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