made commitments to Von and Karen that you don't want to miss. Grab a cocktail, and have a listen.
SHOW NOTES:
00:00 • Can you monetize the thing that you love AND still love what you do?
02:32 • “There are things I love doing, and things I’m good at, but they don’t make me money at all.” - Jamie
03:45 • Jamie likes cooking.
06:09 • Nana’s Lasagne Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 lb hamburger (I use ground sirloin), browned
2 tsp oregano
1/2 c. water
1/2 lb cooked lasagne noodles (5 minutes boiling)
1/2 lb mozarella, shredded
16 oz low fat cottage cheese
1/2 chopped sweet onion
2 cans tomato soup
2 tsp vinegar
Directions:
Brown beef and onion together in a pan. Add vinegar, oregano, water, and soup. Simmer 30 minutes. In 13x9 pan, layer noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. (I do 3 layers). Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
06:35 • You tell me what is in your fridge and I’ll tell you what you can make with it.
Jamie recipe for Von:
Appetizer: Hard boil 6 eggs. Cut each in 1/2 and hollow out yolk. Place in bowl and add mayo and yellow mustard to taste. Take 1 tbs of honey and add a few shots of hot sriracha to it. Melt down and drizzle on top of deviled eggs or drizzle across plate and place deviled eggs on top.
Dinner: Finely chop up a few carrots, celery, garlic, and onions. Add 2 tbs olive oil or other natural cooking oil to a saute pan and saute the smoked sausages about 5 minutes, then add the veggies and saute until soft and sausages are browned on all sides. Add 2 cups of rice, some of that salsa verde to taste, 1 cup of beef broth, and simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and chili powder to taste. You should end up with a simple “jambalaya” type meal when completed.
Dessert: Add buttermilk and a couple of eggs to bisquick (or make your own bisquick):
6 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons baking powder 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup vegetable shortening, cubed
Warm up skillet or pan on stove and add small amount of oil heat on medium high until shimmering. Turn down to medium/medium low. Add dollops of batter to make small, silver dollar sized pancakes. Flip when batter gets pretty bubbly on top to lightly brown each side. Slather a little bit of strawberry jelly and top with whipped cream. Serve with a small portion of grapes on the side.
07:47 • Justin likes photography.
09:45 • Karen likes creating ProCreate artwork and animating it.
11:20 • Von likes working on his koi pond, reading, and writing.
14:14 • Justin wants to start painting and break dancing again.
18:59 • Karens Yoda moment. “Just move the paint.” “Live with the experience of working with the paint.”
20:20 • Actually doing what you love and making money at it.
26:38 • Karens second Yoda moment.
27:01 • Exercise the different parts of who we are.
28:01 • New chapters in life and working for the man.
32:21 • Walking 630 miles while listening to audio books.
Ep 31: Special Guest: Ilise Benun
Sep 21, 2023
Show notes
Get ready to meet the fabulous Ilise Benun, the founder of Marketing-Mentor.com! She's the go-to guru for creative professionals who want to level up their projects and budgets. Ilise is the real deal, with over 35 years of experience teaching basic business skills like mindset, money, and marketing to solopreneurs and creatives. We're thrilled to call her a friend, and every time we catch up, she drops some serious wisdom on us. Listen, learn, and leave us a comment on social about your favorite part!
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