In this episode of Type Speaks, co-hosts Ray and Emiko sit down with Briar Levitt. We dive deep into the origins and purpose of the People's Graphic Design Archive, the importance of saving design history, especially the ordinary and underrepresented, and how inspiration often comes from the tactile, the analog, and the unexpected. Plus, we talk about thrift finds, Oz books, quilt magazines, and the quiet power of uploading one artifact at a time.

Briar Levit is a Professor of Graphic Design at Portland State University. Levit’s feature-length documentary, Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production, which follows design production from manual to digital methods, established an obsession with design history—particularly aspects not in the canon. She currently collaborates with Louise Sandhaus, Brockett Horne, and Morgan Searcy on The People’s Graphic Design Archive. She recently edited a book of essays for Princeton Architectural Press called Baseline Shift: Untold Stories of Women in Graphic Design History.

In this episode, we speak with Tré Seals a designer, typographer, and founder of Vocal Type. We talk about trade secrets in the type design community, the endangered skill of writing in cursive and knowledge sharing to build a better future. We also get an inside scoop on what is to come from Vocal Type!

Tré Seals is a designer, typographer, and founder of Vocal Type, a type foundry dedicated to increasing diversity in design through culturally and historically inspired typefaces. Rooted in storytelling, his work explores the intersection of typography, activism, and identity—creating type systems that preserve history while shaping the future. Beyond Vocal Type, his projects span brand identity, editorial design, and cultural research, with collaborations ranging from global brands to independent artists. Whether designing for political campaigns, museum exhibitions, or major publications, his work challenges convention, making space for underrepresented narratives in the visual landscape.

In this episode of Type Speaks, Rae and Emiko sit down with Morgan Searcy, an art director and creative lead with a background in graphic design, advertising, and progressive politics. From working on major political campaigns to navigating the fast-paced world of branding, Morgan shares insights on the role of design in shaping public perception and creating meaningful change. They discuss the intersection of politics and design, the challenges of freelancing, and the evolving nature of digital branding. Plus, a rapid-fire Q&A reveals Morgan’s favorite typefaces, treats, and travel destinations. 

Morgan Searcy is an art director and creative lead with a background in graphic design, advertising, and progressive politics. Her creative practice focuses on finding sustainable and practical solutions that center design. She has recently led creatives with Instrument and collaborated with Wieden+Kennedy. She is a Co-Director of The People's Graphic Design Archive, where she collaborates to promote equitable collection of histories. Morgan has also supported creative strategy and direction with NY State Democrats and political campaigns Warren for President and Jon Ossoff for Senate, and has served as Brand and Creative Director at Rock the Vote. In 2023, she launched The Politics Project, an initiative supporting research that uplifts Gen Z and bipoc voices in progressive politics.

In this episode, we speak with Aaron Gresham about his journey as a designer, creative director, and mentor. We explore his early influences growing up in a creative household, how southern vernacular design has shaped his work, and his experiences collaborating with major brands like Apple and Google, as well as artists like Vampire Weekend and Lady Gaga. Aaron shares insights on using synesthesia in his creative process, the importance of storytelling in design, and why embracing play leads to better work. We also discuss the challenges young designers face, the value of mentorship, and how to find success beyond awards.

Aaron Gresham is a creative director, designer, and mentor with over 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and design. He has worked with global brands such as Apple and Google, as well as local institutions in Alabama. His work in music design has led to collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga, Eric Clapton, and Saint Paul & The Broken Bones. With a passion for storytelling through design, Aaron continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of designers.

In this episode, we speak with Mario Bocanegra Martinez about the process of purposeful play leading to new ideas. We also learn what percentage of design is a happy accident, how he cultivates a creative space that nurtures experimentation, and why you should never lose your inner kid.

Mario Bocanegra is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University, where he teaches courses in interactive media, imagemaking, photo communications, and typography. He earned both his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Oklahoma State University. Mario works with intuitive processes—experimental imagemaking, assemblage video, typography, and motion design—to create poetic visual outcomes. 

In this episode, we speak with Devon Ward on various topics including codeswitching between disciplines, what Biodesign is and how it can be used, Globalization and design communication, using AI as a tool, and our controversial takes surrounding primates.

Devon Ward is a designer, artist, and educator who works across multiple creative disciplines including print design, interactive media, biodesign, and experimental art. He is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University where he teaches introduction to graphic design, advanced interactive media and biodesign. His research focuses on design as an expanding field that blends new materials, technologies, and theories to adapt to changing environments.

In this episode, we speak with Robert Finkel on various topics including the challenges and rewards of teaching, design ethics, why we like things and how to define good design, and design trends we secretly love.

Robert Finkel is a designer and educator at Auburn University. As an Associate Professor of Graphic Design he teaches courses in Typography, Graphic Design History, and Visual Identity. He is the co-author of the book The IBM Poster Program: Visual Memoranda published by Lund Humphries.

In this episode, hosts Rae and Emiko introduce the podcast and speak on the ideas behind the creation of the podcast and future directions.

Rae is a junior in the Graphic Design program at Auburn University, where they’re excited to dive into new design styles and explore emerging subgenres. As the station manager for WEGL 91.1 FM, Auburn’s student-run radio station, they merge their passion for design with a fascination for how ideas are shared, and how stories are told. Over the summer, they also work as a teaching assistant, helping nourish a growing creativity in young artists. With a keen interest in both visual and auditory storytelling, Rae embraces the ways design can shape perceptions and ignite conversations. 

Emiko is a senior majoring in Graphic Design at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. She enjoys representing her major as a College of Architecture Design and Construction Ambassador and as Lead Student Graphic Designer for Auburn Student Involvement. Outside of design she is part of many extracurriculars including the club For the Bees, and being captain of an Intramural Co-Rec Flag football team. She enjoys using creative processes and working with people in many different curriculums and fields and seeing design from outside perspectives.