The Fresh Rag Show - Creative Business Insight and

Has the anticipation been killing you? Did you think I was going to forget to let you in on the secret of who made the top spot of the list? Nah, I would never do that to y’all, and without further delay, the owner of the top position in our list is none other than Julie Richardson (formerly Astrauckas of Julie Ann Art, this one being her first appearance on the show ever. The reason Julie made the top spot is not only because it was the mostly highly downloaded episode ever, but also because of the popularity of what she had to say on the show. She talks about her burgeoning success in the business, and even though she’s grown quite a bit in the 18 months since we had this chat, there are a lot of telling pieces to her success in this conversation. So, listen in, take notes, and enjoy the wisdom of a star on the rise. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

I’m sure a lot of people will be surprised by this one, not because it’s the #2 spot, but because it wasn’t the #1 spot. Even I was surprised by that fact, but that doesn’t diminish the powerful impact this conversation with artist Ashley Longshore had on the listeners. This one starts off with a bang, right from the first phrase out of Ashley’s mouth, and it never lets up from there. She brings the real thunder about how she made headway in the art world, and I think you’ll appreciate the intensity. Even if she is too much to take for some, there’s gold within all of her words, and if pay attention, you’ll find the exact right nugget you need to help you improve your own work. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

As this list ticks closer to the top spot, the top three in the list might seem obvious to some, but then again, maybe not. Today’s conversation is definitely one of the most popular ever, especially in more recent history. The reason being that when Sharon Fain of Academy of Handmade came on to tell all her Instagram secrets, the audience ate it up. I don’t really need to say much more than that, except to say that I would not have been able to grow my own Instagram account nearly as fast had I not followed Sharon’s advice. In completely truthfulness, I haven’t seen the growth Sharon did, but then again, I haven’t had the extreme dedication she has. Knowing that much, I realize now that her strategy works, because even with my lack of attention, I have still more than doubled my following on Instagram in only 6 months. Not bad, I think. No matter what, if there is one take away from this conversation is that the actual numbers of followers do not matter, but rather, getting followers who are the kind of people that like your work enough to share, and hopefully buy. It’s easy to attract people, but are you attracting the right people? Big congrats to Sharon for making it to #3o on our list. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

It’s rare to come across someone who is just starting to make their way into the creative entrepreneurial space who knows exactly what they want, and how they are going to pursue it. Sure, some have the bravado to chase after a dream, but they often don’t know how to go about that dream with any kind of precision or excellence. On the other hand, there are people like Ben Howes of Howes Design Co., who not only knows what he wants, but has both the plan, and the will to make something happen. I brought Ben on the show because he asked, nicely, and I thought it would be an interesting change of pace to share the story of someone who was just starting out. I spend so much time with people who have already paved their path, know where they stand, and where they are headed; why not share the story of someone just ramping up, and seeing where the both the differences, and the parallels lie. I think you’ll be surprised just how on the ball Ben Howes is with his point of view, and I believe this young punk will prove to us in the future just how right on the money he was when we look back on this conversation in the future.   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

I’ve appreciated every episode I’ve done, because they all teach me something. Some teach me more than others, and some are downright fantastic. Above all those are these Top Ten, and here we are getting into the nitty gritty. The fifth most popular and important episode of the Fresh Rag show so far is none other than the good ol’ boy from North Carolina, the Etsy keyword guru himself, John W. Golden. Now, it’s been some time since John and I talked, but the rules on Etsy have hardly changed, and his strategy still seems to be winning attention with all those who use it. We talk about his strategy extensively, as well as some of her personal history, and where he thinks the platform is headed. I am certain you will enjoy this knowledge filled episode. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

Sometimes in life, we need to challenge the status quo. Sometimes the thing we feel like is the most important aspect in our life ends up being the biggest crutch. Sometimes the things we trust end up betraying us. Sometimes we just need to see what the rest of the world has to offer us. These are the thoughts that Erika Riegelman must have had going through her mind when she decided to venture out on her own and challenge Etsy’s dominance in the handmade world. Her and her family started Aftcra.com a few years ago, and they are trying to set themselves apart from the “handmade” giant by offering really, true to form, handmade goods brought to you buy artisans right here in the Unites States. In this conversation, I talk with Erica about her point of view on the handmade industry, and what was the motivation for her to step into the world of online startups. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

