The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Today's guest is Darold J. Pinnock. He is a graphic designer working as DP Creates, a teacher, a mentor, and the host of the Passion behind the art podcast. During this episode we talk about:-how he was born in Jamaica and where is creativity started.-how he was a math wiz so naturally design wasn't his initial trajectory.-some of the designers that he looks up to and closely follows.-his move to Georgia ad why it was the most challenging time in his design career. -the struggle to find his new community after the move, but where he eventually found them. -the web design project that went off the rails, why, and what he learned from it. -the daily challenge of finding balance. -racial inequality, systemic racism, and we have a real open conversation about it. I really enjoyed my conversation with Darold. It's always a bit funny interviewing other podcasters. Its really easy to fall into "host" mode but Darold did amazing and spoke right from the heart with his experiences. @dpcreates

Todays guest is Michael Fugoso, better known as Fugstrator on Instagram. He is a designer, illustrator, and awesome dude. He also loves green juice. During this episode we talk about: -how his early creative ventures were motived by Dragon Ball Z and Ninja Turtles.-how he started in real estate design before really figuring out what he enjoyed doing. -some of his "secret" work for NASA.-some creatives that are really influential to him. @dkng @musketon @owendaveydraws -the struggles he faced and lessons he learned when he went freelance to quickly. -the Nike project that he won, delivered, but was never used. -design styles, what, why, how, really?-recent work he has done for a space company that he is really proud of. I love Michaels energy. He is such an exciting guy to talk to and I know you will enjoy this conversation. Lets get at it! @fugstrator

Today's guest is Caleb Kozlowski. He is the Creative Director at Hybrid Design in San Francisco CA. They are the creative team behind the Mohawk Maker Quarterly. Caleb has a great way of looking at print differently. He shares his perspective on print as an object instead of just something that is printed. It's something that has texture and interactive components to it. He also gives us a behind the scenes of the incredible Mohawk Maker Quarterly's. What it takes to create them, how they start and view a project, the design, and the production of them. Caleb also shares a few of his favourite issues with us and a couple details on what it took to pull them off. We also talk about print project planning and how you should be building any unique papers or specialty finishing into the planning and idea of the project. Building around them to make the most of them rather than adding them as an afterthought. The Mohawk Maker Quarterly is publication that is put out by Mohawk Paper. They are manufacturers of incredible print papers including their most recent release, Mohawk Renewal featuring wheat fibre and hemp fibre papers. Find out more about Mohawk Papers here: MOHAWK PAPERSDo you want to start doing print design? Check out the links below. Print Design Academy - Where we teach designers to be experts in print. Print Design Academy YouTube - More print talk and education. The Quickie Podcast - Interviews with Graphic Designers.

Today's guest is Tad Carpenter. He is a Designer and Illustrator at Carpenter Collective out of Kansas City MO. During this episode we talk about:-his early days growing up in a very creative family. -struggles with going out on his own. -the first call he received after he went on his own and his first client. -the design graveyard.-the challenges and triumphs on the Boulevard Brewing Museum project he was a part of and why he is really proud of it. There literally is so much more in this episode. I loved chatting with Tad, so much so that we had a 40 minute amazing conversation before the official "interview" even started! Go check out his stuff! @carpentercollective @tadcarpenter

Today's guest is Andrew Lennon. He is a graphic designer and works under the name Saint Lennon out of Lynchburg VI.During this episode we talk about:-his childhood split between the Phillipeans and the USA.-how he was a missionary kid.-his love for art and how he wanted to be an artist.-his change to having a goal working toward being a physical therapist but quickly found out that he hated it. -the moment that changed his life and career direction. -how anime was influential to his design journey. -the challenges of finding the balance between the clients vision but your design aesthetics as well. -the album cover project that just didn't come together. Really enjoyed talking with Andrew and especially about how childhood influences and environment you are brought up in can effect your design style or aesthetic. @saint.lennon

Today's guest is Francisco Reyes Jr. aka Never Made out of Los Angeles CA. Buckle up cause this episode is a gem. A long-ie, a quickie-ish if you will, but a gem...During this episode we talk about:-how Microsoft Paint was the gateway.-being born in Compton and avoiding gang culture. -the CD cover that he saw and has just stuck with him.-the designers and artists that he looks up to and why. @malikafavre @brokenfingaz @land-the struggle to find a job after graduating and what that taught him. -his first meeting with Shepard Fairey. @obeygiant-the two projects he has been a part of that he is the most proud of. A collab with Shepard Fairey and his first mural. -his Dilophosauraus drawings. Say that 10 times fast...I really enjoyed this chat with Francisco, hence the long ass episode. Tonnes of fun, genuine and very talented guy. @nevermade.

Today's guest is Debbie Millman. She is a designer and host of the DesignMatters podcast. You honestly don't need this introduction. It's Debbie Millman. I'll be honest, when you are interviewing a guest who is so great at interviewing other people, it gets the nerves going!During this episode we talk about:-how she did not grow up in a creative family or environment. -how she originally went to school for English and Literature. -the teacher(s) that gave her the confidence to explore her creativity. -the annual report cover that was really influential to her. -her decade of failure and the moment it all started to turn around. -the Star Wars project she was a part of that didn't go as planned despite the pre-meeting high five in the parking lot. Debbie is such a genuine person and doesn't hesitate to open up and share some of her story and creative journey with us. @debbiemillman

Today's guest is Jeff Denomme. He is a designer, illustrator, and founder of Haunted Zoo out of Windsor ON. A good ol' Canadian boy. During this episode we talk about:-growing up in a blue-collar family. -how his first plan was just to skateboard and get a job at Chrysler. -his decision to go to school to pursue his HVAC ticket, what happened three days in, and what his parents thought. -becoming an artist before doing any art. -a bunch of incredible designers and artists who have inspired him. @theartistshag @heypaulfrank @tristaneaton @andyhowell43 @denialart-the challenge with keeping your pricing and winning work early in your career.-the Vans warped tour opportunity that almost didn't happen and what it meant for his career.-the COVID-19 front line worker support project he is doing now and why he is so proud of it. Jeff and I actually had nearly a 15minute conversation before the interview got started just talking about his time in Vancouver and his move back to his hometown of Windsor ON. I know you will like this one! @thehauntedzoo

Today's guest is Adam Wiedman. He is the owner and designer at WDco out of Moorhead MI. During this episode we talk about:-dogs.-Super Mario Paint.-how he would recreate old vintage logos when he was younger.-the fluke membership he landed that showed him he was a designer.-some inspiration designers to him. @frieddesignco @draplin @the_high_road_design @finlettercreative @punchgut-why print is still very relevant.-why finding the right career direction was the most challenging time in his career. -how he was sideswiped a bit on a project that didn't start as design by committee but ended up that way. -the project where he hoped with the creative for a defunct opera house revitalization project in his hometown and why he is so proud of that work. That and so much more. This was a fun conversation and I had a great time chatting with Adam. Enjoy! @_wdco_

Today's guest is Jim Bull. He is the CCO and CoFounder at Moving Brands out of San Francisco CA. During this episode we talk about:-his early days growing up on the Isle of White. Yeah, feel free to google it. -the beginnings of Moving Brands and expanding the company to 4 different locations. San Francisco, New York, London, and Zurich.-the economic downturn they experienced in the early days of Moving Brands and how they got through it. -a funny story about working with Jamie Oliver. @Jamieoliver-the Nokia project that they won, how they won it, and why it is so special to him. -working on the Netflix word mark. I really enjoyed chatting with Jim and I know you will love this conversation. He has lots to share and his humour makes it fun. @movingbrands @jamesmbull