Design Is Relational (Ryan Thorpe)

In this episode, Ryan Thorpe from The Zoo design studio shares insights about creativity, business growth, and his new venture 'Together'. He discusses how meaningful conversations spark creativity and lead to better design outcomes, emphasising that design is fundamentally relational.

Ryan reflects on the '75 Hard' challenge, highlighting how structured challenges can reset habits and create valuable learning experiences. He shares an amusing anecdote about creating a four-metre banana for a trade show, demonstrating how taking creative risks can yield impressive results.

The conversation delves into his new venture 'Together', a brand coaching service that aims to work more intimately with clients. This approach moves beyond traditional design agency work to focus on deeper strategic partnerships. Ryan emphasises the importance of collaborative relationships over transactional ones, using tools like Notion to maintain transparency and shared understanding with clients.

Looking ahead, Ryan envisions scaling back his hands-on involvement at The Zoo to focus more on strategic work through Together. He aims to be 50-60% hands-off within a year, allowing him to concentrate on ideation and client relationships. His personal goals include significant running and cycling challenges, viewing physical readiness as parallel to business adaptability.

Throughout, Ryan emphasises the value of embracing discomfort, staying agile, and maintaining genuine relationships in both business and personal growth.