The 10 best podcasts for designers

Words: Joe Nicklo

Podcasts are quickly becoming a mainstay in design culture. They're a great way to find out what's going in the design world while you commute, work out at the gym, or take the dog for a walk.

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For those, like me, who've always wished they could turn on their radio and listen to people chatting about design, this post lists 10 informative, fun, and thought-provoking podcasts that every designer should be listening (and subscribing) to. There are plenty more podcasts out there of course - let us know your favourites in the comments at the bottom of the page.

01. Design Matters

Design Matters with Debbie Millman is a long running audio podcast featuring industry-leading graphic designers, educators, authors, change agents and thinkers such as Steven Heller, Stefan Sagmeister, Milton Glaser, and Tim Brown.

The in-depth, thought provoking conversations between Millman and her guests offer lots of insight from experienced and credible designers from around the globe. The conversation is often warm and inviting which makes Design Matters great to turn on whether you're working at your desk, relaxing at home or on your daily commute. 

With over 50,000 downloads a month on the iTunes Store, Design Matters is one of the most popular design podcasts and a must-listen for any serious designer. The complete archives, dating back to 2005, are available at DesignObserver.com.

02. Adventures In Design

Join graphic designers Mark Brickey (Hero Design Studio) and Billy Baumann (Delicious Design League) as they bring some youthful enthusiasm to the roster of design podcasts. Their 'Shop Talk' interview segment features banter between Mark, Billy, and their friends in the design and illustration world and often makes for some highly entertaining - and yet still informative - design gossip. 

03. Mac Power Users

If you're designing, there's a good chance that you're sitting in front of a Mac. David Sparks and Katie Floyd of Mac Power Users are here to help you get the most out of your Mac and other Apple technology. The podcast features great tips and tricks for your Mac and covers a wide range of topics such as optimizing your machine's performance and repair, web automation, remote access, iOS 6, and more.

04. Greyscale Gorilla

If you're looking for a light-hearted, fun, yet professional podcast related to Cinema4D, After Effects and design in general, The Gorilla, aka Nick Campbell, fronts a podcast that's definitely worthy of subscription.

Rather than interviews, Greyscale Gorilla focuses around interaction with live listeners via the podcast chat room. During each show, Nick shares valuable insight into the world of motion graphics and gives great advice on topics including productivity, work ethic, design inspiration, how to land a job and even advice on your demo reel - all the while interacting and answering questions live from the listeners. 

Greyscalegorilla is a great podcast for anyone from seasoned veterans of C4D and Mograph all the way to students looking to get some great industry advice from a seasoned professional.

05. GoMedia

While they're relative newcomers to the world of podcasts, Bill Beachy and Jeff Finley are no strangers to the ins and outs of graphic design. The two owners of GoMedia bring you news on their agency and most importantly, give you valuable advice on running your own agency as they discuss the business of design.

The pair bring you inside information on the daily operations of a major agency based on their personal experiences at GoMedia and even go as far as to discuss what to do when your agency or business comes under hard times.

06. The Deeply Graphic Design Cast

Aimed at freelancers and in-house/agency designers alike, each episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast tackles a different topic related to graphic design, from finding better clients to online portfolios to making sure you get paid. Hosts Wes McDowell, Brand Voss and Mikelle Morrison also offer up tips and tricks in the 'Do Yourself a Favor' segment as well as answer listeners' questions.

07. The Big Web Show

The Big Web Show is an institution in the world of web design. Hosted by Jeffrey Zeldman and Dan Benjamin, it features special guests from within the profession, who chat casually with the presenters on topics such as web publishing, art direction, content strategy, typography, web technology, and much more.

08. On The Grid

Not to be confused with The Grid by Scott Kelby (an excellent Photoshop-related video podcast), On The Grid is a podcast hosted by design nerds Matt McInerny, Andy Mangold, and Dan Auer. Each week the three hosts call in for a conversation about design's effect on the world, and the world's effect on design. 

As an unscripted podcast, On The Grid may sometimes go slightly off-topic but ultimately the three presenters deliver highly opinionated, honest and thoughtful discussion on the design-related topics on hand. It's a great podcast that gives the listener a view of the current state of design from the eyes of a younger generation of designers.

09. For Graphic Designers Only

Don't let the name fool you. Whether print, web, or motion graphics is your thing, 'For Graphic Designers Only' is a great listen for designers of any discipline. Michael Huggins provides invaluable business tips, free tools, design marketing tips and trusted advice from industry exported and successful design firm owners. While the podcast is no longer being recorded it's well worth checking out the archives to help you become a successful and profitable freelance designer.

10. Design Guy

Hosted by Anthony Rotolo, Design Guy is another now-retired podcast that "explains timeless design principles and explains them simply". Join Anthony as he discusses all aspects of design and equips you with the lessons in process, inspiration and practice of the industry.

Joe Nicklo is a self-taught art director and 'Design Nerd' working in South Florida with more than 10 years of professional design experience. He's worked on projects for Alienware, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Office Depot among other high-profile clients.

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