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Kendrick is a Creative Director and VP of Creative at Shepherd, a full-service ad agency in Jacksonville, Florida. He surfs and skates, and you can find him at Kona Skatepark with his kids on the weekends. Kendrick is just an all-around swell guy, and his work is fantastically textured, smooth, slick, cute, gnarly, or literally whatever it needs to be. Despite working at the same agency—Shepherd—for TWENTY YEARS, Kendrick does plenty of independent work for clients like Nickelodeon, Target, ESPN Magazine, Billabong, and Reve Brewing. Tune in for a talk about agency life, typographic taste, and his work for The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. You can find Kendrick on Instagram, Dribbble, and LinkedIn.
Questions for this interview.
Kendrick, are you a leader?What do you think great leaders in the design and advertising industry do well?You've worked at Shepherd for 20 years. Why stay at the same agency for two decades?Have you ever worried that staying in one place for too long could lead to stagnation or cause you to stop growing creatively?What's the role of a Creative Director at Shepherd?Can you think of a misconception that people (with no agency experience) have but isn't true in your agency experience?You watched a lot of people come and go. Why do you think agency life didn't work out for some people?Imagine a recent grad wanting to work at Shepherd. What would you recommend they focus on to prepare for the interview?Art Director vs. Creative Director. Has one of those roles been more stressful or complicated than the other?How do you feel when someone says you're their design hero or calls you a legend within the industry?Where is your comfort zone, and how do you define it?You designed a modular typeface called Snips. Where did the idea for the typeface come from? Is there a story to tell?Do you think good typographic taste can be taught or learned?Who's your favorite SpongeBob character? Were any characters more fun to work on than others?What did you use as reference material, and where did you pull inspiration?Did working on such a high-profile IP (SpongeBob Squarepants) come with extra pressure?Have you outgrown falling into the comparison trap?Who's your favorite droid in the Star Wars universe?Is there any part of your process or technique that you turn to often enough to consider a crutch?You've had a long and successful career. What have you done right to get yourself to that point?Would you have stayed at Shepherd for 20 years if they didn't allow you to take on independent clients or support you the way they do?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Bryony is a designer, author, and co-founder of UnderConsideration—a graphic design firm in Bloomington, Indiana. Over the last two decades, Bryony has managed the behind-the-scenes of various initiatives with her husband, Armin Vit, including Brand New (the blog), Brand New Conference, First Round, a bunch of other blogs, a podcast, and they've published five books including Graphic Design Referenced. Bryony is the type of person who comes up with a wild idea that seems impossible but always finds a way to make it a reality. It (legit) could be magic, but I bet it's because she has more follow-through than anyone I've ever met. She's serious about most things, like enough to know she's usually TOO serious, and she's the mastermind behind the ridiculously well-crafted conference materials at the Brand New Conference. IYKYK. Tune in for a talk about the perfect combination of confidence and self-doubt, designing for a critical audience, and the most dangerous day of her year. Check out UnderConsideration on Behance for excellent examples of how you can document your process, and visit UnderConsideration.com for more information about everything she does.
Questions for this interview.
Why is quality so important to you?Who has a more critical eye between you and Armin?What are some of your considerations, or how do you decide it's the right time to conclude a project?Why archive and preserve all of your concluded projects? Why do you keep them all intact online?Can you talk about the perfect formula of being confident in your abilities but having self-doubt?I heard you say the fear of failure is your biggest motivator. Do you still feel that way today?In 2016, you held the Brand New Conference in Amsterdam. Do you consider that event a failure according to your standards?How does designing for a critical, tough crowd like designers inspire your work?You believe one specific day of the year is more dangerous than the rest. Can you tell us which day it is and explain why for you?When a vendor can't help you bring an idea to life, you always find a way to do it yourself. Where do you think your drive comes from?How difficult is it for you—someone who obsesses over the details—to let go of perfection and allow yourself to accept and embrace the final output when there are imperfections?What are the speakers you choose for your conferences doing to stand out? Are there any common threads or characteristics you look for when making those decisions?Between you and Armin, who has more technically sound InDesign files?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Sarah is an illustrator, lettering artist, and muralist living in Austin, Texas. In 2019, she gave her two weeks' notice, left the corporate design world (USAA), and started Wild Vine Creative. For the past few years, her focus has been creating murals, and her artwork features organic shapes, an earthy color palette, and wildflowers like globemallow, fall aster, and bluebonnets. Don't be surprised if you spot some food and plant puns, too! Tune in for a talk about growing up in a military family, deciding to leave a full-time job to become an independent illustrator and muralist, and tips for lettering with a paintbrush. You can see her artwork and process videos on Instagram and buy stickers, cards, and prints on her website.
