The Boston Mayor’s Office was having a problem: Not enough residents were reporting their own problems into the city. Sure, the 311 phone line had its old school devotees. But Boston decided they could reach a whole new population by creating a brand new 311 mobile app. The only issue? Turning a human-operated phone line into a mobile app isn’t easy. Designers at the mayor’s office looked around at another city’s 311 app—and made their own share of mistakes—to figure out how to get it done.

Good Design is Good Civics

From social media influencers to small local businesses, people everywhere are harnessing the power of creative tools to design not just brands and content, but also deeply satisfying careers. In the Making explores the practical challenges and surprising rewards of working in this new creator economy. Join Adobe’s Teresa Au for conversations with content creators, solopreneurs, and industry experts who offer inspiration and insight for combining creativity, community, and business.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Teresa Au chats with author, speaker, and entrepreneur Michael Ventura about what empathy really is and how it can help your design work and your business. Michael describes applied empathy–the idea that empathy isn’t just putting yourself in someone else’s shoes–it’s about better understanding what it’s like to be someone else in their own shoes. They also discuss how car designers rely on somatic empathy, strategies for time-strapped solopreneurs, and an easy way to shake up your video meetings.

Empathy at Work with Michael Ventura

In the Making kicks off season two with Teresa Au interviewing Vanessa Rivera  of The Life of AIVAX about her whimsical Photoshop art and how she balances a time-consuming creative career with a family as a working mom. Vanessa talks about creative tools that save her time in her work, how she and her family left their home to travel in Europe for two years, how to set limits on her work life, and how to find joy and connection in a lonely world as a creative.

Making Magic Happen with Vanessa Rivera

Season 2 is almost here! In the Making explores the challenges and rewards of working in the creator economy. Subscribe now to join host Teresa Au as she talks to creatives, soloprenuers, and experts to find out how they thrive at work–and how you can, too!

In the Making Returns April 17!

Teresa Au chats with Emmy-winning design superstar Chris Do about his pivot from design to teaching, his education platform The Futur, and all the things he didn’t learn in design school. You’ll hear all about how Chris’ 2M+ social followers inspire his content, and Chris answers questions from design students. Plus, Chris opens up about why now is the time for him to share his personal story as a refugee, what really fuels his work, and how he recharges.

Impatience is a Virtue with Chris Do

Inspiration is on tap as Teresa Au speaks to graphic designer, entrepreneur, and author Aaron Draplin. Known as much for his warm and direct personality as for his signature thick lines design style and ample use of Pantone Orange 21, Aaron is a hero to designers everywhere. Aaron shares lessons gleaned from his midwestern upbringing, nearly 20 years in business on his own, and creating his Field Notes and DDC branded merchandise.

Good Design is Good Civics

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