Working With Designers

Your designer's new favorite podcast. We discuss how businesses and designers work together to make an impact. Hosts Kristin Silva and Jake Cooper - two professional designers, business owners, and RISD alumni - share the insights gathered from their independent journeys in the industry, as well as the gripes, banter, and humor that goes on behind the scenes.

Working With Designers is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 10 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Working With Designers, a arts show with 10 episodes published.

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  Episode #10

  The Truth About AI and the Future of Design Work

  Jun 23, 20251h 17mS1

  <p>AI isn’t coming for your job—but it is changing how designers work. In this episode of Working With Designers, we unpack the real impact of AI on creative work, design strategy, and client expectations.</p><p>Jake and Kristin explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva are showing up in real projects, what designers should (and shouldn’t) worry about, and how to navigate the shifting landscape of originality, ownership, and value.</p><p>Whether you’re using AI to write proposals, polish emails, or speed up mockups, the message is clear: your value isn’t in what yo...

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  Working With Designers

  Beyond the Portfolio

  May 5, 20252 hourS0

  <p>Kristin Silva and Jake Cooper dive into the realities of running a creative business—from strategic networking and portfolio challenges to marketing, sales, and client management. They reflect on local creative communities, the pitfalls of bad industry advice, and the tech gaps small businesses face. The conversation highlights the balance between strategy and execution, the evolution of design expectations, and the value of building habits, community, and sustainable creative practices.</p><p>‍</p><p>00:00 – Networking Events and Community Building</p><p>06:06 – The Value of Networking and Building Relationships</p><p>12:02 – The Importance of Strategic Networking</p><p>15:01 – Advice on Portfolio an...

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  Episode #8

  "It's On Us to Dictate This"

  Mar 31, 20251h 30mS0

  <p>Summary</p><p>In this episode, Jake and Kristin dive into the messy, meaningful side of client work—where strategy meets real talk. They unpack the importance of setting expectations early, owning the process, and leading clients with clarity and confidence. From subscription models and value-based pricing to design briefs and project pivots, they share hard-earned lessons from the trenches. It’s a candid conversation about when to push, when to listen, and why it’s up to us—the creatives—to steer the ship.</p><p><br />Takeaways</p><p>Here’s the deal: if you’re not leading your p...

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  Episode #7

  Navigating Creative Partnerships

  Mar 10, 20251h 52mS1

  <p>Summary</p><p>In this episode of 'Working with Designers', hosts Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva engage with Sean Clancy and Elina Picciocca, co-founders of Space Out Design. They discuss the realities of creative partnerships, the journey of starting a design studio, navigating roles and responsibilities, client relationships, and the challenges of transitioning to full-time freelancing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial strategies, mental health, and the design of one's life in the creative industry. In this conversation, Elina Picciocca, Jake Cooper, and Kristin Silva discuss the intricacies of managing a creative business, focusing on project processes, time...

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  Episode #6

  To Niche or Not To Niche?

  Feb 17, 20251h 36mS0

  <p>This episode of Working With Designers explores the complexities of niching as a creative professional, including when it's beneficial, when it’s limiting, and how to balance specialization with flexibility. Jake Cooper and Kristin Silva break down real-world experiences, industry misconceptions, and strategies for making the best decision for your business.</p><p><br>00:00 – Weekend Reflections</p><p>03:03 – The Challenge of Niching</p><p>08:23 – Why Audience Focus Matters</p><p>13:30 – Defining Niching & Its Benefits</p><p>18:48 – Personal Experiences with Niching</p><p>24:05 – From Niche to Portfolio Building</p><p>29:12 – Specialization vs. Generalization</p><p>38:36 – Strategy & Visual Design Reflections</p><p>50:15 – Understa...

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