Best Rocky Roark Podcasts (2024)

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064: The Simple Secret to How I Landed $12K in New Work 16:29

11d ago16:29

16:29

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark explores a game-changing approach to freelance client acquisition—the Bounty Method. He begins by addressing the common challenges freelancers face with traditional methods like cold emailing and social media marketing, emphasizing the unpredictable nature and trust issues inherent in th…

1
063: Design Disasters: Learning From Our Biggest Blunders 28:43

6M ago28:43

28:43

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! Also on this episode: Why you shouldn’t ignore the red flags Long-term vs. short-term payments Diversifying your income streams Learn…

1
062: Creative Crossroads: Pivoting Your Career Across Disciplines 25:53

6M ago25:53

25:53

Rocky Roark dives into how to handle changes in your career path. On this episode he talks about: The inevitable evolution of a creative career How to navigate a shift in your career What it takes to make a successful transition Thriving with your skillset and experience Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! To stay co…

1
061: How the Pandemic Affected Creative South with Mike Jones 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

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. Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable co…

1
060: Creative South Deep Dive with Mike Jones 42:40

6M ago42:40

42:40

Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones for a deep dive into Creative South. They discuss how Creative South was started, what's changed with the event over the years, and why community is so important. Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter…

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059: Design Subscriptions: Great Idea to Horrible Fad 50:06

7M ago50:06

50:06

On this week's episode, Rocky Roark dives into the world of design subscriptions. Topics covered include: What exactly is a design subscription? The pros and cons for freelancers and design businesses The pros and cons for clients If you've ever considered offering design subscriptions, or might in the future, then this is the episode for you! Want…

1
058: Maximizing Impact: The Designer's Role in Client Success 29:13

7M ago29:13

29:13

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. Beginning with the cornerstone of our impact, we delve into the magic of problem-solving skills, highlighting how designers are adept at tra…

1
057: Navigating the Maze of Bogus Leads 25:09

7M ago25:09

25:09

In this eye-opening podcast episode, we dive into the alarming rise of scams targeting freelancers on popular platforms like Dribbble and Behance. Host Rocky Roark shares personal experiences and stories from the design community, shedding light on the various types of scams infiltrating these platforms, from payment advance and phishing schemes to…

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056: Mastering Goal-Setting for Creatives 47:13

8M ago47:13

47:13

In this podcast, the transformative influence of goal setting in freelancing and design is explored across various dimensions. The initial segment emphasizes goals as intricate blueprints, driving motivation and focus while serving as tools to overcome challenges in competitive career landscapes. Real-life success stories highlight the strategic us…

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055: Creative Fuel: Unpacking the Importance of Inspiration in Design 35:30

8M ago35:30

35:30

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 so…

1
054: Mastering Post-Project Communication 39:20

8M ago39:20

39:20

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 …

1
53: The Value of Non-Creative Feedback (Mini-Series) 28:22

9M ago28:22

28:22

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 freelance…

1
052: The Right Tools for Freelance Communication (Mini-Series) 28:42

9M ago28:42

28:42

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 relatio…

1
051: Being Transparent in Process and Progress (Mini-Series) 31:24

9M ago31:24

31:24

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. He emphasizes that clear and timely updates are the foundation of trust, which is essential for any strong client relationship. Rocky highlights …

1
050: The Contract and Scope of Work (Mini-Series) 38:53

9M ago38:53

38:53

In the second episode of the communication mini-series on the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark explores the critical topic of the contract and scope of work. Rocky likens a well-defined contract to a roadmap, guiding both freelancer and client through a project's complexities, avoiding misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and financial pitf…

1
049: Initial Client Communications (Mini-Series) 19:34

9M ago19:34

19:34

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. This digital handshake, as Rocky puts it, can either set the stage for a prosperous collaboration or lead to missed opportunities. The episode delves into the pivotal role this first interac…

1
048: Turning Clients into Partners: Keys to Successful Freelancing 34:23

10M ago34:23

34:23

In this episode, we're delving into the vital world of client relationships for freelancers and design professionals. It's no longer sufficient to be just another freelancer; you need to become a true partner to your clients. We'll guide you through mindset shifts, core principles, and actionable steps to elevate your role from an order-taker to a …

1
047: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Clients 44:15

10M ago44:15

44:15

In this insightful episode, Rocky Roark shares valuable strategies for handling challenging discussions that are an inherent part of the freelance landscape. He begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and empathy when conflicts arise, highlighting that emotional reactions seldom lead to resolution. Additionally, the choice of …

