Students of Design (Joseph Israel Raul Bullard)

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Erikas is a designer and illustrator who specializes in making playful geometric illustrations. He's also a boneheaded bird brain, and he knows it. Driven by his love for birds, he demands respect for pigeons, grackles, and sparrows, and he especially loves the Red-bellied woodpecker and the Scissor-tailed flycatcher. Originally from New York, Erikas has called Austin his home for the last decade and has created artwork for Austin FC, Half-Price Books, Oregon State Parks, Star Wars, HP, and many more. He's also been on the big stage and given presentations at Adobe Max and Creative Jam, and he will be a workshop leader at Design Ranch 2025. Erikas even has a course on Domestika—check it out here! 

Tune in for a talk about Dribbble shooting themselves in the foot, his fascination with birds, and why creating posters for Austin FC was so significant to him. Follow Erikas on Instagram @erik_as_erik, and check out fantastic artwork in his online shop.

Questions for this interview.

• How do you feel about Dribbble's most recent Terms of Service update?
• Have you ever connected with a client on Dribbble and completed the entire project on their platform?
• Is being a Dribbble Pro member worth it?
• When did your fascination with birds start?
• Do you know what a Chicken-cat is?
• Which bird is most likely to be wrongfully accused of a crime?
• Why is Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba one of your favorite books? What can you tell us about it?
• How did Matt Kaufenberg inspire you?
• Can you briefly summarize what you cover in your Domestika course?
• How much of the video production were you responsible for?
• Can you share some limitations within your artwork and how they help define your style?
• How do limitations tie into your Design Ranch workshop?
• You gave a presentation at St. Edwards University. What message were you trying to get across to those students?
• How did it feel to be invited to present at Adobe Max—one of the biggest design conferences in the world?
• You created a set of posters for Austin FC. Why was that opportunity so significant to you?
• Jolby hired you for an Oregon Parks & Recreation Department project. When did Jolby bring you into the mix?
• How confident are you that another designer can pick up where you left off and be successful with the style guide you created?
• You've painted on canvas, rocks, paint swatches, and wood. Do you have any ideas for what might be next?

---

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Lisa is a Cleveland-based creative consultant specializing in lettering, murals, illustration, and graphic design. She's created over 125 murals in 9 US states AND 1 in France. She's made art for clients like Amazon, Meta, PepsiCo, Mercedes-Benz, Harley-Davidson, Aveda, StubHub, and many more. Lisa's obsessed with Lana Del Rey and tiki bars and has a creative crush on Gemma O'Brien. Once, she said, "If you throw a stone, you get a mural." I don't think she meant to say THAT, but you get the point—she loves making murals. Lol. Also, Lisa has been called the LeBron James of lettering, and in 2024, she was voted Best Artist in Cleveland. Tune in for a talk about lettering some of her favorite song lyrics, taking inspiration from William Morris and Jason Carne's Lettering Library and her approach to pricing murals. Lisa's easy to find on Instagram @lisa_quine, lisaquine.com, and other places like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble.

Questions for this interview.

• What do you think is the most important thing you learned as a student?
• What do you remember about the Panic! At The Disco CD booklet, and why was it special?
• Lana Del Rey inspires you a lot. Why is it important to you to have a muse who isn't a visual artist?
• What comes to mind when I mention airline barf bags and puke puns?
• Who made more of an impact on you, Paula Scher, Gemma O'Brien, or William Morris?
• Can you share some thoughts about your Rilo Kiley hand-lettered book?
• Do you remember which book you chose as the canvas?
• Was that project your Instagram breakout moment? Is that when your follower count started to take off?
• Which project led to more social media followers? The Rilo Kiley lyrics you hand-lettered or your Dream Big mural?
• You hand-lettered on leaves for Inktober. How much experimentation went into finding the right leaves and choosing the right tools to draw with?
• How often did you destroy one by stabbing through it or need to start over for a different reason?
• How did your mural for GBX Group change the career path you were on?
• Did you charge them 10K for that mural?
• You completed 30 murals in a single year before. How much money did you make from those murals that year?
• About increasing your prices. Did those increases align with milestones or reaching goals throughout your career? Or did they happen more organically?
• Can you share those rates with us?
• How much would you charge for the same mural today?
• How do you typically communicate the visual differences between the three options you offer your clients?
• Have any of your murals been covered up or painted over?
• Is the Cleveland Guardians you painted the largest surface area you've covered in a single mural?
• Is it true that before you were married, you used a dating game to fuel your hand-lettering hobby, and you said yes to some of those dates just because it gave you a reason to hand-letter song lyrics inspired by how those dates went?
• Can you explain what Jason Carne's Lettering Library is?
• How have you specifically used those photos to inspire your work?
• You've become more patient after having children. Can you think of ways that patience makes you a better artist today compared to the time before you had children?
• Since going independent, where have you seen the most growth? Has it been personal growth, technical growth as a lettering artist and muralist, or growth as a business owner?
• You've completed over 125 murals and plenty of design and lettering projects, and last year, you were voted Best Artist in Cleveland. How does all of that make you feel?