It’s easy for me to talk about putting yourself out there for the world to see, because I’m usually comfortable doing just such a thing. I won’t go far as to say that I’m a hardcore extrovert, but I definitely have my extro-moments. There are times when I lean more to the reclusive side of things, usually out of a need to just do something other than be around people, but those times are few and far between. I’d almost always be around people that inspire me than sit at home. However, I know not everyone is like me. I know that a large majority of creative people are not like me, and I think about that fact often when I talk about how to get the work done. Today, our #7 in the Top Ten is a conversation I had with my friend Kaarin Vembar of Closet Caucus and the one-half of the successful Pop Fashion Podcast, and we got into a deep conversation about what it’s like to be an introvert in business. When you hear Kaarin’s energy, it’s hard to imagine her an introvert, but she is self-professed reclusionist as well (I’m pretty sure I just made up that word). I really enjoyed this conversation, and it lent a new perspective on the world that I have chosen to work in. Whether you’re an extro or intro, I’m sure you’ll find either solace or understanding in this conversation with Kaarin. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

I hope you’re enjoying the Top Ten list so far. I believe we started pretty strong with Katrina Luong and Jeanette Fanning. If those are the long end of the list, can you imagine what’s left to come? Today’s guest is definitely no slouch, and has the unique distinction of being my very first podcast guest. This is not a replay of that conversation, but rather, the more recent chat I had with Srini Rao of Unmistakable Creative, about success, failure, and resurgence—I should call him The Phoenix, his inspirational journey is so telling. I believe you enjoy this chat, even if you did catch it the first time. If not, then enjoy it now. I know you will. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

Did you enjoy yesterday’s conversation with Katrina Luong? Well, you’re going to really appreciate today’s chat. This one is a bit older, and the audio quality is not the greatest, because I was in an experimental stage with the in-studio interview. Despite the weird audio, the conversation is incredibly fun and interesting, but also heavily peppered with expletives. Make sure you put the kids to bed before listening to this one, because Jeanette Fanning of Sweet Perversion does not hold back on the small business selling knowledge, nor the F-Bombs, and we wouldn’t want her to anyway. Enjoy. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

Although the host is on vacation, the show still soldiers on, and over the next few weeks, I’ll be dropping the Top Ten most popular episodes of The Fresh Rag Show ever. Although there were a couple episodes that were quite popular during the stage that this show was called the Creative Business Podcast, I decided to keep the list to anything within the new show only. So, why would I do this? Why would I make a Top Ten list during such a strange time of year? Even though I’m on vacation, I hate leaving you all with nothing to listen to, so why not break out the archive of some of the best conversations for you to enjoy while I’m away. In the month of August, I’ll be reinventing FreshRag.com, and it will spark a new generation of shows, as well as other cool things to come. When I do relaunch, I will have a Patreon account in full force, and as part of that, supporters of the show will get access to the archive, but the rest of the world will only have a limited amount of shows to playback. Daddy’s gotta make a dollar, so if you enjoy listening to shows from the archive, you’ll want to become a member of the club [coming soon]. Now, onto today’s episode, and this one is one of my favorite conversations ever. #10 on our Top Ten list is Katrina Luong of The Yellow Loft, a design agency that specializes in packaging and branding. Katrina came on the show to talk to us about her work, and how she’s learned that something as simple as a box can tell just as much of a story about your brand as anything else. For those of you selling physical products, this will be your jam. Enjoy. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/          

Once upon a time, there lived a man whose objective in life was to help those who could not always help themselves. He was an artist, designer, and an author with a flair for pop culture, and through his experience and creative prowess, he lived his life trying to eliminate the starving artist mentality from the world. Contrary to what you may think, I’m not talking about myself here. Instead I’m referring to kindred spirit, Nikolas Allen, and after years of running in the same circles, I decided it was time to invite him onto the show. As you can assume, we talk about many things, specifically the limiting beliefs that a lot of creatives have, but also how we can manage our way through the ever changing world of living a creative life online. It’s a great conversation, and a perfect end to this current season of shows. As you may be aware, after this, I’m taking a break for a few weeks while I hunker down into finishing my latest book, The Gold Is In The List (available for pre-order), and also spend some quality time with the family. The show will be back in September, but you may get a treat or two if I have a few moments to spare. Also, I’m doing a lot of Periscoping these days, and I invite you to check me out there. If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know my codename: @FreshRag. Look me up, and let’s hang out. I am on there daily, so there’s lots to see. I’m also doing my Periscope replays on Youtube, which you can find HERE Relative Links Nikolas’ site Nikolas’ books Nik on Twitter Music: Serial Killer by Zanski Get your pre-order copy of The Golds is in the List Image credit goes to Nikolas, and he’s boss for keeping it in the brand colors. If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

