The First 4 Years of Meet the Creatives

My name is Rob Johnston. I am a 30 year old, New York based Designer and Founder of Meet the Creatives. I seek to bridge the gap between entry-level creatives and top talent from companies like Google, Facebook, Disney, Sesame Street, Pentagram and more.

How it all started…

While at college, I was terrified that my love of design would turn out to be another phase. I felt both unqualified and disconnected from the creative community. I knew very little about the world of Design and I questioned if my whole college experience had been in vain. In December of my Senior year, I found Design Matters with Debbie Millman.

It was extraordinary — learning tricks of the trade from those who have been mastering their craft for years, without them ever knowing I existed. I remember dreading the sound of that damn bell because I always wanted to know more. I had to become a part of this newfound world. There was one problem — I didn’t know any real creative professionals.

Then, I did the unthinkable and wrote Debbie an absolute train wreck of an email and proceeded to tell her that I was going to start my own podcast. I never in a million years thought anyone, let alone Debbie Millman, would respond. Debbie was kind enough to not only respond but also to be one of my first guests.

Writer, Educator, Artist, Brand Consultant and Host of Design Matters, Debbie Millman

Michael Beirut, Owner/Partner at Pentagram

Leland Maschmeyer, Chief Creative Officer at Chobani

In my first interviews, I was like a bull in a China shop. It’s really embarrassing to watch/listen to it now. Fortunately, everyone that I interviewed at the beginning encouraged my enthusiasm and curiosity. For that I am truly grateful. I could not imagine being an entry-level creative without the support of every single person I have met in my journey so far.

Through the podcast, live events and various social platforms, I am building a community that connects thousands of entry-level creatives from around the world.

Podcast download locations from around the world— this still blows my mind. :)

Meet the Creatives Live in NYC with Jennet Liaw. In coordination with Drunk on Lettering.

Meet the Creatives Live at Art Center College in Los Angeles, California. Presented by TypeThursday.

Meet the Creatives Live at WeWork in Seattle, Washington. Presented by TypeThursday.

Meet the Creatives at Facebook HQ in Menlo Park, California.

Meet the Creatives Live in San Francisco, California. An evening with COLLINS: Presented by TypeThursday.

Meet the Creatives at ESPN! :)

Meet the Creatives Live at the SoundView Greenport, New York with Jon Contino and more!

I want to show that to be successful within the creative field, it takes humility, persistence and constant effort. I am going to help entry-level applicants turn their dreams into a reality. I am going to share my journey of discovering just how great the creative community truly is. Learn more here! :)