We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Todd Coats. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Todd below.
Todd, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As corny as it sounds, I hope I’m remembered for advice my parents gave. “Leave everything better than you found it.”
I’m sure they meant the kitchen or the wash room, but think about it. That philosophy applies to helping the less fortunate, building your team and especially in the creative world, it means ALWAYS looking for a better way.
Todd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I consider myself a creative for commerce. I believe creative thinking is a massive advantage for business if harnessed properly. So, I am known as someone who listens to the business challenge and deciphers creative strategy.
I make up pithy sayings, too.
For my art and commercial visuals, I specialize in blending design and illustration to make pop culture-related art. I also love to teach. I teach branding, creative strategy, and creative thinking. And recently, I co-founded a podcast called “Two Designers Walk Into A Bar” with my good friend Elliot Strunk. The podcast is a love letter to pop culture and iconic design. Plus drinking.
I am most proud that I have an incredible collection of funny, crazy experiences under my belt while maintaining a good reputation in an industry that can be flakey and fleeting. I also have an awesome Batman 1966 collection. Adam West rules.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My path wasn’t smooth, but now looking back I’m thankful for all the bumps I’ve been through.
Being a big dreamer, I was moving to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry. However, fate had other plans. My mom developed Alzheimer’s Disease at a very young age. Being an only child, I had to put some dreams on hold. I tried to get into the entertainment industry where ever I could. Since I am a lucky son-of-a-gun, I ended up working in animation, the music industry and with celebrities such as comics, musicians and actors while still being close to my parents..
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
This is simple but it’s not easy. Chain yourself to your client’s goals and ALWAYS do the best you can. That means never phoning it in and often looking for the bigger reason – beyond the financial– you’re choosing to work with a particular client.
Contact Info:
- Website: toddcoats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddcoats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twodesignerswalkintoabar/videos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcoats/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/2deswalkin2abar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTSDDUYTJrnEIiiKW6iVBhw
Image Credits
Portrait photographed by my friend and awesome photographer, Bryan Regan. www.bryanreganphotography.com