The Quickie - Conversations with Designers

Latest Episodes:

Episode 235 - Jorel Dray - Instructor of Graphic Design - CD at Levee Labs - Madison WI. Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Jorel Dray. He is an Instructor of Graphic Design at Madison College, Creative Director at Levee Labs, and recent TEDx Speaker out of Madison WI.
During this episode we talk about:
-the phrase his mom would say to him to inspire creativity.
-the class that really lit his fire for graphic design.
-his time at one place of work and why is was the most challenging time in his career.
-the real life FOMO of making a career move.
-a project that he took on that ended with him getting ghosted.
-the cola project he was a part of and why he is so proud of it.
I really enjoyed this chat with Jorel and I know you will too. Lots of gems in this story telling.
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Do 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.

Episode 234 - Stephen Doulas - Graphic Designer - Chicago IL - @stephendoulas. Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Stephen Doulas. He is a graphic designer based out of Chicago IL.
If I had to pick a theme for this episode it would be "hard work and just keep going".
During this episode we talk about:
-how he came from an artistic creative family and his first day of freshman year.
-how learning about Aaron Draplin @draplin and Jessica Walsh @andwalsh, and both of their work has been influential and inspiring to him.
-his struggle with standing out and finding that first gig.
-the "competition" design project he participated in and how it didn't go well.
-a logo book opportunity that found him and why he is so proud of it.
-his answer to the ask-it-forward question of "if you could thank someone for helping you out or encouraging you in your career that you haven't had the opportunity to thank, who would that be". Great question. Great answer.
Really enjoyed chatting with Stephen about his journey in the creative field and how he kept moving forward. That's what it is folks, keep going.
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Do you want to start doing print design? Check out the links below.
Print Design Academy - Where we teach designers to be experts in print.
The Quickie Podcast - Interviews with Graphic Designers.

Episode 233 - Trench Brady - Experiential Designer - New York. Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Trench Brady. He is a Production and Experiential Designer working with Tallen Technologies in New York. He has worked on projects for Disney, Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, Macys, Yahoo!, TED Talks and more.
During this episode we talk about:
-how he did not have a very creative childhood and originally was pursuing a more academic, chemistry direction.
-the theatre show and magazine that really introduced him to design and lit his creative fire.
-the Hasbro booth that he has been a part of creating for years.
-a story where he received a bazaar threat from someone he was working for and how it turned the job on its head for over 7 months.
-two projects he was a part of that he is really proud of and why.
-the Disney project he was a part of that had a smaller than expected budget and the creative thinking he used to pull it off.
This episode is packed and I had a great time chatting with Trench. Loads of stories in this one!
@trenchbrady

2020 Graphic Designers Christmas Gift Guide - Ho Ho Helvetica! Nov 25, 2020

Show notes

This is the Graphic Designer Christmas Gift Guide for 2020 by Dave at The Quickie Podcast! I spoke with designer friends, put down a few things I had my eyes on, and had a blast putting this list together.
G.A.R.M Company - A wicked platform full of awesome digital resources and tools for you. Check it out here to have 20% off applied. http://garmcompany.com/quickie
Field Notes Books + Press Sheets - Yah...I said, Press Sheets! https://fieldnotesbrand.com/
Bellroy Wallets - Backpacks, Wallets, Pouches. Great build quality, great materials. I have my eye on the Hide + Seek Wallet in Caramel. https://bellroy.com/
Prints + Merch
Never Made - Amazing Screen Prints in his unique style. Great dude, great work. Get it HERE!
Lincoln Design Co. - Their work is incredible and their merch is top-notch. Especially that Logo Mayhem poster. Right HERE.
HellCats USA - Clark and Britt are very talented and awesome people. Their products are great and include candles, fresh prints hot out the oven, apparel, and more. Right HERE.
Jason the 29th - A gem of a human, who is very talented and tells great stories. Check him out in Episode 074 of the Quickie, and check out his prints and merch, including Crunk Friday here. Right HERE.
Books
LogoLounge Books - Thousands and Thousands of logo inspiration. Newest book 12 is out on December 4th. Find it HERE.
Freelance and Business and Stuff - Over 9000 copies sold. Every week I hear great things about this book. The talented Hoodzpah crew puts their experience and amazing personality into this one to help you get started with your design business. Get after it HERE.
Never Split the Difference - The art of negotiation taught through stories of real hostage negotiations from a former CIA negotiator. Great life skill to have. Google it...
Subscription Boxes
Snack Nation - Hard to find snacks for you or the office. Boxes from 8 items to 150 items. Yum. Right HERE
Candy Club - I am a sucker for Candy. Sweet, sour, all good. Six jars of unique candy. Right HERE.
Carnivore Club - They contact the world's best Meat Craftspeople and being it to your door. Right HERE.
Cloth and Paper - Stationery and Pen subscriptions. Love good stationery. Stationary HERE.
NIX Mini 2 Color Sensor - An awesome color sensor tool. HERE
FlexiSpot Standing Desk Convertor - Sit, or stand without having to buy a whole new desk. https://www.flexispot.com/standing-desk-converters
Noise Cancelling Headphones - I'm an Apple and Beats Fan.
BEATS FLEX
BEATS STUDIO3
Bluetooth Speaker - Office Sound - Marshall Acton II
Ipad with Apple Pencil - Doesn't need more th

