Underscore

Mx. Studio was founded by designers Jonathan Sangster and KT Duffy. Together they focus on projects that involve branding, identity development, front-end web development, VR and AR environments, design, print, social media, concept development, video, and digital fabrication. In this episode, Sangster and KT speak with host Christian Solorzano and discuss their approach to design, breaking conventions, sharing their solutions to building an equitable industry that champions diversity of thought, and more. Episode edited by Irina Goldman. Music by the band Eighties Slang.

Patric King is a graphic designer and typographer based in Chicago. In this episode, King speaks with host, Christian Solorzano and discusses coming to Chicago in the mid-1990s to work alongside Rick Valicenti at the design studio Thirst and the work that he did while there. King also shares how he founded House of Pretty, his design studio, and speaks about some of the early influences that shaped his career.

King is also the designer and typographer responsible for Big Shoulders, the official typeface for the City of Chicago, released in 2020.

In this episode, host, Christian Solorzano, speaks with Nick Haas, a Chicago-based designer, creative director, and artist. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Nick has been calling Chicago his home for over 20 years. In 2002 he graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Graphic Design.

Today, his roles are Director of Design in the Products and Technology group at PwC — which is a large consulting firm, and Founder of Haastyle — his creative outlet where he produces artwork and photography for public companies and private collectors.

His work has been recognized by GD USA, Communicator Awards, W3 Awards, the Chicago Suntimes, and the Chicago Tribune, amongst others.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of the design discipline, ways to balance professional and personal creative practices, places in the city from which he draws inspiration, and general life advice.

In this episode, host, Christian Solorzano, speaks with Chicago-based designer, Brooke Kravitz, about a wide range of topics, from emotions, vulnerability, creativity, business, and more. She shares with us the story of how she was introduced to graphic design, how being a Girl Scout shaped her perspective of the world and her perspective on design.

A conversation with John Hatherly, a multidisciplinary designer and founder of the design studio Sondwerk. In this episode, Underscore's host, Christian Solorzano, speaks with John about curiosity, purpose-led work, and what it means to never lose the wonder in life. 

A conversation with Christian Solorzano, Founder of the Chicago Graphic Design Club. In this episode, the host, Patrick Smith asks Christian about the inception of CGDC and the ways in which he's fostering and building a design community in Chicago. 

Theme music by the band, Eighties Slang.