Michael Bierut is a proper gentleman. With his sharp dress punctuated by an iconic hat and scarf, he moves through a room with the gravity of one of the world’s best known designers. But his iconic status is paired with an arresting attentiveness. He’ll write you a surprising and unexpected personal note thanking you for something you should probably be thanking him for. That personable attitude comes through in conversation.

In this episode of First Things First we’ll discuss how your own children could become the best critics of your work, the perils and pitfalls of holding onto a stubborn ideology, and the deliciously reductive work of book jacket design.

First Things First is produced as part of Frontier Media. Learn more at www.frontier.is

Host: Paddy Harrington

Producer and Editor: Max Cotter

Frontier’s sponsor music is an edited version of “sketch (rum-portrait)” by Jahzzar from the album “Sketches.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Sketches/sketch_rum-portrait_1585

This episode features an edited version of “Seashore” by Podington Bear from the album “Carefree.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Carefree/Seashore

This episode features an edited version of “If” by Broke For Free from the album “Layers.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

This episode features an edited version of “Acme Coke” by Roger Plexico from the album “No Man’s Land.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Roger_Plexico/No_Mans_Land/Roger_Plexico_-_No_Mans_Land_-_06_Acme_Coke

This episode features an edited version of “The Zeppelin” by Blue Dot Sessions from the album “Aeronaut.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Aeronaut/The_Zeppelin_1908