Works In Process

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 34

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In this episode of Works In Process, host George Garrastegui Jr. announces the podcast's evolution toward a thematic season focused on bridging the gap between academic education and the creative industry.

Recorded live at the One Club for Creativity's Educators Summit, the episode features a discussion with a panel of experts, including researcher and strategist Or Szyflingier, senior design manager Sabrina Hall, and creative director José López-Sánchez.

They explore the importance of 'durable skills,' such as communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy, that emerging creatives need to thrive in the professional world. The panel also shares insights on effective teaching methodologies, inclusive curricula, dealing with failure, and the significance of show-and-tell activities to develop these essential skills. The episode aims to equip educators and emerging creatives with the knowledge and tools required for a successful transition from academia to industry.

Enjoy!

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Key Takeaways:

• Durable Skills Focus: The podcast shifts to emphasize durable skills essential for industry success, such as communication, self-advocacy, and teamwork, over traditional technical skills.
• Inclusive Education: Encourage incorporating diverse voices and perspectives within educational curricula to prepare students for a globalized and inclusive professional environment.
• Real-World Simulations: Implement methodologies that recreate workplace dynamics in educational settings to better prepare students for their future careers.
• Reframing of Failure: Students should learn that setbacks are part of the learning process and provide valuable insights, rather than viewing them as definitive failures.
• Collaborative Learning: Promote peer interactions and discussions to understand diverse perspectives and enhance collaborative problem-solving skills.

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

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Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 33

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We are HERE! w/ Dr. Cheryl MillerI'm an overnight success that took 50 years. Don't get twisted with me. I'm an old lady, right? I'm in the lifetime achievement space. That means that I had to stick with it.

The dialogue shifts to the evolving landscape of the design industry, with Miller noting how the recent changes brought about by the pandemic have opened doors for new voices and perspectives. She discusses the importance of mentorship and the passing of the torch, highlighting how younger designers are inspired by her work and the work of others who have paved the way. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining equity and inclusion in design, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings affecting diversity initiatives. Miller encourages listeners to not only engage in discussions about these issues but to actively seek solutions, advocating for a proactive approach to creating change within the industry and ensuring that the contributions of BIPOC designers are recognized and celebrated.

Takeaways:

• Cheryl Miller emphasizes the importance of perseverance, illustrating her 50-year journey to success.
• Finding your voice and gifts is a universal message from icons like Jay-Z and Oprah.
• Miller highlights the significance of documenting and preserving the legacy of BIPOC creators.
• The challenges faced by Black designers today mirror historic obstacles, necessitating continued advocacy and action.
• Miller believes that to truly effect change, we must move beyond discussions into actionable solutions.
• Legacy in design is about honoring past contributions while paving the way for future generations.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• AIGA
• Procter and Gamble
• Howard University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Stanford University
• Yale University
• Amsterdam News
• Print Magazine
• CA Magazine
• Idea Magazine

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Follow Dr. Cheryl Miller via: LinkedIn / Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

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Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 32

I Was There w/ Dr. Cheryl D. Miller - Part 1

Cheryl Miller's groundbreaking book, "Here: Where the Black Designers Are," is a pivotal documentation of Black designers and their contributions to the field, addressing the historical disenfranchisement faced by many within the community. Throughout the episode, Miller shares her journey, highlighting the challenges she witnessed with the lack of guidance for aspiring Black designers. She emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship, recounting her experiences in a predominantly white industry and the necessity of creating spaces for underrepresented voices. Miller's passion for design justice and advocacy echoes throughout the conversation as she discusses her commitment to ensuring that Black designers' stories are preserved and celebrated. As she reflects on her own career, and inspires listeners to recognize their own narratives and the power of their contributions to the design landscape.

Stay tuned for part 2

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Takeaways:

• Cheryl Miller emphasizes the importance of education for aspiring Black graphic designers.
• She reflects on the historical disenfranchisement experienced by Black designers in America.
• Miller's journey illustrates the critical need for diversity in the design industry.
• The podcast discusses how mentorship can transform the careers of young designers.
• Cheryl shares her personal experiences that shaped her advocacy for design justice.
• She highlights the significance of preserving the stories of Black designers for future generations.

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

• MICA
• Howard University
• University of Texas
• Art Center College of Design
• University of Connecticut
• AIGA
• Cooper Hewitt
• IBM
• BET
• Marriott
• M&M
• American University
• Georgetown University
• Corcoran School of the Arts
• Princeton Architectural Press

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.aiga.org
• www.mica.edu
• www.howard.edu
• www.pratt.edu
• www.emorydouglas.com
• www.cornelwest.com
• www.union-edu.com
• www.simonandschuster.com
• www.wiley.com
• www.chroniclebooks.com

Follow Dr. Cheryl Miller via: LinkedIn / Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 31

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That’s my guests, Lisa Mercer and Terresa Moses, co-author of the Racism Untaught Book! Lisa Mercer is an associate professor at the University of Illinois, focusing on anti-racism work, and Terresa Moses is an assistant professor of graphic design at the University of Minnesota and is dedicated to black and brown people's liberation.

