Podcasts by Design Life

162: CEO and designer, Helen Tran from 2023-12-14T10:28:26.687170

This week we are delighted to share a very special edition of Design Life with you. For this episode we invited Helen Tran who is a Product Designer, hobbyist...

163: Earning passive income from 2023-12-14T10:28:26.681677

Passive income is a great way for designers to earn a little extra every month alongside your full time or freelance gig. In this episode of Design Life we discuss the different passive income s...

165: Staying creative during life changes from 2023-12-14T10:28:26.669768

After a short hiatus the Design Life podcast is back! Staying creative and motivated during big life changes can be a real challenge, one we have recently faced. We have jumped at the chance for...

003: The self taught vs. formal education debate from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.161299

In this episode we're talking about learning design, and discussing whether designers should get a formal education or teach themselves.

We go through what we believe are the pros and...

007: Finding motivation and staying focussed from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.152613

We all struggle with motivation and focus at times; whether it's for a design school project you're just not connecting to or perhaps a side project that you're feeling burned out on. In this episo...

011: Positioning yourself as a designer from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.148304

There comes a point in every designer’s life where they decide what kind of designer they’re going to be. In this episode we chat about the different types of design we’ve done on our design journe...

012: Work/Life Balance from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.147064

For those of us with many things on the go the traditional work/life balance is more of a work/life/side project balance. Dividing our time between these important things can be tricky and in this ...

016: Prioritising tasks for personal projects from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.141956

At work we have managers, co-workers or clients relying on us to get things done. When it comes to our personal projects we often don’t have the same sense of urgency or deadlines, so how do you pr...

020: How to push through Creative block from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.131936

Creative block is scary. It’s something that every creative goes through, and it’s something that tends to sneak up on you. In this episode we discuss how for us creative block feels overwhelming a...

024: Learning new skills for your side project from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.127266

Learning new skills is something that goes hand-in-hand with side projects. Often we have ideas for things that involve either expanding on the skills we currently have, or learning something total...

025: Should designers learn to code? from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.125991

Creating a website involves two main skills: design and development. In this episode we tackle the hot debate of designers and code; Should web designers be able to build the things they design, an...

029: Should you follow design trends? from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.075233

Design trends are visual elements or design systems that sweep over the web and start appearing on many different websites. As with most things, there is a time and a place to follow trends and whe...

033: The importance of role models from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.063214

No one is born knowing how to lead a successful life. That’s something we learn along the way from role models. In this episode we discuss the value and importance we place on role models and share...

037: Bringing new clients onboard from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.057836

Bringing a new client onboard is the start of a new working relationship, and it’s important to get it started on the right foot. Having an onboarding process in place to streamline this beginning ...

038: Jack of all trades - Specialist or generalist? from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.056838

In the tech industry especially, there is a lot of pressure on designers to excel at everything involved in the design and development process and be “unicorns”.
In this episode we discuss h...

042: The truth about freelance marketplaces from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.049941

Freelancing websites that offer the opportunity to bid for projects or compete to have your logo design chosen by a company are damaging to the way design is valued. In this episode we discuss our ...

046: Dealing with harsh critique from 2022-02-22T01:58:16.044651

Harsh critique is something we all encounter, and when you’ve not yet built up a thick skin it can be very hard to deal with. In this episode we give you advice for taking this feedback on board wi...

050: The value of conferences from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.978288

Going to conferences is something most professionals end up doing at some point in their career. But when should you start going to some? How do you know which ones are best? What should you do whe...

051: How to get clients to pay up from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.977245

We often hear stories of designers waiting months for payment. It’s hard asking for money, so how do you get clients to pay up? In this episode we talk about issues with payments, and share advice ...

055: Design contracts & why you should have one from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.969058

A contract is an essential part of being a freelancer. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s valuable to put one in to your process as soon as possible. In this episode we share advice for creatin...

058: Setting goals for 2017 from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.964030

The start of a new year is the perfect time for you to think about what you want to get out of the year ahead, and set some goals. In this episode we get super honest and share our audience buildin...

059: Advice for creating a great portfolio from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.960620

When it comes to getting jobs in creative industries, your portfolio is more important than your resumé. Your portfolio should show your best work, and should demonstrate why you’re the person to h...

063: Advice for remote working from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.956289

Remote working is becoming more and more common, and more and more desirable these days. In this episode we discuss our remote jobs and share advice for focussing and connecting with your team as a...

067: We need more crappy work from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.949240

The design world has gotten a little too perfect. All we see are beautiful finished products. The ideas thrown out along the way never get shared. But there is value in sharing your process and it ...

071: Feeling confident as a designer from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.942181

Struggling with confidence is a big problem creatives face. We’ve all had days where we feel like we can’t keep going on our creative journey; that we’re not good enough and should just give up. Bu...

075: Feeling guilty for taking a break from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.935552

Do you sometimes feel guilty for taking a break? Maybe you tinker on things throughout your break to ease the guilt, or perhaps you feel the guilt after enjoying a weekend away. Well we feel that t...

076: The pros and cons of procrastiworking from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.930011

Procrastiworking is work you do instead of another task; think of it as productive procrastination! But it is still just that: procrastination. In this episode we talk about the process and cons of...

080: Our plans for the Design Life community from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.877210

Design Life will soon be launching a community! In this episode we share in depth our plans for the community and tell you everything you need to know about the beta launch (sign up at[http://192.2...

084: Self-doubt and feeling unsuccessful from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.871244

Feeling down about yourself, and like you're super uninteresting and unsuccessful isn't fun. In fact, it downright sucks. But it's something we all seem to face. So that's what we decided to discus...

088: Shiny Object Syndrome from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.862900

Us creative types can often be distracted by shiny new ideas, especially when we’re at a tough point in a project. The temptation of working on something new is easy to give in to, but it’s not alw...

089: Personal vs professional from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.861843

Do you feel like you need to be careful what you post online? Can you be yourself on social media? In this episode we discuss the divide between our personal and professional sides and how we handl...

