S02/E07 - From Magic Tricks to Iconic Brands – The Bill Gardner Story
Bill Gardner has reviewed more logos than almost anyone on the planet — over 450,000 through his work with LogoLounge. But behind the numbers is a deep-thinking, long-game designer who believes that real identity design isn’t about trends — it’s about clarity, consistency, and curiosity.In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Bill shares the winding story of how a childhood fascination with magic led him to branding, how he built one of the most respected identity studios in the U.S., and why most design problems start before a single sketch is ever made.We talk about the early days of analog design — cutting logos by hand, setting type with rulers, and building trust without a Behance profile. But more importantly, we explore what still matters today: how to create logos that last, how to balance subjective and objective thinking, and how to build systems that serve brands beyond the pretty mark.Bill opens up about landing clients like Kroger, Cessna, and Pizza Hut, what he’s learned after reviewing hundreds of thousands of logos, and how fishing in deeper waters has become his life philosophy — both creatively and professionally.We also explore the upcoming evolution of LogoLounge, his new book Iconic Branding, and how AI may shape the future of identity design (and why the human side still matters most).Whether you’re a young designer trying to find your place, or a seasoned creative looking to reconnect with the deeper purpose of your work — this episode is packed with practical insights, lived experience, and the kind of clarity that only comes from decades of doing the work.🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.—🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript:https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e07-from-magic-tricks-to-iconic-brands-the-bill-gardner-story🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript📸 Follow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/captnoffscript✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week — where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.#BillGardner #LogoLounge #CAPTNOffScript #BrandIdentity #DesignPodcast #VisualIdentity #IconicBranding #CreativeLeadership #GardnerDesign #DesignWisdom #LogoDesign #DesignLegacy #AIandDesign
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S02/E06 - Redefining Indigenous Design: Jennifer Taback on Leading with Culture, Story, and Courage
Jennifer Taback didn’t set out to become the co-founder of one of Canada’s leading Indigenous creative studios — but that’s exactly what she’s built with Design de Plume.
In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Jennifer shares her journey from tech burnout to co-leading a values-driven design agency that works with clients like Indigenous Tourism Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Johns Hopkins University — all while centering Indigenous identity, storytelling, and cultural context in everything they do.
We talk about what it really means to run an Indigenous creative agency: the invisible labor, the cultural weight, the moments of pushback, and the deep joy of designing work that reflects community and connection. From decolonizing minimalism to designing complex, story-rich systems — Jennifer brings a perspective that’s as bold as it is needed.
She also opens up about the personal side of leadership — balancing motherhood with agency life, letting go of perfectionism, and using beadwork as a creative outlet. And in a first for this show, Jennifer brings a free gift to share with the entire design community…
✨ The Indigenous Communications Toolkit – created by Design de Plume – is now available and free to download. It’s a practical, thoughtful guide to writing and speaking with more clarity, respect, and cultural awareness.
Whether you’re an agency owner, creative director, designer, strategist, or simply someone who wants to do better — this episode is for you.
🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.
Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.
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🔗 Full episode notes + transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e06-redefining-indigenous-design-jennifer-taback-on-leading-with-culture-story-and-courage
📖 Download the Indigenous Communications Toolkit: https://deplume.ca/IndigenousToolkit
🎧 Listen on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captn-offscript/id1837469433
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nJ5dKTP2dQN5OwICKjTY5
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript
📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript
✨ New episodes every week — subscribe, share, and stay bold.
#JenniferTaback #DesignDePlume #IndigenousDesign #CAPTNOffScript #DesignLeadership #InclusiveDesign #CreativePodcast #WomenInDesign #IndigenousToolkit #CreativeStudio #DesignCulture
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S02/E05 - Destination: Design – A Conversation with Adrien Piro, CEO of Creative Market
From art teacher to tech CEO, Adrien Piro has taken one of the most unconventional paths to the top of the design world — and she’s now leading one of the most recognized creative platforms on the planet: Creative Market.
In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we talk about what it really takes to lead with purpose in an industry where growth is often prioritized over people. Adrien opens up about her creative beginnings, her time building games like Plants vs. Zombies 2, and how burnout pushed her to reevaluate everything — including the kind of leader she wanted to become.
Now, as CEO of Creative Market, she’s reimagining what a design platform can be. One that supports artists instead of overwhelming them. One that values transparency over metrics. One that still believes creativity is human at its core.
We talk about her vision for the platform, the tension between scale and soul, the challenge of being both a parent and a public figure, and how she’s navigating the rise of AI with a strong stance on artistic integrity.
This episode is honest, thoughtful, and full of quiet wisdom — the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends. Adrien doesn’t just talk about leadership — she lives it, and her perspective on creativity, business, and the future of design is something every creative should hear.
Whether you’re a seller, designer, agency owner, or just someone who wants to understand the people behind the platforms — this one is for you.
🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.
Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.
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🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e05-destination-design-a-conversation-with-adrien-piro-ceo-of-creative-market
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript
📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/captnoffscript
✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.
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S02/E04 - How SNASK Built a Creative Empire Without Playing by the Rules
From zero agency experience to global design legends, Erik and Freddie of SNASK have built one of the boldest, loudest, and most unforgettable creative studios in the world – and they did it all by breaking the rules.
In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, we head to Stockholm (via pink offices and sarcastic banter) to hear how SNASK became a creative cult favorite by rejecting the clean, gray minimalism Sweden is known for. From beer-fueled branding gigs to Grammy-winning music videos, they’ve proven that being loud, opinionated, and a little weird can take you a very long way.
We talk about what it really means to build a creative business with integrity: staying true to your voice even when clients want you to tone it down, handling the judgment and trend-chasing of the design world, and growing a studio that’s just as serious about fun as it is about professionalism.
This episode is filled with stories you won’t hear anywhere else – the origin of ShowerBeer, how they accidentally became video directors, why Erik only flies short distances, and how their talks turned into rock concerts. It’s a hilarious, unfiltered, and inspiring look into what happens when you build your brand around who you are instead of who the industry wants you to be.
Whether you’re a brand builder, creative misfit, or just someone who feels allergic to corporate blandness, this one is for you.
🎧 Real creatives. Real stories. Real lessons.
Welcome to CAPTN OffScript.
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🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript: https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e04-how-snask-built-a-creative-empire-without-playing-by-the-rules
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript
📸 Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/captnoffscript
✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.
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S02/E03 – From Ponies to a 7-Figure Brand: Kristy Campbell’s Journey to Pink Pony Creative
From galloping around the backyard as a pony-obsessed kid to running a globally recognized creative studio, Kristy Campbell is living proof that embracing your weirdness can lead to wild success.
In this episode of CAPTN OffScript, Kristy shares how she turned a 100-day design challenge into Pink Pony Creative, a bold and playful brand that’s now a 7-figure business. We dive into what it really takes to grow a creative studio - balancing motherhood, managing a remote team, building strong systems, letting go of ego, and becoming a four-time Adobe MAX speaker.
This one’s for the designers, the founders, the late-night creators, and anyone ready to build something their 10-year-old self would be proud of.
🔗 Full show notes & episode transcript:
https://captnoffscript.com/s02-e03-from-ponies-to-a-7-figure-brand-kristy-campbells-journey-to-pink-pony-creative
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@captnoffscript
📸 Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/captnoffscript
✨ Subscribe for new episodes every week on CAPTN OffScript – where bold creatives share real stories, honest lessons, and unexpected paths to success.
CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted.
Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths.
No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between.
New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.
Ireland