CAPTN OffScript

45. The Monday Break(Through) 030 - The Healthiest Designer in the Room Is Doing Less, Not More

What if the key to better creativity wasn’t doing more - but doing less?In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive deep into the real foundations of sustainable creativity: your mental health, physical habits, and the systems you build to protect your energy. From breaking free of hustle culture and burnout to practical ways you can rethink your workspace, your schedule, and your relationship with productivity - this is your designer wellbeing blueprint.I’ll talk about: • Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor • How sleep, food, and movement shape your creative output • Managing distractions, setting boundaries, and finding focus • The power of rest, play, and unfocused thinking • Designing a career that actually works for you - not the other way aroundIf you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the joy of creating - this one’s for you.Plus: I share details about my live Instagram chat with Alex Center happening today at 18:30 CET / 12:30 EST, and how you can still enter our big giveaway to win a copy of Made by James and all of my fonts released by June 2025. Details at @thetypeconvo on Instagram.

44. The Monday Break(Through) 029 - Labels Are for Folders, Not Designers

Feeling stuck between being a “specialist” and wanting to explore it all? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I’m unpacking my own journey through years of creative reinvention - from web design, branding, SEO, and templates to finally landing on type design (and even that doesn’t cover it all).This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their creative identity, unsure what to call themselves, or afraid they’ll never “find their niche.” We’re talking about the beauty of evolution, the pros and cons of niching, and why not fitting into one box might be your greatest strength.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not focused enough” this one’s for you.

43. The Monday Break(Through) 028 - Turning 39 and Letting Go of the Timeline Trap

Birthdays can feel like pressure points. We reflect, we compare, we wonder if we’re “on track.” But what if the number doesn’t matter at all?In today’s episode, I’m turning 39 – and instead of looking back with regret or rushing toward future goals, I’m pausing to talk about how age is just a marker, not a deadline. I share thoughts on comparison, late blooms, quiet confidence, and why your best years might still be ahead of you. If you’ve ever felt behind, too old, or stuck in someone else’s timeline, this one’s for you.Tune in for a grounded reminder that you’re right on time.

42. Why ‘Iconic’ Is More Than a Buzzword – Scott Fuller Gets Real on Timeless Design

In this episode of The Type Convo, I sit down with Scott Fuller – the one-man dynamo behind The Studio Temporary and the Instagram handle @studiotemporary.From leaving a mechanical engineering scholarship to launching his own studio from the back of a sign shop, Scott’s journey is all about grit, faith, and the relentless pursuit of iconic design.We talk about:The moment he nearly gave up on art – and what pulled him backHis analog-first process using Field Notes and SharpiesWhat “iconic” actually means to him (and why trends don’t last)His love for storytelling through logos, signs, and visual systemsFamily, faith, discipline – and how it all ties into his creative lifeScott’s work with brands like Coca-Cola, Monotype, and the Atlanta Braves proves that design built with purpose never goes out of style.Note: In a few parts, the audio isn’t perfect – but I’ll be adding a full transcript of the conversation very soon for anyone who prefers to read along.🎙️ Listen in and get inspired by a conversation that’s equal parts practical and powerful.

41. The Monday Break(Through) 027 - Why Being a Great Designer Just Isn’t Enough Anymore

In this solo episode of Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth many creatives are quietly struggling with: being a great designer just isn’t enough anymore.From brand strategy to video editing, SEO to motion graphics, designers today are expected to wear every hat in the creative studio—and it’s exhausting.I talk about why the industry shifted, what that means for your career, and most importantly, how you can stay relevant without losing yourself in the process. The answer isn’t “do more”—it’s get clear.This one’s for every creative who’s ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or like they’re falling behind. You’re not alone.