It’s been awhile, but I’m finally bringing Tamsen Horton back on the show to talk legalese. We had a few legal questions in the Fresh Rag Army lately (free to join), and instead of me giving out bad advice, I decided it would be best to bring in a pro.  The beauty of having Tamsen on is that she’s always brings gifts, like this… Free PDF – Protecting Jewelry Copyright (also good for other products) On top of that, she laid down some written responses to the questions, which I will post just after the links. Relative Links Tamsen Horton Vuja De Law Music: Longtime by Ash Grunwald Join the Fresh Rag News Join the Army ===== Before you read all of this below, it’s important for you to understand that I, Dave Conrey, am not an attorney, and cannot give legal advice. Also, Tamsen is an attorney at law, but she is not YOUR attorney. Take this as friendly insight from someone who just happens to be versed in law. If you’re looking to go deeper on any of these subjects, I highly encourage you to seek out the advice of an attorney, and do things legit. You can, of course, seek out Tamsen. Listener Question 1 Is it possible to protect a my jewelry designs from theft of other makers? Where is the line between copy and “inspired by” drawn? Yes, it is possible to protect your jewelry designs from being stolen and used by other makers but you need to follow the rules of US copyright law. US copyright law protects specific jewelry designs as WORK OF THE VISUAL ARTS. While you have immediate copyright protection when you create the work, you really need to complete the formal copyright registration process. The unfortunate fact is someone will copy the design and then you may likely need to take legal action against them. Before you can sue them, you have to complete the formal registration process. Here’s the subtle kicker that few designers know — you have 90 days from the date of PUBLICATION      to file your registration if you want to preserve the ‘bonus’ protections of copyright law. After 90 days of PUBLICATION, you’ll still receive protection but you haven’t preserved your STATUTORY DAMAGES or right to ATTORNEY FEES. So if you’re taking your jewelry designs seriously, then complete the copyright registration process within 90 days of PUBLICATION. Publication starts when you offer your jewelry for sale to the public, or give it away. U.S. copyright law doesn’t protect concepts or ideas for jewelry, but it does protect specific jewelry designs as works of visual art. A piece of jewelry is protected as soon as it is made, even if it is never formally registered. But registering your jewelry will help you in several ways if you ever have to take someone to court for copying it. These include helping prove that you created the jewelry and allowing you to collect attorney fees if you win. If you create jewelry that is particularly distinctive or if you are concerned about people copying it without permission, copyright registration is probably a good idea. Listener Question 2 I have an existing logo, and just recently had a character/mascot created for my handcrafted jewelry biz. I use the image and logo separately. If I wanted to copyright both, do I need to do them separately? Or would it be better to combine the logo and the ‘character’ into one image and just copyright once? And if that’s the case… would I still be protected if I use the logo and the character separately? I’m trying to figure out if there’s a way to avoid 2 sets of fees. Here’s the character and my logo. Thanks. When you are using a logo, words, pictures, etc. as the brand identification for your company that is covered by a trademark and not a copyright. Trademarks are either a word mark, a stylized mark, or a combination. If you use them separately to identify that your company is the source of the goods, then you need to register them separately. Think of a trademark as a child – one trademark = one person. Listener Question 3 If I were to find a picture I like on Instagram, lets say, of a house. And I want to use it as reference and include it in a painting I’m working on but it isn’t my photo, is that ok? No, I’m not taking the photo and saying it’s mine; but what if I use that piece of the image as reference to paint from in my own composition as a painting? Proceed with caution! When you’re making a painting from a photo you are creating a DERIVATIVE WORK. Derivative works are allowed but the copyright owner has certain exclusive rights that you don’t want