Rocky Roark explores his personal design blunders to help you avoid making the same mistakes. He dives into one big mistake he made with Cards Against Humanity, the effects of going on a freelancing hiatus, and more!

Rocky Roark dives into how to handle changes in your career and how they can be an agent for so much good.

Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones to talk about how the pandemic affected Creative South and what the event will look like going forward.

Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones for a deep dive into Creative South.

On this week's episode, Rocky Roark dives into the world of design subscriptions.

In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of a designer's multifaceted influence, unwrapping the layers that make our role pivotal in the realms of storytelling, innovation, and strategic growth.

In this eye-opening podcast episode, we dive into the alarming rise of scams targeting freelancers on popular platforms like Dribbble and Behance.

In this podcast, the transformative influence of goal setting in freelancing and design is explored across various dimensions.

In today's episode, we dive into a topic that has ignited debates in the design community—“Why inspiration is important for designers and their creative process.” This special episode challenges the recent notion that designers shouldn't rely on seeking inspiration. In Act 1, we explore the definition of inspiration versus imitation, its diverse sources, and its foundational role in innovation. Act 2 guides you through building a digital library of inspiration on platforms like Pinterest, Dribbble, Behance, and Instagram. 

Welcome to the finale of the Design Break podcast's communication mini-series. In this episode, host Rocky Roark emphasizes that the end of a project doesn't mark the end of communication—it's a new beginning. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights to transform one-off projects into ongoing partnerships.

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark highlights the significance of non-creative feedback in the freelance design industry. He explores how this type of feedback can reveal hidden issues, enhance client relationships, and improve overall business operations. Rocky emphasizes that valuing non-creative feedback sets freelancers apart, providing actionable insights to improve not just their work, but their entire freelance business model.

In the fourth episode of the series on how Communication Can Make or Break Your Freelance Business, host Rocky Roark dives into the crucial topic of choosing the right communication platform for a successful freelance design business. He emphasizes that the tools used for communication can significantly impact workflow efficiency and client relationships.

In the third episode of the series on how Communication Can Make or Break Your Freelance Business, host Rocky Roark explores the crucial role of transparency in the success of a freelance design business.

In the second episode of the "How Communication Can Make or Break Your Freelance Business" series on the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark explores the critical topic of the contract and scope of work.

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, hosted by Rocky Roark, we embark on a journey into the often underestimated realm of initial client communication.

In this episode, we're delving into the vital world of client relationships for freelancers and design professionals.

In this insightful episode, Rocky Roark shares valuable strategies for handling challenging discussions that are an inherent part of the freelance landscape.

Rocky Roark is joined by Chris Cannon on the Design Break Podcast to talk about his background in design, how Elon fumbled Twitter, the recent Dribbble update, red flags when it comes to job listings, and much more

In this episode, we tackle a pressing issue that resonates with many: the shortcomings of design schools in adequately preparing students for the realities of the professional world.

Brian Burkett and Josh Wayne join Rocky Roark on the Design Break podcast for a candid discussion on what it's like to partner with agencies as a freelancer.

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, your host Rocky Roark shares invaluable insights on nurturing your client list and expanding your network to generate more leads for your freelance business.

Kyle Van Cleave is an illustrator and designer based in Oregon who runs Deadbolt Design.

In the latest episode of the Design Break podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful journey through Rocky's career as a full-time illustrator and freelancer, during which he consistently achieved six-figure incomes. Rocky debunks the myth of the "starving artist" and shares three key strategies that propelled his success.

Rocky Roark is joined by Dan Blessing, aka the Design Shark, to talk about working in the sports design industry.

In this episode, your host Rocky Roark uncovers how freelancers can establish fruitful collaborations with creative agencies, enhancing their careers.

In this episode, host Rocky Roark explores how to take ownership of your creative content to secure your creative future.

In this captivating episode, our host Rocky Roark takes us on a profound exploration of the world of NFT PFPs (Non-Fungible Token Profile Pictures). He shares his personal journey of working on an NFT project and the pivotal reasons behind his decision to abandon it.

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we dive into the world of freelance gurus. It can be hard to know who to trust, especially on the internet. This episode will help you see what types of behavior are red flags so you know who you should avoid.

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we explore the Agency vs In-house debate, providing valuable insights for design professionals and students. Join us as we discuss the advantages and considerations of each, featuring industry experts sharing their experiences and perspectives, helping you make informed decisions about your design career path.

Join host Rocky Roark on Design Break as he explores the journey from design school to landing your dream job in the industry. Discover valuable insights, tips, and strategies to navigate your path and achieve professional success in the dynamic world of design.

In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into a bonus episode of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore "Why You Shouldn't Charge $10,000 for a logo."

In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into the fourth and final installment of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore the world of "Subscription-Based" pricing and uncover the strategies, benefits, and challenges associated with this widely-used model

In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into the third installment of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore the world of "Retainer-Based" pricing and uncover the strategies, benefits, and challenges associated with this widely-used model

In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into the second installment of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore the world of "Project-Based" pricing and uncover the strategies, benefits, and challenges associated with this widely-used model.

In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into the first installment of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore the world of "Hourly-Based" pricing and uncover the strategies, benefits, and challenges associated with this widely-used model.

In today's episode, your host, Rocky Roark, will discuss how he uses AI in his freelance brand agency and how you can utilize it to level up your freelancing business

In today's episode, we are talking about how Rocky Roark, the host of the Design Break podcast, is rebooting his freelance agency and what 2023 has in store for the podcast

In today's episode of the Design Break Podcast, we're going to discuss when to make the jump to full-time freelance—the second part of a two-part mini-series on the subject. This second part discusses how to make the jump when you're left with no other choice.