Questions for this interview.
You grew up in a military family and moved a lot. Was art (or making art) important to you during that time?Did you grow up with siblings?Hypothetically, do you think you would be more or less creative if you didn't grow up with a brother?Did you have a good experience at Columbia College Chicago?Did you feel prepared to find an entry-level design job after you finished design school?For many of us, one design professor changed how we view the world. Did anyone make that kind of impact on you?You started Wild Vine Creative in 2019—why did you decide to branch out of your own?What do you remember about giving your two weeks' notice? How did you feel about taking that leap?Did you have a mentor or ask anyone for advice before making that decision?Why do murals draw you in and make you want to create them?Can you explain some of the art transfer methods used to create murals?How intimidated were you by the idea of painting large murals?Is there anything about murals that you still find intimidating or makes you nervous?Did you find Lauren Hom's course "Mural Painting for Designers" helpful?Do you have beginner-friendly tips for achieving clean lines and smooth curves when painting letterforms with a paintbrush?You added two new colors to your color palette. Where did the inspiration for those colors come from?What are some of your favorite native wildflowers or cacti?Is there a story behind your mural inspired by Otomi patterns?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Michael (aka Fugstrator) is an "illustrator who illustrates with design principles." He's the "People's Homie"—I made that up—and is a Senior Design Evangelist for Next Gen Creative Pros at Adobe. We all love his work, and I'm jealous of all the "space stuff" he creates. He's worked with aerospace clients like NASA, Blue Origin, Boeing, and other big companies like IBM, Oracle, and Skillshare—AND he's been on some of the biggest stages in the industry, like Adobe MAX. Tune in for a talk about getting expelled from college, living by the Pirate Code, and speaking to a crowd of 10,000 people. Look for Fugstrator on Instagram, Dribbble, LinkedIn, and Adobe MAX.
Questions for this interview.
Do you know where this text is from? "After months of tenacious enemy attack, only one ship has survived..."Who's your favorite Street Fighter character?Do you have a favorite video game-inspired illustration you've created?If you could only choose one, which series would you keep around between Ninja Gaiden and Mega Man?Something went wrong during your last year of college. Can you tell us what happened?Did that event lead you to design school?What did that experience teach you? What lesson did you take away from it?What's something important to you that you think everyone should learn in design school?Does creating and sharing short-form tutorial videos scratch your educator itch?Are the reactions to your Instagram videos what you were hoping or expecting?(Listener Question) In an industry that's constantly changing because of technology and trends, how do you keep up and feel like an "advanced designer?"You say, "Think Like an Artist; Execute Like a Designer." Can you elaborate on that?Do you think someone needs to be good at drawing to be a great illustrator?Do you still create all your illustrations with a single light source in the top-left corner?You've spoken at Adobe MAX. How would you weigh your level of confidence vs. nervousness when you were on that stage?When working with engineers who demand precision, how do you acknowledge their feedback, and how do you typically try to implement it?Who do you think will win the F1 Drivers Championship this year? Max Verstappen or Lando Norris?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Rick (aka Skeeletor in the competitive Skee-Ball world) is a lot of things—a Dark Artist, Creativity & Leadership Coach, Inner Monster Wrangler, Author, Educator, Podcaster, and World Builder. I met Rick around 2014 and have followed and supported his work since. Some of the best conversations I've ever had about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and monsters have been with him. As a coach, he's helped thousands of leaders confront their fears, wrestle their inner imposter monsters, and find more within themselves. Most of all, he prioritizes creating a space for people to become their most authentic selves. Tune in for a talk about the inspiration behind his work, imposter syndrome, and why you should embrace the bog witch life. Visit his website for more info about his coaching practice, art shop, newsletter, NFTs, screenplays, and more. I recommend giving The Inner Monster Podcast a try.
Questions for this interview.
