Revision Path

If you're fan of indie comics, then you've no doubt heard of C. Spike Trotman. The cartoonist and best-selling author is the founder of Iron Circus Comics, Chicago's largest comic book publisher. Aside from this, Spike is a master when it comes to crowdfunding. To date, she's raised over $750,000 between 13 successful Kickstarter campaigns, and there's no signs of stopping. As a matter of fact, her 14th campaign begins today! It's a fact: if there's anyone who is making comics a better and more approachable place, it's her! Spike talked about her first foray into comics and how taking a nontraditional route ended up with the creation of some of her first successful works and setting a new standard for comics publishing today. We also spent some time talking about college time in the AUC (hey, it is HBCU Month!) Spike is blazing a trail and changing the game for comic creators everywhere! C. Spike Trotman on Twitter C. Spike Trotman on Kickstarter Iron Circus Comics Iron Circus Comics on Facebook Iron Ci

We've had several folks from Slack here on Revision Path, and the latest one is digital designer Angelica McKinley! She has a wealth of experience in digital storytelling from working at The New York Times, and she's now making the switch from print to tech. We talked about her work at The New York Times, which went into a discussion on how Black creatives use tech as well as on the importance of HBCU pipelines. Angelica also shared what has her excited at the moment, and what she plans to accomplish for the rest of the year. 2017 has been a big year for Angelica, and I'm glad that she's one of hundreds of talented Black creatives out in the Bay Area! Angelica McKinley's Website Angelica McKinley on Twitter Angelica McKinley on LinkedIn Revision Path is proud to sponsor the 2017 Black in Design Conference! This event takes place at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design October 6-8. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today! https://ticketbud.com/events/b314eb1c-7635-11e7-bcd8-4fe2a30

It's easy to see why Kim Goulbourne calls herself a "chronic creator". Whether she's helping first-time renters in NYC or helping others experience more of their city, this Webby award-winning maker is full of ideas with a focus on creating purpose-driven experiences with design and code. Kim talked me through her thought process for new projects, and she shared some information about her latest venture. Her and I also spent some time talking shop about entrepreneurship, finding leads, her dream project, and some of her inspirations. Kim is definitely someone you'll want to watch, so make sure you follow her and see what gets "Bourn" next! Made By Bourn Made by Bourn on Facebook Made by Bourn on Instagram Made by Bourn on Twitter Revision Path is proud to sponsor the 2017 Black in Design Conference! This event takes place at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design October 6-8. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today! https://ticketbud.com/events/b314eb1c-7635-11e7

Duane Jones really breaks boundaries when it comes to design. While his main work is with information management, his passion for self-expression comes alive through his brand Art Pays Me. Duane is definitely one of the names you need to know in the Halifax design scene! We started off talking about how Duane's frustration with the design industry took him in an unexpected direction with his career, and he breaks down the differences between art and design, his philosophies on both subjects, and what motivates him today as a creator. Once you know your worth and are intentional about your goals, nothing can stop you -- and Duane is proof of that! Revision Path is proud to sponsor the 2017 Black in Design Conference! This event takes place at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design October 6-8. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today! https://ticketbud.com/events/b314eb1c-7635-11e7-bcd8-4fe2a306c1ad Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! For just $5 per month,

Hans Dorsinville came across my radar when I saw AdWeek's Creative 100 for 2017. If his name doesn't sound familiar to you, then you've definitely seen his work. I'm talking Donna Karan, Lane Bryant...even Beyoncé. His creativity has been instrumental in some of the world's top luxury brands in fashion and beauty. Of course, we had to start off talking about his magnificent body of work! Hans talked about the business side of design and shared how he first got his start as a junior designer fresh out of Parsons School of Design. We also talked about the booming creative and fashion scene in the 90s, what he's learned over the years about making a name for yourself, and even have some great advice for designers who want to follow in his footsteps. Hans is all about showing the possibilities available in life, and I'm so glad to have such a talented visionary here on Revision Path. Enjoy! Laird + Partners Hans Dorsinville on Instagram Hans Dorsinville on Facebook Revision Path is proud to sponsor the 2017

Catt Small has been one of our most requested guests over the past few years, so we're starting off August by bringing her back on the show! Our conversation began with her talking about her day to day work as a product designer at Etsy, and then she spoke about her projects: Good for PoC and the 2017 Game Devs of Color Expo through her game development company Brooklyn Gamery. Catt and I also discussed the state of the gaming community for people of color, the importance of funding (including the pitfalls of crowdfunding), and we chatted about her public speaking and what she wants to accomplish for the remainder of 2017. It's amazing to see how far Catt has come, and I bet we're going to see a lot more from her in the future! Catt Small's 2014 Interview Catt Small's Website Catt Small on Twitter Catt Small on Facebook How to Become a Public Speaker in 1 Year Catt Small on Patreon Brooklyn Gamery Brooklyn Gamery on Twitter Good for PoC Good for PoC on Twitter Revision Path is proud to sp

