Mastering the Art of Creativity: Key Takeaways for Every Designer

Hello Producers,

There’s usual format below but I couldn’t resist. Thanks, Hristo!

Now, I know I say this a lot, but it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Hristo to the podcast. Not only is he a very talented graphic designer and a popular LinkedIn creator, but he also rarely does podcasts or speaking appearances. In fact, he even mentioned that he declined an invitation to a LinkedIn event featuring some of the top creators. Why, you might ask? Well, it's simply not for everyone, which is totally fine and understandable. That's why I was especially pleased that we managed to do this episode, even though we approached it a bit differently.

A bit of behind-the-scenes info: we recorded our tracks separately. So, it might not flow as naturally as usual, and the editing was a bit of a challenge. However, I believe I found a good solution by adding infographics if you're watching on YouTube, which I highly recommend! But don’t get me wrong, it’s just as great on Spotify as usual too.

Designs That Rock: Infographics for the Bold and Creative | #78: Hristo Butchvarov

Hristo Butchvarov is a seasoned graphic designer and content creator who thrives on transforming ideas into stunning visuals. With over 15 years in the industry, he has garnered an impressive 7,500+ positive reviews from more than 4,500 clients worldwide. Whether you're a business owner seeking to amplify your brand or a content creator aiming for virality, Hristo's expertise in infographic design, personal branding, and visual storytelling can help you shine.

Listen to this episode to discover Hristo’s journey across graphic design that led him to focus on infographics, find out tips and tricks on how to stand out on freelancing platforms, and uncover some fun trivia about his love for rock music. Known for his collaborative spirit and attention to detail, Hristo creates designs that not only captivate but also engage audiences effectively. Tune in to learn how he blends creativity with strategy to elevate brands and connect with people.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hristobutchvarov/

• https://www.fiverr.com/rozerart 

• https://hristo-butchvarov.ck.page/26944597d1 

Lessons:

• Master the Long Game: Success Takes Time

• Turn Your Passion into a Career

• Leverage AI Smartly, But Keep the Human Touch

• Prioritise What Matters: Balance Work, Life, and Passion

• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Grow

Lesson 1: Play the Long-Term Game

In our episode, Hristo shares how he started on freelancing platforms and how much he earned for his very first gig. It’s a perfect example of playing the long game. While he only started using LinkedIn in early 2024, there’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes. His beautiful designs attract attention, and his expertise helps him establish himself as an authority in the field. But it’s the years, or even decades, of experience that made him the talented artist he is today. So, think long-term—whether it’s months, years, or even decades—and remember that even small, consistent steps accumulate over time.

Lesson 2: Follow Your Passions

Hristo originally studied something completely different, but it wasn’t what he was passionate about. Quite the opposite, actually. He fell in love with graphic design and Photoshop, and that’s what he pursued. Years later, he’s a master of his craft. It must have been a tough decision for both him and those around him to switch careers, but looking back, I’m sure it was one of the best decisions he ever made. Now, he’s doing what he truly loves. I’m not saying you should quit what you’re doing right now, but take some time to think about what you're passionate about and enjoy doing. What can you do to continue pursuing that, and maybe even turn it into a career?

Lesson 3: Benefit from AI, but Don’t Follow It Mindlessly

In today’s digital world, with AI everywhere, it was inevitable that I’d ask Hristo for his take on it. His answer was not what I expected—in a good way. He talked about challenging an AI to a battle of infographics. Imagine: Infographic Battle—Hristo vs AI! I’d love to see that, wouldn’t you? But don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t hate AI. In fact, he uses it for smart purposes. The key is not to follow AI mindlessly and lose the human touch. Look at your own situation and see where AI can benefit you, but don’t just follow the crowd. Make sure it adds value.

Lesson 4: Prioritise What Matters Most

I was curious about how Hristo manages to juggle everything—family time, his online presence on LinkedIn, freelancing platforms, self-education, his work, his passion for rock music, and more. As it turns out, I was right—he does manage all of it, although he has a little less time for the gym. He has clear processes in place and prioritises what matters most to him, whether it’s spending time with his daughter, engaging on LinkedIn, or keeping up with his self-education. And still, he finds time to attend his favourite rock concerts! If you’re juggling multiple things, ask yourself: What are your priorities? Where can you cut back to save time? Is there an area where you’re wasting time? This is something I’ll need to reflect on too!

Lesson 5: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

This might be the most impressive one, and the one I’m most grateful for. It ties back to Hristo agreeing to record this podcast with us. As I mentioned earlier, Hristo doesn’t usually do podcasts, events, or public appearances, which makes it even more special that he agreed. I can totally relate—starting this podcast wasn’t easy for me either. While it’s been an amazing experience, it was a huge step out of my comfort zone, and I really admire Hristo for stepping out of his. And who knows? Maybe this will lead to even more opportunities for Hristo—other podcasts, videos, events, or new types of content. I try to remind myself to step out of my comfort zone regularly, even if it’s something small. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it afterward. So, what will you do today that you’ve been putting off?

In conclusion, I've been following Hristo and admiring his work on LinkedIn for a long time. I’m a visual person who loves well-crafted graphics, and infographics are no exception. When done right, they perfectly convey important information while being visually appealing, and Hristo is a master of this craft. So, even though our episode is slightly shorter, it’s one you won’t want to miss. Hristo shares his background, creative process, career advice, and much more. Enjoy!

Keep producing,
Tomment