to violate. (Just because you see it being done, doesn’t mean there’s not a lawsuit going on behind the scenes.) The copyright owner has the right to reproduce, sell, and make DERIVATIVE WORKS from the original. “Only the owner of copyright in a work has the right to prepare, or to authorize someone else to create, a new version of that work.” Copyright Registration for Derivative Works, US Copyright Office Circular 14, 05/2008 Listener Question 4 I’d like some legal opinion on selling caricatures of celebrities and fan art. I’m confident I can sell the original as a single work of art and a limited number of art prints. Artistically I wouldn’t feel comfortable selling the artwork on a product such as t-shirts or coffee mugs. I know this is a grey area but where are the legal boundaries? Again, proceed with caution. Selling (commercial purpose) the likeness of any person, including celebrities, falls under the RIGHT TO PUBLICITY laws. These are not federal laws, unlike trademark and copyright, but are created and enforced by individual state law. The state laws are incredibly inconsistent on this issue and as such – when you’re selling what is allowed in one state could land you in serious hot water and steep penalties in another one. Here are the questions you need answers to: What state are you selling in? What is that state’s RIGHT TO PUBLICITY LAW? What are the exceptions to your state’s RIGHT TO PUBLICITY LAW? **Tip – if you live in a state with well-known celebrities (Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe) or lots of living celebrities — it’s likely that your state’s RIGHT TO PUBLICITY laws are going to be fairly intricate. Please check with an attorney before selling. Listener Question 5 I would like a better understanding of copyright law as it applies to clothing, and more specifically, commercial patterns for making clothing. From what I understand, clothing and other “functional” items are not covered by copyright laws. If this is correct, can I use a commercial pattern – for say a T-shirt or other very basic & common designs- to make garments for sale? Can I use the pattern as a base,for making my own modifications of that basic design? US Copyright law doesn’t protect the underlying method described in a pattern because that information is not an appropriate subject for copyright protection. Now it might be appropriate for a utility patent but not copyright protection. When you’re looking at a pattern you have to divide it into different pieces: (1) the text and pictures, and (2) the method. The method is not protected. And the US Copyright Office has said that the copyright that is in the text and pictures doesn’t allow the copyright owner any right to prevent others from adapting the described method itself and using for personal or commercial purposes. If you’ve purchased a legal copy of the commercial pattern, then it’s likely that the FIRST SALE DOCTRINE (17 U.S.C. Sec. 109) may apply. The first sale doctrine states that an individual who knowingly purchases a copy of a copyrighted work (the text and pictures of the pattern) from the copyright holder/owner receives the right to sell, display, or otherwise dispose of that particular copy. When the copyright holder/owner is distributing legal copies of the pattern on how to create the product that is in the pattern, that gives implied permission to you, if you’ve properly purchased the pattern. Listener Question 6 If one has a product/service which can potentially unintentionally injure someone (my product for example is lighting & DIY lighting kits – but this could extend to many other products like baby toys etc, or in-person services), to what extent should we go crazy with the biz insurance? What else can we do to protect ourselves from legal action in that regard? I understand having an LLC + relevant biz insurance is a good hedge Here’s what you need to do: Have solid website legal notices in place on your site: privacy policy, terms of use (or terms and conditions), and disclaimer(s). Anytime someone is purchasing from you, have them agree to your purchase terms before taking their money. The purchase terms should be a stronger version of your website terms of use. Have a business entity (LLC or S-Corporation) in place to remove the personal liability from you and place it on the business. Have basic business insurance. No need to go nuts if you’ve properly done #1-#3 above.   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