Why are you an artist?If you created a pie chart to visualize your identity, how would it look?How would you describe your artwork to someone who's never seen it before?Do you know where your inspiration comes from?Across everyone you've worked with, roughly how many of those people experience a form of imposter syndrome?Can you talk about the phrase "Face It Till You Make It?"When facing our inner monster (imposter syndrome), how can we succeed in the long and short term?If the feelings of imposter syndrome were a monster, which monster(s) do you think represent those feelings the best?What is a bog witch? How do you think creative people can tap into their inner bog witch, and why should they?Can you tell us about the highs and lows of streaming on Twitch?How much of your digital painting style resembles your traditional painting style?What advice do you have for someone who wants to sell prints, illustrations, or merch at an art convention or event?In moments of self-doubt, what's a question you always ask yourself that helps keep you going?How do you define authenticity, and why do you think people get hung up on it or have trouble being more authentic?Why do you think it's important to focus on the process instead of the result?Why should people be more generous with themselves?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Hank is an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator originally from the muddy backwoods of Mississippi. He's created work with Instagram, Netflix, and Adobe, and he's the force behind Hank Designs Studios and Fuzzies Co.—a culture-focused illustration project. Our friendship goes back to 2019 when I met him at Design Week Huntsville in Alabama. He gave a fantastic presentation, and afterward, I taught him some of the secrets of competitive Skee-Ball—then we made it rain redemption tickets on dem fools. Tune in for a talk about avoiding math in Adobe Illustrator, finding inspiration for Fuzzies characters, and speaking on the main stage at Creative South. You can find Hank's brand identity work on his website, and check out his gallery of culture-focused illustrations at Fuzzies Co.
Questions for this interview.
What kind of impact did Jamal Collins have on your career?What kind of design work are you primarily looking for?Which Adobe Illustrator tool or feature do you think people sleep on the most?What helped you get the hang of the pen tool? Do you have any tips for using it more effectively?Custom lettering—are there situations when you start from an existing digital letterform instead of a sketch?Can you explain what Fuzzies are for anyone who doesn't know?What kind of impact do you eventually want Fuzzies to have?What are the elements or components that make a Fuzzie a Fuzzie?Are Fuzzies always based on specific people, or do you create some from your imagination?What's your approach to color when bringing a Fuzzie to life? Do you have a core set of colors, or start from scratch with each character?Can you tell us about the lead-up to Creative South and how you became a speaker?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Ash is a Co-Founder and Creative Director of Six Cinquième, a Montreal-based Strategic Brand Consultancy. She's created work for organizations like The National Black Canadians Summit, On Est Là!, a BIPOC-focused talent agency, and The Centre for Canadians of African Descent. Many design agencies say they're selective about the people they work with—but Six Cinquième proves they are. Their work uplifts Black creativity. It represents and has the power to inspire young, underrecognized designers to enter the design industry. Tune in for a talk about shifting your mindset, setting boundaries with clients, and trusting everything will work itself out. You can find more of Ash's work on her agency's website, follow Six Cinquième on Instagram, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Questions for this interview.
What is your agency, Six Cinquieme, proof of? At this point in your career, what have you proven to yourself?You started your agency because you didn't feel like the design industry was a space made for you. What was missing from it? Why didn't you feel like it was a space for you?Do you feel responsible for encouraging and attracting young, underprivileged people to the design industry?What does operating with a "scarcity mindset" mean to you?Can you tell us about the moment in your career when you realized saying yes to everything wouldn't be sustainable?Do you think your clients' perspectives (of you) have shifted since setting healthy boundaries?How have you and Miro grown since establishing those boundaries?How do you encourage clients to think about design on a deeper level when they're stuck on the surface?How do you make sure you don't get consumed by your work?You said you no longer fear hitting a creative standstill or mental block. Why is that?What do you think design leaders, seasoned creative directors, or people who own a design studio can do differently to help young designers feel like the industry is a space for them, too?What can people attending Circles Conference and Creative Works East expect to take away from your sessions?Can you share some thoughts on the visual touchpoints you experienced in Paris before the 2024 Olympic Games started?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Jesse is an Associate Creative Director at Marketing for Change, a research and creative agency propelled by behavioral science. He's also the tallest designer I know, plays in a volleyball league on Wednesday evenings, and will tell you the best chicken tender in Colorado Springs is from Ivywild Kitchen. When Jesse isn't winning ADDY or Telly awards, he's pushing passion projects—like T is for Tattoo—to new heights. Ha, new heights, lol. Tune in for a talk about working with a team, graphic design tattoos, and including passion projects in your portfolio. You can find some of Jesse's funny internet videos on Instagram, see more of his work on his website, and learn more about where he works at Marketing for Change.
