In this Season 2 opener of CAPTN OffScript, I bring together four leading creatives from around the world to explore the current state of design. The industry has shifted dramatically over the past two decades – from the fall of print and the rise of digital platforms to the emergence of AI and the constant pressure of personal branding. This roundtable is all about pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate the creative field today, with all its opportunities and challenges.

I’m joined by James Martin (Made By James), James Barnard, Angela Lyons, and Jennifer Taback as we talk about how careers evolve, why niching too early can be risky, and what it means to stay authentic in a world built on highlight reels. We dive into the struggles young designers face, the lessons learned over decades in the industry, and the mindsets that help us keep going. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with Part 2 releasing on October 8th – honest, unfiltered, and inspiring, it’s the kind of discussion every creative needs to hear.