Who better to talk about the benefits of a live video social media platform than the go-to video gal herself, Holly Gillen. I originally invited Holly onto the show to talk about video in general, because a lot has transpired since our last chat, but then Periscope happened, and Holly got all fancy on that platform. Since many people are talking about the possibilities with Periscope, I decided to bring on a specialist. Holly will not tell you she’s an “expert” in the field, because really, who is? The platform is only four months old and there couldn’t possibly be any experts, but there are some very savvy users, and Holly is one of them. She shares her thoughts about the potential of the app, as well as some tips and tricks to make it all happen. It’s good times, I promise. Relative Links Holly G. Studios … on Periscope: @HollyGStudios … and on Twitter How to dominate video in your business Music: Dream Girl by No Vacation If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

In a long overdue conversation with a lady I’ve known for years but never met in person, I invited Kenna (or Kendra depending on how well you know her) Coté of Modern Soap Making to come on the show and chat with me. She was in California for a short trip, and said she wanted to visit me in the LBC. I gave her the short tour of my city, then we planted ourselves in a local park, and recorded this conversation about soap, buses, and giving away your business so you can focus energy on a project that she’s more passionate about. In this chat, make sure to pay close attention to how she instructs her students on how to find their market, and differentiate themselves by hyper-niching.  She also talks about why it’s important to charge what your worth. If you’re a maker looking to make a living from your made stuff, then you need to get paid enough to continue making. And then you sell all your stuff, and travel around the country in a bus. Relative Links Modern Soap Making Kenna’s former company, Gratitude Soap Shout out to Andreea Ayers of Launch Grow Joy The one soap maker I forced Kenna to pick above all others – Honestly Simple Soaps The man who had no name… until I remembered it – Nick Unsworth Fight Club soap making scene The Art of Manliness Ozzy Osbourne urinated on The Alamo Music: As Good as It Gets by Sudden Suspension Bad Timing Records, 2015 Summer Sampler The Descendents documentary, Filmage Listen to all of the Descendents music! If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

I haven’t done a housekeeping episode in awhile, and I had a few things to talk about and share, so I figured it was about time to break off a few updates mixed with some rants and raves. There’s a lot going on in this episode, so grab yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, and let’s get to chatting. Relative Links Legal Eagle Q&A with Tamsen Horton – Ask Your Questions Harder to Kill Radio – Episode 9 Dave Grohl breaks leg, still rocks the fuck out Sound City documentary Dave Grohl 2013 SXSW Keynote Documentary Evernote App Janine Vangool on using Evernote NaNoWriMo Do Good Things Better James Victore Music: I’m Not Like You by Audacity   Dave Grohl Image, Relix Magazine (assumed credit)   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

The best thing about today’s conversation is the colorful shapes it takes on, and I’m not just talking about the rainbows in Lisa Solomon’s work. No, this is all about shooting from the hip and having a good chat with a talented individual who just happens to be really cool at the same time. I’ve had conversations with university professors in the past, and they were never as fun as this conversation with Lisa. Lisa Solomon is an artist based on Oakland, CA who specializes in a reinterpretation of craft as an art form. Much of her work is an experiment in blurring the lines between the two concentrations, and in doing so, she starts new conversations about what is art, what is craft, and what happens when the two meet. “I’m interested in the line between art and craft, because I think the line is sorta silly.” She’s also a glutton for punishment, which is evident when you look at some of her installation pieces, like the 1,000 Doilies. Talk about dedication to an idea. I admire you, Lisa, for being more stalwart than I could ever imagine myself. Special Note: There are both technical and organic interruptions in this episode, but we let it roll, because let’s allow a little more chaos into our lives to remind us that we’re human. Relative Links Lisa Solomon’s Work Lisa on Instagram Chris Jordan’s Dead Bird Project Gee Bend Quilts Music: The Art School Kids by Slow Hollows What is Atelophobia?   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

With all the different social media choices out there, it can be really difficult to separate wheat from chaff, and decide where to spend our precious time online. Some might have you believe you need to be everywhere, but is that really the case when it’s possible that some of your people may not be in some platforms? Moreover, what are we to make of all the new media options, including those that are unfamiliar, and may have an inauspicious reputation, like Snapchat? Today, I invited my friend Caitlin Bacher of Little Farm Media back on the show to talk more about our thoughts on all the new media options. We also talk about some of the bigger standards, and she drops some knowledge on Pinterest about things you probably have not heard before this. I invite you to get in the know with Caitlin. Relative Links Little Farm Media Our first chat together Bossy Biz Ladies e-Course Caitlin on Pinterest Get her free Pinterest Ebook Music: Choose Your Enemy by Thee Faction We Shall Overcome compilation album   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

