Our guest is ⁠Suzie Shin⁠, a designer, educator, and artist who moved to Chicago after studying at RISD, drawn by the city's community of small design studios and creative collaboration.

In this episode, Suzie speaks with host ⁠Christian Solorzano⁠ about her journey from aspiring illustrator to discovering her voice through collage and color. She shares insights about her analog-to-digital design process, where handmade work becomes the foundation for larger-scale projects, and how she creates parameters that allow for intuitive flow.

Suzie discusses her experience as a new typography instructor at DePaul University and how persistence led to her internship at the renowned Chicago studio, Thirst. She opens up about her current collaboration with Rick Valicenti on an Alexander Girard exhibition in Columbus, Indiana, and how Girard's approach to color and joy influences her own pursuit of work.

The conversation explores Suzie's creative philosophy—using collage as a thinking tool rather than an end goal—and her current transition away from traditional graphic design toward fine art and textiles. She reflects on finding balance between making and documenting, the challenges of graphic design's increasing association with marketing, and what grounds her outside the studio: reading, cooking, and learning to quilt.

Our guest is Betsy Schuster, a type designer and founder of Queer Type, an independent type design studio based in the Detroit area. Originally from suburban Michigan, Betsy discovered his calling in typography after studying graphic design and darkroom photography.

In this episode, Betsy speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his evolution from graphic designer to specialized type designer, exploring how his background in visual storytelling and photography shaped his approach to letterforms. He shares insights about his creative process, from late-night design sessions surrounded by sketches to finding inspiration in everything from handwriting to songwriters like PJ Harvey.

Betsy discusses his recent typeface "Antiphony," released through Future Fonts, and his philosophy of pushing typographic boundaries while maintaining legibility. The conversation explores his expansion beyond fonts into jewelry design and textile work using his grandmother's fabrics, reflecting on how personal history and values inform creative practice.

He opens up about the challenges of having diverse creative interests—from wanting to work with indigenous scripts to exploring fashion and ceramics—while building a focused type design practice.

The episode touches on themes of creative identity, finding your calling, and the intersection of personal values with professional practice in the design world.

Video available on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠.

Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.

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Today's episode is a conversation between Rick Valicenti and Christian Solorzano about the production of the Chicago Graphic Design Club's second issue of their publication, Faculty.

In this episode, they share stories about their collaboration and memorable highlights that center around craft and designing a publication that pushes boundaries and reflects today's graphic landscape across Chicago.

Video available on ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠.

Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.

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Our guest is ⁠⁠Cristobal⁠⁠ Mora, co-founder of ⁠⁠Bueno Days⁠⁠, the community-centered coffee shop and creative space in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. As a photographer, graphic designer, and community builder, Cristobal represents a new generation of Mexican-American creatives shaping Chicago's cultural landscape.

In this episode, Cristobal speaks with host ⁠⁠Christian Solorzano⁠⁠ about his unconventional path from photography to graphic design through side projects rather than formal art education. He explores the complexities of Mexican-American identity and how cultural duality informs both his personal practice and community work.

Cristobal discusses his evolution from documenting Chicago's South Side music scene to creating ⁠⁠Bueno Days⁠⁠ as a third space that celebrates authenticity without cultural tropes. He shares insights about building meaningful connections through design, the importance of giving yourself permission to pursue your vision, and his philosophy that everyone is a photographer with a unique perspective worth sharing.

The conversation explores his approach to mentorship, the intersection of survival and creativity as an independent business owner, and his belief that graphic design is everywhere—making it a craft worthy of lifelong dedication. Cristobal offers candid advice for young designers navigating an uncertain industry and discusses his vision for creating community spaces where people can exist authentically.

Music by the band ⁠Eighties Slang⁠.

Video available on YouTube and Spotify.

Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.

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Our guest is Aliona Solomadina, an independent graphic designer, artist, and researcher originally based in Kyiv who has been living in Chicago since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Aliona was featured in our inaugural Faculty publication through her work City of Forms.

In this episode, Aliona speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her unique perspective as an outsider interpreting Chicago, exploring architecture and design through a curious lens.

Aliona discusses her evolution from childhood interests to becoming a specialist in book design, visual identities, and design curation, working with institutions. As co-author of "Znak. Ukrainian Trademarks of the 1960s–80s," she brings deep research experience to her practice.

The conversation explores her visual identity work for "Constructing Hope Ukraine" at the Chicago Architecture Center and her philosophy that graphic design has become a powerful tool for diplomacy. Aliona shares her impressions of American design culture, offers advice for purpose-driven creative work, and discusses how she maintains hope and vitality when addressing difficult subject matter.

Music by the band Eighties Slang.

Our guest is ⁠Barry Deck⁠, graphic designer and typographer known for creating Template Gothic and serving as the final art director of Ray Gun Magazine.

In this episode, Barry speaks with host ⁠Christian Solorzano⁠ about his unexpected journey from theater student to design icon, beginning with his discovery of graphic design while wandering the dorms at Northern Illinois University. He shares insights about his transformative years at CalArts under Ed Fella's mentorship and how vernacular inspiration led to the creation of Template Gothic—one of the most influential typefaces of the 1990s.

