The Pool Party: Design and Branding for DIY Artists and Entrepreneurs

by Jules Pools

Jules takes listeners through simple branding exercises to streamline their messaging. Whether you're a DIY Artist, Entrepreneur, or someone working with designers, this is essential listening.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 3

  • 13. Designing with Purpose: The Power of Saying No, Trends, and Making an Impact

    13. Designing with Purpose: The Power of Saying No, Trends, and Making an Impact

    In this episode of The Pool Party, host Jules dives deep into using design skills with purpose and intention. Jules discusses the power of saying no to maintain creative energy, explores upcoming design trends for 2024 influenced by the changing economy and technology, and highlights how creatives can make a positive impact through pro bono work, activism, and community projects. The episode also features personal stories and insights on setting boundaries, navigating the job market, and balancing passion projects with practical work. Special attention is given to the challenges and benefits of freelancing, the changing landscape of social media, and the importance of designing for impact. 00:00 Welcome to The Pool Party 01:43 The Power of Saying No 05:13 Navigating the Job Market 09:48 Setting Boundaries in Creative Work 22:54 Exploring Design Trends for 2024 29:08 Closing Thoughts and Announcements

  • 12. Design Besties: Diving into Creativity with Marlon Antunez Designer + Photographer

    12. Design Besties: Diving into Creativity with Marlon Antunez Designer + Photographer

    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

  • 11. The economy sucks but you don't have to - Dive into Passion Projects

    11. The economy sucks but you don't have to - Dive into Passion Projects

    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

  • 10. Navigating Creative Careers: Portfolios, Personal Branding, and Finding Balance

    10. Navigating Creative Careers: Portfolios, Personal Branding, and Finding Balance

    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

  • 9. A Masterclass on Key Art and HOT takes on Generative AI in Design

    9. A Masterclass on Key Art and HOT takes on Generative AI in Design

    A Masterclass on Key Art and HOT takes on Generative AI in Design In this episode of the Poe Party, Jules delves into the world of key art, its importance in branding, and practical steps to create impactful visuals for campaigns. The discussion extends to the evolving role of generative AI in design, assessing its benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations. Jules also shares hands-on examples and personal insights from professional experiences, offering a comprehensive guide for designers and artists on leveraging both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology in their work. 00:00 Introduction to Key Art Workshop 01:31 Understanding Key Art and Campaigns 07:42 Creating Key Art for a Music Festival 09:50 Thumbnailing and Brainstorming Techniques 13:05 Developing High-Fidelity Art 17:18 Generative AI in Design 27:40 Final Thoughts and Conclusion