Investing in Yourself: with Branding Expert Robert Smith

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, host Phillip VanDusen welcomes Robert Smith, an internationally recognized branding expert, professor, and author. They discuss the importance of investing time in oneself rather than focusing on transient technical skills, emphasizing the value of creativity, peer interaction, and mental health.  Robert shares insights from his latest book 'Stop Looking for Zebras', which guides creative professionals on achieving long-term career success. Key topics include the relevance of human-driven creativity in the face of AI advancements, the significance of networking and mentorship, and strategies for maintaining passion and confidence in the creative industry. #branddesign #creativecareers #creativity #graphicdesign Episode Sponsored by:  WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.com ROBERT SMITH  Book: "Stop Looking for Zebras": https://a.co/d/54KQRlP ThinkSmith Website: https://www.think-smith.com/ 00:00 The Best Investment for Longevity in the Industry 00:25 Introduction to the Brand Design Masters Podcast 00:42 Meet Robert Smith: Branding Expert and Author 01:50 The Journey of Writing 'Stop Looking for Zebras' 03:49 Teaching Design: Beyond Technical Skills 08:33 Addressing Self-Confidence in Creative Careers 12:47 The Impact of AI and Automation on Design 17:58 Strategies for Creative Professionals to Stand Out 21:21 Marty Neumeier's Packaging Success 22:32 The Reality Behind Rockstar Designers 23:55 Investing in Yourself Post-COVID 26:35 The Power of Mastermind Groups 27:41 The Importance of Networking 35:45 Recognizing Career Transformations 37:06 Career Goals and Bear Traps 40:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ________________________________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.