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Graphic design for film might be one of the coolest creative jobs you’ve never heard of, and today’s guest, Gina Alessi, is here to break it down. From making Civil War-era bedspreads to designing posters in under two hours, Gina shares what it’s really like to work behind the scenes of film and TV production as a graphic designer.

We dive into the surprisingly misunderstood world of design in the art department, the lightning-fast timelines of production work, and why a poster you made today might be filmed (or cut!) tomorrow. Gina also opens up about discovering her dream job through Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel, what it took to break into the industry, and why she now teaches others how to do it, too.

Plus, we get honest about the myth of the perfect job, surviving unpredictable cycles of the entertainment industry, and why it’s okay if your dream role comes with tough days.

Whether you’re a design student, a film fan, or just curious about hidden creative careers, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• What a graphic designer actually does on a film or TV set
• Why design for the screen is so misunderstood (even inside the industry)
• The Grand Budapest Hotel moment that changed everything
• How Gina reverse-engineered a career that didn’t exist on Google
• The role of props, branding, and graphic storytelling in production
• Why historical research and print methods still matter for digital designs
• The dream job myth: what happens when your dream is still hard
• Tips for dipping your toe into film graphics even without industry contacts

Connect with our guest:

Gina Alessi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginamadethis

Website: https://www.ginamadethis.com/

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7722613/

Mentioned in this episode:

• Try Flodesk for FREE! https://flodesk.com/c/GOODTYPE
• A Graphic Designer Made That (Gina’s Course) https://agdmadethat.com/
• Manhunt (Apple TV)
• Annie Atkins https://www.annieatkins.com/
• Grand Budapest Hotel
• Camtasia https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

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Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Send us a text

What actually goes on behind the scenes of a 1-million-follower art account?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s like for us to manage one of the biggest creative communities on Instagram. Joining us this episode is our teammate Emily (who wears many hats, from social media management to content strategist and Notion organization wizard), We’re digging into the strategy, challenges, and surprises that come with running an account of this size.

From our early days building an audience as Loomier to taking over the reins of Goodtype, we’re sharing how our approach to content, community, and connection has evolved. We talk about what’s working on Instagram now, the weird stuff we didn’t expect, and how we’re navigating it all as a team.

Whether you’re running a small account or dreaming bigger, this episode is packed with real talk and practical takeaways for any creative trying to grow online, without losing their mind. Thank you, Flodesk for sponsoring this episode!

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• How our team grew from Loomier to Goodtype
• The real behind-the-scenes of managing a 1M+ follower account
• The systems, strategies, and struggles we face as a small team behind a big platform
• What we’ve learned about engagement, content performance, and audience shifts
• Why reposting became risky–and how we’re adjusting to new platform rules
• What kinds of posts are resonating most in 2025
• How we stay grounded and avoid the vanity metrics trap
• A team perspective on creative burnout, boundaries, and showing up online
• Lessons from our 30-day challenge and why going viral isn’t the goal

Connect with our guest:

Emily Lynn Caulfield

Instagram: https://instagram.com/emilynncaulfield

Website: https://emilynncaulfield.com

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/emilynncaulfield

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/emilynncaulfield

Mentioned in this episode:

• Try Flodesk for FREE! https://flodesk.com/c/GOODTYPE
• Loomier (our biz before we became Goodtype)
• Notion Template for Graphic Designers https://goodtype.us/notion-template-for-graphic-designers
• Goodtype Studio https://goodtype.us/studio
• Price with Purpose

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Send us a text

We’re getting real in this episode, talking openly about what it means to be a creative with mental health struggles, from panic attacks and perfectionism to ADHD and burnout. Whether you’ve felt overwhelmed by your to-do list, stuck chasing an impossible standard, or just totally unmotivated and scattered, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

In this heart-to-heart episode, we’re sharing how our own brains work (and sometimes how they work against us), how we’ve found ways to collaborate with compassion, and what tools help us keep going when the mental health stuff hits hard. It’s been a journey of learning, unlearning, and showing up as our whole selves.

We also reflect on the ups and downs of working together while navigating different work styles, energy levels, and expectations. This one’s for anyone who’s felt like they’re “too much” or “not enough”–we see you.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• What perfectionism and ADHD really look like when collaborating
• How we collaborate without losing our minds (or friendship)
• The toll that anxiety and panic attacks can take, and what helped us
• Why finishing creative projects is sometimes the most challenging part
• Tools we use to manage time, prioritize, and avoid burnout
• Creative identity and letting go of “productivity = self-worth”
• How different brains process time, feedback, and focus
• Amy Poehler (and Leslie Knope) as our collective creative spirit guide

Mentioned in this episode:

• Creative South Conference
• Crop Austin Conference
• How to Be an Imperfectionist by Stephen Guise
• Made by James
• Eisenhower Matrix
• Calm App

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

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Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Send us a text

In this episode of The Typecast, hosts Katie and Ilana sit down with designer and longtime YouTube creator Will Paterson to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable creative career in today’s ever-evolving digital world.

If you've searched YouTube for design tips in the past decade, you've likely come across Will’s work. With over 1,000 videos to his name, he shares how he's remained consistent, grounded, and mission-driven—without chasing trends or compromising his values. The conversation touches on the power of creating evergreen content, designing with intention rather than for accolades, and how collaborating with his partner Naomi has reshaped the way he runs his business.