Lisa Mercer and Terresa Moses discuss their book "Racism Untaught" and the evolution of their framework for dismantling racism. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging space, time, and culture in their work, and the need for collective liberation. The book provides a toolkit for disrupting normative design practices and addresses the challenges of discussing racism and oppression in various contexts. The authors encourage readers to use the book as a starting point and to add their own perspectives and experiences to the conversation. The goal is to create inclusive outcomes and measure the impact of their work.

We are so glad to collaborate with RU and produce this podcast.

Enjoy!

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Key Takeaways

• Racism Untaught provides a framework and toolkit for addressing racism in various contexts.
• Acknowledging space, time, and culture is crucial in dismantling racism.
• Discomfort and self-reflection are necessary for growth and change.
• Collective liberation involves amplifying underrepresented voices and breaking down oppressive structures.

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Follow Racism Untaught via:

Personal Website / Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 30

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That’s my guest, Max Masure. Max is a senior inclusive UX strategist and author who promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. They share their journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and finding their purpose in life. Max discusses their work with the All of Us Research Program, which aims to gather health data from underrepresented communities. Max also talks about their book, “You Don’t Suck,” and the importance of self-reflection and recognizing one’s accomplishments. In addition, Max highlights the need for organizations to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in order to meet the changing demographics and demands of the market. They also discuss the future of the DEI landscape and the importance of community-centered design.

Max’s upcoming talk at the What If Summit will focus on their process of redesigning the homepage of the All of Us Research Program to create a more inclusive and community-centered design.

We hope you enjoy it!

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Takeaways:

• Max Masure helps organizations embrace a justice-focused mission rooted in social change and anti-racism.
• Max believes in the importance of reparations and the elevation of underrepresented communities.
• Max hosts workshops on supporting trans and gender non-conforming individuals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and inclusive design.
• The future of the DEI landscape should be community-centered, with a focus on creating new companies that are based on core equity, diversity, and accessibility.

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Mentions

• You Don't Suck, book.
• All of Us Research Program
• George Aye of Greater Good Studio

Follow Max Masure via:

Max's Website / @madmaxmasure on Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 29

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Rewriting the system: "All artificial intelligence (AI) is doing is highlighting the imperfections of our past. The only way to make these systems better is that we have to have a multi-pronged strategy to improve these ills of society so that we can have the machines that we want rather than the machines that we deserve.”

—Mutale Nkonde , / AI Policy Analyst, CEO/Founder AI for the People

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That’s my guest Mutale Nkonde. Mutale is the founder of AI for the People, and we discuss the importance of addressing bias in AI algorithms and the need for diverse representation in AI development. She highlights the impact of biased algorithms on marginalized communities and emphasizes the role of policy advisors in shaping AI regulations. Mutale shares her experiences and calls for AI to be a tool that benefits everyone, rather than replacing human creativity. We also discuss the need for content creators to have control and ownership over AI technology.

Enjoy!

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Takeaways:

• Algorithms and AI systems can perpetuate bias and discrimination if not properly regulated.
• The lack of diversity in the tech industry contributes to biased algorithms and products.
• It is important to understand the power of storytelling and the impact of representation in the media.
• Policies and regulations are necessary to ensure accountability and prevent the exploitation of marginalized communities.

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Follow Mutale Nkonde via:

Mutale's Website / LinkedIn

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 28

I wanna get into how we can make our environments as accessible as our design process. We need more classes in schools so that younger and even newer designers can actually learn the basics from the start and it implemented into their design work.I want agency, design, and corporate design spaces to adapt a more accessible and good life balance, even just for their designers. And I feel like that's where we need to go to get better designs out there from the foundations.

— Jessica Oddi

disabled designer [my top defining title],

freelance graphic/web designer [more specific to what I do],

accessibility design [passion and consulting aspects of what I do]

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That’s my guest Jessica Oddi. Jessica is a designer with a passion for disabled spaces. She's been freelancing for over 10 years and has had the privilege of working with incredible groups across the globe. Jessica is in the dream phase of Access Design Collective, which hopes to learn from disabled creatives one interview at a time.

In this episode, Jessica discusses her espresso-fueled craft, her passion for disabled spaces, and her goal to empower communities.

Key Takeaways from our conversation:

• Identity-first Language
• How Yahoo reached out to Jessica for Global Accessibility Day
• The difference between Alt Text and Image Descriptions on the Web and social media.
• Ways to include accessibility from the start of projects.

