Where's the Brief?

About Where's the Brief?

Where’s the Brief is for agency creative folks who know every great project starts with clearly defined objectives, measurable goals, and an inspiring strategy. Join me as I sit down with leaders across creative disciplines to talk about how a creative brief can make the difference between a brilliant idea and a boring one. After hours, during lunch, or over a drink or two, I always have these no bullsh** conversations with creatives about what we are working on and how we would do it better. It all starts with the brief.

Publisher

Tony Francesconi

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2026

Latest episode

24 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Oct 2026

   Greg Christman

   The conversation features Greg Christman, a designer and illustrator, discussing his journey in the creative industry, his influences, and the challenges of freelancing. He shares insights on the importance of community, collaboration, and the evolution of his design perspective over the years. The conversation between Tony Francesconi and Greg Christman explores their personal experiences with design, music, and the creative process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal projects. They discuss the evolution of design aesthetics, the influence of rave culture, and the significance of mentorship in the design community. Takeaways Importance of community in design Challenges of freelancing Balance work and personal projects Embrace unique design perspectives Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:11 The Influence of Music and Toys 08:40 Transitioning to Freelance Work 12:20 Navigating Client Briefs and Project Management 20:51 Agency Experiences and Challenges 24:25 Coffee Chats and Personal Choices 28:01 Rave Culture and Design Aesthetics 30:42 Advice for Designers 33:00 Personal Projects and Aspirations 37:10 The Journey of Type Design 43:54 The Future of Children's Literature Music: Dino Rizzo, Austin TX

2. 

   10 Oct 2026

   Nate Johnson

   In this conversation, Tony Francesconi and Nate Johnson explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and the advertising industry. They discuss the evolution of sound equipment, the impact of AI on creative processes, and the importance of effectively interpreting briefs in advertising. In this conversation, Tony and Nate explore the emotional complexities of creative work, the importance of teamwork, and the value of refining ideas. They also discuss presentation techniques, the craft of Windsor chairs, and the pursuit of personal dreams in creation. Takeaways AI tools enhance creative processes Importance of distilling briefs effectively Emotional attachment to ideas Importance of refining work Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Tools and Techniques 02:54 The Journey of Building Sound Equipment 05:55 Nate's Creative Career and Hobbies 09:09 Navigating the Advertising Landscape 12:00 The Impact of AI on Creativity 14:54 Understanding and Interpreting Briefs 17:56 The Art of Collaboration in Creative Teams 21:01 Challenges in Client Feedback and Revisions 27:56 Navigating Emotional Attachments 30:30 The Power of Team Dynamics 31:27 Advice for Creative Growth 33:55 The Art of Presentation 36:49 Crafting Compelling Narratives 40:29 The Beauty of Windsor Chairs 46:05 Creating Without Compromise 48:40 Dreams of Creation Music by Dino Rizzo, Austin TX.

3. 

   3 Oct 2026

   Robb Leef

   In this conversation, Tony Francesconi and Robb Leef discuss their experiences as creative professionals, focusing on the freelance design process, the importance of collaboration, and the sources of inspiration in their work. They explore the nuances of defining project briefs, the creative process, and how personal relationships influence their work in the design industry. The conversation explores the creative processes and inspirations of Tony Francesconi and Robb Leef, delving into the significance of intent in design, the challenges of perfectionism, and the importance of diverse creative outlets. They discuss their personal experiences with creativity, the evolution of their artistic practices, and the collaborative nature of working with clients. Takeaways Creative collaboration is essential Inspiration comes from diverse sources Creativity as a release valve Perfection hinders progress Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:07 Navigating the Creative Landscape 06:00 The Freelance Design Process 09:00 Defining Project Briefs 11:55 Flexibility in Creative Projects 15:07 Finding Inspiration in Design 18:05 Exploring Unique Sources of Inspiration 23:22 The Beauty of Historical Typography 26:45 The Intent Behind Creativity 27:12 Embracing Imperfection in Creative Work 30:35 The Joy of Diverse Hobbies 31:55 Navigating Client Relationships 40:12 The Creative Brief and Its Flexibility 44:05 Future Aspirations in Art Music by: Dino Rizzo, Austin, TX

4. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Jarred Eberhardt

   The conversation between Tony Francesconi and Jarred Eberhardt covers their introduction, creative industry networking, design work, and the impact of AI on the creative process. They also discuss the shift from advertising to PR and the challenges of compressed timelines in the industry. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on creativity and the struggle to maintain originality in design. It also explores the process of distilling briefs and the challenges of client expectations. The conversation covers the challenges of client communication, the evolution of creative careers, and the desire to create a unique body of work. It also delves into the impact of technology on the creative industry and the importance of personal expression in artistic endeavors. Takeaways Networking in the creative industry is essential for building a tight-knit circle of like-minded individuals. The creative process has become compressed due to the use of AI, leading to challenges in meeting client expectations and timelines. AI's influence on creativity The importance of interrogating briefs and maintaining originality in design Client communication challenges Evolution of creative careers Desire to create a unique body of work Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Networking in the Creative Industry 01:21 Design Work and Creative Process 03:20 Impact of AI on the Creative Process 09:14 Shift from Advertising to PR and Compressed Timelines 23:13 AI's Impact on Creativity 41:41 Distilling Briefs and Client Expectations 49:04 Client Communication Challenges 50:14 Evolution of Creative Careers 52:45 Personal Expression in Artistic Endeavors Music by: Dino Rizzo, Austin TX

5. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Julia Lewis & Mary Gutierrez

   The conversation covers the introduction of the team, their experience and background, the impact of AI in advertising, interpreting and working with briefs, and client feedback and challenges. The discussion highlights the dynamics of teamwork and the influence of AI on the advertising industry. The conversation covers the importance of speaking up, learning from others, navigating legal and creative challenges, the role of role-playing games in pharma, adapting to legal and creative constraints, understanding intent and context, and the fun and importance of advertising. Takeaways Teamwork Dynamics Impact of AI on Advertising Speaking up Learning from others Chapters 00:00 Introducing the Team 01:03 Experience and Background 05:39 Impact of AI in Advertising 10:10 Interpreting and Working with Briefs 16:18 Client Feedback and Challenges 22:10 The Importance of Speaking Up 23:10 Learning from Others 24:06 Navigating Legal and Creative Challenges 26:41 The Role of Role-Playing Games in Pharma 28:32 Adapting to Legal and Creative Constraints 31:35 Understanding Intent and Context 40:04 The Fun and Importance of Advertising Music: Dino Rizzo, Austin Tx

6. 

   13 Sept 2026

   Frank Gillam

   The conversation covers various topics including collaboration, insights, creativity, AI in creativity, team management, and refining core concepts. It delves into the process of distilling the brief, managing teams, and refining ideas to maintain the core concept. The conversation covers topics such as the creative brief challenge, client feedback, imposter syndrome, creating impactful work, managing team dynamics, passion projects, writing and storytelling, and concluding remarks. Takeaways Collaboration and insights are key to the creative process. AI has potential in creativity but may fall short in generating new ideas. Managing teams involves translating the brief to suit different personalities and understandings. Refining ideas and maintaining the core concept is crucial for successful creative projects. Creative confidence is essential for overcoming imposter syndrome. Effective client feedback is crucial for successful project kickoffs. Passion projects and creative collaboration are valuable for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Collaboration 01:05 Insights and Wisdom 01:50 Bible References and Excitement 02:20 The Journey and Destination 02:58 Tinkering and Creative Direction 03:53 Concepting and Creativity 04:47 AI in Creativity 06:14 Creative Ideation and Iteration 09:42 Team Management and Brief Translation 15:02 Distilling the Brief and Managing Teams 18:06 Refining Ideas and Core Concepts 19:32 The Creative Brief Challenge 21:03 Client Feedback and Kickoffs 23:17 Imposter Syndrome and Creative Confidence 24:05 Creating Impactful Work 25:36 Managing Team Dynamics 28:43 Passion Projects and Creative Collaboration 31:48 Writing and Storytelling 37:05 Concluding Remarks Music by: Dino Rizzo, Austin TX

7. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Seth Friedman

   The conversation delves into the world of brand strategy and advertising, exploring the role of brand strategy in advertising, the creative process, client relationships, partnership and collaboration in creativity, and the impact of insights in advertising. The conversation delves into the themes of creative freedom, client direction, ethical considerations, imposter syndrome, and embracing uncertainty. It explores the challenges of navigating client briefs, repositioning campaigns, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Additionally, it highlights the value of living in different places, embracing uncertainty, and the power of saying 'I don't know' in the creative industry. Takeaways Brand strategy and advertising The role of brand strategy in advertising Permission to Let Go The Power of Saying 'I Don't Know' Chapters 00:00 Insights and Impact in Advertising 23:49 Permission to Let Go and Client Direction 25:09 Navigating Challenging Briefs and Cultural Sensitivity 27:13 Repositioning Campaigns and Ethical Considerations 30:02 The Real Job and Imposter Syndrome 32:25 Living Somewhere Else and Embracing Uncertainty

8. 

   4 Sept 2026

   Buzz Miller

   Had a great conversation with Buzz Miller talkin' travel, photography, creative direction, skateboarding, and the advertising industry. Buzz shares insights on storytelling, craftsmanship, and the impact of AI on production. Takeaways Childhood influences shape creative interests Storytelling is essential in advertising The impact of AI on creativity and craft Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Childhood Influences 00:52 The Influence of Photography and Art 02:11 Early Career and Creative Inspiration 05:00 Crafting a Brief and Process 07:49 Client Feedback and Brief Management 09:50 BMX, Skateboarding, and Branding 16:07 The Importance of Storytelling 24:27 The Impact of AI on Creativity

9. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Andy Benson

   We get into career transitions, creative process, memorable moments in advertising, and personal aspirations. The dynamics of creative partnerships and the importance of staying inspired in the industry. We touch on the challenges of working with clients and how tie-dye MIGHT just prevent mold. Chapters 00:00 Career Transitions and Flexibility 03:04 Interpreting and Acting on Briefs 06:10 Creative Partnerships and Inspiration 09:06 Memorable Moments in Advertising 13:58 Personal Aspirations and Reflections

10. 

    16 Aug 2026

    Anatomy of a Brief

    This is an introduction to what a brief actually is. During this series we'll explore what makes briefs critical to our creative world. Get subscribed because in the coming days i'll be sitting down with a bunch of my industry friends to get their takes on our shared creative world. See you soon!

11. 

    15 Aug 2026

    Where's the Brief (Teaser)

    Launching in August 2026, here we go!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Where's the Brief?

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.