Questions for this interview.
How does the team you work with—or the people you collaborate with—help you handle feeling like an imposter?Have you learned anything working with a team you don't think you would have learned working alone?Do you enjoy presenting your ideas or designs to clients? Do you ever find the process intimidating?What percentage of time do you spend planning and thinking vs. actually making?Can you tell us how your remote working days look and how often they happen?Are the people you meet with also designers, or do they have different roles?Do you have any tattoos directly related to graphic design?How do you decide or choose the subject matter for your tattoos?Can you explain the concept behind your "T is for Tattoo" project?Where did the kids in the video for T is Tattoo come from?Were you surprised no one backed the "Your Name Forever" reward tier?Do you regret getting any of your tattoos? Do you have any cover-ups?How would you respond to students asking if they should include a passion project in their portfolio?You became a design educator in 2023. What was that experience like?Were there any takeaways from your first semester of teaching?Do you have any words of encouragement for designers looking for more impact or meaning in their work?Can you tell us about the book you made in memory of your dog, Dylan?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Jason is an independent Senior Graphic Designer, Illustrator, and Muralist in Augusta, Georgia. This guy's been through the trenches and has worked at 24-hour sign shops, agencies, and everything in between. Even though he's worked with HBO, Nike, and the Atlanta Braves—Jason doesn't shy away from working with the local burger joint or the hardware store down the road. Small businesses are a part of his DNA. Tune in for a talk about recognizing opportunities, building trust with your clients, and genuine Augusta chicken bones. You can find Jason's work on his website, follow @jasonthe29th on Instagram, and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Questions for this interview.
Can you talk about the impact the game Paper Mario had on you?What are some of the things you do in your life to streamline your workflow?You encourage young designers or recent grads to "mind the gaps." What do you mean by that?Do you have advice for someone who's an illustrator but wants to be hired as a graphic designer and is having trouble deciding what to showcase in their portfolio?After reflecting on your work, what's the most vulnerable thing you can say about it?What have you learned from rejection, and how do you keep moving forward?April 13, 2019, was a significant day in your journey. What can you tell us about that day?You changed how you do business, and you're taking a more aggressive approach this year. What does that mean?What specific things do you do to build trust with your clients?Can you talk about your three-mood board strategy?You once packaged and sold chicken bones at a design conference. I'm dying to know. Where did those bones come from?When was the last time you wore a pair of JNCOs? What about a Michael Jordan jersey?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Matt is an Austin-based graphic designer, illustrator, and type designer. You probably know him as StayGray Ponyboy, and even though he has a new logo, he assured me he's still the same PonyBoy. Matt has worked with big-name clients like Disney, Jeep, Adobe, Under Armour, and the Atlanta Braves. He's also the founder of Crop, an annual creative conference showcasing real stories from real people. Tune in for a talk about focusing on quality, updates to his logo, and the problem with the phrase "Fake It Till You Make It." Follow Matt and Crop on Instagram and find more information about the conference at cropcons.com.
Questions for this interview.
(Listener Question) As the founder and creator of Crop, what do you hope people take away from attending Crop?What do you look for when putting together the lineup of keynote speakers for the conference?Can you think of a friendship that wouldn't exist without Instagram?In your Medium article titled Designer Dysmorphia, you mention feeling inadequate. Do you still struggle with that feeling today?In your opinion, what's wrong with the phrase "Fake It Till You Make It?"What do you think about current graphic design content trends on Instagram?You recently redesigned your logo. How did you decide it was time for a change?You switched hosting platforms for your portfolio website. Why did you move from Squarespace to Wix Studio?How do you decide which projects to feature in your portfolio?Did you place a cap on the total number of projects to include on your website?You create a lot of designs that revolve around analog audio. Where does the inspiration for those designs come from?Is the design for your typeface, Zilker, based on a specific source of inspiration?(Listener Question) Do you have beginner tips for someone interested in designing a typeface from scratch?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Daphna is a designer living in Austin, TX, focused on visual design, product design, and illustration. Known as the Queen of Occult, her illustrations draw inspiration from traditional American tattoos, the occult, and mysticism—expect lots of skulls, snakes, and hands. Despite having close to 100K Instagram followers, she experiences some of the same struggles the rest of us do, like the difficulty of building a portfolio and the fear of sharing your work online. Tune in for a talk about leveraging social media, licensing your artwork, and people who use your designs without permission. You can find Daphna's artwork on Instagram, merch on her online store, and more work samples on her website.
