Revision Path

Have you picked up on the connection between this month's guests? It can be easy to look at the advocacy work and projects around diversity in design and think it's a new movement, but the reality is that the work is built on the shoulders and legacy of Black designers like Vernon Lockhart. As an artist, creative therapist, and the executive director of Project Osmosis, Vernon has worked hard to empower the next generation of designers through education for at least the past 20 years. We spoke about Vernon's creative therapy practice, Art on the Loose, and he shared how his time growing up in Chicago, attending SAIC, and becoming involved with the Organization of Black Designers helped build the foundation for Project Osmosis. We also talked about respectability politics, the trap of "diversity", and his plans for bringing more design education to the south side of Chicago. Vernon Lockhart and his work are a testament to the fact that we all have the human right to be creative! Links Vernon Lockha

I can't tell you how excited I am to share this conversation with Antionette Carroll with you. Longtime listeners of the show may remember her first appearance here back in 2014. In the six years since then, Antionette has risen to become one of the design community's most outspoken advocates, and one of its fiercest critics. As the founder and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, her advocacy work has been shared around the world. This week's episode is a bit different than usual. You'll learn about the origins of Creative Reaction Lab, hear about her new venture &Design with Timothy Bardlavens (another past Revision Path guest!), and get some candid talk about the country's oldest professional organization for designers, AIGA. Antionette is proof that one person can really make an impression in the world through hard work, honesty, and determination!Links Antionette Carroll's 2014 interview Antionette Carroll's Website Antionette Carroll on Instagram Antionette Carroll on Twitter Creative Reacti

One thing I love about Shayla Hunter's story is how it's never to late to pivot to a new career. By day, she works as a strategist at Egg Strategy, helping clients with solving problems through interviews, focus groups, and research. Outside of work, Shayla is the creator of The 100 Black Females* Project, a creative look at what it means to be a Black woman or girl today. After starting things off with a quick pandemic/work-from-home update, Shayla shared how she began her career in publishing in NYC during the 2000s, including time during her master's program at SVA studying under Debbie Millman. Shayla also went into why she shifted her career from visual content to strategy, and talked about how The 100 Black Females* Project came to be. Shayla's success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication! Links The 100 Black Females* Project The 100 Black Females* Project on Instagram Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you

If you attended the inaugural "Where Are The Black Designers?" conference a few months ago, then you're probably familiar with this week's guest -- Mitzi Okou. This interaction and visual designer made quite the splash this year, and now that the dust has settled from this summer's event, I figured it would be a great time to have her on Revision Path. Mitzi talked about growing up in Atlanta and shared how her time as a classical cellist ended up fueling her career in design. We also discussed the Where Are The Black Designers? conference, and Mitzi gave some behind-the-scenes info on how it all came together and what she plans on doing next to keep the momentum going. Mitzi has definitely gotten the attention of the design community, and I'm intrigued to see what her next move will be! Links Mitzi Okou's Website Mitzi Okou on Instagram Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows.Subscribe and leave us

If you're thinking about getting into product design, then this week's interview with Tolu Ajayi is just for you! Tolu has made it her mission to help inspire the next generation of product designers, and her passion and energy are infectious. Our conversation began with Tolu talking about her current work as a product designer, and she told her story about how she transitioned from graphic design to UI/UX, and shared what sparked her to create UI Narrative, a platform and podcast that helps inspire and connect her to the greater design community. She also spoke on the Black women in design who help inspire her, and shared some of her goals for the future. I'm really excited to see just how far Tolu will go! Links UI Narrative UI Narrative on Instagram UI Narrative on Twitter UI Narrative on YouTube Work with Tolu Ajayi Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a

Meet Hank Washington, the owner of Hank Design Studios. His studio’s mission is to help brands turn strangers into friends, and Hank does this through the design and illustration. I was glad to catch up with him recently, not too long after his move to Atlanta.We spoke about weathering the pandemic, and Hank shared how the first few months of business has went for his studio. He also talked about growing up in a small Southern town and being exposed to design as a kid, moving to Alabama to consider pursuing his dream, and gave some great advice for any designers out there looking to hone their unique style.Hank’s illustration style is a good indicator of what kind of designer he is — creative, playful, and willing to think outside the box. And now that he’s struck out on his own, there’s no telling where his skills will take him! LinksHank Washington’s WebsiteHank Washington in InstagramHank Washington on LinkedInHank Washington on Twitter Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Pod

This week’s episode will be a real treat for anime fans out there! I had the opportunity to talk with Arthell Isom, co-founder of Japanese animation studio D’ART Shtajio. You’ve probably seen his studio’s work on The Weeknd’s video “Snowchild”, or as part of the hip-hop inspired indie anime Tephlon Funk, but how did he come to be the first Black man to own an animation studio in Japan?We talked about his current road to success, and Arthell shared how he runs the studio from day to day. He also gave his thoughts on representation in animation, what he loves about Japan, and he discussed why he started a studio there instead of the U.S. Arthell is making history and I love that he is blazing a trail for others to show that it can be done! Links D’ART ShtajioD’ART Shtajio on FacebookD’ART Shtajio on InstagramD’ART Shtajio on TwitterD’ART Shtajio on YouTube Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leav