Today is questions and answers day. Here’s what we talked about: Melissa My sister and I are sister artists and we have separate Instagrams but one business. Should we merge them and what would be the best way? Julianna I’m developing a new product that I’m really excited about and plan on introducing to my shop next month. It’s something that I haven’t seen before in my industry and I think my customers will really love it.What’s your take on the amount of time I should leave between teasing it, announcing it and releasing it for sale? Also, I want to start reaching new customers as well so I’m planning on contacting a few influencers in my industry that blog/podcast to see if they can help me to promote this product on their platforms. Do you have any advice for what I should say when I contact them? (They do many reviews so I think they will be open to the idea.) Jenn K. What’s the best way for freelancers to find new clients? I get most of my work through word of mouth and referrals and have tried advertising a few times without success. Suze Can you talk about your approach to using Periscope? Lizzie Favorite music to listen to when working and favorite music that gets you pumped. Amanda What’s your personal #1 way to unwind when you’re elbow-deep in business stuff, and how often do you take a break? How separate is your downtime from your work? Do you have any weird or stupid ways you like to have fun? When work, creativity and play are so intertwined for me I struggle sometimes to know when I need to, should, or shouldn’t step back from everything for a little while. I feel the pressure (and the excitement) to go go go and not lose momentum, but I know that’s a recipe for burnout. When I do “take a break” I feel a bit of anxiety that I should at least pick a “constructive” or “artistic” pass time. How do you feel about dumping some time into a video game or mindless tv show when you know you’ve got a hundred plates in the air, and how long do you give yourself before you dive back in? Michele What are you reading these days? Deanna I have a handmade business where I sell my hand bound leather journals, currently on Etsy, www.BadonHill.co. I am finally at a place where I want to make this all legit and get my business license, but I will be moving to another state soon. Should I wait to get my business license in California in a few months, or get it now in Arkansas, or does it matter? Relative Links Headspace App Austin Kleon Amanda Palmer Three Nights in August Music: I’ll Be Fine by Sasquatch Join the Creative Badass Challenge Rate and Subscribe to the show If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

Today’s chat is a little different. Instead of bringing you a seasoned veteran to show you how they made their millions (or thousands), I was challenged to bring on more people who are just making their way in the game. Not one to shy away from a challenge, I invited Ben Howes of Howes Design Co. to come on the show and share his story. Ben has been doing design for awhile, but only recently started working full time in his own design agency. He did what most of us doing at first, working a day gig until he could make enough income to keep himself a float with his own business, but then jumped ship from the day job a little early because the perfect time to jump never comes. Now he’s doing his best to create a branding agency from scratch, building up clientele, and hoping to make a big impact in his creative career. Today’s chat is a lot about Ben telling his story mixed with me lending some insight and mentorship. Ben has a good vision for him and his business, but we could all use some guiding light once in awhile. I’m sure he’ll make good with it all, and if this goes well, you’ll be seeing his name in the design annuals soon. As a footnote to this, I am considering doing this type of show more often, where we talk to people who are just starting out and making a go of a new thing. Not all journeys are made by the rock stars in our industry, and I think it’s interesting to hear from the people who are just starting off to see if we can help get them further ahead with a short conversation. Let me know what you think of this idea, and perhaps we’ll make it a regular feature. Relative Links Howes Design Co Aaron Draplin Interview Brandon Rike Design Modern Dog Design Charley Harper Designs Kal Barteski Interview Music: Happy With Me by HolyChild Check out the Creative Badass Challenge Rate and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Stitcher Special shout out to Forgotten Cotton   “If you never go, you’ll never know.”   If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/        

Not following me on Instagram yet? Get over there! As you’ll hear in this conversation, there’s a bit of connective tissue that exists between creatives who are passionate about what they do, know what they want, and are driven to make that happen. Those types of people gravitate together, and become stronger with each new connection. In March, at the Craftcation Conference, I was sitting in the lobby bar of the hotel talking with a bunch of different creative folks, when out of the din, this hand reaches out and taps me on the arm. I look over and this women, with a eyes that lit up the room, smiled and asked, “Did you say you were from Long Beach?” That was the beginning to a series of conversations between myself and Jessie Artigue of Style and Pepper, and I can say without a doubt that I’m a little bit better of a person for it. My chat today with Jessie goes like typical Fresh Rag fashion where we set out to talk about one thing, but let it take on a life of it’s own. As the title states, we talk about many things such as what it’s like to run a popular fashion and lifestyle blog, the struggle of putting out a quality podcast, and how salt is a universal element in just about any successful venture. Don’t believe me? Just listen. Relative Links Style and Pepper My first chat with Jessie Marriage is Funny podcast The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Professor Badass Diana Vreeland documentary Music: Matches by Sifu Hotman Rate and subscribe to the show on iTunes and Stitcher If you haven't subscribed to the show, please hit up this link, subscribe and rate the show: http://www.freshrag.com/itunes/