This episode of The Variable we get raw and real as we cut through all the superfluous fluff and really talk about the meat and potatoes of design.

Topics that we cover include (but aren't limited to):

• How to do well in design competitions and how they can be used to kickstart your design career
• Strategies for identifying issues with your design.
• How to seek out mentorship and take criticism in a productive way. 
• How to be empathetic in your designs and work through difficult personal hardship.
• How to appropriately do side work without conflict of interest and use those projects to help further your career. 
• How we can make an impact and promote the value of women in design. 

About Lea Stewart

From her 20 years of experience, Lea can tell you that the common theme to winning design is to be empathic, focus on the consumer and apply a world class aesthetic. Beyond her core role in industrial design, she’s been a design educator, a blogger, a public speaker, a mom, and even a model maker. 

Her work has been printed in several publications, including Becoming a Product Designer and The Eco Design Handbook. Lea also has received several international design awards for her groundbreaking design work. 

She is a board member of Women in Industrial Design Chicago, and leads their blog content. Currently, she is a Senior Manager at Newell Brands, Baby Division, leading up a team of industrial designers to create car seats, strollers, bottles, and other products to bring sanity, safety, and joy to families.

Her work can be found at http://leastewart.com/ and on Instagram @leadesigns

Links to other content mentioned in the show:
www.russcluff.com
https://www.reelbrosmedia.com/

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