From Skateboards to Studios: The Evolution of Dan Janssen’s Career

Episode 66, yall!! Join us as we chat with Dan Janssen, the mastermind behind Lincoln Design Co. From his early days surfing and skating in San Diego to leading creative work for brands like Nike and Hot Wheels, Dan’s journey is filled with passion, grit, and talent. He shares how he went from high school design inspired by brands like Santa Cruz and CARtoons magazine to studying at the Art Institute of Colorado, launching his own studio, and growing it into the powerhouse known as Lincoln Design Co. Dan opens up about the highs and lows of running a top-tier studio—balancing tight deadlines, building a talented in-house team, and producing cutting-edge work for a host of dream clients for any creative.Dan and I also chat through insights on managing client expectations, pricing, and the impending movement of AI in the post-COVID digital age. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and no-nonsense advice straight from the frontlines of the creative industry.

Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor)
Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia)
Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild’s (burnywilds.com)