Erik Evans: Creativity is an Act of Rebellion

What does it take to stay creative through decades of career pivots, industry disruption, and personal reinvention?

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters Podcast, Philip VanDusen sits down with designer, creative director, author, and workshop facilitator Erik Evans to explore the enduring principles of creativity in a rapidly changing world.

Erik shares lessons from a career that has spanned nearly five decades and 48 jobs, including roles at Pixar, ServiceNow, Cisco, Salesforce, and numerous startups. Drawing from his new book, A Field Guide to Creativity: Strategies for Thriving in Any Creative Era, he discusses why creativity is less about talent and more about practice, resilience, and showing up consistently.

The conversation explores the role of sincerity in creative work, why embracing your unique quirks can become a competitive advantage, and how fear, perfectionism, procrastination, and imposter syndrome often disguise themselves as obstacles that prevent meaningful progress.

Philip and Erik also discuss the importance of personal branding, mentorship, coaching, and accountability, along with Erik’s new Identity by Design workshop, which helps individuals develop personal brand guidelines based on their values, purpose, and strengths.

Finally, they tackle one of the biggest questions facing creative professionals today: how creativity can remain relevant and valuable in the age of AI.

Whether you're an emerging designer, a seasoned creative leader, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a creative life with intention.

In This Episode

• Erik's unconventional career journey through 48 jobs
• Lessons learned from Pixar, startups, and in-house creative leadership
• Why creativity is a daily practice, not a personality trait
• The hidden cost of cynicism and the power of sincerity
• How embracing your "weirdness" creates differentiation
• Identifying and overcoming creative "monsters"
• The role of coaching, accountability, and mentorship
• Building a personal brand through values and self-awareness
• Why many startups underestimate brand strategy
• Creativity's role in navigating AI-driven change
• The transition from corporate creative leader to independent creator
• Developing confidence, visibility, and authority over time

About Erik Evans

Erik Evans is a creative director, designer, author, and founder of The Story Workshop. Throughout his career he has worked with organizations including Pixar, ServiceNow, Cisco, Salesforce, and numerous Silicon Valley startups.

His new book, A Field Guide to Creativity: Strategies for Thriving in Any Creative Era, explores practical approaches to creativity, resilience, personal growth, and navigating change. Through his Identity by Design workshops, Erik helps individuals uncover their values, strengths, and personal brand foundations.

Connect with Erik Evans

Website: The Story Workshop, https://www.thestoryworkshop.com/

Instagram: @thestoryworkshop

LinkedIn: Erik Evans, https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-erik-evans-7aa3151/

Book: " A Field Guide to Creativity: Strategies for Thriving in Any Creative Era" , https://amzn.to/4vcLE1A (Amazon affiliate link)