1
046: Guest Podcast with Chris Cannon 1:13:38

10M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

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. Chris Cannon is a product designer who is dedicated to making products the best experience they can be. His ultimate goal is to craft …

1
045: Challenging the Curriculum: The Shortcomings of Design School 47:30

10M ago47:30

47:30

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. Drawing from personal experiences, Rocky Roark, a Graphic Design BFA graduate, recounts how a staggering attrition rate and a lack of essential skills left only a hand…

1
044: Brian Burkett & Josh Wayne, Partnering with Larger Agencies for Freelance Work 1:28:09

11M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

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. They dive into the pros and cons, when you should look for freelance work, and much more. Brian Burkett is a freelance web developer who works with startups and agencies. Josh Wayne is a UX/Pr…

1
043: How To Nurture Your Network For Success 28:38

11M ago28:38

28:38

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. Drawing from years of freelancing experience, Rocky emphasizes the crucial role of consistency in implementing these practices effectively. He begi…

1
042 — Guest Podcast w/ Kyle Van Cleave of Deadbolt Design 1:10:28

11M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Kyle Van Cleave is an illustrator and designer based in Oregon who runs Deadbolt Design. He joins Rocky Roark to discuss his career, how he made a branding change with his business, and how to differentiate between personal and studio branding. This episode is jam packed with valuable information, so you won't want to miss it. Check out Deadbolt De…

1
041 - How I Made $125k/year as a Freelance Illustrator 41:15

11M ago41:15

41:15

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. Firstly, Rocky highl…

1
040 - Designing for the Sports Industry with Dan Blessing 57:58

12M ago57:58

57:58

Rocky Roark is joined by Dan Blessing, aka the Design Shark, to talk about working in the sports design industry. This episode dives into how Dan Blessing got started in design, what led him to the sports industry, and he provides some tips for how you can practice creating your own sports logos. You won't want to miss this episode! Want to level u…

1
039 - Unlocking the Power of Agency Partnerships for Freelance Success 30:20

12M ago30:20

30:20

In this episode, your host Rocky Roark uncovers how freelancers can establish fruitful collaborations with creative agencies, enhancing their careers. First, we dive into how agency partnerships are a freelancing cornerstone, ensuring steady work and income. Then, we discuss five techniques for effective collaborations: Define Your Agency Preferenc…

1
038 - How to Own Your Own Content As a Creative Professional 25:51

12M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, host Rocky Roark explores how to take ownership of your creative content to secure your creative future. First, we’ll dive into how Dribbble was once an inspiring creative clubhouse, but now many creatives are leaving due to little benefit and work monopolization.Then, we discuss the fear of platforms disappearing or content gettin…

1
037 - The Downfall of PFPs: Why I Quit My NFT Project 39:02

1y ago39:02

39:02

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. The episode starts by explaining NFTs and PFPs, clarifying that the focus will be …

1
036 - Beware of Fake Freelance Gurus: Safeguarding Your Freelance Journey 30:31

1y ago30:31

30:31

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. First, we talk about what the inspiration was for this episode and the 8 red flags there are wi…

1
035 — Agency vs In-House: Which Design Career Path is Right for You? 39:40

1y ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we delve into the age-old debate of working at an agency versus in-house and explore the advantages and considerations of each. Whether you're a design professional looking to make a career move or a student contemplating your future path, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make an informe…

1
034 — Design School to Dream Job: 5 Tips for Getting Hired Out of School 29:58

1y ago29:58

29:58

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark takes us on a journey from design school to landing your dream job in the industry. Graduating from design school is an exciting milestone, but navigating the competitive job market can be challenging. Rocky shares five essential tips, plus a bonus tip, to help recent design school gradu…

1
033 — Profitable Pricing Bonus: Don't Charge $10,000 for A Logo! 25:32

1y ago25:32

25:32

Are you tired of the constant pressure to charge exorbitant prices for your design services? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to price your work without resorting to sky-high figures? Well, you're in luck! In this bonus episode of our Profitable Pricing miniseries, we're debunking the myth that you should charge $10k for a logo. We'll…

1
032 — Profitable Pricing: Subscription-Based Pricing (Miniseries) 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

Welcome to the final installment of our miniseries on Profitable Pricing for freelancers on the Design Break podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of subscription-based pricing for design services, exploring how it can transform your design career and freelance pricing strategies. Join us as we uncover effective approaches to pricing, d…

