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27 best graphic design podcasts that every top creative should listen to (2024)
The best graphic design podcasts are more than just an excellent source of entertainment. They also give creative professionals an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, explore different ideas, and even find ways to overcome challenges in the design process.
In today’s ever-evolving design landscape, the top professionals know they need to commit to lifelong learning to stay ahead of the competition. While you might not have the time (or money) to invest in countless design courses, you can still update your education with the right content.
Unlike blogs, whitepapers, and articles, graphic design podcasts give you a low-effort way to tap into the insights of industry experts, innovators, and business owners. You can even listen to them when you’re working on a project, or taking the bus to work.
The biggest challenge is figuring out which podcast you should pick. That’s why we’re sharing our list of the most valuable, interesting, and entertaining podcasts for graphic designers.
Why listen to podcasts for graphic designers?
Podcasts are one of the most popular forms of content in today’s digital world.
There are more than 100 million active podcast listeners in the US alone, all frequently tuning into the latest episodes of their favorite shows. Still, if you’re new to the podcast revolution, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about.
After all, since your job as a designer is highly visual, it might seem odd to focus your attention on audio content. However, there are more benefits to listening to a weekly podcast than you might think.
Great podcasts are an excellent source of valuable information. Experts from creative industries use podcasts to explore ideas, trending topics, and even unique ways to solve common design problems. With the right podcast, you can learn how to find better clients for your design business.
Alternatively, you can listen to design professionals discuss the latest trends in logo, web, or product design. Podcasts are one of the most accessible forms of educational content around. You can listen to them anywhere, without even having to give them your full focus.
Podcasts can even keep you entertained when you’re working on the more boring parts of your creative process, like converting a logo into different file formats.
As an added bonus, studies show that podcasts are actually good for the brain. They help to stimulate your imagination (something you’ll need frequently as a graphic designer), and improve emotional intelligence, helping you form stronger connections with colleagues and clients.
The best graphic design podcasts for 2024
As of 2023, there are about 4.7 million podcasts on Spotify, and another 2.5 million on Apple Podcasts. So, how do you pick the best graphic design podcasts?
To create this list, we focused on the following factors:
- Industry expertise: The best podcasts should share practical tips and deep-dive insights from people with a genuine knowledge of the design industry. All of the podcasts below are hosted by industry leaders, or professionals with a successful career in design.
- Entertainment: Even if you’re listening to podcasts to expand your design education, you should be having fun. We made sure the podcasts below are easy to listen to, engaging, and are hosted by dynamic speakers.
- Variety: We wanted to make sure every podcast we chose was brimming with lots of useful content. That means we avoided podcasts that only have a few episodes, don’t cover a lot of topics, or are a little out of date.
With that out of the way, let’s dive into our list of the best graphic design podcasts for 2024.
1. Design Matters
Design Matters was launched by Debbie Millman in 2005, making it one of the world’s very first podcasts, specifically focused on designers. The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at the workflows of visual planners, graphic design educators, creators, and more.
The in-depth discussions with thought leaders in the design industry, from Stella Bugbee of New York Magazine to Neville Brody are brimming with unique insights. Plus, each interview brings a fresh perspective to the series, exploring all the different aspects of graphic design.
2. Adventures in Design
Created by Mark Brickey, Adventures in Design is a “daily morning talk show”, specifically focused on the design industry. It’s ideal for creative professionals looking to stay up to date on the latest trends.
The shows cover a range of topics, from interviews with design experts, to tips for freelancers.
One of the best things about Adventures in Design is how many unique voices are featured on the stream. Brickey is constantly sourcing information and quotes from well-known professionals in the design world, so you’re sure to walk away with some great tips.
3. Design Your Life
Inspired by the book of the same name, Vince Frost’s podcast, “Design Your Life” builds on the idea presented in his novel, that design thinking should apply to every aspect of your life. While some episodes might be less relevant to graphic designers, there are a lot of educational options.
You can learn how to design a career in the creative landscape, land jobs with agencies, and even plan your workflow to be more efficient. If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance throughout your design career, this is the podcast for you.
4. The Reflex Blue Show
Donovan Beery uses “The Reflex Blue Show” as a platform for discussing everything from graphic design trends to web design, and pop culture. It’s a valuable resource for new and veteran designers alike, with plenty of interviews with leading authorities in the field.
Throughout the episodes, you’ll learn from experts like Justin Dauer about the principles of human-centric design, and Emily Mills about how to build your own design business. With hundreds of episodes to choose from, you won’t run out of content any time soon.