---

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Kirk is an illustrator, animator, and art director, and he runs a small independent studio called BoneHaus with his skeletal sidekick, Skully. Unlike most of us, he didn't go to art/design school, but that's a good thing because he probably wouldn't be doing what he does today if he had. Why? Kirk isn't good at drawing—a weakness he's turned into a superpower. He's an expert with shapes and great at breaking things down to their most basic forms to build them back up again through relatable details. His illustration style has attracted clients like Apple, Google, Adobe, Facebook, Amazon, Rocket League, Disney, and MANY more. But his portfolio is also filled with kickass characters like Sub Zero, Doug Funnie, Gerald Johanssen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Reptar. On top of great work, Kirk also has live streams on YouTube and is among the top 1% of teachers on Skillshare. Tune in for a talk about being an independent illustrator for over 10 years, collaborating with friends, and being six months away from (almost) hitting rock bottom. You can see more of Kirk's artwork on his website, bone.haus, Instagram @bonehaus, Dribbble, YouTube, and Behance. You can also level up by taking his courses on Skillshare.  

Questions for this interview.

• You converted a barn into a studio. What did it take to retrofit that space, and what do you use it for?
• How long did it take to transform, and how much money did you invest into making the space usable?
• Can you describe your daily workstation to us? Besides a Wacom Cintiq, what else do you have in your build?
• Sometimes, people let hardware and software keep them from reaching the next level. What are your thoughts, and what would you say to someone feeling that way?
• You've been working independently for over 10 years. But do you (even) know what you're doing yet?
• What scares you about the creative industry?
• What did Meg Lewis's self-discovery workbook help you understand about yourself?
• You told Meg Lewis your specialty is how your brain works. What did you mean by that?
• You didn't go to art school. Did that turn out to be the best thing that could have happened when you consider your approach to illustration?
• In your eyes, what makes your illustration style and character designs relatable?
• Simplifying a complex subject into abstract forms is a big part of your process. Is that a technique you learned over time, or have you been doing it for as long as you can remember?
• What does collaboration look like in your life?
• It's different for everyone, but who should people collaborate with?
• Can you tell us about your Adobe Live show, Collabie?
• Was setting up a livestream a steep learning curve for you?
• Why does the way you share your work matter?
• How do you decide what to share on your website vs. Instagram and other platforms like Behance and Dribbble?
• How long do you typically wait before resharing an image or reel on Instagram?
• Can you give us an example of a commercial post from BoneHaus vs. an intimate post from BoneHaus?
• You made fan art for Rocket League to get their attention, but they didn't hire you. Or did they?
• How did you find out how much their budget was? Did they give it to you flat-out, or did you have to dig around for it?
• Is there an amount of money you consider too low for a project and say no because it doesn't feel worth the time it'll take to create the artwork?
• Where are you when it comes to finding work? Are you working with the most clients you ever have, constantly grinding to find new projects, or somewhere in the middle?
• Can you share a weakness you've turned into a strength?
• How can someone who's waited tables for 7 years turn that experience into something that can help their creative career?
• Why did you return to school, attend the University of Hartford, and earn your Masters in illustration? Was it worth it?
• What's your favorite 90s or millennial-era cartoon?

