The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Today's guest is Meena Khalili. She is a professor, and designer at her practice called Curiosity HQ out of Columbia SC. During Part One of this episode we talk about:-her first few gigs in design and how they didn't go as planned.-her first "big girl" design job and what that was. -how her first teaching gig came about and what that meant to her. -the "Olympics of Art" that she attended in 2017 and the influence that had on her. -the project that turned into a book that she was a part of. -the print project where she was able to surprise and delight..That and so much more. Meena is such a great person and is super kind.  You can hear her excitement for design and the community around it. @meenakhalili @

Today's guest is Chris Williams. He is a graphic designer and owner of Plastic Flame Press out of Durham NC. During this episode we talk about: -the different types of work and the class that influenced him earlier in his career. -the club he learned about that got him into poster design. He has since designed well over 500 posters as a member.-the print work he did for his band. -dealing with bipolar depression as a creative and working through it. -the poster he is really proud to have been a part of. Chris is a really talented printmaker who learned a lot through his mistakes and isn't afraid to share them with us. @plasticflame

Today's guest is Michael Tumlin. He is a Freelance Graphic Designer and Podcaster as the host of Creatively Brief Podcast out of Orlando FL. During this episode we talk about:-how he comes from a creative family but originally wanted to get into architecture or marketing. -the band he started designing fan art for and what that led to. -the creative that has been a heavy influence on him. -the packaging design for a school project he created and what that meant to him. -the wall that hit him in the face..-taking projects even though your gut says "NOPE".-the Creatively Brief podcast, where the idea came from, and what it's all about. Michael is a great guy and has a good thing cooking with his new podcast. Go check it out! @michaeltumlindesigns @creativelybrief

Today's guest is Adam Moore. Also known as Harold Apples. He is a Graphic Designer, and also the founder of National Dry Goods out of Adolphus KY. During this episode we talk about:-his intro to the design world through the music scene, playing in bands, and poster art and album cover art.-his love for print and how his dad has been in printing since he was 16 years old and Adam would go to the print show with his dad when he was younger.-his intro to a particular artist's work and how it influenced him. -agency life and why it was a challenge for him. -getting in over his head and out of his wheelhouse and what happened when he did.-the National Dry Goods story, where the idea came from, and some awesome things they have cooking now. -the band design project he was the creative for, why he is so proud of it, and how a Grammy nomination came from it. This episode is jam-packed, get into it! @haroldapples 

Today's guest is Andrea Van Der Ree. She is the CoFounder of Ok Dave out of Vancouver BC.During this episode we talk about:-the Ok Dave Studio startup story. -growing up in Venezuela and her move to Canada 10 years ago.-some differences between the design scene in Venezuela and Canada.-the designer who's work she loves and why. -what it is like to experience your designs in print. -the challenges she faced moving to Canada and what she did to get her first design opportunity. -the differences she has experienced between in house agency designer and business owner. Andrea is a great person to connect with and I'm excited to see what her and her business partner, Will can create as the grow their studio. @okdavestudio

Today's guests are Cinthia and Ben. They are Owners and Muralists at Chalk and Brush out of Miami FL. During part two of this interview we talk about:-the mural project they are working on that consists of fice city blocks of murals.-the top three proejcts they are so proud to have been a part of and why. I'll give you a hint... Shake Shack, Starbucks, and Spotify.-more lessons learned in their career and building of a business. Cinthia and Ben are awesome people and I had a blast talking to them. Go check them out!! @chalkandbrush

Today's guests are Cinthia and Ben. They are Owners and Muralists at Chalk and Brush out of Miami FL. During part one of this interview we talk about:-their completely different backgrounds and how they came together, and the formation of Chalk and Brush.-the first chalk job Cinthia ever had and where it came from. -the Cuban magazine that really influenced her.-Ben's creative influences. -the super limited edition beer project they are a part of. -the Starbucks project they were a part of that turned into printed canvas. Cinthia and Ben are awesome! So much excitement for what they do and you can hear it! @chalkandbrush

Today's guest is Tom Ross. He is a freelance designer turned CEO at DesignCuts out of London in the UK. During this episode we talk about: -his creative childhood and as soon as he could "design", he started making money from it anyway he could.-his transition from freelance designer to CEO of DesignCuts.-his first taste of Photoshop.-the growth of DesignCuts and the sacrifices he had to make. -the impact to his business and health that came from overworking in the early days of growing his business. -so much more. Tom is not afraid to share some of the stories and the lessons learned from the tough points in his life so far. So much knowledge and insight. @tomrossmedia @designcuts

Today's guest is Israel Pargas. He is a 3D artist, designer, and owner at Vanquish Design our of Newbury Park CA. During this episode we talk about:-how he was born in Mexico and moved to the US around 8 years old. -his father being an architect and how that shaped him. -the creative entrepreneur that he follows closely and why. -the hand-illustrated packaging project he was a part of and why it was so cool. -the early design days, struggling with self-doubt, and what re-assured him he was on the right path. -the project he was a part of where there were too many decision-makers involved. -so much more.I enjoyed chatting with Israel and hearing about the move from creative to creative business owner. Check out what they have cooking on Instagram. @vanquish.design

Today's guest is Tracie Ching. She is a Freelance Illustrator out of Washington DC. Even though she is a super busy mom with three kids, she is hustling and has had the opportunity to work with Michelle Obama, Star Wars, John Wick, Lizzo, Captain Marvel and so many more!During Part Two of this episode we talk about:-why the last 18 months have been the toughest time in her career. -not saying "no" to Michelle Obama and that campaign project that she accepted due to the importance, knowing it would be a huge challenge. -the challenges of being a woman in the creative industry. -the incredible and unexpected thing that came from her Captain Marvel project, and why she is so proud of it. So good. What else can I say! Tracie is amazing. @tracieching