Able Heads

Anika Aggarwal and Carra Sykes explore the journey of creativity, the challenges of defining success, and the importance of personal branding in the design world. They discuss the impact of personal experiences on creative work, the significance of attracting the right clients, and the evolving nature of success in a fast-paced industry. Carra shares insights on dealing with imposter syndrome and offers valuable advice for aspiring...

In this episode, Voodoo Val shares her journey as a creative professional, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the art world.

From the role of AI in enhancing creativity to the importance of community support, Val emphasizes the need for personal projects to combat burnout and maintain passion.

We also talk about self-promotion from a PR standpoint, the impact of rejections, and the balance between financial sta...

This week I’m solo on Able Heads, pulling together the five shifts that actually helped me move my creative business forward, without burning out or chasing every shiny trend. Think of it as a tiny, evidence-backed playbook to hit your business goals: defining success beyond money, being seen on purpose, letting form follow a clear “why,” learning out loud with drafts and feedback, and building a brand that lasts through story.

I sh...

Troy Leinster has spent years in the world of type design. From working at Hoefler & Co. (now Monotype) in New York to now running his own studio, Leinster Type. In this episode of Able Heads, we talk about building a career in type, how to pitch your work to foundries like Adobe Fonts and Sandoll Cloud, and making it sustainable through teaching and licensing, and learning to step up when opportunity knocks.

We also get into ho...

Should every creative act like an influencer to stay relevant? Flyn Tracy thinks not. In this Able Heads episode, we talk about authentic storytelling, why repurposed TikToks aren’t the answer, and how to get discovered for events like Adobe MAX.

We also cover portfolio pitfalls, building trust with audiences, and the fine line between content strategy and chasing trends.

Check out Flyn's work: https://www.flyntracy.com/

👉 Subscribe ...

In this conversation, Fiorella Granda shares her journey from being an architecture student to becoming a successful freelance illustrator and designer, focusing on sports and community engagement.

She discusses the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, the importance of social media in her career, and how cultural influences shape her design perspective.

Fiorella emphasizes the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and in...

Join me in conversation with Nick Longo, design professor and podcast host, as we explore the future of design education and redefining success in creative fields.

Nick Longo is the founder of Longo Designs, a studio specializing in bold branding and packaging for food, beverage, and restaurant brands. Nick is a design instructor at California State University, Northridge, and co-hosts the Deeply Graphic Designcast and Adobe Office ...

In this conversation, Anika and Mateusz explore the intersection of design and mental health, discussing the journey of running a creative studio, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of self-care.

Mateusz shares insights on how his Polish and Canadian identities influence his work, the impact of motion design on his illustrations, and the significance of journaling and reflection in maintaining mental well-being. They...

In this conversation, Adam the Illustrator shares his journey from being laid off to becoming a successful content creator and illustrator.

We discuss the importance of storytelling in your work, the challenges of maintaining mental health while navigating social media, and the significance of authenticity in a crowded digital landscape.

Adam emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and shares his future goals, including the l...

In this conversation, Alex Lazaris discusses the current challenges in the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of strategy over design.

He shares his evolving definition of success, the significance of building trust with clients, and the holistic approach to branding.

Alex also delves into the intricacies of the strategy process, client retention, and the impact of AI on branding.

He introduces his personal project, Chat...

In this episode of Able Heads, we go behind the scenes with Mike Di Genova, founder of Work Louder — the hardware startup rethinking creative tools from the ground up. From building their first keyboard prototypes with 3D printers to launching Creator Board and Nomad[E], Mike shares the real, unfiltered story of how Work Louder came to be.

We talk about:

• Why Mike chose to launch a hardware startup

• The messy middle of prototyping, ...

In this episode, Liz Mosley shares her journey as a graphic designer and branding expert, discussing the challenges and triumphs of working with small businesses. She reflects on her transition from a stable job to freelancing, the importance of authenticity in personal branding, and the impact of motherhood on her career choices. Liz also introduces her 'Rejection Challenge,' which encourages boldness in pitching and seeking oppor...

In this episode, Anika and Fergie dive into bold branding, rebranding challenges, and the power of personal style. They unpack how AI is reshaping design workflows, client relationships, and personal branding—while staying true to human intuition. Fergie shares her ‘anti-beige’ approach and insights on mentorship, individuality, and mental health in the digital age.

Fergie is an award-winning designer, Adobe CC Expert who creates bo...

Welcome to Able Heads, the space where we dive into creative minds and unpack how people actually get things done.

In the first episode, designer Colby Clites shares his journey from aspiring musician to a successful illustrator and packaging designer. Colby highlights the significance of building relationships with print partners, talks about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields and the influence of various industries ...

Hey! I’m Anika, and this is the beginning of Able Heads, a podcast about how creative minds get things done. No guests just yet, just a quick intro to what this show is all about, who it’s for, and why I started it.

If you’re into honest, behind-the-scenes conversations about task management, personal productivity, and building something meaningful as a creative—you’re in the right place. Whether you’re freelancing, side-hustlin...