In this episode, we sit down with Marlon Antunez, a talented graphic designer. We explore Marlon's career journey, from his days as a product design major at Stanford to his innovative work at a leading media agency in LA. Marlon reflects on his approach to creativity, balancing design with other passions like photography and tennis, and the significance of forming friendships within the design industry. We delve into his popular Substack '1500 Fridays,' the inspiration behind it, trends in social media, and his vision for the future. This conversation offers insights into staying inspired, the evolving landscape of design, and practical advice for aspiring designers.

Marlon:

https://substack.com/@1500fridays

https://www.instagram.com/ojomarlon/

00:00 Introduction to Marlon: A Talented Designer

00:41 The Importance of Design Friendships

02:29 Marlon's Journey and Substack

03:21 The Story Behind 1500 Fridays

08:31 Life in LA and Design Inspirations

11:04 Favorite Cafes in LA

13:05 Navigating Social Media as a Designer

21:05 Music Recommendations and Spotify Tips

24:05 Navigating Music Discovery

24:21 Exploring KCRW and Local Radio

24:59 Curated Music Apps and YouTube Channels

26:27 Recession Core and Office Vibes

26:50 Quick Break and Announcements

27:54 Advice for Aspiring Designers

31:32 Dreams Beyond Design

34:42 Rapid Fire Questions

37:42 New Media and Design Trends

49:08 Personal Reflections and Career Insights

In this episode of 'The Pool Party,' host Jules delves into the significance of passion projects and their role in cultivating creativity and resilience in the ever-changing design and content creation industries. Jules shares personal stories, insights about the current job market for designers, and practical advice on how beginners can bootstrap and maintain motivation. Lastly, the episode touches on the importance of balancing work with creativity and self-care. Tune in for inspiration and actionable tips to keep your creative dreams alive and thriving.

00:00 Welcome to The Pool Party

00:34 Introduction to Design Education and Branding

01:53 The Role of Social Media Agencies

02:56 The Shift in Marketing Strategies

03:12 Starting and Sustaining Creative Projects

04:33 Today's Episode: Passion Projects

07:31 Jules' Journey with Passion Projects

16:04 Navigating the Current Job Market

24:22 Balancing Passion Projects and Health

33:12 The Reality of Pursuing Creative Careers

40:12 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

In this episode of 'The Pool Party,' host Jules discusses the emerging trend of working multiple part-time jobs in startups and creative fields to diversify income sources. Jules emphasizes the importance of online portfolios over traditional resumes and cover letters for creatives, providing tips on where to create and host portfolios. They delve into personal experiences in graphic and visual design, project management, and obtaining practical skills, advising listeners to do thorough online research or seek affordable alternatives to formal education. Jules shares insights on reading the room during networking, building confidence in creative work, handling multiple work profiles on social media, establishing career goals, and maintaining work-life balance. Practical advice on handling economic uncertainty and personal anecdotes from Jules' winding career path offer valuable lessons for aspiring creatives.

00:00 Introduction: The Future of Work

00:40 Welcome to The Pool Party

00:42 Creative Work Portfolios: An Overview

01:14 Skills for Work-Life Balance

02:30 Building Your Portfolio: Tips and Resources

03:52 Choosing the Right Platform for Your Portfolio

07:35 Content and Structure of Your Portfolio

08:40 Case Study: Alex Cooper's Unwell Network

10:22 Personal Journey and Design Education

22:33 The Importance of Social Media Separation

29:17 Networking and Reading the Room

31:41 Dealing with Creative Insecurities

32:42 The Reality of Working as a Creative

35:10 The Role of Therapy and Coaching

37:03 Balancing Education and Practical Experience

45:24 Conclusion: Navigating the Creative Career