Students of Design

Russell Toynes – Personal Identities, False Confidence, and “Pulling Taffy" – Ep3


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Russell is the Owner and Creative Director at Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. He's also a Design Educator and teaches Portfolio Development at Austin Community College. Russell is a longtime friend—we went to school together, worked together at Dell, and were roommates for a while. Check out work samples at SudioDzo.com and follow Studio Dzo on Instagram.

Questions for this interview.

  • (Listener Question) What makes a strong portfolio? What specific things do you look for?
  • What can you remember and tell us about your first portfolio?
  • Do you consider yourself a confident person? 
  • (Listener Question) What advice do you have for graphic designers who struggle with self-doubt and imposter-like feelings?
  • What were some of the considerations you made before leaving Dell? What emotions did you experience after making that decision?
  • What has Studio Dzo taught you that you didn't know before?
  • Can you explain the meaning behind the phrase "pulling taffy"?
  • What's the story behind the thought, "Get your mind right, get your grind right"?
  • What kind of value did you get from going to AIGA events?
  • What can students do before they take a portfolio class to help them be more prepared?
  • Do you have any words of encouragement for people of color in the design industry?
  • Where should designers go within themselves to find inspiration for their visual identity?

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The music you hear on the podcast is Accident by Timothy Infinite and PUSH !T by Nbhd Nick.

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Students of DesignBy Joseph Israel Raul Bullard