On this episode of Confessions of a Creative Director, we’re getting into how creatives can actually play a role in fighting hate.

Design Director Nick Adam’s roots aren’t in design school. They’re in the punk shows, graffiti, and rave culture of ‘90s Chicago, scenes that taught him how visual language shapes belonging, safety, and identity. That lived experience came rushing back during a recent moment in when he saw someone covered in Nazi symbols being treated like it was no big deal.

That’s the wake-up call: hate is hiding in plain sight. And if creatives want to do anything about it, we have to know how systems of exclusion and identity really work, not in theory, but on the ground.

In this episode, we talk about identity as civic infrastructure. About visibility as protection. And why real belonging isn’t something you declare it’s something you design into lived experience.

Because every creative decision either reinforces the world we’ve inherited or helps build the one we actually need.

To dive deeper, check out these links mentioned on the show:

Help Stop HateSlow & Low 2025

2024

the book

As a creative director, when you’re working on a client project, there’s this a bit of a built-in safety net. You’ve got their goals, their guardrails, their brand voice to guide you as you solve their problem.

But what about when the idea, the brand, the product is yours? When you’re the client? Now that’s a whole different story.

The vision, the execution, the timeline, the risk—it’s all on your shoulders. It’s equal parts exciting and absolutely terrifying.

On this episode we speak with Entrepreneur, Creative Lead and Marketing Consultant, Alejandro Quillici about that moment when you stop thinking about the thing and start doing the thing.

We’re talking about what it takes to actually bring your idea to life—with no safety net and no one to blame but yourself if it fails.

We’ll get into why inspiration energy is not the same as execution energy, how to build momentum with tiny, no-pressure moves, and why treating your idea like a client project can weirdly help you to actually finish it.

For a deeper dive into some of the books and ideas mentioned on the show, check out these links:

- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries: https://theleanstartup.com/

- The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886

- What are KPIs and Metrics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItZlTixh6Bs

More on Alejandro:

Website: https://www.alejandroquilici.com/- Instagram: @_allezalex- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/allez-alex

On today’s episode we’re thrilled to welcome Edmund Lam, Global Brand and Creative Director at Cozey.

Edmund's journey from graphic designer to Global Brand and Creative Director is nothing short of inspiring. With a background that spans across music, fashion, and now furniture, he brings a unique perspective on how brands can and should evolve beyond traditional brand guidelines.

Edmund shares his insights on why brand books might be a thing of the past and how embracing principle-driven branding can lead to more authentic and relatable connections with consumers.

Edmund's approach to creativity is all about experimentation and pushing boundaries, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone looking to innovate in their work.