Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Raudenbush. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Mastering the intricacies of design is an ongoing journey, and mine kicked off in high school with a passion for digital art but no clue which program to even use. Luckily, my school offered a digital arts elective that introduced me to the basics of Photoshop. College deepened my digital learning, culminating in a degree in Advertising with a focus on Art Direction. Just when I thought I had design in my grip, along came covid. During the early pandemic days, my Instagram scrolling revealed a truth bomb—I might not know as much about graphic design as I believed.

The wake-up call hit hard. I realized I’d been shackled by design “rules” enforced by traditional-minded professors and the corporate world. The essence of why I entered this realm had gotten lost completely. I craved creative freedom and a return to what felt right. A design epiphany struck, demolishing the barriers that held me back. Designing posters and conducting experiments in Photoshop became my personal playground, devoid of external expectations. YouTube tutorials and trial and error were my trusty companions in this rediscovery.

Today, my learning mantra remains the same—YouTube and experimentation until I nail it. The difference? I now understand the inner workings of design programs, making experimentation a smoother ride and a bit more controlled. Reflecting on the journey, I’d advise my past self to care less about fitting into predefined boxes for the “ideal job.” Early on, I’d have embraced creating for fun over chasing perfection. In the vast landscape of learning, my greatest strength lies in an insatiable hunger for more. Design skills can be taught, but it’s the fusion of creativity and passion that guides me toward the best outcomes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m a graphic designer (hypothetically) based out of New York City (however, I’m physically located in New Jersey). As a freelancer I’m currently navigating the nuances of running a print shop, finding clients, and creating meaningful work all at the same time. My focus is on poster design, but I dabble in a diverse range of projects—from social media and print to branding and a bit of motion graphics. My ultimate goal is to use my creativity to empower fellow creatives, whether they’re in the music industry, film & TV, or starting their own business.

The roots of my creative journey trace back to childhood, where coloring books were always my priority and kicking a ball around felt like a chore. Recognizing creativity as my driving force led me to discover my passion for graphic design. However, during high school and college, I momentarily lost sight, succumbing to the pressure of a more traditional corporate path. The shift back to creativity happened when I prioritized passion and happiness, realizing they were my keys to success.

In 2020, when I first started designing posters, societal pressures nudged me toward having my own unique design style, but I resisted boxing myself in. Instead, I embraced a maximalist, hyper-exaggerated approach, inadvertently creating what I now call a “creative explosion.” During college, especially during the business focused years, I learned a lot about creative and brand strategy. While it seemed tedious at the time, today, I proudly consider it one of my design superpowers. Crafting concepts, pouring energy into initial ideas, and finessing small details have become my favorite part of building a poster.

My journey continues to evolve, but I am still driven by happiness and personal fulfillment. Recently, I’ve pivoted to freelance design, preferring to collaborate with smaller companies and individuals who genuinely benefit from creative assistance. This shift aligns with my realization that my design should uplift voices rather than contribute to more advertisements. I’m so proud of the community of designers-turned-friends I am surrounded by and there is truly nothing else I’d rather have as a passion.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been a double-edged sword on my design journey—a friend and a foe. There were times I sought validation and battled insecurity when comparing my work to others, making social media my arch-nemesis. Yet, as I grew more confident in my craft, I’ve turned social media into a powerful tool. Here’s the lesson I live by: do what works for you and prioritize quality over quantity. In this era of hyper-focused digital strategies, there’s always voices telling you “the only way to find success is to post once to feed a day, 5 stories a day, two videos a day, etc.” I’ve found that that path led to creative burnout, rushed work, and social media overload.

For me, authenticity is key. Embracing imperfections and having fun leads to more success than following a strict posting regimen. In the world of design, authenticity shines through, and I’ve let that guide my approach. Find your own rhythm, post what feels doable, and you’ll carve out your space. Engage with creatives who inspire you—comment, ask questions, and make it a joyful experience. Social media is a treasure trove for inspiration and community, but when pursued with the wrong mindset, it can quickly turn into a roadblock. So, let’s keep it real, have fun, and let social media be a tool that propels us forward, not one that holds us back.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

We’re handed a script from a young age: go to school, land a job, climb the corporate ladder. Personally, I’ve dealt with the inner turmoil created by this narrative, questioning what true success really entails. As a creative, I don’t want to find success through money, position, or flashy clients. My choice to be a creative is fueled by a deeper desire—to find fulfillment and use my talents to uplift others.

For me, it’s about spreading joy and making the world a bit more colorful. Yes, I’m grateful that I’ve been privileged enough to turn this into a career, but that’s not the heart of the creative journey. In the mind of someone in the traditional corporate landscape, I think this tends to get lost in translation. Being a creative isn’t measured in promotions and figures; it’s measured in the feeling when you create something new, when you make something genuinely meaningful. It’s the joy that lights up your face, and if it brings a smile to someone else’s, that’s the ultimate bonus. For me, being a creative is all about those moments—creating, making an impact, and, of course, sharing a bit of joy with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: brianraudenbush.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/brianraudenbush
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brianraudenbush/
• Other: Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@btr598