What the Helvetica?

In this episode of 'What the Helvetica', Mike Janda is joined by UK advertising veteran Thad Cox. Thad shares his unique insights on the ever-changing landscape of advertising and branding. From the evolution of Instagram content to disruptive packaging and emotional advertising, this episode is packed with valuable information. Thad also highlights innovative campaigns from brands like Lala Cafe's drive-by kindness and Gentle Mons...

Discover the art and science of brand naming with branding expert Rob Meyerson. In this insightful interview, learn essential strategies for creating memorable and impactful brand names. From qualitative and quantitative research to effective client communication, gain valuable insights to elevate your branding game. Join host Mike Janda on What the Helvetica as he delves into the world of brand naming and strategy with expert gues...

What does it take to level up your creative career and land high-value clients while maintaining balance in your personal life? In this episode, Mike Janda sits down with creative entrepreneur and educator Kady Sandel to uncover exactly that. They dive deep into personal branding, transitioning from low to high-value projects, breaking free from the feast-and-famine cycle, and the game-changing power of networking. Pl...

Curious about the life behind the persona of G'Day Frank? Join Michael Janda on this episode of What the Helvetica as he interviews the creative genius Reagan Mackrill. They dive deep into the art of personal branding, the hurdles of social media algorithms, and the balancing act of family life with content creation. Discover the highs and lows of Reagan’s journey and get an insider’s perspective on making it big in the digital wor...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful design agency from the ground up? Join host Michael Janda as he sits down with Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co. for an insightful conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Discover how Dan navigates the creative process, develops standout brands, and scales his agency while tackling the challenges of the industry. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a season...

Renowned fine artist and muralist Daniela de Castro joins host Michael Janda to share her inspiring creative journey from Venezuela to the U.S. She delves into her distinctive artistic process, emphasizing the recurring theme of hands in her work. Known for her large-scale murals and intricate hand paintings, Daniela also provides valuable insights into building a thriving art business, fostering community, and unveiling upcoming p...

You may have dreamt of becoming a digital nomad, but what is it really like? Let's explore the ins and outs of digital nomad life in this episode of ‘What the Helvetica?’ with Michael Janda and Elisabeth Mayr. They discuss Elisabeth's journey as a freelance UX designer, educator, and podcast host. Discover her experiences traveling the world as a designer, starting a co-living space in Sri Lanka, and balancing work-life while freel...

Is it possible to build an agency culture that values integrity while at the same time, aligns with your business values? Destyn Patera from Lensea, a film and videography agency in Pensacola, Florida, joins Michael Janda to explore this topic. Destyn shares his unique journey into filmmaking, his take on integrity-driven business practices, and how to balance creativity with business management. Learn more about scaling a business...

In this episode of 'What the Helvetica?', Mike Janda chats with Danny Allen-Page, an agency owner, former pro footballer, and Instagram influencer with 61,000 followers. They dive into Danny's incredible journey, from growing his new agency from nothing to $3.5 million in just five months, tackling the challenges of coaching and mentoring, and balancing his personal and professional life. They discuss the ins and outs of agency own...

Music branding? If you haven't heard about this before... join Mike Janda in this exciting episode of What the Helvetica? as he sits down with the creative minds behind Drop Music Branding—Gabo, Dal, and Mau. Discover the fascinating world of audio branding, how it complements visual branding, and why it’s crucial for building a strong, memorable brand. Learn about the unique challenges and strategies involved in creating distincti...

Join host Mike Janda in an insightful conversation with digital artist Christina McKay as they delve into the world of vehicle wraps, creative processes, and the evolving role of generative AI in art. Christina, the founder of Curvaceous Wraps, discusses her journey, the challenges she faces, and how she integrates AI for inspiration while emphasizing the irreplaceability of the human touch in her work. The episode offers a mix of ...

This episode features a heartfelt and enlightening conversation between Mike Janda and guest Jenna Gribble, a successful agency owner grappling with imposter syndrome amidst her achievements. Jenna shares her initial foray into graphic design, overcoming setbacks, and the constant pursuit of learning. Both speakers touch on the importance of vulnerability, avoiding comparison traps, and finding 'flecks of gold' in every experience....

In this Episode 5 of 'What the Helvetica?' host Mike Janda and guest Lois McKenzie dive into the heart of what makes copywriting a critical aspect of marketing, even in an AI-driven age. The episode unpacks the value of authentic connection, human-driven content, and the art of storytelling in business. Mike and Lois explore how creative integrity and personal brand can't be replicated by AI, stressing the importance of the human e...

In this episode of 'What the Helvetica?', Mike Janda and Chris Thomas dive into Chris's journey of starting and scaling his agency. They chat about the growing pains of hiring the first employees and the ups and downs of growing a business. Chris shares the pros and cons of partnering and how he navigated through different challenges over the years. From early struggles and scaling mishaps to personal hurdles and a new outlook on g...

Creating and customizing your own workspace is key if you want to succeed in the creative industry. In this video, Michael Janda and Veronique Zayas share their tips on making workspaces that boost creativity and productivity. They talk about taking smart risks, being adaptable, and adding personal touches to your space. By sharing their experiences with overcoming financial hurdles and designing perfect workspaces, they offer grea...

What is the big problem with social media in 2024? Are you falling into this trap on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok? Join Michael Janda and Eva Alordiah as they dig into this topic from marketing intuition to the impact of AI on monetization. Their conversation delves into branding, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of social media. Gain valuable insights on prioritizing authenticity, leveraging long-form content, and harnes...

Is your business destroying your mental health? Ever felt you're always struggling emotionally and mentally in your creative business or freelance career? You are not alone! In this episode, Michael Janda and Cyrus Kourt delve into the emotional toll of running a creative business. They discuss the unique challenges creatives face, from managing unpaid clients to setting boundaries and dealing with financial struggles. They also ex...