37mins

In today's episode of the Design Break Podcast, we're going to discuss when to make the jump to full-time freelance—the first part of a two-part mini-series on the subject. This first part discusses specifically how to plan your jump into full-time freelance.

40mins

It's been six months since I last uploaded a podcast. In today's episode, I share some life updates with my family and me over the last six months and plan to renew the podcast with regular new episodes! (:

20mins

I've been a fan of Dribbble for years—9 years to be exact. Unfortunately, I've seen the design community platform that I have loved for so many years decline over the last few years. In today's episode I talk about the highs, the lows, and what I think could help Dribbble bounce back. (:

31mins

A lesson I had early in my career after college was how important pivoting is when dealing with client work. It's something we all need to learn if we want to succeed not only in the creative world but in life as well. Take my experience as a lesson you can use in the future.

26mins

Most of us choose to react to things right away, such as feedback from a client. This isn't a good idea, especially when it comes to what we perceive as "negative feedback". Instead, we should stop ourselves and reflect on it before we react.

19mins

What's in your portfolio? It's something that not many people talk about besides the general line items like illustrations, logos, websites, etc. But what exactly goes into a portfolio to make it successful?

25mins

Our first new episode of 2020 features an interview I had with the award-winning illustrator Tom Froese—a freelance illustrator based out of British Columbia. Tom is not only an illustrator but a speaker and teacher on Skillshare—he's featured as a "Top Teacher." In today's episode, Tom shares his story on how he went from being a freelancer, then art director, and ended up choosing to work for himself full-time. He shares how originally he went to school for computer engineering but found his love in design and later illustration. If you would like to read an excerpt from the transcript of our interview, you can find one on the Blue Cyclops Design Co. blog.

95mins

A question that I'm always asked on social media is "How do you get more clients or projects?" The easiest answer is to post more work across your social platforms, the better question though is "What work leads to more work?" In today's episode I answer that very question and share my own experiences in the process.

14mins

After close to a five month hiatus, we are back with an amazing interview with the very talented Allie Mounce—Co-founder of Pretty Useful Co. & Senior Art Director at Paradigm. Allie is an amazing designer and jack-of-all-trades when it comes to design. In today's episode, Allie shares her story and how she broke into the world of design and has become—in my opinion—a creative super star! She shares how she learned the skills she utilizes now when she was a junior designer and how she and her co-founder, Clare Freeman, started Pretty Useful Co. and some tips for you all to start your own side hustle.

76mins

In this episode, I answer an AMA (Ask Me Anything) question involving whether it's better to be self-taught or go to art/design school.

12mins

In this episode, we’re going to talk about the importance of side projects and how they can lead to amazing opportunities in your creative career. Throughout my career, I have worked on many side projects, each with its own challenges, learning opportunities, and payoffs. I’ve learned that there is so much power in creating your own side projects and sharing them with the world. Today, I share a few stories and examples of side projects I’ve created and the opportunities they have led to along the way. If you’d like to read more about my thoughts on side projects, you can find a blog post I wrote on the same subject on my website.

28mins

In this episode we’re going to talk about being FIRED and how it isn’t the end of the world, which is very accurate. Now, I’ve known that I wanted to talk about this topic since before I even started this podcast. Its something I’ve been through three times in my life—once in high school and twice after college. It’s something that everyone will most likely experience at some point in their lives and is one of the hardest things to go through in your career. Let me let you all in on a little secret… It can sometimes be the best thing to happen to you as well. Join me in today’s episode where I talk about my experiences and how I turned a negative into a positive

30mins

In today’s episode, I sit down and chat with my friend and former client, Stu Smith. A fantastic designer and creative entrepreneur, working at Trello and based out of Austin, Texas with his wife (YellowBess), kids, and their dogs. During our interview we talk about a range of different topics from Stu’s college experience, us working together while he was at Able Lending and now his side hustles he’s been up to with his wife. Sit back and enjoy my chat with Stu.

44mins

This is the second of a new sub-series for the Design Break podcast where I go through and answer a series of old questions I've been asked over social media. This second episode (012 of the main podcast) answers the question "Is it possible to master all areas of art and design? If so, is it possible to do it in college?"

8mins

In this episode I talk about how having a portfolio isn't enough to land you a job and/or freelance work. You need a whole lot more than just creating pretty pictures to break into the creative world.

20mins

This is a quick impromptu episode that I decided to put together for those of you attending Creative South or any other creative conference this year.

13mins

In this episode Rocky Roark interviews the amazing designer, educator and mentor, Jamal Collins (aka JayWorking), on how he broke through and struggled as a creative in the 90s and later during the recession of '08.

46mins

This is the first of a new sub-series for the Design Break podcast where I go through and answer a series of old questions I've been asked over social media. This first episode (008 of the main podcast) answers the question "What do you do if you get discouraged or frustrated with your work?

8mins

In this episode I talk about the importance of being a Jack-of-All-Trades and how it can help boost your creative career.

19mins

Something that I've always found important to both finding a job and finding freelance work is having a website and the way you use your website to work for you.

22mins

Excited for the second episode of our Interview series, this time with one of the most amazing hand lettering artists, Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn!

72mins

One of the most powerful keys to my success in my creative career has been attending conferences each and every year. In this episode I share why this is so powerful and beneficial for your success.

33mins

In this episode Rocky Roark interviews the spectacular illustrator and designer, Brad Woodard of Brave the Woods on how he broke through and reached the top of the mountain of creative success.

44mins

In this episode we discuss the evil truth about imposter syndrome & self-doubt as well as ways you can keep those toxic thoughts at bay in your journey to creative success.

25mins

In this first episode the host of Design Break, Rocky Roark, shares his story of how he started and climbed his way up the mountain of success in the creative world.

28mins