This week's guest is Michael Hollander, senior character animator at Telltale Games. You've no doubt seen his work through some of their best-selling titles, including Batman, The Walking Dead, and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. (And if you were a kid in the 90s like I was, you'll probably recognize him from the unsung superhero action series V.R. Troopers!) Wait until you hear his story! Michael talked about how he got his big break into acting and modeling, and the shift that occurred which changed his career trajectory towards design and animation. Michael also has a lot of great advice for those of you looking to get into the entertainment industry, and we briefly touch on the issues of diversity and representation. It's really inspiring and amazing to hear how Michael has carved out a niche for himself, and I really think you'll learn a lot from his experiences. This interview is a great one! Michael Hollander's Website Michael Hollander on Facebook Michael Hollander on LinkedIn Help support Rev

I'm always excited to find out about great design talent all over the world, so I was really excited to find out about Antonea Nabors while randomly browsing the Web. What a discovery! For the past few years, Antonea has been working at some of the top design agencies in Australia. Currently, she's located in Brisbane and working as lead UI designer for Five Good Friends. During our conversation, Antonea talked about how she first got interested in design, shared how a contest entry ended up changing her life, and discussed some of the cultural and work differences between the United States and Australia. We also talked a little about aboriginal representation, diversity in the Australian design community, and a lot more. Thanks to Antonea for a great chat! Antonea Nabors' Website Antonea Nabors on Twitter Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! For just $5 per month, you’ll receive behind-the-scenes access to Revision Path, including special patron-only updates, early access

For our 200th episode, we're bringing back one of our favorite guests -- Sarah Huny Young. Huny does it all -- she's a creative director, a multidisciplinary designer, and an overall creative titan. It was great to catch up with her and learn about what she's been doing since our 100th episode! We talked about her latest project, American Woman, and she shared how the project came to fruition and what its taught her since she started it a year ago. We also discussed funding for the creative arts, the importance of designers to brand themselves, the pros and cons of the Pittsburgh arts and design scene, and a lot more. Huny has so much wisdom to share, and it's always great to catch up with her. Who knows...maybe she'll come back for episode 300! Sarah Huny Young’s 2015 InterviewSarah Huny Young’s Website American Woman Supreme Clientele Design Agency Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! For just $5 per month, you’ll receive behind-the-scenes access to Revision Path, includi

There are more options for you to enter design than you think, and Gintel Gee embodies that fact. This self-taught designer has honed her skills over the years and produced work for a number of LA's top agencies. Now she's branching out on her own, so we talked about the freelance hustle, the type of work she likes to do, and what designers helped inspire her aesthetic. We also discuss the pros and cons of working for agencies, how cutting her teeth on message boards helped her discover her calling, and the one piece of life advice that's sustained her over the years. Keep an eye out for Gintel Gee! Next week -- episode 200! Gintel Gee's Website Gintel Gee on Twitter Gintel Gee on Behance Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episodes, and a lot more! Join today! Shop our store on Threadless! Get t-shirts, tanks, mugs, and more! http://revisionpath.com/store We're on App

As a digital creator, you may not even think much about the concept of digital governance. Don't worry though -- this week's guest, Lisa Welchman, literally wrote the book on digital governance! Our conversation begins with an overview on the topic, and Lisa describes how she got involved with digital governance. We also get into digital ethics, talk about how companies can apply digital governance to what they do, and a lot more. Lisa also discusses her recent vacation, the things that keeps her inspired and opens up on what she wants to do in the near future. Thank goodness we've got experts like Lisa to help decipher concepts like this that are important to our digital lives! Lisa Welchman's Website Lisa Welchman on Medium Lisa Welchman on LinkedIn Lisa Welchman on Twitter Managing Chaos: Digital Governance by Design DigitalGovernance.com Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access t

We're closing out the month by skipping back across the pond to talk with the brilliant Ekpemi Anni! I love how she says anyone can be a designer and have a career in this industry. We start off by talking about what a UX consultant is, the type of work she does, and she answers the burning question of why UX is so popular now among up and coming designers.(The answer is simpler than you think!) Ekpemi also explains how her faith and her MBTI personality type both help her as a designer. Thanks to Ekpemi for a fascinating conversation! Ekpemi Anni's Website Ekpemi Anni on Twitter Ekpemi Anni on Medium Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Basics Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episodes, and a lot more! Join today! Come join the Revision Path community on Slack! http://revisionpath.com/slack Shop our store on Threadless! Get t-shirts, tanks, mugs, and more! http://revisionpat

When Felicia Penza described herself to me as "a mother, artist, vocalist, and part-time Soul Train dancer", I knew I was in for a great interview! By day, Felicia is running the show as the jill-of-all-trades at the Phoenix Art Museum. We start off by talking about her work at the museum, and from there go into how she first became interested in design. Felicia describes how she has seen the industry change in the past 15 years, explains why she decided to pursue a degree in design after working as a professional designer for 10 years, and we geek out a bit on typography and magazine design. Felicia's vibrant personality and tireless spirit really come through in her work. Get inspired and "break your eye open" with this week's interview! Felicia Penza on Twitter Felicia Penza on Instagram Phoenix Art Museum Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episode