Questions for this interview.
Is Queen of Occult a nickname you embrace?Do you ever feel any pressure from being labeled that way by other designers?Does the thought of your work being too consistent ever cross your mind?How much of your independent work comes from platforms like Instagram and Dribbble?What advice do you have for people who want to leverage social media for independent work but are worried their work isn't good enough to share?How do you typically move communication with a potential client off social media and start to onboard them?Does the response to your work and comments about your work on social media make you more confident as a designer?How do you maintain such a high level of output for your artwork?Does the style of your independent work ever creep into your designs at your full-time job?Can you explain what a Tattoo Pass is and tell us the story behind it?Do people steal your work often? How does it make you feel when that happens?Do you have any advice for someone who might find themselves in a similar situation?How do you handle ownership of the artwork you create? Do you license the artwork for specific uses and a limited time, or do you transfer all ownership rights to the client?What are some of the things that made you weird as a kid?If you had to give up one thing from your illustrations, would it be snakes, skulls, or hands?Do you know the name of the typeface used on your portfolio website?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Wendy is an Owner and Creative Director of Lewis Carnegie, a multi-discipline design studio in Austin, TX. She's created work for The University of Texas, The Harry Ransom Center, Home Slice Pizza, Austin Batcave, and many others. She's also recognized as a FELLOW by AIGA Austin and served as vice president for the chapter. Wendy and her husband (Sean) are pillars of the creative community in Austin, and Lewis Carnegie has a long history of hosting fantastic design events—and that is exactly where we met. Tune in for a talk about making yourself valuable, getting involved in the creative community, and women in design. You can find samples of Wendy's work at lewiscarnegie.com.
Questions for this interview.
(Listener Question) How do you know when the project you're working on is complete?You met your partner Sean in Maine—how did you end up there?What are some of the big takeaways from working at Pentagram?Ideally, what do your relationships with clients look like, and what do you care about most when choosing to work with someone?Why is it important to you for Lewis Carnegie to host events for the design community and welcome people with open arms?What do you think students and young professionals can do to feel like they belong to the design community?Do you have any advice for someone struggling to combine typefaces successfully?What are the essential skills you're looking for when you hire someone?How do you think the design industry has changed for women since the late 1990s?Are there any areas where you won't compromise or allow yourself to settle for something less than a specific standard?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Oen is a Distinguished Design Executive at IBM. He's also held titles like Visual Designer, Creative Director, and Design Principal. However, at his core, Oen is a Designer, an Advocate, and an Educator. He's served on several AIGA Boards, is recognized as a FELLOW by AIGA Austin, and has taught at Austin Community College for over 15 years. I met him in 2010 while he was my Portfolio Development Instructor. You can connect with and follow Oen on LinkedIn and see work samples on his website, visualnotepad.org.
Questions for this interview.
Can you give us a quick summary of all the places you worked before IBM?How did you know it was time to leave Y&R and move on to something new?How many people do you think you've interviewed at IBM?What does someone need to have or need to do to get hired at IBM?Is there a portfolio piece or a specific interview moment that has stuck with you until now?(Listener Question) What do you think is important to showcase in a portfolio in 2024?What's the driving force behind your involvement with education?How do you approach failure, and how do you react to it?Is the way you process failure influenced by where you grew up?What do you think a successful mentorship needs to have?What impact does international travel have on your design work?What do you think makes a typeface great?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
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Matt is an independent visual designer—based in Austin, TX—primarily focused on brand identity, package design, illustration, and custom typography. He's done work with Helms Workshop, Canales & Co., The Butler Bros, and more. Matt is also a metal guitarist, DIY to the bone, and if push came to shove, he'd give up custom typography before music. You can find his work on Instagram @mattthompson and delicious pricing information on his website.
Questions for this interview.
