The Design Break
Unlock your path to creative success with the Design Break podcast, hosted by
@RockyRoark—owner & design director of Blue Cyclops Design Co.
Breaking into the creative world is hard enough. Making it as a freelancer is even more challenging. If you're currently considering jumping into a creative field or looking for freelance opportunities, this podcast is for you.
Topics include creative community, design, branding, freelance, job searching, career advice, actionable advice, and more.
- Update frequency
- every 8 days
- Average duration
- 34 minutes
- Episodes
- 68
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2024
047: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Clients
In this insightful episode, Rocky Roark shares valuable strategies for handling challenging discussions that are an inherent part of the freelance landscape. He begins by emphasizing the importance o…
046: Guest Podcast with Chris Cannon
Rocky Roark is joined by Chris Cannon on the Design Break Podcast to talk about his background in design, how Elon fumbled Twitter, the recent Dribbble update, red flags when it comes to job listings…
045: Challenging the Curriculum: The Shortcomings of Design School
In this episode, we tackle a pressing issue that resonates with many: the shortcomings of design schools in adequately preparing students for the realities of the professional world. Drawing from per…
044: Brian Burkett & Josh Wayne, Partnering with Larger Agencies for Freelance Work
Brian Burkett and Josh Wayne join Rocky Roark on the Design Break podcast for a candid discussion on what it's like to partner with agencies as a freelancer.
They dive into the pros and cons, when yo…
043: How To Nurture Your Network For Success
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, your host Rocky Roark shares invaluable insights on nurturing your client list and expanding your network to generate more leads for your freelance busine…
042 — Guest Podcast w/ Kyle Van Cleave of Deadbolt Design
Kyle Van Cleave is an illustrator and designer based in Oregon who runs Deadbolt Design. He joins Rocky Roark to discuss his career, how he made a branding change with his business, and how to differ…
041 - How I Made $125k/year as a Freelance Illustrator
In the latest episode of the Design Break podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful journey through Rocky's career as a full-time illustrator and freelancer, during which he consistently achiev…
040 - Designing for the Sports Industry with Dan Blessing
Rocky Roark is joined by Dan Blessing, aka the Design Shark, to talk about working in the sports design industry.
This episode dives into how Dan Blessing got started in design, what led him to the sp…
039 - Unlocking the Power of Agency Partnerships for Freelance Success
In this episode, your host Rocky Roark uncovers how freelancers can establish fruitful collaborations with creative agencies, enhancing their careers.
First, we dive into how agency partnerships are a…
038 - How to Own Your Own Content As a Creative Professional
In this episode, host Rocky Roark explores how to take ownership of your creative content to secure your creative future.
First, we’ll dive into how Dribbble was once an inspiring creative clubhouse, …
037 - The Downfall of PFPs: Why I Quit My NFT Project
In this captivating episode, our host Rocky Roark takes us on a profound exploration of the world of NFT PFPs (Non-Fungible Token Profile Pictures). He shares his personal journey of working on an NF…
036 - Beware of Fake Freelance Gurus: Safeguarding Your Freelance Journey
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we dive into the world of freelance gurus. It can be hard to know who to trust, especially on the internet. This episode will help you see what types of b…
035 — Agency vs In-House: Which Design Career Path is Right for You?
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we delve into the age-old debate of working at an agency versus in-house and explore the advantages and considerations of each. Whether you're a design pr…
034 — Design School to Dream Job: 5 Tips for Getting Hired Out of School
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark takes us on a journey from design school to landing your dream job in the industry. Graduating from design school is an exciting mileston…
033 — Profitable Pricing Bonus: Don't Charge $10,000 for A Logo!
Are you tired of the constant pressure to charge exorbitant prices for your design services? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to price your work without resorting to sky-high figures? W…
032 — Profitable Pricing: Subscription-Based Pricing (Miniseries)
Welcome to the final installment of our miniseries on Profitable Pricing for freelancers on the Design Break podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of subscription-based pricing for design…
031 — Profitable Pricing: Retainer-Based Pricing (Mini-Series)
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we dive into the realm of retainer-based pricing—a pricing model that can revolutionize the way freelancers and small design agencies do business. Join us…
030 — Profitable Pricing: Project-Based Pricing (Mini-Series)
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, we delve into the world of project-based pricing for freelancers and small design agencies. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of this pricing model an…
029 — Profitable Pricing: Hourly-Based Pricing (Mini-Series)
In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, we delve into the first installment of our exciting mini-series on pricing models for freelancers. Join us as we explore the world of "Hourly-Based" prici…