leaders x design

This episode we talked to Sarah Vezina hailing from CANADAAAA. She’s one half of the clothing brand Octopied Mind (@octopiedmind) – a mindful, vulnerable hand-drawn clothing company— and a badass entrepreneur. We discuss how the right business partner can bring out the best in you, growing up with an entrepreneurial mindset and how that manifests in adult life, and the importance of embodying diversity and inclusivity in businesses today.

This week we talk to Angelica Trimble-Yanu (@angelicayanu), an indigenous artist and creator hailing from San Francisco. We discuss the "in-between" space with multi-cultural folks and how to reclaim that space, the importance of paying homage and honoring where you come from in your life, and why listening to your body and paying attention to where you hold your energy is so vital. We also hear about the amazing process behind their work. We can't wait for you to hear about her work.

On this episode Allie and Krista chat a bit about the leaked opinion from the Supreme Court. This episode is a little heavy and talks about abortion, sexual assault, and a myriad of other things, so go in with some caution. Personally, we even had to take time to collect ourselves after talking about it.

In this episode, we talk to Sara McDougall— a designer and creative hailing from Philly. We discuss reclaiming the “jack of all trades” title, why perfectionism kills creativity, and why evolving in your work is absolutely vital. We also discuss the importance of representation in media, especially in today’s climate.

This week we talk to Maurene Cooper, a tintype photographer and the creative mind behind @VanityTinType in Philadelphia. We talk about the importance of boundaries in your work, how being neurodivergent can actually enhance your creativity, and how to find your passion in your work.

Krista and Allie start off by talking about how younger people in the workforce need to be more confident and assertive within their profession.. but then we get a little bit off track. Kinda. Maybe. Sure...

This week we talk to Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, an art director for Fender, and an incredible illustrator from Philadelphia. We discuss the importance of sharing your process, the intersection of art and design in our industry, and the power good design has in curating cultural change.

This week our guest hails from DC by way of the US Virgin Islands. J’Nay Penn is an Art Director by day and the curator behind pennsive.co (@pennsive.co) in her spare time. We discuss respectful tourism, the excitement of breaking the rules, and how being your authentic self inside and out is the most fulfilling way to live.

We're taking a break from interviews, and instead are highlighting ways you can help aid people impacted by war in Ukraine. We are not political or economic experts by any means, but as fellow humans our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people. Go to our social media accounts to find links and accounts on ways to help.

This week we talk to Toni McIntyre— a writer and social media expert hailing from Philadelphia. They also work for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, which we think is pretty freaking cool! We discuss the importance of social media as a global information resource, how basic human development is complex, valid, and vital, and how their journey from advertising to public service mirrored that development.