093: Taking Risks from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.852936

As humans we are designed to be afraid of taking risks, but a certain amount of risk is necessary to achieve success. In this very special episode Eric Friedensohn (a talented lettering artist and ...

097: How to start making money from side projects - with Nathan Barry from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.840511

It’s time to start making money from your side projects. Designer/entrepreneur Nathan Barry joins us for this episode to share advice for selling products without seeming too pushy, setting goals f...

101: Starting a new design job from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.830525

Starting a new design job can be scary. Not only are there new colleagues to get to know, but new design processes and projects to get your head around, and no doubt a million questions. In this ep...

105: Portfolio pieces vs just needing the money from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.780107

All designers go through a stage where they create work they aren’t proud of. What should you do when you’re trying to build your portfolio up, but are working on projects you don’t love because yo...

108: Setting a monthly focus from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.776741

In this episode we discuss an approach to getting things done that might help you get more out of 2018 and finally complete some projects you’ve been trying to make time for by setting a monthly fo...

112: Redesigning your website from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.767333

As designers it sometimes feels like we are perpetually redesigning our own websites! In this episode we discuss our approach to tackling our redesigns and what tools we’re using to build the site,...

115: Friendly competition from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.758851

Competition can be healthy or harmful, depending on how far you take it! In this episode we discuss an email from a listener about toxic competition, and share our experience with similar situation...

117: Articulating design decisions from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.754936

Recently, Femke attended a workshop about articulating design decisions and in this episode she shares a few nuggets of wisdom she learned there with you. We also discuss our experience presenting ...

121: Trying new design tools from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.746644

For many designers, deciding what new design or prototyping tool to choose can be overwhelming, with new tools launching every month! How can you choose the right one while also maximising your tim...

125: Travelling for work from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.739244

As designers our jobs can be done from anywhere! Ironically this can often mean that we don’t need to travel for work within a company, but opportunities can still arise to work with a team in anot...

128: Making time for new side projects from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.732110

Have an idea for a new side project? With potentially a few already on the go, how do you make time for new side projects without neglecting your current ones? In this episode we talk about how we ...

129: When do you know it’s time to move on? from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.678728

It’s easy to get stuck in the same routine – same job, same tasks, same projects. However there comes a time when maybe it’s time to move on to something new. In this episode we discuss experiences...

132: User Testing in the design process from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.469145

User testing, or usability testing, can help designers get to know their user even better. It can reveal insights into the use of the product or site that the team otherwise might never know. In th...

136: Sharing unfinished work from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.458871

There is still value to be found in sharing unfinished work, but does it really belong in your portfolio? In this episode we discuss sharing unfinished work, when it is appropriate and how to prese...

139: Working with stakeholders from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.453227

Gaining stakeholder trust can greatly influence the success of your project, but where is the best place to start? In this week’s episode we share our tips and experience to make the process of gai...

140: How to switch careers from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.452252

Today we are talking about switching careers to become a designer.

143: 3 Things we recommend right now from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.444751

As the Design Life podcast approaches its three year anniversary, we record another episode IRL. This week’s episode is a friendly catch up about our work and goals where we talk about some books, ...

146: Design Challenges, is it spec work? from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.430641

Design challenges can prove a controversial topic, specifically the kind you might complete as part of a job application. Some people think they have merit while others think they tread a fine line...

147: Goals for 2019 from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.425260

The goals you set are entirely up to you. Think about how you want to live your life and what you want to have done when you’ve retired and you’re looking back on your career. Your goals might look...

151: Running Design Sprints from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.417208

In this episode of Design Life, we discuss running design sprints. In the Product/UX community for the last couple of years, design sprints have been growing in popularity. As a UX designer herself...

154: Goal Setting and OKR's from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.375356

What is an OKR? How can you best set and achieve goals at work? Join us for today’s episode, as we dive into the topic of goal setting and explore the process we use to help us achieve our goals...

155: Done is better than perfect from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.374099

In this week’s episode we get a little bit philosophical as we discuss the concept of done being better than perfect. This week’s episode comes by way of a listener comment, despite knowing that th...

168: When your ideas aren't considered from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.340124

How do you deal with the frustration of people not accepting your ideas? When you share an idea and people brush it off or they don’t agree that it is a good idea, how do you deal with that in such...

171: Learnings from Adobe Max from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.331321

In this episode of Design Life we have a special guest joining us, Zach Grosser. Zach joins Charli on the podcast this week as they both attended Adobe MAX 2019, Charli was an Adobe Insider this ye...

173: Setting Goals and Intentions in 2020 from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.324663

This is a very exciting time of year, a great time to evaluate 2019 and look ahead to what you want to achieve in 2020. In this episode, the first episode of the new decade, we talk about our goals...

178: Performance reviews from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.257787

Giving and receiving feedback can be tricky. In this episode we talk about performance reviews, which is quite timely as both of us have just finished or are in the process of having ours.

181: Getting through a motivation slump from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.253342

In this week’s episode of Design Life, we have a timely discussion about our motivation while working from home. These are unprecedented times we’re living in. Trying to find and stay motivated whi...

185: Facilitating workshops with Jonathan Courtney (AJ&Smart) from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.245891

In this episode of Design Life we are joined by a special guest, Jonathan Courtney, CEO of Innovation and Design company AJ&Smart.

188: Creating and launching a digital product from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.236157

In this episode of Design Life we celebrate the launch of Charli’s first font! Grayscale, a handmade sans-serif font was launched in May. Having worked on the creation of this digital product for a...

192: How to reach out for advice from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.231852

As educators in the design field, we both get daily requests from people asking for career advice, feedback on a portfolio or mentorship around existing issues in their work. Lately, we’ve noticed ...

194: The future of AI/ML in design from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.223668

As artificial intelligence and machine learning begin to impact the design industry in new ways, the future of design may differ from the way we work today. If that is the case, how can you remain ...

198: Making friends at work from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.218843

You might wonder how much of yourself you should bring to work and how can you build friendships with the people you work with? We have built friendships of varying strengths in our workplaces and ...

204: Speeding up the design process from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.173685

Do you always get the freedom to see your design process through from start to finish?