40. The Monday Break(Through) 026 - Everyone’s Just Figuring It Out (Even the Pros)

In this episode of The Monday Break(Through), I dive into a truth that keeps surfacing in almost every conversation I’ve had with my podcast guests - and in my own life: no one really has it all figured out. Not the viral creatives, not the award-winning designers, not even the people we admire most. Behind every beautiful portfolio and curated Instagram feed are moments of doubt, unfinished work, and quiet confusion. From Ian Barnard to Carly Salzman to Adam Bosley and Will Paterson, every guest has shared some version of this same experience: they’re still figuring it out, just like the rest of us.This episode is a reminder that your path isn’t broken just because it’s messy. In fact, that mess might be where your best ideas come from. I talk about letting go of the myth of “one day,” the dangers of comparison, and why embracing uncertainty can actually set you free. If you’ve ever felt like you should be further along or like everyone else has it together - this one’s for you.

39. Obsessed with Letters: Ian Barnard on Mastery, Mistakes & Making Fonts

What do you do when your wife is watching Downton Abbey, your newborn needs feeding, and your creative spark is burning out?If you’re Ian Barnard—you pick up a “Calligraphy for Dummies” book and unknowingly set yourself on a path that leads to Creative Market bestsellers, fonts spotted in Starbucks, and a global community of lettering lovers.In this episode, Ian shares how his journey from a local graphic designer to an international lettering artist wasn’t driven by trends or flashy success—but by daily practice, small bets, and staying curious.We talk about: • The early days of learning calligraphy with zero experience • Building a thriving digital product business without losing the love for the craft • Making fonts that people actually use—and one that accidentally went viral • Teaching vs. creating vs. resting (and why Ian needs all three) • Parenting, faith, and finding balance as a one-man creative studioThis is one of those conversations that reminds you why you started—and why it’s worth continuing, even when no one’s watching.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.👉 Check out Ian’s work on Instagram: @ianbarnard🌐 Explore his products, courses, and fonts at: www.ianbarnard.net

38. The Monday Break(Through) 025 - Mindful Minutes - How I Took Back My Time From Instagram and Email

In this episode of Monday Break(Through), I share the results of a simple challenge I gave myself last week: break the phone habit. After limiting Instagram to just 30 minutes a day, I quickly realized how much time I was wasting on mindless scrolling - and how little it actually impacted my business or engagement.But the experiment didn’t stop there. It led me to uncover another sneaky time-waster: constantly checking emails out of habit, not necessity. So I’m taking action - and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same.If you’ve been feeling scattered, stressed, or stretched too thin, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about time, focus, boundaries, and the power of being intentional.Plus, I share a quick announcement about this week’s live conversation with illustrator Ian Barnard on The Type Convo Instagram page - don’t miss it.

37. The Monday Break(Through) 024 - The Cost of Cat Videos

In this Monday Break(Through), I’m reflecting on a surprising insight I had after reviewing my digital wellbeing stats—I’ve been spending nearly 14 hours a week on my phone, with most of that time lost to mindless scrolling on Instagram. This episode isn’t about blaming tech or going off-grid. It’s about awareness. I talk about what sparked this realization (a powerful interview with Harbor), how small habits add up, and why our attention is our most valuable resource as creatives and entrepreneurs.If you’ve ever caught yourself in a scroll spiral, felt guilty about your screen time, or wondered how much of your energy is going to things that don’t actually move you forward—this one’s for you. Tune in for a raw breakdown of my week, a simple action I’m taking to regain control, and an open invitation for you to do the same.Let’s take back our time, one conscious choice at a time.

36. Designing Dreams: Harbor Bickmore on Life, Type, and Courage

In this deeply honest conversation, Harbor Bickmore — the creative force behind That That Type — joins The Type Convo to share his incredible journey from small-town beginnings to building a bold and distinctive design career.We dive into his early days of skating and graphic design, his decision to live without a smartphone, starting That That Type, preparing to launch Vanilla Type, and his bold philosophy about life, creativity, and self-worth.Harbor talks candidly about why he left a ‘dream job’ at a top design studio, how he created his own definition of success, and why knowing yourself is the ultimate creative superpower.A must-listen for anyone who dreams of doing things differently. 🎙️✨https://www.thebestgraphicdesignerintheworld.comhttps://www.thatthattype.com