5. 99% Invisible
A little different to some of the other best graphic design podcasts on this list, 99% Invisible focuses on helping designers reframe their thought processes. Hosted by Roman Mars, this podcast teaches you to recognize the design elements that exist in every aspect of the world around you.
You’ll learn where leading designers get their inspiration, and how the design world has changed over the years. There are even some great interviews with designers from a range of different industries.
6. The Creative Boom Podcast
Look for a graphic design podcast that can teach you the secret to success in your industry? The Creative Boom is a great choice. Host Katy Cowan engages in candid, lighthearted, and educational discussion with creatives throughout the world, to get their tips on a successful career.
You’ll learn about the trends shaping the future of graphic design, as well as how you can cultivate a strong personal brand, and attract clients to your business.
7. North V South
North V South advertises itself as a podcast that “is and isn’t” about graphic design. Don’t let that confuse you though. While the episodes do cover a lot of different topics, as well as insights into the lives of the hosts, there are plenty of design tips and insights to learn from.
Episodes look at everything from how you can increase your income as a designer, find new clients, and overcome challenges in the design process. There’s a lot of humor in this podcast too, so if you’re looking for a laugh, you’re in luck.
8. Creative Pep Talk
Technically, Creative Pep Talk is a podcast intended for all kinds of creative professionals, whether you’re working in the visual arts, or pursuing a career as a brand designer. However it’s a great resource for graphic design professionals too.
Andy J. Pizza makes this series one of the top graphic design podcasts on the web, with his personal stories, artist interviews, and unique perspectives. If you’re looking for inspiration and education in equal quantities, check this podcast out.
9. The Honest Designers Show
Unfortunately, the last episode of the Honest Designers Show came out in 2021, but we still wanted to mention it, as the podcast remains relevant today. Although some episodes are a bit outdated, many include insightful stories from industry leaders like Lauren Hom and Aaron Blaise.
There are some timeless pieces of content here, looking at everything from how to choose the right creative path for your career, to how to stay motivated in a competitive environment.
10. The Creative Condition Podcast
Hosted by writer and illustrator, Ben Tallen, the Creative Condition Podcast is a fantastic, engaging show, featuring honest, candid conversations with people from the creative industry. The interviews dive deeper than most into the challenges that professionals face in the graphic design industry.
They also tackle important questions, like how to overcome imposter syndrome in your niche, and make sure you’re charging the right price for your services.
11. Deeply Graphic Design
Sharing insights for freelancers and in-house creatives alike, the Deeply Graphic Design Podcast comes from the minds of Mikelle Morrison, Nick Longo, and Jordan Wilson. The team of creative professionals come together to bring unique insights and inspiration to designers everywhere.
With this candid podcast, you’ll learn all about improving your career, making the most out of your skills, and even finding the right apps and tools to power your work.
12. Creative Ways
Creative professionals from all walks of life can find useful insights on the Creative Ways podcast. This graphic design podcast, hosted by Emma Isaacs, takes an emotional look at how design influences us in our day-to-day lives, and how you can hone your skills.
The episodes feature conversations and interviews with business owners from across the digital landscape, as well as singers, songwriters, and artists.
13. Do By Friday
If you’re looking for something a little different from the best graphic design podcasts, Do by Friday could be the pick for you. Rather than hosting a continuous show, the presenters, Alex Cox and Merlin Mann tackle a new design challenge every week.
The show is a lot of fun, and great for designers who need a little help overcoming creative block, or dealing with a lack of inspiration.
14. Design Better
If you want a graphic design podcast that’s sure to teach you something new, check out Design Better. Hosted by Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter, the show explores the connection between technology, design, and the creative process.
Episodes include conversations with inspiring guests across various creative fields, as well as step-by-step guidance on how to enhance your design skills. You can even get tips on which music to listen to when you’re working on creative projects.
15. Disneyland for Designers
Disneyland for Designers is an interesting and evocative podcast that looks at Disneyland from the perspective of graphic, web, content, and architectural designers. The hosts, Mark Brickey and Jerrod Marayuma encourage listeners to look a little more closely at the things they see around them.
As you progress through the episodes, you’ll discover how experts like Walt Disney have used design throughout the decades in their marketing and branding campaigns, to form deeper connections with customers.
16. Design Life
Femke van Schoonhoven and Charli Prangley created their graphic design podcast when they noticed a gap in the market for a show that addressed the challenges of young creatives from a female perspective. It’s packed with interesting and insightful content.
The show looks at the issues designers face all the time, such as making sure you get paid for your work, managing your time, or overcoming creative block. You’ll learn how to determine whether you’re on the right path in your design journey, and how to pave the way for growth.
17. Overtime
This is one of the few podcasts we’re covering that was created by a business, rather than an individual. Overtime is one of the most popular design podcasts around, created by the Dribbble company, to explore interesting design news and creative tips.
