The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Today’s guest is Kevin Moore. He is a Freelance Designer working under the name Soft Surrgate out of Kelowna BC.During this episode we talk about: -his entrance into the design world and how he started as a pre-press operator at a printer.-his gateway into becoming the “album layout guy.”-how he started working with Maverick Records, how it came about, and how it ended.-record and album cover printing.-the cabin fever effect of being a freelance designer.-a really unique project he did for a band called Gravemind. When it comes to music I like a wide variety of styles. Music plays a huge role in my life and is always on. I love record cover and album design so getting to talk to Kevin and hear the insider stories of that industry was awesome! @softsurrogate

Today’s guest is Dan Mumford. He is an Illustrator living in Central London England.During this episode we talk about: -how he originally was trying to decide between the art and creative route, or literature.-how he started working with bands and doing album cover art before graduating.-the one album cover art piece that really kicked off his career.-screenprinting and how it taught him to love color.-a project where he presented concepts for a full year, had them all shot down, and what he learned from that.-the 2015 Star Wars Force Awakens poster he illustrated and how that project came to be for him. -a time where he got caught in a tight timeline with 40 illustrations to do, and only 3 months to do them. Dan is a great storyteller and brings so much to this episode! He is a very talented guy and is happy to share the lessons he has learned in his career so far. @danmumforddraws

Today’s guest is Clementine Carriere. She is a Freelance Graphic Designer and Art Director in Glasgow Scotland. Every single guest brings their stories and experiences for us, but I also really enjoy hearing stories from outside North America. Hearing what those experiences were like. During this episode we talk about: -how she grew up around art and culture, museums and art shows.-her design career working in a variety of places in the UK and France. -the person that she met that changed how she viewed graphic design and introduced her to how design is technical skills, meet cultural influence. -why she decided to be a freelance designer.-the Gucci Style App project she was a part of that delivered weekly content in 7 different languages and what they taught her about creating the layout to work with that.-typography in publishing.-design systems in magazines.Clementine shares so much with us during this episode and has a wide variety of experience throughout the UK and Paris. She really shares some great stories and experiences with us! @clemintea 

Today’s guest is Shane Harris. He is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator currently in Melbourne FL. During this episode we talk about: -how playing around in photoshop 4 was what lit shares design fire-his time designing Sunday ads for sports authority but then being laid off during the recession.-the challenges of trying to find work in the recession-era. -how Shane was ghosted by a client after they sold the company and was left wondering what happened as a freelancer.-some great connections Shane made by just putting his work out there.-a project Shane was a part of for Pepsi.We originally had to delay this episode recording by a week due to the hurricane going through Florida. I’m glad Shane was able to share some of his story with us. @shaneharris

Today’s guest is Tara Victoria. She is a Freelance Graphic Designer and One Woman Show in Calgary AB.During this episode we talk about:-her love for surf culture and I ruin her street cred talking about the surf scene in Calgary AB.-how she grew up in a blue collar family but was always encouraged to explore her creativity.-the moment that art and design as a career it clicked for her and what she started seeing.-the magazine that influenced her love for print and editorial design.-a really cool year end project that she worked on in school. -creating under duress. She gets real honest with us and opens up about forcing herself to be creative while experiencing trauma.This episode has so much more and Tara is an incredible person. I love her exciting energy and I know you will enjoy what she shares. @taravictorial

Today's guest is Amanda Schutz. She is the Creative Director and Illustrator at Curio Studio in Edmonton AB. During this episode we talk about:-the partnership struggles and challenges that come with it during her 15+ years as owner of the studio.-the moments that her design fire was lit and when she was pointed into the direction of design.-a story where a long-time client rejected the idea she presented and how that affected her.-women in leadership positions in the creative field and how they inspire her. -the struggle of finding balance as a mother in a leadership position. There is so much more in this episode too. Amanda got real with us and shared so much. Plus she has an amazing ask-it-forward question in the end. 

Today's guest is Danny Lin. He is a Product Designer at the University of Washington in Seattle WA.During this episode we talk about:-how he first noticed design on record sleeves and started collecting them.-how he originally studied theatre in college and then went on to study design in art college. -his first job out of art college which was in Germany.-a project he was a part of that was derailed by provincial scandal.-great advice for designers looking for work, sharing their portfolio, and how to work that network of people you meet in the process.-a project he was a part of with the GDC where they assembled a "dream team" of designers to help a kids summer camp out, pro bono. Danny was great to talk to and he also shared with us his love for theatre and stage design. 

Today's guest is Jake Meyer, Creative Director and Owner at "I will design for food" in Atlanta GA. During this episode we talk about:-how Jake came up with the name for his studio.-the moment his design fire was lit.-the poster design he made in school that was such a hit that other people wanted to buy copies of it. -the project he is the most proud of and it involves stand up paddle boards!-what to do when you have a client that has horrible creative input or feedback. -Tiesto and Seadoo. @tiesto @brpseadoo you both need to give Jake a call. He will design for food. *not really, please pay them because their work is awesome. I had a lot of fun talking with Jake and hearing his story so far! Definitely check out his work and IG. @iwdff

Today’s guest is Nick Stewart from Vanguard Design Co in Bellingham WA. Everyone once and a while I like to have a guest on the show that is about 3-4 years into their design career out of school. You know, hear what the kids are doing these days. During this episode we talk about:-how Nick is working hard to build his freelance career while also working a part time job while his wife is in school. -his first design job right out of school, what he did there, and what ended up happening there. -a recent project that he worked on for one of his favourite rappers, and how that opportunity came his way. -how social media is an amazing tool for reaching out to people or brands that otherwise would be out of reach. -his answer to Aaron Draplins ask-it-forward question. I really enjoyed hearing Nick’s story and the reality of working on building a freelance side hustle while paying the bills. Keep up the hustle Nick! @vanguarddesignco

Part Two: Today's guest is Aaron Draplin. He is the Designer at Draplin Design Co and part of the Field Notes Brand from in Portland OR.During this part of the interview we talk about:-print design and how it is still a relevant medium for communication.-a couple of projects that did not work out and got away from him.-how it feels for him when clients move things around and adjusts his work. -what Aaron is struggling with in his career right now.-a few projects that Aaron is really proud to have been a part of.-stamp design and how it is functional art and within reach for every person. -some of the design and life tools that he uses regularly in his career.Aaron also answers four ask-it-forward questions from past guests and one from Rebecca in Episode 099. More great stories here in part two of my interview with Aaron Draplin. @draplin