207: Outsourcing work and hiring help for side projects from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.169104

As two busy creators with side projects and full time jobs we have recently needed a little extra help, which we have found in the form of outsourcing work we previously did ourselves.

213: Balancing work and side projects from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.159929

How do we balance our side projects and our full time jobs? This is a question we get asked a lot! The thing is, time gets filled up very easily. You’ll never find the time unless you are purposefu...

218: Become a manager or stay an IC? from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.151966

Is becoming a manager the next step in your career? How can you figure out if being a manager will be a good fit for you? In today’s episode we discuss why a move into management isn't the best cou...

221: Building design team culture from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.142807

Today on Design Life we chat about building design team culture. A strong culture can help your team to have more impact in your company. Building design team culture improves how you get the work ...

226: Decision making as a creative lead from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.128325

Today on Design Life we answer a listener’s question about decision making as a creative lead and how to find the balance between being decisive, seeking help and leading your team with confidence.

230: After summer catch up from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.120509

Welcome back to the Design Life podcast! In our first episode back after the summer break, we chat about how we spent our time off, our summer trips and look ahead to our end of year goals.

231: Why Femke left Uber from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.119028

After 4 years at Uber, Femke has recently started a new job at Wealthsimple. In this episode of Design Life we chat about how to figure out when is the right time to start a new job, making and mai...

235: How does where you live impact you as a designer? from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.077787

How does where you live impact you as a designer? On this episode of Design Life we chat about where we have felt most inspired and most welcome in the design community.

242: Why designers should care about business metrics from 2022-02-22T01:58:15.070169

Understanding business metrics and how your work helps achieve company goals can be a very useful skill to have as a designer. Not sure where to start? This episode of Design Life is a good place a...

244: How to choose (or advocate for!) the design projects you want to work on from 2022-02-21T21:24:51

You might not always be able to choose your projects but there are ways to advocate for the types of projects you would like best. In this episode we share how we choose which projects we take on a...

243: Tips for organizing design files from 2022-02-14T18:29:26

When it comes to organizing your files, it is less about the tool itself and more about everyone in the team being on the same page. On Design Life this week we answer a listener question about how...

241: Creating a design system for the first time from 2022-01-31T18:43:46

Today On Design Life we’re talking all about Design Systems. We share our struggles and triumphs, and what you need to know if you're creating a design system for the first time.

240: The difference between junior and senior designers from 2022-01-24T19:15:24

What is the difference between a Junior and a Senior designer? Don’t they essentially do the same job? This week on Design Life we chat about moving up a level in your career and why it means more ...

239: Different ways to structure a design team from 2022-01-17T16:50:46

How is your design team structured? Today on Design Life we answer an email from a listener about team structure, why our team structure works best for us and how other companies (like Dropbox!) or...

238: Setting goals for 2022 from 2022-01-10T17:35:02

As is tradition now on the Design Life podcast, we spend our first episode of 2022 talking about our goals, plans and dreams for the year ahead.

237: Our growth as designers in 2021 from 2021-12-20T17:55:40

In our last episode of 2021 we reflect on our growth as designers this year.

236 - Juggling multiple priorities at work from 2021-12-13T20:08:05

Juggling multiple priorities at work is a skill that will be useful during your design career, when you find yourself working on more than one project at the same time. We've had plenty of opportun...

234: Are you ready to commit to a new side hustle? from 2021-11-29T17:45:50

There's a lot to consider when you’re starting a new side hustle! Listen to our chat about committing to new side hustles, inspired by the launch of Femke’s design community.

233: Increasing the pace of your design process from 2021-11-23T07:32:26

Today we’re talking about pace. The more experience we have, the quicker and more efficient we become. We chat about why this happens and how to increase pace without sacrificing quality.

232: Do you NEED to do research before you design? from 2021-11-17T08:16:03

In this week’s episode of Design Life we answer a listener question - Do you NEED to do research before you design? (Maybe not!) We also talk about building a research culture where you work and wh...

229: Side hustle income streams from 2021-06-29T11:41:48

Today on Design Life we discuss our side hustle income stream growth from the past twelve months and the investment we make into content creation to fuel our personal brands.

228: Ways to keep learning and growing from 2021-06-21T05:51:21

As a designer, your skillset is always growing and there is always more to learn. In this episode of Design Life we share how we find new opportunities to learn and what we’re learning next.

227: Building self awareness from 2021-06-15T07:58:35

Today on Design Life we answer another listener question, this time about self awareness as a designer. Our listener wants to know how to build and improve upon self awareness in a design role...

225: Finding your why from 2021-05-31T11:45:56

Do you know your ‘why’, the thing that fuels you in your professional and personal life? You might have heard of Simon Sinek’s book ‘Finding your why’ which is the inspiration behind today’s episod...

224: Crafting effective case studies from 2021-05-25T20:38:15

Today on Design Life we chat about how to craft an effective case study. Sharing a project through a case study should involve telling the reader what you did, how you did it and most importantly w...

223: Why focusing on your portfolio will pay off from 2021-05-18T07:17:20

Spending time on your portfolio is time well spent when searching for a new job, but how can you maximise your portfolio even further? Today on Design Life we share our advice on how to create a un...

222: Taking initiative at work from 2021-05-10T18:33:36

In today’s episode of Design Life we talk about something every designer needs to do in order to progress in their career - take initiative. The further you want to get, the more initiative you nee...

220: The relationship between design and product from 2021-04-19T21:32:47

Today on Design Life we tackle a listener question on a topic we haven’t gone in depth on before - how to work with PMs, POs and other stakeholders. Not familiar with these titles? Don’t worry! Lis...

219: Daily themes to get more work done from 2021-04-13T06:57:08

Do you use daily themes to get more work done? Today we chat about the challenges and benefits of implementing daily themes to organise your schedule in a new role and to give your current schedule...

217: Why you should share your work from 2021-03-27T17:22:11

There are many benefits to working in public but sometimes it can be difficult for designers to share their work. This week on Design Life we talk about how to start sharing your work and some prom...

