22. Aaron Draplin is Grateful As Sh*t To Be A Creative

Aliyah Salmon is a tactile artist based out of Brooklyn, NY. Her art explores the intricate crossroads of black femininity and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in contemporary America. Through textiles and collage, her work challenges and reframes simplistic narratives surrounding Black identity. Using traditional textile methods like hand tufting with an Oxford punch needle and bead embroidery alongside modern materials and collage techniques, Aliyah embraces “slow craft” to construct dream-like compositions.  On this episode, Aliyah talks about how she enjoys exploring techniques and materials through 3 different sketchbooks — writing notes, trying out colors with markers and sampling yarn. She loves the process and all the work that goes into making a composition and a piece look good. But more than anything she loves playing with color.  In the digital age it’s important to Aliyah to feel a connection to her work. Understanding how to use your hands to make things, she says, is a skill that everyone should have. Because making stuff with your own two hands is a very grounding experience.  Aliyah embraces pieces she sees as “bad work,” because to her they’re the foundation of the really good ones. No artist creates a hit every time they pick up a pencil. People tend to get discouraged too easily by perceived mistakes, but to Aliyah they’re a gateway to the good stuff. In a way she enjoys being frustrated and challenged, so she encourages everyone to keep making bad work.  _________ FOLLOW ALIYAH:  Instagram: @tyrabanks_officialWebsite: aliyahsalmon.comTikTok: @aliyahsalmon HIRE ALIYAH: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Aaron Draplin is on the show this week, giving us a lesson in gratitude. His advice to listeners: “Be thankful as sh*t that you get to be a creative person.” Showing up and getting the job done builds confidence. Or at the very least, it gives you a better understanding of your own creative process.  Aaron is the founder of DDC, Draplin Design Company. With his signature bold lines and colorful illustration style he’s worked for clients ranging from small indie bands to Nike, Patagonia, Target and USPS. When he’s not working from his backyard in Portland he’s out on the open road with his wife Leigh in their iconic orange van, giving talks and workshops about design, typography and illustration.  On this episode Draplin shares some valuable lessons he’s learned after 20 years of freelancing. Don’t quit your job until you’re financially stable enough to take the leap. He says: “If you have a sucky job, do your sucky job and then get home and have fun. And it’ll tip at some point. Like it did for me.”  He talks about his humble beginnings, growing up in Michigan, buying his first computer in Alaska in 1996, moving out West to work at Snowboarder Magazine, and ultimately ending up in Oregon and going freelance in 2004. His Midwestern roots and down-to-earth sensibility shine through in every facet of his career — all the way to his popular side venture, Field Notes memo books.  Aaron generously shares advice on how to make your own stuff, the power of slowing down, giving back and helping other people. We even get to collectively geek out about Dinosaur Jr and he plays us an acoustic version of “Little Fury Things.” And then, towards the end, we go extra deep and talk about where we go when we die. Good times all-around, folks! Another episode of your favorite illustration podcast that’s jam-packed with lil nuggets of wisdom from one of the hardest-working individuals in graphic design.  _________ FOLLOW AARON:  Instagram: @draplinWebsite: draplin.comField Notes: fieldnotesbrand.comDDC Book: ddcbook.comDDC Fonts: ddcfonts.com_________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Cymone Wilder is a full-time Senior Art Director and lettering artist based in Nashville, TN. Since 2013 she has collaborated with clients like HBO Max, Nickelodeon, and Netflix, creating custom lettering artwork for established brands, books, apparel, and more. She is fiercely passionate about producing meaningful and long-lasting work, drawing inspiration from the black experience.  On this episode, Cymone generously shares her wealth of knowledge with the P2D community. She just wants to show people: It’s not as hard as it seems. And she’s no longer bothered by copy cats, because they could never replicate the heart and soul that goes into her work. After all, we’re all individuals with different life experiences.  