Within 5 years from graduating at RISD in the Graphic Design program, Jessica Walsh has her feet firmly planted at one of the most influential design studios today, partnered with one of the most influential designers—Stefan Sagmeister. On this show, Jessica talks about the process involved in her work and I ask her opinion on graphic design today. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Peter Buchanan-Smith is a graduate of SVA's Master of Design program. He has also done graphic design work for Wilco, Isaac Mizrahi and Philip Glass. Today however, his focus is on Best Made Company, which was started with the intention to tell a story. His first product was the axe, a powerful tool that he thought was in need to be improved. Now Best Made Co. has gone beyond the axe and on this show Peter talks about his experience of transitioning from a graphic designer to an entrepreneur among other things. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Julia Hoffman is the creative director for The Department of Advertising and Graphic Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In other words, she leads an in-house design team that designs exhibits in the museum for you to interact with. On this show, I talk to her about what an in-house design studio is and how it's different, how identity systems come to be, and the transformation of communication for us as designers. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Deborah Adler focuses on seeking design opportunities in industries that need help most. She is highly influential in the medical field partly due to her thesis project she developed in school, which is now known as the ClearRX system. Deborah shares her thought process on projects and why entering the 'gemba' is something everyone, including designers, should be doing. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Steven Heller and Lita Talarico have been at the forefront of design education for quite some time. They are the chairs of successful Masters programs in design and have really pushed the MFA status quo. I ask them why it's so important to have education as a designer, and as they relay a multitude of important specifics I realize this show is not to be missed. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Arem Duplessis is a name you should be familiar with. He has been the creative mind behind some of the most prolific magazines. With his feet planted firmly at the New York Times Magazine, to say the least, he oversees how an urgent issue should feel and tug on the heartstrings of its readers. On Listen Close, he divulges a topic I have yet to tackle in the world of design and graphic design. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Allan Chochinov is highly influential in the world of product design. He's the editor in Chief at Core77 and recently the Chair of the MFA Products of Design program at the School of Visual Arts. On this show, Allan talks about his program and what made him decide to go through with it. We also talk about products, we as consumers, and what's changing in the world today. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

James Victore isn't just a graphic designer, he isn't just an author, he's not only a teacher and a mentor, and most certainly he isn't just a badass. He's all of that combined. He has carved out a place for himself in graphic design history and truly set himself apart from the rest of the crowd. He might be opinionated and provocative, but if you listen to what he says carefully it all makes sense. Hear what he has to say about him evolving as a person and why he no longer considers himself as just a graphic designer. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Jennifer Kinon and Bobby Martin run OCD Agency, a modest branding and design agency in New York City. The projects they take on often seem like they would exceed the resources of the small studio. Nevertheless, their innovation, creativity, and passion for design allow them to champion such tasks, and have put them behind some of the largest branding initiatives in the nation. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Nicole Jacek has made her mark in the design world by achieving the goals she set when she got "dragged" into it. She has worked with some of the most prolific designers today and has recently left her post at karlssonwilker, where she had been creative director for 4 years. Moving to L.A to open her own studio is her next step. She talks about her exciting future and what led up to it on the show. http://www.listencloseshow.com/