216: Taking ownership of your career growth from 2021-03-15T18:59:13

Today on Design Life we discuss taking ownership of your career growth. Pursuing your dream career takes courage but the risk is worth the reward. In this episode we answer a question from a listen...

215: Running a hack day from 2021-02-23T07:36:05

Have you ever thought about organising a hack or jam day at your work? A hack, hackathon or jam day is an event for you and your team to put aside your usual work and focus on one project or idea, ...

212: Inside the design hiring process from 2021-01-28T14:59:03

This week on Design Life we want to talk about hiring from the perspective of the person doing the hiring. In the past we’ve talked a lot about finding a design job, portfolios, interviews and ever...

211: Ageism in the tech industry from 2021-01-18T18:32:27

In today’s episode of Design Life we talk about ageing and ageism in the tech industry. This is something we’ve started to think about more recently as we noticed there are a lot of people in the d...

210: Our plans for 2021 from 2021-01-12T17:45:01

As has become tradition on the Design Life podcast, we take the first episode of the new year to talk about our goals, our hopes and our intentions for the year ahead. Although there is a lot of un...

209: Reflecting on our careers & side hustles in 2020 from 2020-12-22T21:49:32

In this season, it is always good to take the time to reflect on the year that has passed and review what you have accomplished in your career and side hustles.

208: Should you use a Notion doc as your portfolio? from 2020-12-15T00:59:40

Today on Design Life we’re talking about a new trend we’ve seen with portfolio sites, using a non traditional tool to create a portfolio, like a Notion doc.

206: How to have productive meetings from 2020-11-23T22:33:31

In this episode of Design Life we discuss how to have a productive meeting, remotely.

205: How designers could use Facebook ads to get clients from 2020-11-17T01:53:06

On today’s episode of Design Life we are joined by a special guest, Mojca Žove, owner of Super Spicy Media and social media advertising expert. During our conversation, Mojca very generously shared...

203: Running a design-focused Instagram from 2020-10-20T01:54:37

On this episode of Design Life we talk about running a design-focused Instagram account.

202: Charli gets a promotion! from 2020-10-12T22:23:07

In this episode of Design Life we discuss something really exciting - Charli’s recent promotion to Creative Director at Convertkit!

201: Being the only designer on the team from 2020-09-29T01:16:20

What's it like being a solo designer, the only designer on a team or even in an entire company?

This topic was requested by a listener who was looking for our insights on how to embrace t...

200: Does using design freebies make you less of a designer? from 2020-09-22T02:28:16

Does using design freebies makes you any less of a designer? Listen to hear our thoughts on using elements other designers have made and are sharing for free. There is a time and place to use a fre...

199: How direct is TOO direct with feedback? from 2020-09-14T16:59:59

How direct is being too direct with feedback and general workplace communication? With remote working and working from home in full swing, we have lost the office cooler moments and lunch time chit...

197: Should you go to design school? from 2020-08-24T14:05:09

On today’s episode of Design Life we’re talking about design education. Listeners often ask us “should I go to design school?” but the answer varies depending on where you are in your career, how y...

196: Should you have to work nights and weekends to succeed in tech? from 2020-08-17T19:20:48

Should you have to work nights and weekends to succeed in tech? This is a question that has been doing the rounds on social media recently. Many people use their nights and weekends to build a side...

195: Working with freelancers from 2020-08-11T13:42:16

In this episode of Design Life we discuss working with freelancers and contractors.

193: Too many meetings from 2020-07-27T22:52:35

Have you ever felt that you have so many meetings in one week that you don’t have time to get your work done? If this is the case finding focus time at work can be a struggle. In this episode of De...

191: Attaching self worth to your work from 2020-06-30T13:37:29

With more people than ever before working from home (WFH) our relationship with our work is changing.

190: Creating design processes and workflows from 2020-06-24T00:07:23

Today on the Design Life podcast, we’re talking about processes and design operations. Writing briefs, developing processes and reviewing workflows are all part of the job, but sometimes it can fee...

189: Why are there so few women in design leadership? from 2020-06-15T21:15:51

In this episode of Design Life we ask the question why are there so few women in design leadership? When Femke tweeted ...

187: Launching a big project from 2020-05-25T22:22:01

In this week’s episode of Design Life we’re going to talk about how it feels to launch big projects. At Convertkit, Charli and the team have launched an updated homepage with a new focus, telling c...

186: Design QA Process from 2020-05-19T17:46:39

In today’s episode of Design Life we discuss the design QA process. People use many different terms to describe this process but basically to us it means reviewing the build.

184: Making design decisions from 2020-04-28T13:53:56

As designers, we make a lot of decisions. From moving something two pixels to the left to redesigning an entire website, our decisions range in difficulty. Today on Design Life we talk about how we...

183: Design reviews and getting feedback from 2020-04-21T23:01:42

In this week’s episode of Design Life we are talking about design reviews.

182: Starting a new side project from 2020-04-14T17:21:19

On this episode of Design Life we are talking side projects. You might have a few ideas bouncing around in your mind of late, that keep coming back to you. Maybe you want to see if your idea would ...

180: Working from home during COVID-19 from 2020-03-24T14:39:25

Many people find themselves working from home at the moment as workplaces play their part in helping to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. For those of us who are working from home for the first t...

179: How to build your network from 2020-03-17T03:05

In this episode of Design Life we discuss how to build your network. Over the course of your career, how can you build a strong, supportive network? We talk about taking the organic approach to cre...

177: Keeping your portfolio up to date from 2020-02-19T17:49:44

A portfolio is something that ideally you are updating frequently. If however, you are like us and have neglected your portfolio since you were last on the job hunt, don’t worry, you’re not alone. ...

176: Tackling implementation issues between design and development from 2020-02-11T00:32:05

We have both experienced the frustration of being asked to sign off on our designs only to find that either a small part of the project or a large chunk have not been developed as we had intended. ...

175: The other side of design (it's more than pushing pixels) from 2020-01-20T23:38:32

In this episode we talk about how design is more than just pushing pixels. As a designer you may find yourself completing any number of tasks - planning researching, exploring, scoping, interviewin...