1
031 — Profitable Pricing: Retainer-Based Pricing (Mini-Series) 38:10

1y ago38:10

38:10

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we dive into the realm of retainer-based pricing—a pricing model that can revolutionize the way freelancers and small design agencies do business. Join us as we explore the advantages and considerations of retainer-based pricing, drawing on real-life experiences and industry expertise. Discover how retai…

1
030 — Profitable Pricing: Project-Based Pricing (Mini-Series) 33:39

1y ago33:39

33:39

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we delve into the world of project-based pricing for freelancers and small design agencies. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of this pricing model and share personal experiences to provide valuable insights. From the flexibility of pricing to the challenges of scoping projects, we cover it all. Tune…

1
029 — Profitable Pricing: Hourly-Based Pricing (Mini-Series) 46:29

1y ago46:29

46:29

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. Hosted by Rocky Roark, a seasoned freelancer himself, t…

1
028 — Artificial Intelligence for Freelancers: How to Use it to Your Advantage 25:07

1+ y ago25:07

25:07

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.Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow uson Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conver…

1
027 — Rebooting My Freelance Agency: The Journey Back to Full-Time Freelancing 22:25

1+ y ago22:25

22:25

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.Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow uson Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the …

1
026 — Part Two | When to Make the Jump to Full-Time Freelance 36:45

3y ago36:45

36:45

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. Some of what we cover in this episode includes: Full-Time Freelance Doesn't Have to be Lo…

1
025 — Part One | When to Make the Jump to Full-Time Freelance 40:39

3y ago40:39

40:39

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 leap into full-time freelance. There are six main things to consider and think through before you jump into full-time fre…

1
024 — A 6 Month Update & Renewing the Podcast 20:02

3y ago20:02

20:02

Over the last six months, I took an overall hiatus from posting new content both here on the Design Break podcast and across social media. Now, I'm back and planning to renew many of my previous content channels, including the podcast. The first significant life update is that we are no longer located in sunny San Diego, CA, and we purchased a hous…

1
023 — The Unfortunate Decline of Dribbble 31:45

3+ y ago31:45

31:45

In today's episode, we discuss one of my favorite community platforms, Dribbble. Now, don't let the title of this episode sour your view of Dribbble. Even though I may some negative things about the platform in today's episode, I still love it, I still use it and I strongly believe that it can still rise up from where it stands today! I've been a p…

1
022 — Learning How to Pivot When Dealing with Clients 26:29

3+ y ago26:29

26:29

Today's episode is based on a newsletter I released recently on learning how to roll with the punches and pivoting to client work. A couple of weeks back, I had an experience with a client that made me really think and reflect on how important pivoting is for creatives. It's something that is talked about quite a bit but still not enough to teach u…

1
021 — Being Reflective vs. Reactive 19:34

3+ y ago19:34

19:34

*This episode was pre-recorded at the end of the summer of 2020. In today's episode, we discuss something that many of us know we should do but don't always, and that is to reflect before we act. Over the years that I've been working as a freelancer, in-house, and as a studio owner, I've found myself jumping to conclusions on feedback I deemed nega…

1
020 — What Should Go Into Your Portfolio 25:43

3+ y ago25:43

25:43

In today's podcast, the first in over a year, we talk about what goes into your portfolio to help you achieve your goals—whether it's to find a job or get freelance work. This is a continuation of a new series I started on my YouTube channel designed to help you build your portfolio from the ground up. So if you'd like to, please check out those vi…

1
019 — Interview with Tom Froese 1:35:59

4+ y ago1:35:59

1:35:59

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 …

1
018 — What Work Leads to More Work? 14:02

4+ y ago14:02

14:02

Nuggets of Wisdom ‍ 1. Share More Work on Social Media In order for you to be discovered by anyone—whether its with client work or personal work—you have to be posting work on social media. Don't hold back either, post regularly between 1-2 times a day and spread out your posts on different platforms. That way people don't get annoyed if they are f…

1
017 — Interview with Allie Mounce 1:16:41

4+ y ago1:16:41

1:16:41

Episode Synopsis 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 …

1
016 — AMA: Being Self Taught vs. Going to Art School 12:54

5y ago12:54

12:54

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. The short answer is, in my own personal opinion, you don't need to go to school for design. You should definitely take courses to learn essential art and drawing skills, but when it comes to design, you can easily …

1
015 — The Importance of Side Projects 28:09

5y ago28:09

28:09

In this episode, we’re going to talk about the importance of side projects and how they can lead to fantastic 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…

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