Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.

Episode: Dare to Find Silence in the Storm – Mitch Monson

Host: Radim Malinic
Guest: Mitch Monson, Executive Director of Creative and Partnerships, Sibling Rivalry
Release Date: August 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Radim Malinic sits down with Mitch Monson, a renowned, self-taught graphic designer whose journey took him from Minneapolis design upstart to creating Prince's iconic Love Symbol, and helming creative projects for Marvel and the Olympics. Their conversation dives deep into risk-taking as fuel for creativity, the power of saying yes before you feel ready, how formative experiences (including military service and backcountry snowboarding) shape creative leadership, and the crucial role of “silence” and reflection in a noisy world. The discussion is peppered with practical wisdom on daring to create, building community, and redefining what it means to be a leader.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Superpower of Self-Taught Creativity

[00:38, 04:56, 36:34]

• Both Radim and Mitch are self-taught designers. Mitch describes how lacking formal training led him to ask more questions and break rules unburdened by tradition.
• Mitch Monson:

  "Being self taught or just not having so much formal education, it also means you're asking a lot more questions...it's easier for me to break the rules because of it, because I don't know the rules...I realized that was actually a superpower." [00:38, 36:34]

• Inspiration came from rule-breakers in design:
  “David Johnson, Zaha Hadid, Neville Brody and Tristan Eaton, like, they're all known for doing whatever hell they wanted to do.” [37:59]

2. Creativity’s Breakout Moment: Designing Prince's Love Symbol

[05:38–16:12]

• The early days of Mitch’s company in Minneapolis unexpectedly led to working with Prince, purely via local word-of-mouth.
• The story captures the serendipity of “showing up”, the challenges of being “scrappy” with huge opportunities, and the relentless work ethic required when working with creative legends.
• Prince’s personal brand, presence, and meticulous preparation profoundly affected Mitch and his team.
• The unrefined, human nature of the Love Symbol was intentional:
  Mitch Monson:

  “I think that's what's so great about it. But also the kind of things, as a graphic designer, you want to refine that. But...there's a reason for that and it was more of a connection to that human quality.” [14:54]

3. Risk-Taking as a Way of Life

[16:47–24:46, 25:29–30:02]

• Mitch views risk as a source of vitality, both in backcountry snowboarding and creative work. He acknowledges fear but sees not acting as the bigger regret.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Every time I get that opportunity to say yes to something, to take a chance, it really...keeps me going. I'm just not a risk adverse person whatsoever.” [16:47]
  • “Not doing that is what I would regret the most.” [20:14]
• Influential mantras:
  • "No risk, no story." [23:16]
  • "The universe rewards risk." [23:58]
• Radim and Mitch both stress that “risk” often feels like a step-by-step, natural progression rather than a leap.

4. Reset and Silence: Backcountry Adventures & Creative Clarity

[25:29–30:30, 27:39]

• Mitch draws parallels between preparing for high-risk snowboard missions and creative projects—meticulous preparation followed by decisive “go” moments.
• The pure silence of remote snowboarding provides a mental reset, clearing away accumulated stress and creating mental space for new inspiration.
• Mitch Monson:

  "It's hard to describe the sense of how clear your mind is...it literally felt like my first day in the office, like I had never worked there before. And that's how clear everything felt..." [25:29]
  "That silence being somewhere, maybe nobody's ever even been...there's just something about that brings you so close to nature, but is also such a mental reset..." [28:58]

5. The Power and Necessity of Community

[31:30–34:37]

• Mitch discusses building real-world creative communities (like the Assembly mentorship program) and the value of investing in oneself—often without waiting for permission.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Experts travel; forming in-person connections leads to new opportunities and personal growth.
  • Invest in yourself, even if it's inconvenient or costly:

    “Don't you want to invest in yourself? Isn't that the most important thing?” [32:47]

6. Leadership: Military Lessons & Empathy

[46:34–50:28]

• Mitch credits his military and submarine command experience with fostering leadership that values calculation, team-first thinking, and kindness.
• Leadership is framed as serving others, showing empathy, and putting team welfare before personal comfort—as opposed to pursuing power or status.
• Mitch Monson:

  “I've always leaned into [the people side of business]. I enjoy that part of it. Not everybody does. But as an owner and as a leader, it's essential. And you have to put your people first. You work for them.” [46:34]

7. Reflection, Documentation, and Taking Stock

[51:13–55:22]

• Mitch emphasizes the necessity of conscious reflection to avoid letting milestones pass by unnoticed.
• Documenting moments (influenced by his father) preserves memories, underpins gratitude, and helps fuel future growth.

  “That does...embracing the moment, but also celebrating the moment...for our teams and for the people I work with.” [54:20, 55:22]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On asking questions and breaking rules:
  “I'm not embarrassed to be the one asking, because it's easier for me to break the rules because I don’t know the rules...I thought for years that was a hindrance but realized it was a superpower.” – Mitch Monson [00:38, 36:34]

• On Prince’s influence:
  “You just know when he’s in the building...there's just that presence.” – Mitch Monson [10:36]

• On creative risk:
  “Not doing that is what I would regret the most.” – Mitch Monson [20:14]

• Mantras for creativity and life:
  “No risk, no story.” – Radim Malinic [23:16]
  “The universe rewards risk.” – Mitch Monson [23:58]

• On silence and mental reset:
  “It’s hard to describe the sense of how clear your mind is...it literally felt like my first day in the office, like I had never worked there before. And that’s how clear everything felt...” – Mitch Monson [25:29]

• On leadership:
  “As an owner and as a leader, it’s essential. And you have to put your people first. You work for them.” – Mitch Monson [46:34]

Important Timestamps

• [00:38] – Mitch on self-taught creativity & asking questions
• [05:38–14:54] – Origin and impact of designing the Prince Love Symbol
• [16:47] – Risk as fuel for creativity
• [20:14–24:46] – Reflections on regret, influence of “no risk, no story”
• [25:29–30:02] – Backcountry snowboarding and the necessity of silence
• [31:30–34:37] – Building real communities; the importance of “showing up”
• [36:34] – How not knowing the rules becomes creative freedom
• [46:34–50:28] – Military background shaping leadership philosophy
• [51:13–55:22] – The vital habit of reflection and documentation

Tone & Language

The conversation is candid and searching, with both host and guest sharing hard-won wisdom, personal anecdotes, and a spirit of generosity. They encourage listeners to embrace imperfections, ask questions, and to see risk not as danger, but as opportunity. The episode is motivational without bravado, blending humility with a genuine excitement for the unknown.

For Listeners New and Regular

This episode offers not only an inspiring journey through Mitch Monson’s career but also practical frameworks for daring to create, lead, and live with intention. The stories about Prince, Olympic projects, and backcountry snowboarding offer both entertainment and actionable takeaways for creators, leaders, and anyone seeking clarity amidst life’s storms.

For more about the podcast and Radim Malinic’s work, visit radimmalinic.co.uk.