When you're walking in your purpose, there's nothing that can stop you from succeeding. Multidisciplinary designer Candace Queen knows this well, and brings energy, drive and passion to her work, whether it's volunteering with ADCOLOR or servicing clients for her company, Tabernacle, Inc. We talked about how her studio has changed with the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shared why she decided to strike out on her own after staking her claim in the advertising world in Chicago. We also talked about a few more of her projects -- The Brand Sequence and Blacks in Advertising -- and Candace talked about her vision for the next five years of her career. Thank you Candace for being an awesome example of Black excellence! Links Candace Queen on Instagram Tabernacle, Inc. Tabernacle, Inc. on Instagram Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Thanks so much to all

Design influences everything around us. It's something I've said on this podcast dozens of times, but social impact designer and researcher Carmela Wilkins is the kind of designer who really embodies this tenet in her work. We started our conversation with a look at Carmela's work at NYC-based design communications firm A/B Partners, and she talked about how she got started there and the types of projects she's able to work on. She also shared her globetrotting adventures throughout Europe during her college years, spoke on how she lets her ambition fuel her success via "the obtainables", and talked about the importance of reanalyzing our connection to food and the environment during this current time. Carmela is a true citizen of the world who thinks deeply about the connected world around us — something we should all strive to be! Links Carmela Wilkins' Website Carmela Wilkins on LinkedIn Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or where

This week on Revision Path, I’m sharing my conversation with visual storyteller Fred Noland. You might have seen his recent illustration work in The New Yorker, but he’s been featured in newspapers, magazines and museums throughout his extensive career.We talked about navigating work and creativity during this pandemic, and he spoke on an ongoing project of his — a graphic novel about professional cyclist Major Taylor. We also discussed representation in comics, his artistic influences, and his podcast Serious Moonlighting. Fred’s voice and his work are an important addition to the world of visual storytelling, and I hope we’ll see and hear more from him in the future!LinksFred Noland’s WebsiteFred Noland on LinkedInFred Noland on InstagramFred Noland Graphics on Instagram Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Thanks so much to all of you who have already ra

We’re back in Europe this week (not literally) to talk with interaction designer Tevin Stuurland. He just graduated from college recently, so this was a great time to chat about work and the future, especially during this unprecedented pandemic.Tevin walked me through what he’s doing to keep busy these days, and he discussed growing up Black in The Netherlands, the ups and downs of learning design in college, and shared some of the contributions people of color have made to the Dutch design scene. It’s amazing to learn about the experiences of Black designers all over the world, and I’m glad Tevin could share his thoughts and perspectives!LinksTevin Stuurland’s WebsiteTevin Stuurland on LinkedInTevin Stuurland on Instagram  Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Thanks so much to all of you who have already rated and reviewed us! Revision Path is brought to

Data rules everything around us, and no one understands this better than Ayodele Odubela. As a data scientist at SambaSafety, she analyzes data to help accomplish a number of different business goals from determining driver risks for ridesharing services to predicting other situational outcomes. And whether you have a tech background or not, Ayodele thinks anyone can get into this field and make a difference.We started off talking about her new role, and how it differs from previous data science positions she’s held in the past. She also spoke on how she transitioned from digital media to data science, why Denver is a hot bed for the data science industry, and what makes her happiest these days in the midst of this pandemic. If you’re interested in learning more about data science, then look no further!LinksAyodele Odubela’s WebsiteAyodele Odubela on InstagramAyodele Odubela on Twitter Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your fa

"While it's important to have mentors and peers in the industry, at the end of the day, your career is in your hands. You have to put in the work." Those wise words are from Johnny Austin, VP of Engineering at Till, a startup that's helping revolutionize rent for residents and landlords. Johnny walked us through his regular day at Till, and shared how his prior experiences at Mapbox and ISL helped shape him for his current role. He also talked about attending the prestigious Tuskegee University and learning computer science, and spoke on lessons about motivation and work ethic that he's learned throughout his career. Thank you Johnny for being an inspiration for the next generation of tech! Links Johnny Austin's Website Johnny Austin on Twitter Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Thanks so much to all of you who have already rated and review

I first learned about Christian Howard via De Angela Duff, and while it may have taken a few years, I’m glad we finally had a chance to sit down for a conversation because I find his career path extremely fascinating.Christian is a narrative design strategist, and we discussed how he uses storytelling to help guide companies through times of huge transformations. We also talked about his time teaching at NYU, how he found his way into narrative strategy via game design, the difference between strategists and designers, and what he’s doing now to help build a more equitable future. For Christian, his myriad work and life experiences have led him to design, and I think his story is captivating and will inspire you to consider what paths you can take in the future with the skills you possess. Enjoy!LinksChristian Howard’s WebsiteChristian Howard on LinkedInChristian Howard on Twitter Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorit

The great thing about talking with so many people for Revision Path is discovering just how many things we share in common with our fellow brothers and sisters. That’s why I’m so glad for folks like William Hill who are out here embodying what it means to work with purpose.We started off talking about how we’re both coping at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and William went in depth about his new role at New Relic, as well as his former role as a software engineer and team lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. William also shared his story of growing up in a small southern town, and talked about how he defines success at this stage of his life and career. Give this week’s episode a listen for a healthy dose of inspiration! LinksWilliam Hill on InstagramWilliam Hill on LinkedInWilliam Hill on TwitterM.J. Hill Photography Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating

When I first chatted with Miles Anderson, he said that he’s “just a normal guy who works hard.” But then I heard his story and the growth in his career and well…Miles is no normal guy — he’s extraordinary!Miles talked about his recent move to Seattle in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting on the Xbox team at Microsoft, and how he’s getting along during this time. He also spoke about his time at IBM and how it helped him grow as a designer, the power of self-education in tech, and what he would do in his career if failure wasn’t an option. Miles is finally getting the recognition he deserves, and I’m glad to have him on the show to share what he’s doing with you all!LinksMiles Anderson on LinkedInMiles Anderson on InstagramMiles Anderson on Twitter Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Thanks so much to all of you who have already rated and reviewed

It's Revision Path's 350th episode, and for this special, historic occasion, I'm honored to talk with Kojo Boateng. You might remember our 2016 interview with Kojo (episode 125!), and we get into everything that's changed in his world since then. We started off talking about the transition period in his life that led him to move to the United States, and Kojo goes into his current work as a creative director for PBS News Hour. He also shared some of the community work he's doing in the DC design scene, including creating safe spaces for Black designers to fellowship and network. Kojo also spoke about the effect hip hop has had on his design work, and talked about how he's staying motivated and inspired during these current times. Thanks to all of you for helping us get to this huge milestone! Links Kojo Boateng on Instagram Kojo Boateng on Twitter 5 Points CRE8 DC Like this episode? Then subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows. Subsc

We’re at an interesting crossroads right now because of this pandemic, and a lot of bleeding edge tech concepts are becoming available for consumers quicker than expected. To that end, data has become an important form of currency, and data governance is of paramount concern. Enter Noble Ackerson: a senior product manager for Ventera with a mission to make sure more Black people enter these new fields of emerging tech.Noble shared his journey for getting into technology, including how he went from being interested in architecture to founding a startup to working in tech for the National Democratic Institute. From there, we explored Noble’s foray into wearables via Google Glass, talked about the uses of wearables in today’s society, and a lot more. Noble is equipped to help make sure that we are not left behind in this brave new world. How are you using your skills to build a more equitable future?Next week: episode 350!LinksNoble Ackerson’s WebsiteNoble Ackerson on MediumNoble Ackerson on Twitter Like this ep

You might not think of Memphis, Tennessee as a bustling creative city, but folks like Ed Williams are here to show you the truth. By day, he works as a creative manager at the National Civil Rights Museum, helping shape the brand design and strategy for the museum for all its visitors. But by night, he is the founder of Mayke Entertainment, and creates comic stories with culturally-rich superheroes from all walks of life!We started off with some quick talk about Ed’s museum work, and from there we went into a conversation about Memphis’ design scene and then learned how Ed turned his talent for art into a career in design. He also shared how he’s holding up during this pandemic, and gave a behind-the-scenes look at Mayke Entertainment and what’s coming up in the future. Give this episode a listen and learn about what Ed Williams brings to the creative community!LinksEd Williams’ WebsiteEd Williams on InstagramEd Williams on TwitterMayke EntertainmentMayke Entertainment on FacebookMayke Entertainment on Instag

If your emotions have been up and down for the past few months, trust me…you’re not alone. But I’ve got something to help lift your spirits — this week’s interview with “human glitter bomb” Randall Parrish! We talked at an interesting point in his life too; he’s fresh off of a cross-country move from DC to California and recently started a new job as an art director at Sonos, all during this crazy and unpredictable pandemic.Randall started off with how he’s holding up while getting used to the triple whammy of a new job, a new city, and working from home. From there, he spoke on his work with Sonos’ design system, and also talked about his previous agency work at Publicis Sapient and WDG. Randall is also big on giving back to the community, and we talked about his volunteer work with AIGA, as well as his work with some past Revision Path guests — Dian Holton and Chanel James!Randall’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and I hope his story helps get your week off on the right foot!LinksRandall Parrish on D