Jonathan Harris
Jonathan Harris, Brooklyn-based artist and computer scientist, on introversion, the importance of self-initiated work, reclaiming our attention, and the struggle to be content with not knowing what’s next.
Designer
Liz Danzico
Liz Danzico, chair and cofounder of the MFA in Interaction Design at School of Visual Arts, talks about her newest role at NPR, her most influential mentor, the importance of trusting your instincts, and ice cream—hey, it’s summer in the city!
Kelli Anderson
Kelli Anderson, Brooklyn-based artist and designer, is interviewed by Tina and guest interviewer, Emily Scheinman—one of our Kickstarter campaign backers—in this conversation touching on art, physics, and stretching the limits of our work.
Stefan Sagmeister
Stefan Sagmeister, New York-based designer and founder of Sagmeister & Walsh, shares about his path from Austria to New York City, the lessons he’s learned through running a studio, what he learned from the legendary Tibor Kalman, and why we all need more beauty in our lives.
Ryan Sims
Ryan and I first met Ryan Sims, aka Simmy, two years ago on New Year’s Eve, thanks to our mutual friend, Brad Smith. I recently had an opportunity to catch up with Ryan, a fellow Midwesterner, to learn more about his story. From his humble beginnings at Office Depot to working as a designer at a web agency to discovering his love for product design, Ryan’s path began with blind faith and optimism. And yet his dedication and willingness to work hard helped him stay the course. As you read on, may his story inspire you to dream big and never stop working toward those dreams. —Tina
Paul Octavious
Ryan and I had the pleasure of meeting Paul in person shortly after we moved to New York over two years ago and we’ve been wanting to interview him ever since then. Turns out we’re not the only ones—we’ve received multiple requests from readers to have Paul on TGD and, now, we’re making it happen. I finally had the opportunity to catch up with this designer-turned-photographer and find out more about his path. Surprisingly, photography was an accidental discovery, but an immediate love for Paul, who shares his story thus far in this week’s issue. Read on and be inspired! —Tina
Shyama Golden
Shyama has a knack for creating work that is fun, witty, and full of personality, just like she is. I spoke with the Brooklyn-based artist about her early experiences as a graphic designer, the importance of making time to do personal work, and the risk she took in leaving the city she loved, which she reflects on as being “absolutely worth it!” Let Shyama’s story challege you to trust your intuiton, like she did, and not be afraid to make a move toward the next challenge that awaits you. —Tina”
Paul Sahre
On a sunny afternoon in April, I walked the few blocks from my apartment to Paul’s studio, which the Office of Paul Sahre (O.O.P.S.) has occupied for the last 13 years. There, Paul and I sat together at a table, surrounded by books, records, artwork, tools, and projects in process. Paul talked about discovering design, leaving agency work to build his studio, and what’s next for O.O.P.S., which will be moving this summer. Best known for his illustrations and books cover design, Paul’s work has taken many different forms over the years. Yet his motto has remained the same: it doesn’t matter what you do; it only matters whether or not you commit to it. —Tina
Ellen Lupton
An accomplished curator, writer, designer, and critic, Ellen splits her time between her home in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City. I met with Ellen at The Grey Dog, where she recalled the path that led to her to the city in the first place, the “Aha!” moment that helped her merge writing and design, and the importance of teaching and sharing. But my favorite part of our conversation was her advice to give 150%; in Ellen’s words, “If you really want to build a powerful career, and make an impact, then you have to be prepared to put in blood, sweat, and tears,” and it’s true. So, friends, take it from Ellen: be willing to do the hard work. Yes, it will be worth it! —Tina
John Maeda
Like any good teacher, John Maeda is a great storyteller, and I had the honor of talking with him about his own story, which began in a tofu shop in Seattle and led him to places he had never imagined he would go. John, who admitted that he didn’t always know what he wanted to do, recalled his early interests in math and art, the teachers who helped steer his course, his years at MIT, the opportunity to become president of RISD, and his recent transition into new roles. Hearing John open up about his unplanned path and his own bouts of self-doubt was a reminder that we all struggle to be confident and courageous at times. But hope urges us to move forward, to take the next step, whether we can see the path or not. So, go ahead, make a move. —Tina
