Revision Path

Back in the day, the path to becoming a designer might have meant attending an expensive art school, interning at a design studio or an ad agency, and then working your way up the corporate ladder. But this week's guest, Terell Cobb, illustrates how you can become a successful designer by carving your own path! Our conversation begins with a look at Terell's work at Microsoft, and he talks about his day-to-day schedule, working with his team of designers and researchers, and gives a peek into Black Designers of Microsoft and how they work as a group. Terell also spoke about how his athletic career as a football player taught him about design, and shared with me some mentors who have helped him become the designer he is today. With his drive and ambition, Terell Cobb is definitely someone to keep your eye on for the future!LinksTerell Cobb's WebsiteTerell Cobb on InstagramTerell Cobb on LinkedInFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by

These past two years have been stressful for all of us in a lot of ways, but this week's guest is proof that you can find a way to redirect those feelings into something positive. Meet Roneka Patterson, an associate creative director at Hawkeye in Dallas, Texas, and the co-creator of The Unwritten Rules.Roneka and I talked about adjusting to work from home life, and she shared a bit about her process and what it's like to be a creative director. From there, we discussed The Unwritten Rules, including how the project was launched last summer with other Black creatives, and she shared how she got Hawkeye on board with amplifying its message. Roneka also spoke about mentorship and how she's helping local high schoolers discover their creativity as well. Roneka's motto -- "keep going" -- is one I think we can all adopt as we move forward and chart our own paths to success in this industry!LinksRoneka Patterson's WebsiteRoneka Patterson on InstagramRoneka Patterson on LinkedInThe Unwritten RulesFor extended show n

I’ve been getting into TikTok a lot lately — don’t judge! — and that’s where I stumbled across the work of this week’s guest: Gabe Gault! Gabe’s brilliant portraiture blends the work of the Renaissance masters with Black culture in a brilliant and beautiful way. Not only that, he painted the largest mural in the world — the Glass City River Wall in Toledo, Ohio. I mean…talk about impressive!Gabe talked about how he landed this massive project, and talked about growing up an artist in a big sports family. We also discussed Black fine artists being exhibited through this new wave of Black-created media, lessons he’s learned throughout his creative journeys, and even talk a bit about NFTs and the metaverse. If you’re looking for a creative pep talk, just follow Gabe’s advice: “Go out there and create on any scale!”LinksGabe Gault’s WebsiteGabe Gault on InstagramGabe Gault on TikTokGabe Gault on TwitterGlass City River WallFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.

Several past guests have told me that I needed to interview Terresa Moses for the podcast — well, that day has finally come! If you’ve attended any design events over the past couple of years, then you know that Terresa is all about liberating Black and brown people through art and design. Wait until you hear her story!We started off talking about her teaching work as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, including her position as the director of design justice. We also went a bit into her work as a creative director at Blackbird Revolt, her current PhD studies in social justice education at the University of Toronto, and her recent solo exhibition Umbra. Terresa also talked about what keeps her motivated and inspired these days, living her life’s purpose, and what it means to her to be a designer today. Sit back and get ready for a fascinating interview with one of the most dynamic design educators working today!LinksTerresa Moses’ WebsiteTerresa Moses on InstagramTerresa Moses on TwitterBla

I discover new guests for Revision Path in the most interesting ways. Take this week’s guest — artist Dawn Okoro, for example. I learned about her work from the back of a bottle of LIFEWTR! Talk about refreshing! (And I don’t mean the water.)Dawn gave an update on how 2021 has been going, including becoming a full-time artist and working on a new set of drawings using a surprising material — Kool-Aid. We talked a bit about one of Dawn’s past exhibits, “Burden of Respectability”, how she’s been connecting with a new audience over social media, and spoke on some of her artistic inspirations. It’s amazing that artists like Dawn can share their work with the world in all kinds of ways!LinksDawn Okoro’s WebsiteDawn Okoro on InstagramDawn Okoro on TikTokDawn Okoro on TwitterDawn Okoro on YouTubeFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by Brevity & WitBrevity & Wit is a strategy and design firm committed to designing a more inclusive a

When Dian Holton told me that a Black designer was behind the new $100 bill, I had to reach out and have him on Revision Path. I mean, how often are you able to talk to someone who's design work is literally seen all around the world? (You might even have it in your wallet right now!) While we couldn't go into specifics about the whole US banknote process. Brian and I had a great conversation about his inspiration as a banknote designer, and he talked about how he got into the field right out of college. He also spoke on how having Asperger's is a design superpower for him, and shared information on the latest project he just finished called "Colors That Heal." Brian is true living design history, and I'm so glad to have the opportunity to share his story with you all!LinksBrian A. Thompson on InstagramFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by AdobeSupport for Revision Path comes from Adobe MAX.Adobe MAX is the annual global creativit

