What does it take to build a creative career while still making time for the things that actually matter?In this episode of Cosmic Sans, I sit down with editorial and graphic designer Kieron Anthony Lewis to talk about his journey from studying video game design to creating beautiful, physical publications — including an ambitious two-year book project celebrating art and culture in Lagos, Nigeria.We get into how fatherhood has changed Kieron’s relationship with work, why designers should embrace AI without forgetting the fundamentals, the nerves that never completely disappear when speaking on stage, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your career is say no.Kieron also shares some great advice for younger designers trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded creative industry, including why following what already works can sometimes keep you from finding your own voice.And toward the end, the conversation gets a little more personal as we talk about family, loss, time, and the importance of making things — and memories — that last.Find Kieron:kieronlewis.comFollow Cosmic Sans for more conversations with artists, designers, and damn good people.
00:00 Meet Kieron Anthony Lewis
01:59 How fatherhood changes everything
06:38 Balancing freelancing, work & family
10:15 From comics and video games to graphic design
14:36 How the design industry has changed
20:19 How Kieron uses AI in his creative workflow
24:59 Raising kids in a world of AI
28:32 Learning to speak confidently on stage
34:25 The power of pausing before you speak
41:18 Designing a massive book about Lagos
45:59 Where Kieron finds freelance clients
49:51 How designers can carve out their own space
53:23 Why creatives are afraid to stand out
56:16 Turning online negativity into something positive
59:03 Knowing when to say no to a client
1:02:27 Time vs. money
1:03:16 Family, legacy & making things that last