174: How to start and grow a design Youtube Channel from 2020-01-13T20:57:54

Have you ever thought about starting your own YouTube channel? In this week’s episode of Design Life we speak about our channel’s journeys, what has worked consistently and what we have done differ...

172: Fulfilling your potential from 2019-12-11T14:48:55

Is the weight of your potential weighing you down? Potential can be both a blessing and a curse.

170: Jumping from junior to senior designer from 2019-10-28T18:56:41

On this episode of Design Life we discuss a query about senior and junior roles from a listener hoping to change levels. How do you know when you’re ready, how can you figure out and prove that you...

169: Within Design Retreat from 2019-10-22T16:17:21

In a change to our usual format, this week on Design Life we discuss Femke’s experience of the Within leadership retreat. The three day, design leadership retreat provided plenty for us to discuss,...

167: Career progression from 2019-09-24T01:24:14

This week on Design Life we’re talking about a topic that has been on our minds lately - career progression. We have been thinking about the next stage in our careers, and thought you might be i...

166: Having difficult conversations from 2019-09-17T18:22:03

Brené Brown, Daring Greatly
Kim Scott, Radical Candour
...

164: How to get your first design job from 2019-07-24T08:39:40

In this episode of Design Life, we talk about how to get your first design job. It can be a conundrum, in order to get a job you need to have experience, but in order to get experience you need ...

161: The project kickoff from 2019-06-11T17:01:42

A few weeks ago on the podcast we discussed project retrospectives. A listener sent in a follow-up request for an episode about project kickoffs, which it turns out we have never discussed! Star...

160: Every creative feels broken inside from 2019-05-29T05:42

This episode comes by way of a talk Charli heard at the How Design Live conference in Chicago. Stephen Gates delivered a thought provoking presentation, about living life as a creative. One questio...

159: Is your portfolio a lie? from 2019-05-21T08:53

Is your portfolio truthful, is it a fair representation of your skills? Today’s episode comes by way of an email we had from a client, who asks this very question, and favours freelance market plac...

158: Job titles, are they important? from 2019-05-13T09:13

Job titles and promotions came up as a topic of conversation for us on Twitter recently and we thought it a topic worth diving deeper into, in this episode of Design Life.

157: Project retrospectives from 2019-04-29T18:34

In today’s episode we discuss running project retrospectives. Retros give the whole team the chance to reflect on what went well, what didn’t go well and any areas of opportunity to improve upon ne...

156: Creating effective design documentation from 2019-04-17T06:13

Design documentation might not be the most exciting part of the design process but its importance cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately the people we work with cannot read our minds, which is why...

153: Creating Design Principles from 2019-03-18T15:55

What are design principles and how do they differ from design systems? In this episode we answer your questions about design principles and offer some direction as to how you can begin to define th...

152: Navigating office politics from 2019-03-12T22:18

Dealing with office politics? This episode of Design Life has you covered.

150: Working with design systems from 2019-02-18T22:59

Today we are talking about the a hot topic in the design industry - Design Systems. In today’s episode we share our experience of working with design systems, their benefits and how using an eff...

149: Weekly Planning from 2019-01-22T09:59

In this week’s episode we talk about something which is pretty on-brand for us - weekly planning.

148: Getting the best start at a new job from 2019-01-14T10:51

Many people will start a new job this year, but how can you make sure you get off on the right foot? In this week’s episode of Design Life we answer a question from a listener about getting the bes...

145: Investing in conferences from 2018-11-20T15:03

Here at Design Life we are big fans of attending conferences, and probably attend well above the average each year. How do we choose which ones to go to and why do we prioritise our attendance at c...

144: What to look for in a manager from 2018-11-13T06:28

Your relationship with your manager is an important one. How can you best cultivate it? In this episode of Design Life we talk about how to build a good relationship with your manager, the traits o...

142: Iteration from 2018-10-29T19:45

Is your first idea ever your best idea? Is there ever a time where you design something once and then - BOOM! That’s it, done. In this episode of Design Life we discuss iteration. As a designer, wh...

141: Confront Conference with Zach Grosser from 2018-10-16T04:59

We chat about Confront Conference with special guest Zach Grosser

138: Salaries and bonuses from 2018-09-18T07:10

In a slight change to our usual series on design careers, in this episode we talk about the compensation packages we have been offered at varying stages of our careers. How can you negotiate to get...

137: Personal brand design from 2018-09-10T16:44

Personal branding can feel like an insurmountable task to many designers. Designing a personal brand that communicates personality, style and professionalism is no easy task. In previous episodes w...

135: Productivity in the workplace from 2018-08-27T01:43

On Design Life this week, we talk about productivity in the workplace. Being productive at work is about doing what you need to do to get the job done while also being aware that other people need ...

134: Why we stopped freelancing from 2018-08-20T14:31

133: Becoming a hybrid from 2018-08-13T18:44

Many designers want to welcome more development skills into their toolkit and become a hybrid. In reality however, it can be a struggle to fit in the learning required to develop complementary skil...

131: Should you fake it till you make it? from 2018-07-23T18:47:23

In this episode we answer a question from a member of the Design Life community who is wondering if they should follow the advice to ‘fake it ’til you make it’. We discuss the pros and cons of ‘fak...

130: How A/B testing can improve your design from 2018-07-17T05:27:26

Data can be a powerful tool in a designer’s toolkit. A/B testing can help to prove or disprove our design hypotheses by checking them against the data to see what actually works.
In this epis...

127: User research in the design process from 2018-06-19T19:39:06

User research is a vital part of the design process. It helps to inform your decisions and make sure that you’re designing the best solution to the problem. There are many different ways to do user...

126: The rollercoaster of the creative process from 2018-06-11T18:08:56

The creative process is like a rollercoaster. It has ups and downs, it can put you in a spin, and sometimes things are moving so fast you don’t even know what’s happening. In this episode we talk a...

124: Getting content for your designs from 2018-05-28T19:52:59

There’s often more to a project than just design. As designers we regularly find ourselves working with illustrators, copywriters, photographers and more. In this episode we chat about how we’ve wo...