---

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Dan (aka Destiny Child, I meant Destiny Kid) is an artist, writer, illustrator, and designer specializing in hand lettering. His Instagram account @dandrawnwords is his creative sandbox, and he's created thousands of lettering compositions over the past decade. Phrases like: "Your Failures Fail to Define You" and "Tomorrow You'll be Glad You Did It Today." Those are shorter messages, but he's also created compositions with a hundred or more words, too—because why not when you love torturing yourself with FromSoftware boss fights? Like the rest of us, Dan is "working" on his professional portfolio (Destiny Kid Labs), and he's also the Art & Design Lead behind a moto lifestyle brand called Go Fast Don't Die. Did I mention he didn't attend design school? Tune in for a talk about creating cohesive compositions, closing the door on his chemical engineering career path, and varying the priority of words in his lettering. Follow Dan on Instagram @dandrawnwords, check out Go Fast Don't Die, and keep your eyes peeled for updates to Destiny Kid Labs.

Questions for this interview.

• Why do you create layouts with 20 or 30 or more words? What's appealing about those pieces?
• What are the challenges of lettering five words vs. lettering thirty words?
• Can you talk about ways you keep all those words organized and readable?
• What does a piece of lettering artwork need to look and feel like a cohesive composition?
• Are those reasons also why our brains can digest a (visually) complicated design and make sense of it?
• How do you start a composition? Do you loosely sketch the entire phrase to figure out word placement first?
• During the sketch, do you experiment with weight and stroke contrast? Or does that happen after you've locked in the placement for each word?
• Do you change brushes or drawing tools when transitioning between sketching and refinement?
• (Within a single design) do you ever swap brushes when bouncing between different letter styles?
• Have you ever felt like an imposter because you didn't attend design school?
• What do you tell yourself when you feel like an imposter?
• When did you decide to close the door on the chemical engineering career path? How did you come to that decision?
• How have you leveraged your engineering experience throughout your creative career?
• Do you feel a push-pull between scientific objective truth and the subjectivity of the art world?
• Unlike the engineering field, creativity doesn't have mathematically proven formulas. However, if there were basic creative equations to live by, what would they be?
• Tell us about your first design job at the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. How did your boss, Lucy, make an impact on you?
• Back to lettering. How do you decide which words to prioritize, and how do you like to emphasize them?
• Where—or what—are some of your favorite sources of inspiration to pull from?
• How do you balance choosing messages that resonate with you vs. messages that will resonate with others?

---

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Adam is a designer and illustrator from Orlando, Florida. For the past 4.5 years, he's been working as a Senior Brand Designer at Acorns—basically, he draws squirrels for a living, lol. But, before the squirrels, he worked independently for a long time and created designs for big names like Disney, Target, Dunkin' Donuts, William Sonoma, and Cartoon Network. Eventually, his world started to fall apart. He lost some people close to him, Disney cut him off, and the social media demons got the best of him. Since then, he's picked himself back up, and 2025 is his redemption tour. Tune in for a talk about growing up without understanding financial wellness, making critical mistakes with a huge client, and how working in-house at Acorns provides the stability to move forward. Look for his work on Instagram, Dribbble, and his website, studiograson.com. Also, start investing :)

Questions for this interview.

• Can you give us some examples of the types of design assets you create at Acorns?
• There's a lot of green in the Acorns color palette. How's that treating you?
• Has working at Acorns changed how you think about money or plan for your family's future?
• Can you share what growing up in Pine Hills was like?
• How did your grandmother impact your creativity?
• Is there any time when you feel like you legitimately hit rock bottom?
• Can you share some encouraging thoughts for anyone in the trenches who feels they might be experiencing their lowest point?
• Can you tell us what happened between you and Disney?
• What is your non-professional relationship with Disney like today?
• What did the situation with Disney teach you about respect?
• How did you start rebuilding yourself and your identity after Disney cut ties with you?
• Why are you so willing to share personal information about yourself?
• How are you navigating your work and the design industry differently than you were before?
• Has working in-house for the last 4.5 years helped you refocus, rebuild, and work on yourself?
• Do you still take on a lot of independent work?
• How does being represented by Arthur and Elias fit into everything?
• Can you tell us how the relationship works?
• Who do you think this kind of relationship is for?
• Is there a level of quality or experience someone needs before applying for representation?
• Can you tell us about the family Instagram account your wife (Christina) manages?
• How close are you to being the happiest you've ever been?