The DMV area is brimming with Black design talent, and Antoine Thomas is no exception. As the founder of West 7th Design Studio, Antoine and his team create beautiful and functional designs for small businesses, government agencies, and more. We talked about his time at Howard University, and he gave a sneak peek into their design program, which is where he got the idea to to start his studio. He also shared his visions for engaging the next generation of Black designers, and told how he manages both his studio and his new apparel line PRNT while holding down a full-time job. Impressive! Learn more about Antoine in this week's interview! West 7th Design Studio PRNT Antoine Thomas on Instagram Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episodes, and a lot more! Join today! Come join the Revision Path community on Slack! http://revisionpath.com/slack Shop our store on Threadless

Datrianna Meeks has been on our radar since we first profiled her back in 2015 as part of 28 Days of the Web. Since then, she's been making some tremendous strides in her career, leading up to her current position as a senior product designer at Spotify. Our conversation started off with Datrianna walking us through a typical day at work, and we spoke about the NYC design and tech scene and about her inspiring design journey. She's also a podcast fanatic, so we also talked about #AmpedBrunch, an event she recently hosted for women of color in podcasting. Datrianna is really carving out a space for herself in this industry, so keep an eye out for her! Datrianna Meeks on 28 Days of the Web Datrianna Meeks' Website Datrianna Meeks on Twitter Vectors is a half-day event that explores identity in design and how it impacts work, communities, and the world at large. Tickets are just $20 and students can attend for free! Visit wearevectors.com for more information. Help support Revision Path by becoming a month

I've said before that our Slack community has some great people, and this week's guest is no exception to that. Meet Lauren Dorman: a software developer in Berlin with a background in design and a penchant for working on projects that deal with music and technology. We started off discussing her current work with A Color Bright, and she explained how she made the move from the United States to Germany, how the process went, and how the two countries' perspectives on work and culture differ. Lauren also explains a bit about the design and tech scene in Berlin, how she balances work with her side projects, and her experiences being a Black expat in tech. Hearing Lauren speak about what motivated her to make such a big move is really inspiring. (And it's got me glancing at my passport!) Lauren Dorman's Website Lauren Dorman on Twitter Vectors is a half-day event that explores identity in design and how it impacts work, communities, and the world at large. Tickets are just $20 and students can attend for free

There's few designers out there that can match Laci Jordan's unique mix of talent, energy, and hustle. This Los Angeles-based creative director and multidisciplinary designer is killing the game with her work, and I'm honored to get a chance to share this conversation with you all. We started off looking at the design scene in LA, talked about design awards, her time growing up in Alabama, and how a short stint with the FBI fueled her passion for design. I truly feel like Laci is at a point where her career is about to skyrocket, and I'm so excited to talk with her. Enjoy! Laci Jordan's Website Laci Jordan on Instagram Laci Jordan on Twitter The So Laci Like Shop Laci Jordan's Podcast: Shit to Say Vectors is a half-day event that explores identity in design and how it impacts work, communities, and the world at large. Tickets are just $20 and students can attend for free! Visit wearevectors.com for more information. Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at

This week's interview is with none other than the venerable Craig Wilkins. Craig is one of the country's leading scholars on African-Americans in architecture, and he's an academic, activist, and author. He can now add one more "A" to his long list of titles -- award winner! I spoke with Craig fresh off his National Design Awards win, and we talked about a number of things -- his love for Detroit, what made him get involved in architecture, where he sees design education in the future, why design organizations struggle with diversity, and more. It's a far-reaching conversation that I think you'll enjoy regardless of your design discipline. Enough from me though...press play and enjoy the interview! Craig Wilkins' Website Craig Wilkins on Twitter Craig Wilkins on Instagram Craig Wilkins at the University of Michigan's College of Architecture Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early a

RJ Harrington is partner and lead creative at Twenty and 3, a one-stop creative shop that builds engaging brands from the ground up. We talked about where the idea to start Twenty and 3 came from, how they approach client work, and what RJ thinks about the design community in Atlanta. She also shared a bit about her early career before breaking out on her own, and how taking that leap and paying it forward to others has helped keep her motivated for success. If you've been interested in starting your own agency, then this interview is definitely one that's worth a listen. Thanks RJ! Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episodes, and a lot more! Join today! Come join the Revision Path community on Slack! http://revisionpath.com/slack Check out the Revision Path store and buy a t-shirt or hoodie to help support the show! http://revisionpath.com/store We're on Apple Podcasts an

It's May, and our first interview of the month is with the talented and dynamic Toni Patterson. Toni has been killing the design scene in Baltimore for years through her company Skye Media Group, and her success is a true testament to the power of community. We started off going into how Toni first got interested in design, then we talk about why branding is important for businesses, and about her latest project Skye Soiree. Whether you're a designer, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants a peek behind the curtain of how designers work on projects, there's something in our conversation for you. Dig in and enjoy! Skye Media Group Skye Media Group on Facebook Skye Media Group on Instagram Skye Media Group on Twitter Skye Soiree Toni Patterson on LinkedIn Help support Revision Path by becoming a monthly patron on Patreon! Pledges start at $1 per month, and you’ll receive special patron-only updates, early access to future episodes, and a lot more! Join today! Come join the Revision Path community