In this solo episode of CRE8 or DIE, I talk through the restless urge to create and what happens when we ignore it for too long. This is a personal reflection on getting ideas out of your head and into the world, even when life, fear, or perfectionism get in the way.

I share stories from my own journey, lessons pulled from people like Steve Jobs, and a simple but powerful idea: life is more flexible than we’re taught to believe. Small decisions, consistency, and doing a little extra each day compound in ways most people underestimate.

This isn’t motivational hype. It’s an honest look at choosing not to settle, taking responsibility for your direction, and designing a life that actually feels like yours. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or creatively restless, this episode is for you.

Get Hired in Design - Part 1

Whether you're aiming for your first design job or your fifth, this episode is packed with valuable insights to boost your career journey. Join Ike as he shares expert advice from both sides of the hiring process—offering tips for aspiring designers and insights from a seasoned hiring manager. Discover strategies to stand out, ace your interviews, and secure your dream design role.

"Why Warren Buffet Says Stop 'Satisfying' Customers – The Secret to True Success!" Ever wondered why Warren Buffet suggests you should stop trying to "satisfy your customers"? He's got a better way to achieve success, and it's a game-changer! In this episode, Ike dives into this intriguing principle and shares his personal take and experiences. Whether you're a creative pro at an agency, in-house, or flying solo as a freelancer, this episode is packed with insights just for you. Tune in and discover a fresh perspective on making it big in the creative world!

Title: Do or do not

Description:

Unlock Your Potential with Ike! 🌟

Join Ike in the latest episode of CRE8 or DIE as he explores the transformative power of action and mindset. Discover how taking decisive steps can lead to incredible achievements, regardless of the challenges.

In This Episode:

Mindset Mastery: Learn the secrets to cultivating a mindset that drives success.

Yoda's Wisdom: Insights from the legendary Jedi Master on taking action.

Dave Grohl's Secret: How the Foo Fighters' frontman turns dreams into reality.

Why You Should Listen:

Get inspired by real-life examples and timeless wisdom.

Understand the importance of belief in yourself and your team.

Gain practical tips to apply in your personal and professional life.

Title: Living Brands?

Description:

In this episode Ike expresses his frustrations with "lazy designers". Ike argues that it is lazy to rely exclusively on templates, guidelines and limited pools of aging stock photos. Living Brands break this mold. So, ask yourself: Are you, as a creative, contributing to the creation of Living Brands? In our noisy advertising world, we must do better. It's all about constant iteration, innovation, and evolution!

Title: Running A Remote Creative Studio

Description:

In this informative episode of CRE8 or DIE—host Ike Allred sits down with award-winning Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Orca Killer Creative—Jon Gelder. Jon opens up about his experience over the past 15+ years running his studio and shares multiple tips and tricks from finding reliable sub-contractors to telling your client no without telling them no.

Title: Growing Brand Awareness Through Storytelling

Description:

Dive into the world of creative branding with Ike on this week’s episode of CRE8 or DIE. Discover how to harness the power of storytelling to elevate your brand—without spending a dime. Ike reveals his top 10 strategies for brand growth, focusing on the transformative role of infographics. Learn how to choose your topic, craft compelling content, and integrate stunning visuals. Ike doesn’t just stop there; he revisits his essential strategies, offering innovative ideas for promoting your infographic effectively. Tune in to transform your brand narrative and connect with your audience like never before!

Dive into an engaging dialogue with Ike and special guest, Trevor Williams, on the latest episode of CRE8 or DIE. This session focuses on a comprehensive exploration of both innovative web applications such as Rive and Spline, and time-tested staples including Illustrator and Blender. Through a relaxed yet informative conversation, Ike and Trevor share their personal experiences with these tools, offering insights into their application in professional workflows and revealing new techniques and hidden features they've discovered. Designed for creative professionals seeking to refine their craft, this episode delivers practical advice without the fluff.