123: The design handoff and validation process from 2018-05-21T10:57:32

Handing over your design to a developer or a team of engineers for it to be built is an important part of the design process. In this episode we talk about that handoff and how to make it run smoot...

122: Being a woman in tech from 2018-05-14T19:33:58

Despite all the advances the world has made with gender equality over the years, there is still a severe lack of women in tech. In this episode we discuss our experience entering the tech industry ...

120: Our biggest flaws as designers from 2018-04-30T19:21:19

In this episode, we share our current struggles, both personal and professional and what we are doing to overcome them. We also look at the struggles we faced in our careers in the past, and talk a...

119: Setting career goals from 2018-04-23T19:07:08

I think also goals are good checkpoints, like the time before you reach the goal is obviously a really important time but I think afterwards is equally important like stop reflect okay I achieved t...

118: Too many passions, not enough time from 2018-04-16T19:48:50

Ever have that feeling where you have too many passions and not enough time to do it all? This week we address this question from a listener who’s been struggling with feeling as though she has too...

116: An alternative approach to networking from 2018-03-12T20:38:22

Networking is a vital part of your design career, but at conferences or meetups it can be hard to drive a meaningful conversation. In this episode we discuss ways to move beyond ‘what do you do?’ w...

114: Creators Guilt from 2018-02-26T07:26:02

Do you ever feel guilty when you’re not spending time creating? It turns out, many creatives do. In this episode we discuss this guilt and why it’s irrational, and how to cope with it.

113: When to upgrade your technology from 2018-02-13T06:19:49

This week we get nerdy and talk about tech; more specifically, upgrading technology. When should you upgrade? Do you always need to have the latest device? How do we decide what to upgrade to? We d...

111: Starting an official business from 2018-01-30T09:25:13

As creatives, sometimes dealing with things like finances and paperwork don’t come naturally to us, but they’re important to figure out. In this episode we discuss the legalities and details of set...

110: Making a career shift from 2018-01-23T23:25:03

Both Design Life hosts have made the decision to shift their career in the past and change design disciplines: Femke from marketing to product design, and Charli from print to web design. In this e...

109: Getting started with making videos from 2018-01-15T08:59:48

More and more designers and other creatives are starting to make video content these days, and there’s still plenty of room for you! In this episode we discuss getting started with making videos an...

107: Advice for networking from 2017-12-18T19:41:59

Networking isn’t just for corporate people in business suits, it’s a handy skill to master as a designer! In this episode we discuss our experience with networking and share our best tips for findi...

106: Boredom from 2017-12-11T13:35:39

This week we’re talking about boredom. It’s something that strikes us all every now and then and we shouldn’t be ashamed about that. In this episode we discuss the ways it affects us and some possi...

104: The future of our design careers from 2017-11-27T18:20:46

Where do you want to be in your career in five years time? How about ten years time, or thirty? In this episode we discuss the future of our careers and what we want to achieve as designers. You’ll...

103: Product launches and failures from 2017-11-20T08:05:33

Launching something you’ve been working hard on to the world wide internet can be intimidating. In this episode we share what we’ve learned from launching things recently, what we wish we’d done di...

102: The value of mastermind groups from 2017-11-13T18:00:20

What could be better than gathering regularly with a group of people as motivated as you are to discuss your projects and get advice? In this episode we discuss mastermind groups and their value. Y...

100: Staying consistent with a side project over time from 2017-10-30T21:24:34

We’ve reached one hundred episodes of the show! So what better topic to talk about than sticking with a side project consistently over a long period time? In this episode we answer questions from o...

099: What to do when you’re lacking motivation from 2017-10-23T06:56:36

Slumps in motivation happen. No matter how passionate you are, no matter how good you are at time management; sometimes you just don’t feel motivated. In this episode we talk about how we deal with...

098: Sunsetting a side project from 2017-10-16T19:10:21

We talk a lot on this show about starting side projects and working on bringing your ideas to life, but what happens when the passion dies and you find yourself not wanting to work on a project any...

096: Tech & gadgets for designers from 2017-09-25T15:34:13

Hardware is an essential part of the design process, but how much you invest in that is up to you. In this episode we talk about the technology and gadgets that make up our hardware setup and discu...

095: Interviewing for design jobs from 2017-09-18T13:27:21

The interview stage can be both the most exciting and the scariest part of the design job hunting process. In this episode we share our advice for nailing a design job interview: what to bring, how...

094: Speaking at conferences from 2017-09-11T07:10:11

If speaking at a conference is on your career goals list, this episode is for you. In it we discuss the public speaking opportunities we’ve had, and share advice for not only securing your own spot...

092: Advice for applying to design jobs from 2017-08-28T04:19:24

Lets say you’ve already done the job hunt – you’ve narrowed it down to a select few companies you want to apply at. Now it’s time to prepare your application. In this episode we share our advice fo...

091: Getting your work noticed from 2017-08-22T04:38:07

Doing great work is just one part of building a reputation and an audience; you also need to get your work noticed. In this episode we give advice for feeling confident sharing your work, and how t...

090: Job hunting from 2017-08-14T17:49:06

In this episode we’re kicking off the start of a new mini-series about finding a new job. To start with we’re talking about the job hunt process and giving you advice for where to look for your new...

087: Project Scoping from 2017-07-24T04:40:27

Project scoping is one of the scariest and hardest parts of the design process when you’re new to it. It takes time and practice to get right, and in this episode we’re sharing the best tips on pro...

086: Balancing professional growth with getting paid from 2017-07-17T05:00:38

Professional development and growing your skills is important in any design job, but when you’re freelancing it can be hard to fit in as any time you spend learning is time not spent working for cl...

085: Keeping up with new tools and frameworks from 2017-07-10T05:51:07

These days it seems like there is always a new tool or framework to try. It’s easy to feel the pressure to keep up with it all and stay relevant; especially when all of your peers are talking about...

083: What to do when you’re overwhelmed from 2017-06-26T20:29:41

As ambitious people, we often find ourselves in situations where we’ve committed to too many things and have to deal with the overwhelm that comes along with it. In this episode we discuss what to ...