Part reality check, part creative pep talk, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights and practical wisdom for artists who want to create meaningful work in an often chaotic online space

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• Why creating evergreen content is key to long-term success as a creator
• How humility can keep you grounded in an industry built on visibility
• The value of building community over chasing viral fame
• Why awards don’t always reflect purpose-driven design
• How to find creative harmony when working with a partner
• The impact of setting clear goals that align with your “why”
• What it takes to stay resilient through criticism and platform changes

Mentioned in this episode:

• Affinity Designer
• Design Academy
• Assets for Designers (Assets 4D)

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: @willpat

Website: Will Paterson

YouTube: Will Paterson

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

What happens when two artists post on Instagram every weekday for an entire month? Spoiler: No viral fame, but they did book a DREAM client. 👇🏻

In this episode, Katie and Ilana dive into their recent social media experiment–sharing what it was really like to show up online five days a week for 30 days straight. From burnout and boundary-setting to unexpected wins and data deep-dives, this conversation is packed with honest reflections about showing up as creatives in a digital world that can feel…kind of soul-sucking at times. You’ll hear about what worked (and what didn’t), how they tracked engagement, and how those little things like saves and shares made all the difference.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• Why creative energy isn’t always meant to be monetized
• What kind of content performed best and why
• How engagement metrics like saves and shares told a different story than likes
• How consistency affected visibility (but not necessarily growth)
• Honest thoughts about Instagram burnout and boundary setting
• What happened with client inquiries
• The power of human connection and authenticity on social media
• Why showing your personality (and even your pet) matters

Mentioned in this episode:

• Brick https://getbrick.app/
• Women of Type https://www.instagram.com/womenoftype
• Good Hang https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hang-with-amy-poehler/id1795483480
• Made by James Email List https://themadebyjames.com/7-days-of-design-gold/

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

The past few years have been a rollercoaster of hard lessons learned, creativity, and pivots. In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain with Krissy Mast, sharing her struggles with creative burnout after building a 7-figure design business and how she redefined success by deciding to close the doors and start fresh. From the projects that lit her up to the ones that drained her, Krissy gets REAL about what it means to build a sustainable creative business (again).

We’ll also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, why saying “no” can be a superpower, and how we’re rethinking how we approach client work vs. personal passion projects. Plus, we dive deep into art licensing, how it works, why it can be a game-changer for artists, and what we’ve learned from our experiences. If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize your art beyond commissions and client work, this conversation is for you.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• What led to creative burnout and how Krissy managed it
• How setting boundaries helped reclaim our creativity
• The myth of constant hustle–and why we’re challenging it
• Balancing client work with personal projects
• What you need to know about art licensing and passive income opportunities for artists
• How we approach licensing deals and what to watch out for
• Working with art agents and why it might be right for you
• How outreach can build confidence and lead to more clients for your art business

Mentioned in this episode:

• Stacie Bloomfield
• Liz Kohler Brown
• Jewel (art agent)
• Art Licensing Blueprint
• Skillshare

Connect with our guest: Krissy Mast on Instagram | Website | Facebook Group

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Send us a text

In this episode, Katie and Ilana talk with Radim Malinic, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans graphic design, music, branding, publishing and building a business that celebrates visual storytelling. Radim opens up about how naivety fueled his early career, the challenges of burnout, and the pivotal role of self-acceptance in finding balance. His story emphasizes the importance of defining your “enough” and shifting focus from external validation to purposeful creativity.

This episode unpacks the realities of managing creative chaos, avoiding hustle culture traps, and fostering resilience in a fast-paced industry. Filled with actionable advice and heartfelt stories, this episode is essential listening for creatives ready to embrace balance, authenticity, and sustainable success in their work.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• Why defining your “enough” can transform your creative journey
• How embracing naivety can lead to unexpected opportunities in your creative career.
• The power of discipline to help create structure and reclaim control of your day.
• Focusing on meaningful connections, not metrics, on social media.
• How saying no to the wrong projects can make room for aligned opportunities.
• How resilience and self-reflection are crucial for sustainable growth.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Margo Font by HEX
• Lux Coffee Co.

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: @radim.malinic

Website: radimmalinic.co.uk

LinkedIn: Radim Malinic

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Send us a text

Building a creative career is one thing—making it sustainable (without burning yourself out) is another. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Smith, an artist and author who’s proof that you can build a thriving creative business without selling your soul. We talk about the power of embracing silliness, the realities of mass-market licensing, and why betting on yourself is the best investment you’ll ever make.

We also get real about the challenges of working with clients, staying true to your artistic voice while still paying the bills, and the secret sauce to making your work actually fun. Plus, Kate shares her approach to creative decision-making, the non-negotiable boundaries that keep her sane, and what she wishes more artists knew about building a business that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.

All that and more when you listen to this episode:

• Why betting on yourself can lead to unexpected creative opportunities
• How to balance passion projects with commercial work without burnout
• The role of joy and playfulness in running a creative business
• Why originality is your greatest asset (and how to lean into it)
• The realities of mass-market licensing and working with big retailers
• How to make client collaborations feel valuable instead of restrictive
• The importance of defining success on your own terms

Connect with our guest:

• Instagram: @katesmithcompany
• Website: Kate Smith Company

Mentioned in this episode:

• Noodles the Dog
• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Connect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype

• Goodtype Website
• Goodtype on Instagram
• Goodtype on Youtube

Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to the show

Tag us on Instagram @Goodtype

Follow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtype

Learn from Katie and Ilana

Grab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!