We build. We teach. We never forget where we come from.

At CRZY Design, creativity isn’t just what we do - it’s who we are. And we believe the true value of creativity lies not just in the work we produce, but in how we use our voice, time, and platform to uplift others. Our mission goes beyond building bold brands and powerful experiences - we’re equally driven to build a stronger, more connected design community.

Graz, Austria

London, England

Chicago, Illinois

We’ve seen firsthand how mentorship, education, and shared experiences can transform not only careers but lives.

We’ve seen firsthand how mentorship, education, and shared experiences can transform not only careers but lives. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to giving back to the creative community that made us who we are—sharing our knowledge freely, creating access where there was none, and supporting designers at every stage of their journey.

From global stages and mentoring platforms to local classrooms and creative nonprofits, we show up with intention. We teach, we mentor, we listen, and we lead. Whether it’s guiding the next generation, amplifying unheard voices, or helping someone take their first steps into the industry, our commitment to community is woven into everything we do.

Berlin, Germany

Toronto, Canada

OUR GLOBAL IMPACT

We believe design can - and should - be a global conversation. That’s why we’ve built and supported platforms that foster mentorship, inclusivity, and knowledge sharing across borders.

The Crazy One Podcast

Hosted by our founder Stephen Gates, The Crazy One is a globally recognized podcast that explores the intersection of creativity, leadership, and personal growth. With over one million downloads, it offers honest, practical, and motivational content for creatives at every level—whether you’re leading teams or just starting out. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a free education for anyone who wants to lead by design.

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International Speaking Engagements

We speak at leading design and innovation conferences across the globe—sharing insights on design leadership, career development, creative process, and building better teams. These talks spark conversations that empower designers to challenge the status quo and embrace bold new ways of thinking.

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Co-founder of The Amazing Design People List (ADPList)

Born out of the pandemic, ADPList was co-founded to provide support and mentorship to designers affected by layoffs. It has since evolved into a thriving global platform connecting thousands of creatives with mentors in over 140 countries. We’re proud to have played a foundational role in creating this community that makes the design world a little smaller—and a lot more supportive.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Sydney, Australia

Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences

IADAS presents The Webby Awards, The Lovie Awards and The Anthem Awards. With a network of over 2000 intellectually diverse members, we help drive the creative, technical & professional progress of the Internet.

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Free Weekly Mentoring on ADPList

Every week, we open our calendar to offer free one-on-one mentoring sessions. From reviewing portfolios to providing career advice or simply offering encouragement, we believe in the power of direct, human connection to unlock potential and transform careers.

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General Assembly Career Standards Board

We serve on the Career Standards Board for General Assembly, helping shape curriculum and educational best practices that reflect the evolving needs of the creative industry. Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and the real-world expectations of design careers.

Webby Awards Judge

As part of the prestigious Webby Awards jury, we help recognize and celebrate the best digital work from around the world. It’s an opportunity to highlight outstanding creativity and innovation—and to elevate the global bar for digital excellence.

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OUR PITTSBURGH IMPACT

We’re not just based in Pittsburgh - we’re built from it.

This city taught us how to work hard, think smart, and never half-ass anything.

We’re proud to show the world that you don’t have to live on a coast to make global waves - you can stay right here, keep your Terrible Towel by the door, and still lead some of the biggest conversations in design.

At CRZY, we don’t just support the local creative community - we’re a full-on hype machine for it. From mentoring the next generation to leading major organizations and hiring only Pittsburgh-based talent, we’re putting this city’s creativity on the map (and doing it with a little steel-town swagger).

Hiring and Collaborating with Pittsburgh-Based Talent

At CRZY Design, we proudly hire and collaborate exclusively with creative professionals from Pittsburgh. It’s our way of showing the world the incredible talent and blue-collar work ethic this city is known for. More than that, it’s about proving to our community that you don’t need to leave Pittsburgh to have a global impact. You can live here, create here, and still shape the future of design on a worldwide stage.

Co-Founder of ADPList Pittsburgh Chapter

To bring global mentorship closer to home, we founded the Pittsburgh chapter of ADPList—creating a hyper-local space where designers can connect, learn, and grow together. Through events, meetups, and mentorship sessions, we’re helping shape a stronger creative community in the Steel City.

Vice President of AIGA Pittsburgh

As VP of AIGA Pittsburgh, we help drive the vision for one of the region’s most important creative organizations. From event programming to educational initiatives, we work to unite, inspire, and empower Pittsburgh’s diverse design community.

Mentor at The Warhol Academy

We collaborate with the Warhol Academy to mentor high school students with creative aspirations. It’s a chance to support emerging talent early in their journey—providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight to the next generation of artists and designers.