I hope you learn as much as I did during this conversation. Enjoy!

Enjoy!

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Mentions

People Mentioned:

• Aubrie Lee - https://aubrielee.com/
• ‎Maurice Cherry - https://www.mauricecherry.com/
• Jennifer White Johnson - https://jenwhitejohnson.com/
• Liz Jackson - https://linktr.ee/eejackson
• Kae Tran - https://www.kaetran.com/
• ‎Higher Priestess - https://www.instagram.com/higher_priestess/
• ‎Djamal - https://www.instagram.com/design.by.dj/

Companies / Sites Mentioned:

Access Design Collective - http://accessdesign.co/

Access Design Collective [archive project I'm building in 2023 to accumulate disabled perspectives in design].

The Disabled Life - https://www.thedisabledlife.ca/

The Disabled Life [a funny space where my sister Lianna [lee-anna] and I document the perks and jerks of living the disabled life].

• WCAG= Web Content Accessibility Guidelines -  https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/wcag3-intro/
• The A11Y project - https://www.a11yproject.com/
• Disability & Philanthropy Forum - https://disabilityphilanthropy.org/
• Aroko Cooperative - https://www.aroko.coop/
• Where Are the Black Designers? - https://www.watbd.org/
• Color Blindness Simulator - https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/

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Follow Jessica Oddi via Jessica's Website / @oddi.jessica on Instagram

Full Transcript of Episode

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 27

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Train for the skill the industry needs:

 I think it's an education problem. There's a ton of diversity on the planet. I think there's a skills gap that these companies are looking for. This caliber of talent. The same thing (happens) with the NBA, the NFL, with any professional league or organization.If you're not grooming or training certain communities to be able to develop those skills, then you're not gonna see them at the end result— I think that's what it is. So I would say yes, there's a diversity problem in tech, but I think it's a bigger problem with lack of education and lack of skills training."

That’s my guest, Fonz Morris :

In this episode, host George Garrastegui Jr. chats with Fonz Morris, a self-taught creative, discuss being a Growth Design at Netflix and how they get customers to value the service and stop password sharing. Also, Fonz shares the value of UX research that focuses on how design is more than a visual medium and the industry needs to expand its definition.

I want to thank Fonz for taking the time out of his busy day in Cali to chat. It’s so interesting to hear how Netflix is a consumer-first business and the power that research plays in ensuring it can solve users' problems in ways that make people see value in their service.

Enjoy!

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Follow Fonz Morris via:

Fonz's Website / @youngfonz on X / @youngfonz on Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep (No episode number)

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In this xtra, my episode 26 guest Rich TU flips the script and interviews me. We talk about the concepts of failure and how it needs to be reframed by embracing the problem-solving nature of design.

Works in Process Xtras are unedited snippets segues inside conversations that were too good to leave on the cutting room floor. So I published them as mini-episodes. It's just another way to ensure you hear all the insights my guests have to offer.

Enjoy!

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Follow Rich Tu via: Personal Website / Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 26

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Doing quality work takes time:

Like I look at my portfolio now, I'm like, oh yeah, this is, it's really taken me a few years to get here. (as a designer,) you're building a different type of equation almost every single time. There are so many other opportunities to really experiment and play, but as long as you're building out an interesting system.

That’s my guest, Rich Tu :

In this episode of Works in Process, host George Garrastegui Jr. chats with Rich Tu to discuss his First-Gen podcast, Mini Copper collaboration, and the MTV Music Video Awards exhibition. Rich also hosts the Webby Honoree podcast First Generation Burden, which focuses on the intersectionality and diversity within the creative industry. He is also the co-founder of the Colorful Grant with the One Club, dedicated to creating opportunities for early-stage BIPOC creatives. Rich graduated from the SVA Illustration as Visual Essay program.

In our conversation, Rich talks about his ability to turn his experiences into new ones by connections, collaboration, and his creative network. Finally, he shares why he created the First-Gen podcast and why James Cameron is an inspiration…

It was great to have an in-person conversation at CUNY’s NYC College of Technology and vibe off each other energy. Enjoy!

Enjoy!

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Mentions

Follow Rich Tu via:

Rich's Website / @rich_tu on Instagram

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Credits

• Editor: RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier and Stephanie Erazo
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

————

Like what you just heard? Support the process and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

About the Works in Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and curator. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

---

Subscribe to Works in Process via:

Apple Podcast: http://wip.show/apple_podcast

Spotify: https://www.wip.show/spotify

Amazon: https://www.wip.show/amazon

Stitcher: https://www.wip.show/stitcher

YouTube: https://www.wip.show/youtube

Follow Works in Process:

Instagram / LinkedIn

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp