The Designer's Guide to Thriving in the AI Era - Insights with Sara Vienna, Metalab CDO
AI has creative professionals split between fear and fascination. "Is this an opportunity or a threat?" This question has been on every creative's mind, so I wanted to chat with someone on the forefront of this conversation.Today on Low-Key Legends, I sit down with Sara Vienna, Chief Design Officer of MetaLab, a design firm that since 2006 has been helping some of the most innovative startups and reputable brands—like Uber, Slack, MidJourney, and Google—design, build, and ship products that are worth talking about. Sara is passionate about both embracing AI's potential and honestly addressing its risks for the design community.But our conversation goes beyond just AI. We explore the timeless principles that drive great design—from product design to branding, we discuss how to craft ideas that are unique, advance culture toward a better future, and achieve product-market fit, whether you're working with legacy brands or startups.Besides being brilliant, Sara is a pure joy and a champion of designers everywhere. Grab a pen and get ready to take notes—I think you're really going to love this conversation. Let's get into it.Sara's AI Article → www.metalab.com/blog/designing-new-relationship-with-aiSocial:Metalab → www.metalab.comInsta → www.instagram.com/sraviennaTwitter / X → x.com/sravienna?lang=enLinkedIn → www.linkedin.com/in/saravienna
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The Secrets Behind The Most Successful Designers
In this special episode of Low-Key Legends, we distill the most powerful insights from our Season 2 conversations with design industry titans. Discover Christian Helms' (Helms Workshop) strategies for creating unfair business advantages through branding, Studio 28K's storytelling methodology, Simon Dixon's perspective on creativity as humanity's essential fuel, and Bryan James' approach to using personal taste and positivity to create a more distinctive digital landscape. These career-changing lessons are packed with actionable advice for designers, brand strategists, and creative professionals at all levels.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction00:35 - Christian Helms: Creating Unfair Business Advantages13:45 - Studio 28K: Storytelling as Project Fuel24:57 - Simon Dixon: Creativity as Humanity's Fuel33:44 - Bryan James: Personal Taste & Digital Differentiation49:48 - ConclusionGUESTS ON SOCIAL:Christian Helms → helmsworkshop.comStudio 28K → 28k.studioSimon Dixon → dixonbaxi.comBryan James → brybry.co
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S2.E16. The Art of Staying Creatively Relevant with Bryan James
On this episode of Low-Key Legends Bryan James and I explore the challenges creatives face in staying relevant and true to their personal taste. We discuss the impact of social media on creative work, the importance of maintaining one's unique taste, and how personal experiences can influence design. We explore how to overcome creative blocks, the balance between client needs and personal vision, and the significance of authenticity in the creative process.We also dive deep into the impact of technology on design, the legacy of creativity, and personal definitions of success. Our chat emphasizes the need for all designers to find their unique voice and the significance of creating work that resonates emotionally with audiences.Bryan on Social:Website → brybry.coWebsite → visuals.brybry.coInstagram → www.instagram.com/brybrystudioTwitter → x.com/WengersToyBus
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S2.E15. Brands, Boots, & Beer: Crafting Cultural Icons with Christian Helms
Ever wonder how a logo becomes a legend? This week, we're diving deep withChristian Helms — the brand king of Austin, Texas, and founder ofHelms Workshop. The man who's turned branding into an art form that's part strategy, part storytelling, and 100% pure Texas magic helping to create an unfair advantage for the brands they work with.From crafting killer brands for Howler Brothers to leaving his mark on global icons like Jack Daniel's, Christian reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets of how everyday objects become cultural touchstones. We're talking about the alchemy that transforms a simple product into something people don't just buy and believe in.
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S2.E15. Own Your Weird: Mick Champayne's Guide to Creative Confidence
This week on Low-Key Legends, I sit down with Mick Champayne. Mick is a visual designer by day, working on Google's Search, Doodle, & Delight team and moonlighting as an illustrator. We explore how "delight" permeates all of Mick's work & life and helps to make effective brands, illustrations, and products. Interjecting personality and her unique brand of humor into everything she crafts - from passion projects to freelance work. Mick is no ordinary Mid-West momma. She was named one of The Noun Project and Dribbble’s top illustrators of 2024. She has forged a prolific career by embracing the idea of “I’m here for a good time, not a long time" and focusing on the joy of everyday things.From fart jokes to imposter syndrome gear up for a hilarious and far-ranging conversation with Mick Champayne.
Sharing the insider conversation on the business of creativity. Chatting with the people behind the most legendary work in the creative industry. What are the tools and mindsets that lead to this success? Let's dive and explore together in our quest to become legendary.
South Africa