AI tools promised to make design easier, but for a lot of businesses they've created a new problem: designs that look generic, miss the mark, and sometimes even violate copyright. Carl has started calling the work that follows "AI rescue," and it's quickly becoming a real part of his business.
In this episode, Jake and Carl break down why AI-generated logos, brochures, and marketing materials are falling short in the real world. From healthcare brochures that aren't accessible to older audiences, to logos that consumers immediately recognize as AI-generated and reject, the gap between what AI produces and what clients actually need is wide open for skilled designers.

The conversation also covers what it's like to take on an intern for the first time as a solopreneur, the difference between teaching and coaching, and why mentoring the next generation of designers matters more than ever in an AI-saturated industry.

Plus, Jake and Carl talk honestly about their own use of AI tools, the real cost of replacing human workers with AI, how Google's shift to AI-first search is changing visibility for small businesses, and why sticking your head in the sand and refusing to engage with AI at all isn't the answer either.

A practical, honest conversation for designers, marketers, and small business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where it falls flat.

Want more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls.

Carl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active.

We also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them.

In this episode, we cover:

How to optimize your Google Business Profile
Why Google reviews matter for local SEO
How many reviews and photos can help strengthen your profile
Why before-and-after photos work well for contractors and service businesses
How to use Google Business Profile posts and updates
Why seasonal businesses should update their profile regularly
How categories and services help Google understand your business
Why your website and Google Business Profile should work together
How local businesses can track where leads come from
Why YouTube, Shorts and AI search may matter more moving forward

If you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses.

From software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean.

Jake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut.

If you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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Show Links:
Shamayne Brown LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI
WaveApps: https://www.waveapps.com
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/
Affinity by Serif: https://affinity.serif.com
Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/
Marcus Brownlee Interview: https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe
Being Gordan Ramsey (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey&jbv=81901623
Poddecks: https://app.poddecks.com
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In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life.

They start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out.

From there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience.

They also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most.

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Show Links:
US Supreme Court - https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/
Jake's Substack - https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
Carl's New Website - https://holycarpdesign.com
Jake's Website - https://graphicprecision.com
PodDecks - https://app.poddecks.com
Unconference - https://www.theunconference.live/2026

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In this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment.

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Show Links:
Presentation Accessibility: It’s Nothing New, Just Smart Design: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): https://www.accessibilityassociation.org
See No Evil, Hear No Evil with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele
Send Jake a message to receive the Icebreakers PDF: https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/
Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com

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In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape.

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Show Links:
Less Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate)
Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com

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In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of choosing the right CRM for managing client relationships, the essentials of email marketing, and the significance of data ownership. They share insights on networking, setting business goals, and leveraging social media effectively. The conversation also touches on the use of AI in marketing and concludes with a fun segment on hypothetical scenarios.

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Show Links:
Less Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate)
Mailchimp by Intuit Referral Link: http://eepurl.com/iKVBHc (affiliate)
Carl's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/holycarpdesign
Jake's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/jakevanness
Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:46 Simple CRM - Less Annoying CRM (LACRM)
02:25 LACRM Features
03:33 Does Carl use a CRM?
04:58 Networking and Client Management Strategies
07:15 LACRM Trial Extension with Our Link
08:14 Diving into Email Marketing
09:15 Jake uses Mailchimp
10:21 Building an Email List Without Spamming
11:37 Carl Has Email Marketing Questions
14:20 The Importance of Email Ownership
16:40 Email Open and Click Rates
18:46 Carl's Challenge From Last Week
20:17 Leveraging AI for Social Media Content
25:20 Closing Thoughts and Fun Segment

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In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the significance of goal setting in business and personal life, especially at the start of the year. They share their experiences with various goal-setting techniques, tools for planning, and the importance of accountability in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the idea of gamifying tasks to make them more engaging and the necessity of breaking down goals into manageable steps. As they look ahead, they emphasize the need for specificity and measurability in goal setting, while also encouraging listeners to surround themselves with supportive individuals to help elevate their ambitions.

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Show Links:
Rob Shauger and Blueprint Leadership Development
Trello: Manage Your Team's Projects From Anywhere
24 x 36 Dry Erase Calendar (affiliate)
Hero's Journal (affiliate)
Side Quest Deck (affiliate)
Are you interested in learning more about the TTT Planner? Message Jake at Graphic Precision
Ed Mylett's Podcast: Your Next Breakthrough Requires a New You
WhatsApp

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Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage: New Year, New Goals
05:35 Tools for Success: Strategic Sprints
06:21 Tools for Success: Planners, Calendars, Trello
09:57 Gamifying Goals: The Hero's Journal and Creative Projects
12:55 Tactical Thinking Time Planner
16:36 The Importance of Specificity and Measurable Goals
18:56 Accountability and a podcast from Ed Mylett
20:31 Collaboration and Accountability: Building a Support System
24:54 Creavo Collaboration
28:17 Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for the Future

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