Here, you’ll learn all about the latest trends influencing the design landscape, as well as how to overcome challenges like burnout and exhaustion. The show is fun, inspiring, and often only around 30 minutes long, so it’s great if you’re pressed for time.
18. The Logo Geek Podcast
If you’re planning on starting a career as a logo designer, then we definitely recommend listening to the Logo Geek Podcast. Hosted by Ian Paget, this podcast shares everything you need to know to create amazing logos and brand identities.
Paget interviews some of the most successful graphic designers and entrepreneurs from across the globe, to help you learn from their experiences. Topics cover everything from design tips, to getting clients, and even creating an impressive portfolio.
19. Material Matters
Although the name “Material Matters” might cause you to assume this podcast is all about working in the physical creative world, that’s not the case. Hosted by Grant Gibson, Material Matters features interviews and discussions with graphic design studios, creatives, and business leaders.
It looks at everything from how professionals choose the right techniques for their design process, to how you can source the right resources for your creative work. There are also some great insights into the business side of design.
20. User Defenders
Creating great user experiences isn’t just important for professionals in the web design and app creation landscape. On the User Defenders podcast, you’ll learn how you can customize your design strategies to achieve specific goals with everything you produce.
Jason Ogle hosted this podcast for a number of years before hitting pause in 2022, although there’s every chance he’ll come back and share some new updates in the weeks, months and years ahead.
21. Meet the Creatives
Meet the Creatives comes to you from Rob Johnston, a photographer and designer from New York City. As one of the best graphic design podcasts around, this show aims to bridge the gaps between entry-level professionals, and the leaders of the industry.
The show has featured guests and insights from designers working for everyone from Facebook and Google to Disney, Nike, and even 20th Century Fox.
22. Ministry of Arts Podcast
Considered the world’s most inclusive art podcast, the Ministry of Arts Podcast is hosted by Gary Mansfield. The show features interviews with established and renowned artists from the world of graphic design, as well as other creative landscapes on a weekly basis.
If you want to take a closer look at the artistic strategies of successful graphic designers, then this podcast could be ideal for you. It strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment.
23. Resourceful Designer
Easily one of our favorite podcasts for graphic designers, Resourceful Designer is a comprehensive guide to how you can become more efficient and productive in your role. It covers everything from how to set up a successful business, to how to boost your chances of a good income.
The show is packed with advice, tips and resources curated by host Mark Des Cotes. Here, you’ll learn about saving money in your work, mastering emotional intelligence, dealing with deadlines, and even how to manage mistakes.
24. The Accidental Creative
If you’re just getting started in the world of graphic design, this is a must-listen show for your journey. The Accidental Creative podcast, hosted by Todd Henry covers everything from how to find inspiration, to overcome creative block, and stay motivated.
You’ll encounter interviews with artists, authors, and business leaders, as well as tips and tricks on how to manage work-life balance as a designer.
25. The Futur
Hosted by Chris Do, The Futur podcast is a show that looks at the overlapping elements of design, marketing, and business. Like many of the best graphic design podcasts, this show is brimming with useful and inspirational conversations with people from the world of design.
You’ll learn all about how creative professionals find the inspiration they need for compelling marketing campaigns, and how amazing brands are formed. Plus, you can even discover how to improve your professional brand.
26. Revision Path
As inspirational as it is informative, Revision Path is an award-winning podcast that showcases the work, ideas, and insights of black designers, digital creatives, and developers. Every week, the host, Maurice Cherry interviews someone new.
The discussions cover everything from what prompted these people to join the design industry, to what inspires them in their work, and what they want to achieve.
27. Creative Block
Creative block is something every graphic designer will face at some point in their careers. Fortunately, there are ways to get your mind back on track. The Creative Block podcast is where you can learn all about breaking through your creative blocks in a range of different ways.
The hosts, Violaine Briate and Sean Glaze chat with artists about their lives, creative journeys, and how they’ve overcome challenges on the path to success.
Discover the benefits of the right graphic design podcast
The best graphic design podcasts are an excellent resource for any creative professional looking for valuable insights, career advice, or just a little inspiration. All of the amazing podcasts mentioned above have something unique to offer.
With them, you can learn how to launch a career as a successful designer, overcome the challenges industry professionals face, and even increase your income.
We’re sure you’ll find at least one podcast from the list above that’s perfect for your design needs.
Fabrik: A branding agency for our times.
Alyssa is a regular contributor to Brand Fabrik, covering topics from the role of social media in marketing and branding to the importance of search engine optimisation, self-promotion, and building one's own personal brand.
