this is a draft. cover art

this is a draft.

this is a draft.

Written by: Riley Schmitz
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About this listen

This is a draft is a podcast (and newsletter) about thinking out loud while building a creative life, career, and business. Not pretending you have it all figured out- but finding a way to romanticize the process.

Hosted by Riley Schmitz, a brand strategist and founder of Unless Creative, the show explores creativity, ambition, confidence, marketing, and identity through honest, unfinished conversations. Each episode is a draft: real-time thoughts on running a creative business, navigating visibility, rebuilding self-trust, and forming opinions in an industry obsessed with certainty.

This isn’t a how-to podcast. This is a draft sits in the in-between where ideas are still forming, careers are still evolving, and clarity comes after action.

Expect candid solo episodes, thoughtful takes on the state of marketing and branding, reflections on creative confidence and taste, and permission to be unfinished in public.

If you’re a designer, marketer, founder, or creative navigating growth, burnout, ambition, or reinvention- this is a place to think out loud, together.

Progress over polish.

Presence over performance.

This is a draft.

Unless 2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Man of Many Jobs: Living Sustainably with a Packed Schedule ft. Chris Nicdao

    The Man of Many Jobs: Living Sustainably with a Packed Schedule ft. Chris Nicdao
    Jul 4 2025

    On this episode of Digital Dopamine, we sit down with UX designer, dancer, and creative powerhouse Chris Nicdao, for a wide-ranging convo that’s equal parts vulnerable and insightful. From psychology, to the marketing world, to user experience design, Chris shares the winding path that led him to creative clarity—including burnout red flags, startup chaos, and the art of asking better questions.

    Follow us on Instagram!

    Chris: https://www.instagram.com/nvcdao/

    Tuft Grove: https://www.instagram.com/tuftgrove/

    Riley: https://www.instagram.com/rileymelinaschmitz/

    Digital Dopamine: https://www.instagram.com/digitaldopamine.podcast/

    00:00:00 - Introduction

    00:00:32 - Meet Chris!

    00:01:07 - Chris's Career Journey

    00:03:35 - Transition to User Experience

    00:05:51 - Overcoming Creative Blocks

    00:11:18 - Productivity and Time Management

    00:18:24 - Recognizing and Overcoming Burnout

    00:27:04 - Design Trends: Likes and Dislikes

    00:27:55 - Most Challenging Project Experience

    00:33:08 - Learning from Mistakes

    00:45:12 - Future of User Experience Design

    00:50:55 - Tuft Grove: Hand Made Rugs

    00:54:49 - Chris' Dance Accomplishments

    00:59:27 - Goals for 2025

    01:05:25 - Rapid Fire Questions

    01:06:36 - Closing Remarks and Social Media Handles
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Touch Grass Bro! ft. Ronald Atutubo | Part 2

    Touch Grass Bro! ft. Ronald Atutubo | Part 2
    Mar 17 2025

    This Episode, we talk to junior UX designer and industry Graphic Designer Ronald Atutubo. A lot of great insights here on managing creative burnout, what creativity really looks like, and minimalist design best practices.

    • In case you missed it...
    • Check out Ron's Podcast ‪ @ugoodhomiepodcast5196
    • And Ron's Instagram @ronaldatutubo
    • Also, Ron's Portfolio www.ronaldatutubo.com
    • And finally, Ronald's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldatutubo/
    • Other Instragrams to visit: @digitaldopamine.podcast, @rileymelinaschmitz, @ugh.podcast

    I took some time of from Digital Dopamine land to get myself set up for success on Instagram! Thank you for your patience, and see you soon, as we are switching to two part episodes on a weekly uploading basis!
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Touch Grass Bro! (And Other Tips on Managing Creative Burnout) ft. Ronald Atutubo

    Touch Grass Bro! (And Other Tips on Managing Creative Burnout) ft. Ronald Atutubo
    Mar 6 2025

    This Episode, we talk to junior UX designer and industry Graphic Designer Ronald Atutubo. A lot of great insights here on managing creative burnout, what creativity really looks like, and minimalist design best practices.

    In case you missed it... Check out Ron's Podcast ‪ @ugoodhomiepodcast5196

    And Ron's Instagram @ronaldatutubo

    Also, Ron's Portfolio www.ronaldatutubo.com

    And finally, Ronald's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldatutubo/

    Other Instragrams to visit: @digitaldopamine.podcast, @rileymelinaschmitz, @ugh.podcast

    I took some time of from Digital Dopamine land to get myself set up for success on Instagram! Thank you for your patience, and see you soon, as we are switching to two part episodes on a weekly uploading basis!
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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