Cymone also shares her perfectly imperfect painting process, why she began working on canvas and what tools she uses to create her personal projects. Whether she starts with a fully fleshed-out sketch or it turns into more of a trial-and-error approach, she always ends up making something she enjoys. Sometimes she uses sandpaper or a steel brush to add texture and other times she scrapes the wood with the metal ridge from a tape dispenser. With every painting, she says, the process has been different.  Find out why Cymone uses her skill and voice for political messages, how she collaborates with her brother Cedric, and why you should never serve her soup as a main course on this brand-new episode of Paid 2 Draw.  _________ MENTIONED LINKS:  • Cedric Wilder (Cymone’s brother) • co-loop (collaborative artist management agency) • Vincent de Beur • Hoodzpah sisters (Amy & Jen Hood) • Eric Stefanski • Netflix x Target: Stranger Things Product Video• Ryan Appleton (Cymone’s agent)  _________ FOLLOW CYMONE:  Instagram: ⁠@simonandmoose⁠ Website: simonandmoose.comPinterest: simonandmooseAgency Site: co-loop.co/cymone-wilder HIRE CYMONE: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Martina Galarza, aka Marte, is an Argentinian graphic designer and lettering artist based in New York. Inspired by cartoons, graffiti and psychedelia, she’s all about infusing fun and vibrancy into her designs—creating a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary cool. In this very personal conversation, Marte opens up about how she had to change her life to avoid burnout and made a point to enjoy weekends and vacations in order to be happy.  Her favorite medium to design for is the poster. She loves how it interacts with the environment, how it changes it, fades and gets torn away. And how it can have an actual impact on an event’s turnout. Starting out by making gig posters for her friends’ bands, she now gets to create work for big-time artists like Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Even though Adobe Illustrator is Marte’s go-to software, she always approaches every project by drawing with a pencil on paper. Because for her it’s important to be in touch with the material. On this episode Marte shares with us her entire process from rough sketch to finished artwork.  Find out how to create striking posters, why nothing really matters and what rocks have to do with all of it on the latest episode of P2D!  _________ SHOW NOTES:  • Marte’s Domestika course: “Creative Poster Design for Events” • YaniGuille&Co. (Yani Arabena & Guille Vizzari) • Angela Kirkwood • Fileteado Porteño (traditional Argentinian painting technique) • Jim Parkinson • Ken Barber & Andy Cruz (House Industries) • Type@Cooper (post­graduate certificate programs in type design at Cooper Union)• “Milton Glaser: POP”, by Steven Heller, Mirko Ilić & Beth Kleber • TDC Ascenders Competition • Young Guns 21  _________ FOLLOW MARTE:  Instagram: @marte_______Behance: be.net/martevisualWebsite: martevisual.com HIRE MARTE: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Florian Schommer is an art director and designer working within branding, illustration, editorial design, packaging and contemporary art. Dividing his time between personal projects and collaborating with international clients like Pepsi, Nike, Penguin, Sony Music, Columbia Records and The Guardian, Florian now lives and works in Berlin.  Growing up in the skate and punk scene of the ‘90s, he later attended art college in Düsseldorf while constantly touring the world with a variety of bands. Doing design work for bands during his studies gave him a reason to show his work and make a name for himself. Florian shares how a break-through project for Jägermeister lead to him dropping out of grad school in Hamburg to pursue a full-time career as a freelance creative.  He’s basically had a professional career before his career as an illustrator. Playing in touring bands back in the day has taught him how to navigate an independent creative business today. Art directing record covers and having a booking agent are very similar to working with an illustration agency.  On this week’s episode, Florian also discusses the importance of talking about prices. Because somehow we were all tricked into believing that talking about money is rude. If you’re unsure about how to price a project, don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues. Talk to your peers and don’t let clients rip you off.  Now go ahead and listen to this super inspiring conversation with Florian and tell all your illustration friends about it. We’re trying to build a community here!  _________ SHOW NOTES:  • Album art for “Joy Is The Only Treat” by Client • Some Form (3D studio in Berlin-Kreuzberg)• Kjosk (Florian’s old studio in Hamburg) _________ FOLLOW FLORIAN:  Instagram: @florian.schommerBehance: be.net/schommerWebsite: florianschommer.com HIRE FLORIAN: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Jurena Munõz Lagunas, aka Ju Mu, is a multi-faceted artist based in Berlin with Peruvian-Chilean roots. Born in Hannover, Germany, she studied Fashion Design in Palma de Mallorca where she developed a fascination for surreal creatures and monsters. The cult of shamanism and the connections between humanity, the spirit world and nature are perennial features of her work and serve as inspiration for her colorful masks, canvases and murals.  Deeply impressed by the creative genius of indigenous communities, Ju Mu implements influences from diverse cultures and creates her very own surreal worlds through patterns, colors and whatever tools she can find. Those ancient tales have informed her profound love for storytelling and it’s apparent in all of her artwork — from costumes to sculptures. Ju Mu is a creative powerhouse who never runs out of ideas. If she could, she would realize every spark of inspiration on her own. But art is a collaborative endeavor, so sometimes it’s best to work with people who know more about a certain technique than you do and to learn from them along the way.  In recent years Ju Mu has started embracing the power of sowing seeds. Because in order for your creative career to stand the test of time you have to play the long game. Good work, she says, will always leave a lasting impact.  You can hear all about Ju Mu’s process and inspiration in this inspiring interview with an incredibly unique artist. Thanks for listening!  _________ FOLLOW JU MU:  Instagram: @jumumonsterWebsite: jumumonster.vsble.meShop: jumumonster.bigcartel.com HIRE JU MU: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Paid 2 Draw is back with an all-new season! On the first episode, we get to talk to Anna Rupprecht who is an artist and freelance illustrator based in Berlin. Her art reflects the current zeitgeist through clear contours and interesting image dynamics with diverse protagonists of her generation. Since going freelance after graduating from the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, she has worked with a wide range of international clients like Adidas, Apple, Netflix, the New Yorker, NY Times and Pinterest.  Anna’s hyper-detailed work stands out with bright colors, unusual perspectives, political themes and bizarre fashion elements. But no matter what style you’re working in, she argues, what it all comes down to is a good idea. The most inspiring people for her are interdisciplinary artists who put their creativity first.  Also, creatives should always make time for quiet contemplation. In order to come up with great ideas, Anna says, boredom is an integral part of the creative process. Sometimes you just need to sit around and do nothing.  We talk about all this and so much more on the season premiere of Paid 2 Draw. From losing herself in the process of trying to fit in to phone-induced depression, the pressure of having to be online, using references and being the last true Heelys ambassador, Anna touched on every subject you could think of. Don’t miss this super inspiring chat we had with one of Berlin’s greatest! And then tell all your creative friends about it.  _________ FOLLOW ANNA:  Instagram: @annarupprecht_studioTikTok: @annarupprecht_studioWebsite: annarupprecht.comBehance: be.net/annarupprecht _________ HIRE ANNA: [email protected] _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Josephine Rais is an artist based in Berlin with a main focus on digital illustration. Having a background in product design and a Master’s degree in strategic design, Josephine’s broad skill set allows for a multidisciplinary approach to her illustration work. Being forced to go freelance after not landing an agency job led to her working for clients like Adidas, Apple, Coca-Cola, Samsung and Die Zeit.  Josephine’s favorite subject to draw is people. She loves capturing the raw emotions and unique energy that Berlin has to offer in her dynamic portraits. Playing with distorted perspectives, she creates bold sceneries of every-day life situations and her diverse protagonists appear on products, animated screens and large-scale murals.  