Award-winning & celebrated designer Aaron Skipper reflects on burnout, creative momentum, and starting his own LA-based studio, Explorers Club.
“I have this infinite ambition — it still burns in me now, and I think it always will.”
Design Next Podcast: Aaron Skipper shares his journey of extreme ambition
At just 34, Aaron Skipper has already lived a hell of a creative life; winning an Emmy Award, multiple Cannes Gold Lions, D&AD Yellow Pencils, and being named 7th in the Art Directors Club leaderboard in 2024 for Design!
In this episode of Design Next, Aaron opens up about the intensity of his early career, and the role of ego in creativity.
“In my twenties, I was my own worst critic. I was driven not just by excellence, but by a fear of failure.”
But this conversation isn’t just about accolades… Aaron shares the emotional toll of relentless ambition. Burnout reshaped his perspective, and the kind of creative culture he’s working to build today – one that balances health, energy, and fearless play.
“There’s power in being naïve — it makes you fearless. That’s why we built a book around the idea of play.”
Whether you’re a junior designer or well along the road of seasoned creative leader, Aaron’s journey will definitely encourage some personal reflection. This episode is a reminder that great careers aren’t linear: they’re always evolving.