---

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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

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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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Kilian is a Sacramento-based illustrator, designer, educator, and pixel wizard behind Great Raven Design Co. Take one look at his neck—you'll understand how much The Lords of the Rings means to him. I'm jealous of his Middle-earth-themed wedding a few years ago, but I think I could take him in a lightsaber duel. Kilian cut his teeth designing labels, t-shirts, and logos for the craft beer industry, and his artwork is ferocious and packed with intricate linework. If you have the coin, he'll draw mythical creatures, skeletons, and snakes until his eyes dry out. In addition to teaching Photoshop classes at Sacramento City College, he's a founding member of Tap in Creative Club and part of the "Sac Boys." Tune in for a talk about getting the most from a design conference, growing up in a family with two best-selling authors and a famous actor, and the turning point for his independent studio. Follow Kilian on Instagram @greatravendesignco and check out even more of his work on his website, greatravendesign.co. Live By The Lance.

Questions for this interview.

• What went smoothly and what didn't go smoothly for the Fox of the Foothills mural you painted?
• Can you share your best tips for someone going to their first design conference this year?
• Have you set specific goals for the Crop Conference this year?
• How do you like to break the ice with people at a conference?
• What was difficult between 2018 and 2022? What challenges did you face?
• Did you struggle with undercharging for your work or have difficulty turning down projects with low budgets?
• What was your support system like while (you were) trying to get your foot in the door?
• Who won the lightsaber battle between you and Raylakin at Hunter and Erica's wedding?
• What convinced you to pursue illustration and design instead of a career in climbing?
• Who's a more impressive climber? Chris Sharma or Alex Honnold?
• Can you talk about the Tap in Creative Club and tell us how you got involved?
• What was it like growing up in your family?
• Has your mom's journey and perseverance impacted you and your career?
• Do you and your sister push each other creatively?
• (Do you know) what happens if you say "die a thousand deaths" when casting Scattercips?
• Was partnering with Burning Barrel Brewing Company a pivotal moment in your career?
• Is your hard work finally paying off?
• Do you still tie your self-worth to the success of your business?
• Do you find teaching at Sacramento City College rewarding?
• Who do you want to hear on the podcast?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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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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?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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

Jacob is a Dingbat—MR. Dingbat to you—a designer and art director who runs a tiny graphic design studio in Austin, TX, also called Dingbat. His studio specializes in brand identity, packaging, illustration, and typography. Once upon a time, he worked at IBM and then Helms Workshop, and he's partnered with selected clients like Duolingo, Cratejoy, Emojibator, Kammok, and Fifty-Nine Parks. Did I mention he designs typefaces, too? Yeah, you can find them at Dingbat.xyz! Tune in for a talk about collaborating with other designers, tips for maintaining readability, and which typeface designer he would wipe from history. See more of Jake's work on Instagram and Dribbble, and browse his typefaces on Gumroad. Who knows, if you get into his inner circle, he might serve you a cortado from his coffee cart, Lil Dingus.

Questions for this interview.

• Do you typically collaborate with people you already have a relationship with?
• Do you actively look for opportunities to collaborate, or do you prefer to take them on whenever they fall into place on their own?
• What would you say to someone afraid to ask another designer to collaborate on a project?
• What did you realize you took for granted after leaving IBM?
• Since going independent, what do you miss about working with a team of people?
• Did you move to Austin for IBM, or were you already living in Austin when you started working there?
• What was your experience working at Helms Workshop like?
• Do you think an internship is worth the time and effort?
• What were your thoughts when you transitioned from using your name to using the word Dingbat?
• Are you happy you made that change?
• Were there any other names you seriously considered before settling on Dingbat?
• What's something you're into that isn't directly related to design?
• Has design ever ruined your passion for anything?
• If you had to teach a random person one thing about typography, what would you teach them?
• Which is worse? Poorly justified text or bad typographic hierarchy?
• Which is worse? A poor ragged edge or (slightly) misaligned text frames?
• Can you give us some tips for readability when working with body text?
• Are there any typographic treatments that get under your skin or you won't put up with?
• How often do your type designs start from a specific source of inspiration vs. a custom letterform you designed or a sketch?
• Was the name of your typeface, Marston, inspired by Red Dead Redemption?
• Which part of the type design process is the most complicated?
• If you had to choose Helvetica, Futura, Clarendon, or Garamond, which typeface would you erase from existence?
• If you had to choose Matthew Carter, Jonathan Hoefler, Adrian Frutiger, or Erik Spiekermann, who would you erase from history?

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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 studentsofdesignpod@gmail.com.

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