082: When your ideas are bigger than your skillset from 2017-06-19T16:24

We have ideas all the time, and sometimes those ideas are so big that we don’t have the skillset to actually follow through on them. So what should you do when that happens? In this episode we disc...

E81: Bullet journalling for task management from 2017-06-12T11:38:04

Bullet journalling has become an incredibly popular way to manage projects and tasks. In this episode we discuss how we use the system and why we decided to try it, as well as give advice for getti...

079: The value of design from 2017-05-29T04:44:38

Design is often misconstrued as being about surface level visuals, when actually a lot of work goes in behind the scenes before you reach a beautiful finished product. In this episode we discuss th...

078: Using video to build and connect with an audience from 2017-05-22T10:37:39

In the future, making videos will be just as common as writing blog posts. In this episode we talk about the benefits of creating online video (hint: it’s more than just audience growth!) and Charl...

077: The future of the design industry from 2017-05-15T05:12:41

Design software is becoming more and more accessible, with some tools offering automatic layouts and quick logos. As designers should we worry about this future? In this episode we discuss the comm...

074: Working from home from 2017-04-24T15:50:33

Working from home is becoming more and more common as more creatives take on a freelance life, and more companies embrace the remote way of working. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of ...

073: What to do when you run out of passion from 2017-04-17T08:03:18

Us designers can be emotional people. We love our jobs and we feel passionately about our creative projects. But what happens when that passion wanes? In this episode we talk about what it's like t...

072: Teaching yourself a new skill from 2017-04-10T04:28:05

Learning a new skill can be hard, especially when you’re teaching yourself. But it’s also a vital part of growing as a designer throughout your career. In this episode we chat about how we teach ou...

070: How to package up client deliverables from 2017-03-27T09:09:13

Sending a client the deliverables is the last step of a project, so it’s one that can have a lasting impression. In this episode we discuss our process for sending client deliverables and some impr...

069 - Stepping out of your comfort zone from 2017-03-20T05:33:55

Stepping out of your comfort zone is something you have to do every now and then to learn and develop. In this episode we talk about what that means for us in terms of our side projects, taking on ...

068: Speeding up your workflow from 2017-03-13T06:58:06

When you’ve got a tight deadline to meet (or when you’ve just got a lot to do) little tricks to speed up your workflow can make all the difference. In this episode we talk about how our workflows h...

066: Morals in design from 2017-02-27T05:31:27

How do your personal morals fit in with your design work? As designers, and as humans, we have a responsibility to think about the user and put forward work that makes the world better rather than ...

065: Life after design school from 2017-02-20T06:38:18

In this episode we reflect on what it’s been like to leave design school and start designing full time. We cover the many differences in the design process and the people you work with in school vs...

064: Consistency in content creation from 2017-02-13T15:52:02

When it comes to creating content online, consistency is the key to building a reputation and an audience. In this episode we discuss how we stay consistent with our content creation and share advi...

062: Taking control of your design career from 2017-01-30T05:14:51

When it comes to your design career, you need to think about what you want out of it and where you want to end up in the future so that you can make steps towards it now, and make choices that alig...

061: Constraints breed creativity from 2017-01-24T07:00:45

Constraints breed creativity. If they’re not too restrictive, they give you a starting point and a box to think outside of. In this episode we discuss how to see constraints in a positive light and...

060: Focus time from 2017-01-16T07:13:23

Lack of focus is our biggest enemy when it comes to productivity. In this episode we talk about focus time and how we can create it for ourselves. We discuss some different apps and techniques that...

057: Surrounding yourself with good people from 2016-12-19T08:39:01

The people you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your life. That impact can be positive and uplifting, or it could be negative and crush your dreams; it’s up to you. In this episode ...

056: Saying no to good things from 2016-12-12T20:15:08

Sometimes you have to say no to really good opportunities, whether that be because you’re too busy to take them on, or because you want to make sure there is still room for great opportunities to c...

054: Advice for content marketing from 2016-11-28T09:07:38

Content marketing doesn’t have to be a thing only big businesses do to seem like they know their customers; it’s something we as creatives can do to get our names out there, attract the right type ...

053: Should you market yourself as an individual or a studio? from 2016-11-21T19:39:02

When you market yourself for freelance work, there are two main ways to brand yourself: as an individual or as a studio. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of each and help you figure out...

052: Hearing your struggles (Birthday episode) from 2016-11-14T09:35:31

For Design Life’s one year anniversary episode we invited our listeners to send in an audio recording telling us about something they’re struggling with at the moment. We do our best to answer thei...

049: The hustle mindset from 2016-10-24T01:18:45

Hustle is a buzz-word we see a lot these days. In this episode we discuss what it means to us, and the effect it has on our mental state and our work. It’s easy to feel a lot of pressure to hustle ...

048: Repositioning your online presence from 2016-10-17T14:05:35

Repositioning your niche or your content isn’t necessarily about what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it. You may find yourself going down a path that’s not quite right for you, or perhaps your ...

047: How to price your design work from 2016-10-10T20:27:47

The topic of pricing is often taboo in the design world, but we think it helps everyone to talk more openly about it. In this episode we discuss how we price our work, and how that’s changed from w...

045: Advice for finding a job in the design industry from 2016-09-26T04:40:10

Getting a job in the design industry is all about building up experience and making connections. In this episode we talk about how we’ve landed the creative roles we’ve had so far, and share advice...

044: What to do at the end of a client project from 2016-09-19T04:59:44

With freelance projects, last impressions can have just as much meaning as a first impression; you need to make your wrap-up process count! In this episode you’ll hear advice for finishing up a cli...

043: How to decide what to work on from 2016-09-12T07:45:04

Time and energy are precious resources, and in order not to waste them we must be picky with what opportunities we take on, and what ideas we act on. In this episode we discuss our process for deci...

041: Making the most of design school from 2016-08-29T04:42:19

Getting a degree is not a requirement for making it in the design industry, and that means that it is up to us to make the most of our time at design school to get the most value from it. You shoul...

