Be HumanKind

Design Of Podcast

Extraordinary things are created around us every day. Design Of is the exploration of those extraordinary things and the extraordinary people that make them happen. Each episode, we dive into how creativity, process, and wonder bring world-changing ideas, big and small. Along the way, we learn about the journey it takes to get there – all the great and not so great. Join Justin Ahrens for new ideas, new stories, and new inspiration.

Creative Shit Show Podcast

Creative life is messy. The Creative Shit Show, hosted by creative entrepreneurs Von Glitschka, Justin Ahrens, Karen Larson, and Jamie Saunders, is designed to help designers, marketers and creatives navigate the daily grind, or shit show. With decades of experience working in agencies, corporations, and self-employment, The Creative Shit Show co-hosts and friends have seen it all. In each episode, they confront relevant topics, and pull back the curtain to address the ups and downs of the design and marketing industries. This podcast is meant to be entertaining while supporting creatives who work in varied environments, but face similar challenges regarding pricing, client engagements, in-house obstacles, and so much more.

LinkedIn Learning Courses

Justin Ahrens brings his passion for creativity, business, and making an impact to 19 LinkedIn Learning courses, designed for both creative professionals and business leaders. His courses cover a wide range of topics, from design thinking and creativity to leadership, strategy, and innovation, helping professionals at all levels sharpen their skills and drive meaningful change.

His latest course, “Design Thinking in the Age of AI,” explores how artificial intelligence is transforming empathy, innovation, and problem-solving. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership, refine your creative process, or develop a strategic mindset, Justin’s courses provide practical insights and real-world applications in an engaging and inspiring format.

Life Kerning: Creative Ways to Fine Tune Your Perspective on Career and Life

In the graphic design industry, kerning is the fine-tuning or adjustment of space between letterforms (type). In this book, author Justin Ahrens applies this concept to both the life and careers of business professionals. There is a common misconception that positive change in one’s life only comes from a complete system overhaul. Ahrens challenges this notion by inviting business leaders and professionals to not only reassess the various spaces and goals of one’s life, but to rethink our understanding of balance altogether.

Coming Soon! Be HumanKind

I’m writing this book about leadership, culture, kindness, positivity and influence and the common narrative that exists in them: being human. In a world seemingly at odds now more than ever, how much time do we take to understand ourselves, those close to us, and possibly most importantly, those who are “different” from us? This book will look at the many parts of us being human and share perspective, prompts, and insight on how to a live a life full of self-awareness, perspective, listening, and understanding… this will help us all Be HumanKind.

Have Justin speak at your next event

Justin speaks the languages of both business and design, guiding Rule29’s strategic and creative direction on every project. He fosters the collaborative approach that’s at the heart of the firm’s relationships with clients ranging from Fortune 100 brands to nonprofits to small start-up companies. He regularly speaks at national and international design and business conferences such as the AIGA Design Conference, Design Thinkers, Adobe Max, Creative Mornings, HOW Live, Brand New, HOW Interactive, TEDx, and many others about creative inspiration, leadership, culture, story, and design strategy. In 2003, he was named by GD:USA as one of the leading “People to Watch” and in 2017 GD:USA named him as one of the “Responsible Designers To Watch” as someone leading the charge to use design and communications principles and skills to make the world a better place as he sees it. Get in touch today if you would like Justin to speak at your next event.