Clever with Amy Devers Ep. 225: Norman Teague on Cultural Storytelling Through Design
Aug 26, 2025
Norman Teague, a Chicago-based designer, craftsman, and educator, shares his unique approach to cultural storytelling through design. He discusses how personal narratives and community experiences shape his artistic identity. Excitement builds as he hints at a landmark project opening in 2026, while emphasizing the importance of hands-on design education for future generations. Teague also reflects on his upbringing, the role of representation in design, and the impactful journey that molds creativity and inclusive practices.
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Self-Portrait As Cultural Statement
- Norman describes his 2016 self-portrait as an oversized spinning-top bookcase inspired by fancy car rims and colonial architectural details.
- He used the piece to assert his presence in design discourse and connect his South Side upbringing with art-school training.
Expanding The Canon Through Visibility
- Norman wanted to expand the design canon to include Black and brown designers and make design visible in neighborhoods like the South and West Sides.
- He framed his work as a way to document and inspire designers from underrepresented communities.
Design Is Research, Embrace Failure
- Treat mistakes as research: iterate until you learn what works rather than fearing failure.
- Build studio space that allows experimentation, missteps, and discovery.