The January Catchup

In this conversation, Jake and Kristin explore various themes related to design, branding, and client relationships. They discuss the importance of mental health in business, the delicate balance between branding and marketing, and the challenges of educating clients about their needs. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, on content creation and the significance of community engagement for business growth. In this conversation, Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva explore the importance of community and collaboration in creative fields, the influence of reading on creativity, and the significance of archiving knowledge. They discuss the dynamics of creative partnerships, the challenges of client expectations, and the necessity of intentional design. The dialogue emphasizes the need for experimentation and understanding the intricacies of the design process while navigating the complexities of client relationships.

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00:00 — Intro

03:51 — The TikTok Ban of 2025

07:55 — Choosing Between Marketing and Branding

26:04 — Meeting Clients Where They Are

48:46 — The Power of Word of Mouth Marketing

50:04 — The Influence of Reading on Creativity

57:06 — Note-Taking and Information Management

01:03:27 — Finding Inspiration Beyond Digital Media

01:11:06 — Creative Collaboration and Project Dynamics

01:18:49 — Design Tests: Fair or Predatory?

01:29:32 — The Challenges of Emerging Designers

01:44:04 — Outro

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