In December 2023, you posted a graphic on Instagram that said, "Design Pricing...Let's talk about it." What's the story behind that post?Can you talk about how you charge your clients for work?Can you tell us about your connection to the music industry and why you have messaging specific to musicians on your website?Do you think music creeps into your designs or influences your professional work? If it does, how so?Do you ever get pushback on your prices? How do you respond to clients who want your services for less money?What advice do you have for someone who understands they should be charging more for their work but doesn't know where to start?(Listener Question) How do you find new clients? Is it just who you know?What characteristics do you look for in a client?Which would you give up, playing the guitar or custom typography?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
studentsofdesign.simplecast.com
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Nick is the Owner of Longo Designs. He's a brand builder, a design instructor at Cal State University Northridge, and a mentor. He's also a Co-Host of The Deeply Graphic Designcast (The DGDC), the ultimate podcast for creatives, and you can watch him weekly on Adobe Live: Office Hours. I met Nick at Crop 2023 in Austin, TX, and we've been friends ever since. Tune in for a talk about package design, portfolios, resume design, and typography.
Questions for this interview.
How do you think students can benefit from going to their first design conference?What is it about the package design process that keeps you going back to it?What advice do you have for someone struggling to find their first packaging client?What are some (important) questions to ask the client during the kickoff meeting?(Listener Question) Is there anything you felt unprepared for once you entered the professional workforce?"If it ain't a HELL YES, it's a HELL NO." Can you talk about what that means to you? What are some common mistakes you see designers make with their resume designs?How do you think students can safely take more risks and still create effective designs?(Listener Question) How do you balance your creative vision and still meet client expectations?(Listener Question) Do you ever get cold feet before starting a project? What helps you get past the hesitation?Do your students use Dafont.com? What do you say to convince them to source typography from somewhere else?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
studentsofdesign.simplecast.com
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Russell is the Owner and Creative Director at Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. He's also a Design Educator and teaches Portfolio Development at Austin Community College. Russell is a longtime friend—we went to school together, worked together at Dell, and were roommates for a while. Check out work samples at SudioDzo.com and follow Studio Dzo on Instagram.
Questions for this interview.
(Listener Question) What makes a strong portfolio? What specific things do you look for?What can you remember and tell us about your first portfolio?Do you consider yourself a confident person? (Listener Question) What advice do you have for graphic designers who struggle with self-doubt and imposter-like feelings?What were some of the considerations you made before leaving Dell? What emotions did you experience after making that decision?What has Studio Dzo taught you that you didn't know before?Can you explain the meaning behind the phrase "pulling taffy"?What's the story behind the thought, "Get your mind right, get your grind right"?What kind of value did you get from going to AIGA events?What can students do before they take a portfolio class to help them be more prepared?Do you have any words of encouragement for people of color in the design industry?Where should designers go within themselves to find inspiration for their visual identity?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
studentsofdesign.simplecast.com
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Zaine is an independent Illustrator & Graphic Designer located in Austin, TX. She's completed work for Yeti, June Shine, Kammok, and Corvus Coffee. Zaine is also a former student of mine, and I'm proud to feature her as the first guest on the podcast. You can see more of her work on Instagram and her website.
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Questions for this interview.
Think about what you knew when you graduated vs. what you know today. How much of a gap is there? Is it significant?Is there something you should have learned in school but didn't?How do you use nature for inspiration? Specifically offline inspiration. How do you repurpose what nature has to offer?(Listener Question) What do you think defines success as an illustrator?Can you tell us how you landed the 2024 Parks Project calendar project?Do you share sketches or process work with clients before you show them a finished illustration?Which design application do you use in your workflow for illustrations?(Listener Question) Have you ever felt dissatisfied with a final design that a client approved?How much value did you get from your internship with The Young Jerks? What kind of things did you do during your internship? Do you have any advice for someone looking for an internship?Have you learned any production lessons the hard way?Do you ask clients for a percentage of the total project cost upfront?Were you ever intimidated by typography as a student? What would you say to help someone who is?How is your process for working with clients different today than some of your earliest paid work?---
If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
studentsofdesign.simplecast.com
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Welcome to Students of Design. My name is Joseph Israel Raul Bullard, and I'm a Logo & Visual Identity Designer based in Colorado. I'm also an adjunct professor at Austin Community College and have taught there since 2017. As you can imagine, I've seen a lot of student work—the good, the bad, and the trash. But more importantly, I've heard a lot of the same questions. This podcast will provide interesting perspectives on some of them.
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If you LIKE what you hear, please subscribe and keep listening. Sharing this episode with someone is the best way to support the podcast.
If you LOVE what you hear and want to help me keep the interviews coming—consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
Also, I'm always looking for questions from listeners. If there's a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast, please email it to me at [email protected].
Follow @studentsofdesignpod on Instagram for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content.
The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.
studentsofdesign.simplecast.com