040: Fear of Failure from 2016-08-22T04:28:37

A fear of failure can hold us back from going after opportunities, starting new projects, and aiming high. In this episode we talk about how failure is a natural part of the learning and making pro...

039: Agency vs freelance vs in-house design from 2016-08-16T09:57:59

There are three main types of design job: agency/studio (where you work as part of a team who does work for clients), freelance (where you work for yourself and have your own clients) and in-house ...

036: Blurring the line between life and work from 2016-07-25T04:31:58

Do you work to live, or live to work? Often the latter is seen as a negative thing, but we beg to differ. In this episode we talk about our attitude towards work and how we see it as an integrated ...

035: Defining a niche for your work from 2016-07-18T04:43:19

Defining a niche means targeting a specific audience with your work and content. In this episode we discuss the benefits of this focussed approach and discuss the niche(s) we’re aiming our content ...

034: Which Design Tools should I use? from 2016-07-11T04:33:27

Design tools are all the things we use to bring our ideas to life.

In this episode we discuss the software we design in, the resources we use, the analogue items we take our workflow ...

032: Living in the Present from 2016-06-27T04:30:31

Things get philosophical in this episode as we talk about the importance of living in the ‘now’. It’s so easy to look at successful people and feel pressured to hustle more so that you can achieve ...

031: Fighting procrastination from 2016-06-20T06:56:13

Procrastination is the enemy of productivity. The most important thing to do when you’re procrastinating is to take note of the reasons why you’re doing it and try to learn from them for next time....

030: Getting useful feedback on your work from 2016-06-13T04:46:58

Feedback is essential to your work whether it comes from fellow designers, your audience, your clients, or your own gut! In this episode we talk about different types of feedback and when and how t...

028: Our Design Process from 2016-05-30T04:48:07

The process you follow for design projects will vary depending on the type of work and the client, but in this episode we discuss the basic process we follow for designing websites. We give advice ...

027: What if nobody notices? from 2016-05-23T04:44:46

Things get deep this week as we discuss a fear that many creatives have: what if nobody notices my work? When you work hard on something, and especially if the result is something that could help p...

026: Participating in Design Communities from 2016-05-16T07:34:53

Being a part of the design community is an important part of being a designer. When designers come together to share ideas and discuss their work it benefits the whole industry because we can stand...

023: Being your own worst critic from 2016-04-25T04:39:24

Critiquing your own work is an important skill to learn, especially when it comes to side projects. When you set yourself a brief, you have to learn to look at your work in a new light and see it f...

022: Long term thinking and planning from 2016-04-18T04:57:08

We always want to be moving forward and progressing towards our goals. In this episode we discuss long term thinking and the importance of setting goals for your future.

It can be har...

021: Overcoming lack of motivation from 2016-04-11T04:30:39

Motivation is vital to working on side projects, and a positive mindset is key to staying motivated. In this episode we discuss how these things work together for us, and the external factors that ...

019: How to find Inspiration from 2016-03-28T07:00:24

Inspiration isn’t just a pretty image you find on Dribbble, it’s a way of looking at things in a new light. In this episode we discuss what it means to be inspired and our approach to gathering ins...

018: The role of a side project in your career from 2016-03-21T05:33:23

Side projects can be an important and useful part of your career path. They can also be a huge distraction from your day job if you let them.

In this episode we talk about the impact ...

017: Stress management from 2016-03-14T05:59:05

This week we’re having a heart-to-heart about stress and how we deal with it. We discover that for us a lack of control (be that of technology or other people) is often what stresses us out, along ...

015: Facing Imposter Syndrome from 2016-02-29T06:18:26

Imposter syndrome, that feeling that you’re not good enough for what you’re doing, affects many creatives and it can be hard to overcome. In this episode we chat about how it affects us, and when a...

014: How to get up early from 2016-02-22T09:24:33

On week days, we get up early to fit in a couple of hours work on side projects before we begin our day jobs. In this episode we chat about how we shifted our schedules to make this hustle happen, ...

013: Attracting Clients from 2016-02-15T06:41

This week we're talking about why it's better to attract clients than go out and approach them yourself. We think it's the best way to get a professional working relationship off on the right foot ...

010: Working with people who aren't designers from 2016-01-25T06:22:32

As designers we work with a wide range of people on projects: copywriters, clients, developers, project managers and more. The diversity is awesome and keeps our jobs interesting, but it does bring...

009: Making and Managing Time from 2016-01-18T07:12:55

You only get 24 hours in a day. How you use it is up to you. In this episode we talk in depth about how we structure our days and manage our time (and geek out a little over to do lists). Things al...

008: Setting goals for side projects from 2016-01-11T06:16:52

In this episode we're talking about side project goals and their value. You'll hear what our own goals are for our projects and how they've changed over time. We really want to encourage you to set...

006: Taking action on your ideas from 2015-12-28T08:51:31

As creatives we find that coming up with ideas is easy, but acting on them to make them a reality is the hard part. It’s awesome but overwhelming, having so many ideas, and in this episode we talk ...

005: Working for free in exchange for exposure from 2015-12-21T05:43:30

We're tackling a hot topic in this episode: doing design work for free in exchange for exposure. It's a big issue in the design industry as it devalues what we do, and the more designers do it, the...

004: Should you have a personal brand? from 2015-12-14T05:43:15

In this episode we’re talking about the importance of having a personal brand, and how it’s more than just a logo; it’s the essence of everything you do. We chat about how we approached naming and ...

002: Who we are from 2015-11-30T12:33:44

Get to know us in this episode as we discuss our jobs, passions and paths to becoming the designers we are today. We chat about why we love working in-house as opposed to at an agency, and why it's...

001: Why have a side project? from 2015-11-30T09:55:34

In the first episode of Design life, we discuss one of our favourite topics: side projects. What makes a side project more than a hobby? How can they help with your career? We’ll fill you in on ...

001: Why have a side project? from 2015-11-30T09:55:34

In the first episode of Design life, we discuss one of our favourite topics: side projects. What makes a side project more than a hobby? How can they help with your career? We’ll fill you in on ...