State of the Union

In this episode,Josh Horton sits down withBrandon Rike—creative director and designer known for shaping the visual world of bands and musicians across genres. Over the last two decades, Brandon has worked with artists like Twenty One Pilots, Skrillex, Thirty Seconds To Mars, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182, and Underoath, building a career that’s as prolific as it is honest.Together, they talk candidly about what it means to be a creative in real time—what “arriving” actually looks like, and what

In this episode,Josh Horton talks withTracie Ching—illustrator, poster artist, and one of the most distinctive digital printmakers working today. Known for her meticulous vector work and striking limited-edition posters, Tracie has built a career defined by discipline, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to craft.Together, they dig into the realities of building a creative career in public—what it means to start over, to rebuild momentum, to learn in real time, and to keep showing up even when

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with Amy Hood—designer, co-founder of Hoodzpah, and one half of the sister-duo that’s helped shape everything from startup brands to global campaigns with their bold, unmistakable style.Together, they dig into Amy’s Southern upbringing, how it shaped the way she sees people and work, and the differences she and her sister Jen have noticed between design scenes across the country—from the Heartland to Silicon Valley to the East Coast. They talk candidly about

In this episode, Josh Horton talks with designer and illustrator Matt Stevens—longtime friend, collaborator, and the creative mind behind projects like Max 100 and Good Movies as Old Books. They explore how personal work can reshape a career, what it takes to stay inspired as a one-person studio, and how curiosity, clarity, and consistency have guided Matt’s path for more than a decade.Together, they get into the realities of client work, the value of over-communicating, and how a simple Air Max

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Brian McDonald—an award-winning screenwriter, director, and author of Invisible Ink and Land of the Dead. With over 30 years in film, television, and comics, Brian’s storytelling wisdom has shaped generations of writers and filmmakers.Together, they talk about the craft and truth of storytelling—why good stories last, how AI challenges creativity, and why authenticity still matters more than ever. They also explore how film and story can reconnect us to

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Theresa Fitzgerald — a mission-driven designer, educator, and creative leader behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in children’s media. Together, they explore the evolving role of education in a fast-moving world. From the global influence of Sesame Workshop to the principles of designing for children, they discuss the power of play, nostalgia, and storytelling to shape culture and create connection. The conversation also touches on the shift

In this episode, Josh Horton sits down with Miné Day, Brad Hodgkiss, and Clinton Campbell — the partners behind MUTI, a Cape Town–based design and illustration studio known for its stunning range of styles, collaborative energy, and deeply human approach to creativity. They talk about how the studio formed through trust, friendship, and a shared vision — and how it grew organically into one of the most respected illustration shops in the world.Together, they explore how collaboration can lead to

In this first episode, Josh Horton—founder of Creative Works and the Creative Workers Union—shares the honest story behind this podcast: why it took years to launch, what finally pushed him to hit record, and why real, unfiltered conversations about creative work are more important now than ever.If you’re feeling uncertain, burned out, or just looking for something real, this episode is for you.🔗Relevant LinksRegister for Creative Works EAST (Oct 2–4, 2025 in Brooklyn, NY) →creativeworks.co/eastGot