Instagram has given her many opportunities and opened doors for her when she first started out, but, she says, it doesn’t support realness. The platform is seeking a portrayal of perfectionism that’s impossible to attain. But as long as we’re all playing along with it, planning our grids and feeding the algorithm, she fears that things probably won’t change.  On the final episode of season 2, Josephine talks about the art of tufting, why German clients tend to be the (surprise!) least friendly, the importance of knowing your limits as a freelancer and saying ‘no’ — and she shares all the secrets behind her vibrant color palettes. Another really inspiring conversation with one of Berlin’s coolest illustrators! Listen, learn and then tell everyone you know about it. 📢 _________ SHOW NOTES:  • Follow Daniel Stuhlpfarrer on Instagram (Type & graphic designer) • Check out Philipp Basler on Instagram (Digital artist & motion designer) • Vicky’s studio: The Boys Club Berlin (A co-working collective of independent designers in Berlin-Neukölln) • Josephine is represented by The Different Folk • Hire Josy: [email protected]  _________ FOLLOW JOSEPHINE:  Instagram: @josephineraisWebsite: josephinerais.comBehance: be.net/josephineraisTikTok: @josephinerais _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Viktoria Cichoń and David Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Dan Christofferson is an illustrator and designer from Salt Lake City, currently based in Philadelphia. He’s a partner and creative director at Young Jerks—an independent brand and packaging studio. Growing up out West, Dan’s work has been informed by the religious heritage of his upbringing and the DIY ethos of Utah’s straight-edge hardcore scene.  On this week’s episode, he explains why illustrators and designers should know their worth and acknowledge the value they’re adding to a client’s product. Dan also gives crucial advice on how artists should run their online shops in 2023. He recounts his journey from working at Big Cartel to having his own successful online shop and ultimately moving to the East Coast to start a studio with his friend Dan Cassaro.  Dan talks about how he’s been working his way back to finding a more impulsive, less refined and—as he calls it—“dumber” way to draw. He’s been un-training himself to draw things out of proportion, trying not to balance everything and allowing his kids to influence more of his work.  Such a fun and informative conversation with one of the greatest! Go tell all your friends about it. Then make some shirts about how good this episode was and wear ‘em around town. It’s so easy!  _________ FOLLOW DAN & YOUNG JERKS:  Instagram (Dan): @beeteethWebsite (Dan): beeteeth.com Instagram (YJ): @youngjerks Website (YJ): youngjerks.com HIRE DAN: [email protected] BUY “SNAKES OF WRATH”: snakesofwrath.com BUY YOUNG JERKS MERCH: jerkstore.biz Non-alcoholic agave spirits: drinkparch.com Also, check out Arizona artist Joe Sorren’s work. Dan’s nephew Nathan’s streetwear brand: embodystreetwear.com And follow the other moms & dads at YJ: Dan Cassaro, Kelly Thorn, Brett Stenson  _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Viktoria Cichoń and David Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message

Clémence Gouy is a French illustrator and graphic designer currently based in Amsterdam. She specialises in creating visual identities and illustrated content for various brands and media. After working as an art director in agencies across the world and getting a Master’s degree, she started building an illustration portfolio and ended up getting hired by clients like Apple, Nike, Google and Netflix.  On an all-new episode of P2D, Clémence explains the role of an agent and clears up people’s misconceptions of what representation entails. Agents might be able to help you with outreach, pricing, contracts and even project management, but you’ll still have to write a ton of emails, keep your sites updated and reach out to people. It’s a true collaboration. When Clémence is not busy with commissions, she finds herself working on socially-engaged personal pieces. Because a lot of times the work you do for free ends up paying off one way or another. She finds her clients mostly through social media, so of course her Insta account’s recent hack has been a challenge for her as a freelancer.  Don't miss this super-insightful and inspiring convo with another incredibly talented illustrator and animator. _________ FOLLOW CLÉMENCE:  Instagram: @clemence_gouyTikTok: @clemence_gouyWebsite: clemgouy.comBehance: be.net/ClemenceGouy _________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram and TikTok.  _________ Hosted by Viktoria Cichoń and David Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/message