Barry discusses his role reshaping Ray Gun magazine's visual identity, his collaboration with Thirst Type, and the experimental typography movement that defined an era. He opens up about how meditation and yoga have profoundly shaped his creative practice, offering candid perspectives on confidence, imposter syndrome, and what he calls his "easy knowingness."

The conversation explores Barry's thoughts on AI as a creative tool, his experience teaching design students in suburban Florida, and why he believes designers need to venture beyond comfortable environments to develop their visual vocabulary. Barry also reflects on Chicago's influence on his work, his recent website redesign, and his philosophy that embracing all parts of yourself creates a more compelling creative package.

Music by the band ⁠Eighties Slang⁠.

Our guest is Jamie Gannon, an artist, designer, and photographer who has spent over 30 years in Chicago exploring the intersection of architecture, memory, and creative practice.

In this episode, Jamie speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his unique approach to documenting buildings through what he calls "defamiliarization" - taking familiar structures and making them unexpected again. He shares insights about his journey from Tennessee to Chicago, his evolution from commercial graphic design to fine art, and his meticulous process of photographing, deconstructing, and reconstructing architectural forms.

Jamie discusses his recent move to a new studio at MANA Contemporary, his "Sibling Revelry" exhibition in Nashville, and his Type Force installation. We explore how his background in printmaking influences his current work with surfaces and materials, his morning ritual of walking through Wicker Park, and why he chooses hands-on creation in an increasingly digital world.

The conversation delves into Jamie's philosophy of preserving architectural history, his approach to craft and detail, and how he balances commercial design work at Surprise Media with his artistic practice. Jamie reflects on the role of intuition versus strategy in creative work, the importance of surface in art-making, and his upcoming plans for art fairs throughout the Midwest.

Music by the band Eighties Slang.

Our guest is ⁠⁠Wendy Robles⁠⁠, a visual artist and designer who explores themes of connection, memory, and an invisible presence through her work. She maintains a dedicated creative practice between fine art and design in Chicago.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with host ⁠⁠Christian Solorzano⁠⁠ about her journey from fine arts to graphic design, exploring how her family's rich storytelling tradition has shaped her visual language and artistic vision. She shares insights into her creative process—how she navigates different mediums, from oil painting to digital work—and her perspective on publishing her work through her website rather than social media platforms.

She discusses the importance of following intuition in her creative practice, offering candid perspectives on overcoming creative blocks and finding renewal through exploring the intersection of art and science.

The conversation delves into Wendy's personal manifesto, which encompasses principles such as "feel everything," "preserve your peace," and "always return to love." Wendy shares how finding joy through embracing all aspects of herself, including her mischievous side, has influenced her creative explorations.

Music by Eighties Slang.

Our guest is Aggie Toppins, a designer and educator who explores the origins, impact, and evolution of visual communication. She is an Associate Professor and Chair of Design at Washington University in St. Louis.

In this episode, Aggie speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her journey from commercial design in Chicago to academia, exploring how her working-class upbringing in Ohio shaped her approach to design and education. She shares insights about her creative process—how she addresses the tensions between client work and personal expression, and her thoughtful perspective on teaching as a practice of freedom.

Aggie discusses her evolution as a designer, from her early years working with clients like the Chicago History Museum to developing her values-driven approach to design history and education. She talks about the importance of creating joyful, empowering classroom experiences, offering candid perspectives on challenging conventional wisdom and finding purpose amid today's complex landscape.

The conversation explores Aggie's research interests and her book "Thinking Through Graphic Design History," which examines how historical thinking can foster socially engaged, critical design practices. Her writing has appeared in prestigious design publications including Design and Culture, Design Issues, Slanted, Eye, and AIGA Eye on Design. Aggie shares how finding joy through connecting with students has influenced her creative explorations.

Our guest is ⁠⁠Andrew Dembitz⁠,⁠ a paper specialist, creative consultant, and founder of ⁠Resource Engine Group⁠, who has been championing the value of printed media in Chicago for over 30 years.

In this episode, Andrew speaks with host ⁠⁠Christian Solorzano⁠⁠ about his journey from the fashion industry to becoming a respected voice in Chicago's paper and printing community. He shares insights about the unique properties of paper that digital media cannot replicate—its tactile qualities, permanence, and emotional impact. Andrew discusses his experience organizing paper shows in Chicago, his role as a consultant helping designers make appropriate paper choices, and how he built his reputation as "Chicago's paper person."

The conversation explores Andrew's current ventures, including Resource Engine Group and his newly launched "Smart Threads" wardrobe consulting service. Andrew offers candid thoughts on the state of the paper industry today, expressing optimism while acknowledging the challenges of a changing marketplace. He also reveals his passions beyond paper—baseball, pop culture, antique toy collecting, and philanthropic work with organizations like Marwen and Bernie's Book Bank.

Music by the band ⁠Eighties Slang⁠.