The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Author: Print Design Academy

Looking for a podcast thats all about graphic design, creativity, and the people who make it happen? On The Quickie, host Dave Hopkins has candid, inspiring conversations with graphic designers, illustrators, creative directors, and other creative pros. From freelancers to in-house designers at top agencies, they share their career journeys, creative processes, biggest wins, and lessons learned. Whether youre into branding, packaging, print design, or just need a fresh dose of inspiration, each short episode delivers stories, design tips, and real-world advice. Subscribe now to get inspired, learn something new, and hear the stories behind the work. Because, honestly, who doesnt love a good quickie?
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Language: en

Genres: Arts, Design, Visual Arts

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Episode 293 - Zuza Hicks - Brand Designer - Nicely Made Studio - Sacramento CA
Tuesday, 7 April, 2026

Sacramento-based brand identity designer Zuza Hicks of Nicely Made Studio joins Dave for a conversation about personality-driven branding, the unexpected lessons of leading a creative team, and why print is having a serious moment. Zuza brings a genuinely unique perspective to design. She's largely self-taught, holds a master's degree in social policy and journalism, and draws on her life between the US and Poland to create deeply symbolic, character-driven brand work. In this episode: -How the Polish Poster School (1950s-80s) still influences design today and what it teaches us about symbolism and working within constraints -How US and Polish design cultures differ and why historical context shapes visual identity in ways most designers never consider -What Liquid Death gets right about personality-driven branding and why being polarizing is actually the point -The hard lessons Zuza learned stepping into an art director role and why great designers don't always make natural managers -A branding project that went sideways and what it taught her about clear communication, avoiding assumptions, and having difficult conversations with clients -The resurgence of print, why tangible media carries more trust than digital Links mentioned: Polish Poster School Umanos, Seattle-based sustainable hair and body care brand Pantuniestal, Polish clothing brand with standout cultural storytelling Sagi Haviv's logo design class on Domestika Connect with Zuza: Instagram: @nicelymadestudioWebsite: nicelymade.studio