Episode 232 - Melissa Halka - Creative Manager / Designer - American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Melissa Halka. She is the Creative Manager and Designer at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers out of New York!
During this episode we talk about:
-how she grew up in Queens and has been in the game for over 20 years.
-how street art and graffiti were early inspirations to her.
-the Print Magazine cover that was really influential to her and why.
-how to handle criticism when the client just rips up your work in front of you.
-the New York sustainability project she was a part of after Hurricane Sandy and why she is so proud of it.
Had a great to time chatting with Melissa and hearing about her experience and journey in the design game.

Episode 231 - Jeffrey Everett - Designer + Illustrator - RocketsAreRed. Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Jeffrey Everett. He is a designer with the NIH and has been running his freelance studio Rockets are Red for over 17 years. @rocketsarered
During this episode we talk about:
-working at the NIH creating work for COVID-19 and Dr. Fauci.
-his illustration of Dr. Fauci and how it landed on the cover of GDUSA Magazine.
-how he comes from the town where Mary had a little lamb was written.
-how album artwork, record covers, and comic book covers were all influential to him in his journey.
-a couple great stories behind some of his Instagram posts.
-the struggle with failing in public and his experience of it.
-his work for Gaslight Anthem and why he is so proud of it.
I really enjoyed this conversation with Jeff and hearing more about his work with the NIH and how RocketsAreRed is a pretty big contrast from the day job.
If you are digging what you are hearing here on The Quickie - head over to Apple Podcast and Spotify and leave a rating and a review! They make me smile!

Episode 230 - Will Hardaway - Willgo.io - Designer and Educator. Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Will Hardaway from Willgo.io. He is a Service Designer and Educator. @willgo.io
During this episode we talk about:
-antiracism and design thinking
-action figures as childhood creative storytelling.
-his move to community college from a tough neighborhood and why it was so eye-opening.
-fashion brands and community building.
-why right now is the most challenging time he has experienced in his career.
-why starting a business is the decision and project that he is the most proud of.
I had a great time chatting with Will and there is some ask-it-forward magic in this episode. An awesome one answered, and another one asked.
***Open only for a limited time right now is The Color Bar Challenge. This is a design and creative thinking challenge for graphic designers. 5 days - prizes. Check it out at https://www.printdesignacademy.com/

A challenge for Graphic Designers + Creatives Oct 18, 2020

Show notes

The Color Bar Challenge is open for registration at PrintDesignAcademy.com
This is a free design and creative thinking challenge for Graphic Designers and Creatives. We provide you with the creative brief, the assets, and some jumping off copy, and the rest is up to you. We have prizes from Mohawk Paper, Pantone, and Field Notes. So get in there!
Have you ever wanted to design something in the craft beer, craft spirits, or bar/brewery area? Then this is a great opportunity for you.
Sign up for the free challenge here: PrintDesignAcademy.com

Episode 229 - Michael Penda - Freelance Designer - Penda Design @peanutfreepanda. Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

This weeks guest is Michael Penda. He is a freelance graphic designer working under Penda Design. You may know him as @peanutfreepanda on IG.
During this episode we talk about:
-his recent move to full time freelance and what the hustle was like building it while learning more and working fulltime.
-his route to graphic design and how it took a turn down marketing and advertising drive.
-some creatives who are inspirational to him @ollymoss @gardnerdesignusa @doubleacreative
-the situations where he accepted projects and let the creative brief slide, and what he learned from doing that.
-the project he was a part of for a band, how it came about, and why he is so proud of it.
That and so much more! I had a great chat with Michael and the guy had a fantastic ask it forward question!
Also in this episode I talk about the free virtual conference, Citruspace, coming up on October 17th. Featuring Hank Washington @iam_hank, Will Paterson, and Purple Rock Scissors. Get your free ticket HERE!!

Episode 228 - Anthony Petrie - ZombieBacons - Freelance Designer + Artist. Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

This week's guest is Anthony Petrie also known as @zombiebacons. He is a very talented freelance designer and artist out of Los Angeles CA.
During this episode we talk about:
-design work on toasters + garbage cans.
-dunkaroos and other nostalgic awesomeness.
-collecting Koolaid + Marlboro points.
-a couple of posts on his Instagram and the stories behind them.
-why this COVID period of time right now is the most challenging time he has experienced in his career so far.
-his time working in house at Nickelodeon while growing his freelance business.
-a special project that he gets to be a part of nearly every year and why it is one he is proud of.
After having so many past guests tell me about this gents awesome work, I was glad to finally be able to get him on the show! You'll dig it. @zombiebacons