You may not have heard much about Eric Bailey, but there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve encountered his work out in the world. As the VP of experience design at Zillow, he brings over 20 years of strategic thinking, imagining, and making to revolutionize the process of buying or selling your home.Our conversation began with Eric discussing how he builds culture and maintains joy on his team, and he spoke broadly about what he calls “the limitless possibilities of UX design.” He also talked about growing up in Ohio, being around for the early days of the Organization of Black Designers and Project Osmosis (which he co-founded), building his brand Properganda, and gave the secret for he’s maintained his authenticity throughout this career. According to Eric, anyone can look within and fulfill their potential through design — and he’s absolutely right!LinksEric Bailey’s WebsiteEric Bailey on LinkedInEric Bailey on InstagramProperganda ArtFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview,

If you’ve been keeping up with the advertising world over the past couple of years, then this week’s guest hardly needs an introduction. Meet chief diversity creative Keni Thacker, founder and chief creative officer of 100 Roses from Concrete. Keni uses his decades of experience in the industry to challenge norms while also advocating for diversity and inclusion for the current and next generation of creatives.Keni and I spoke about 100 Roses from Concrete, including how the agency began and its current group of fellows that have come through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Keni also talked about growing up in the DMV area, and how his family and environment help shaped him into the force for change that he is today.Catch Keni next during Adobe MAX, October 26-28!LinksKeni Thacker’s WebsiteKeni Thacker on InstagramKeni Thacker on Twitter100 Roses from Concrete100 Roses from Concrete on Instagram100 Roses from Concrete on TwitterFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisio

Summer is over, y’all. As we head into a new season, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect, gain some clarity, and reassure yourself about your purpose. That’s exactly what this week’s guest Janessa Robinson is all about, particularly now that she’s at the beginning of a new adventure — moving to Los Angeles!Our conversation began with Janessa talking about the recent move, and she spoke a bit about her day job as a content creator. We also dived into the backstory behind her company Artistry Land, and Janessa discussed how she works as a creative with Asperger’s, and how she cleverly uses design thinking as a way to manifest success in her life. Big thanks to Steven Wakabayashi of QTBIPOC Design for the introduction!LinksJanessa Robinson’s WebsiteJanessa Robinson on InstagramArtistry LandFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by AdobeSupport for Revision Path comes from Adobe MAX.Adobe MAX is the annual global creativity conferenc

We’re going international this week to talk with a super talented visual designer — Elsa Amri. I first learned about Elsa via an Adobe Live presentation, and I had to reach out and learn more about her and have her share her story and her message with Revision Path!Elsa talked about how she’s grown over the past year, including doing work with Adobe, and she spoke about growing up in Tanzania and studying abroad in the United Kingdom and discovering design. We also talked about her time teaching English in Japan, returning to Tanzania, the Tanzanian design scene in Dar es Salaam, and the power of networking over the Internet (and how it has helped boost her design career). I love how Elsa’s ingenuity, drive, and determination have contributed to her design success!LinksElsa Amri’s WebsiteElsa Amri on BehanceElsa Amri on InstagramElsa Amri on LinkedInElsa Amri on TwitterFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by AdobeSupport for Revisio

Our back to school theme continues this week with a conversation with Dr. Christina N. Harrington. I first met Dr. Harrington as a contributor to the first volume of RECOGNIZE, and now she's an assistant professor in the HCI Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the director of their Equity and Health Innovations Design Research Lab! Impressive! After a brief pandemic check-in, Dr. Harrington talked about some of the design research work she's doing at Carnegie Mellon, and spoke about how her past teaching experiences helped prepare her for this opportunity. We also talked about how she got into design via engineering, the utility of design Ph.Ds, and some of her latest obsessions. I'm glad we have educators like Dr. Harrington who can expand the concepts of design for the next generation!LinksDr. Christina N. Harrington's WebsiteDr. Christina N. Harrington on TwitterFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by AdobeSupport for Rev

September means it's time for back to school, so what better way to kick off the month here on Revision Path than by talking with a design student? Meet Zariah Cameron, a soon-to-be graduate of North Carolina A&T and an up-and-coming voice in the design industry.We talked about going through her senior year and working as an intern during this pandemic, and we also spoke about the AEI Design Program, an initiative she started to foster and establish relationships with partner companies to create a pipeline for Black college students. Zariah also shared some of her future goals, current obsessions, and what she's learned from her internships throughout college. Keep an eye out for this young designer -- she's definitely going places!LinksZariah Cameron's WebsiteZariah Cameron on InstagramZariah Cameron on LinkedInZariah Cameron on MediumAEI Design ProgramAEI Design Program on InstagramFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by Adobe

Striking out on your own can be tough, but I can tell you from personal experience that it can be one of the most rewarding things you do in life. And what better person to talk about this feeling than design strategist Lisa Cain. Lisa has worked in the visual design field for well over 20 years, so she knows a LOT about what it takes to get things done. We started off talking about how she started her studio, and Lisa gave a peek in to her creative process on some of her projects. Lisa also spoke about her early career in visual merchandising, how that has helped her as a designer, and how her family has helped motivate her drive to succeed. (Also, did you know she was a backup singer?) It's awesome to have designers like Lisa to show us how to thrive as a creative on your own terms!LinksLisa Cain DesignLisa Cain on InstagramLisa Cain on TwitterJamie Principle - Waiting On My Angel (Club Mix)For extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of video games, so when I learned about Derrick Fields and Waking Oni Games from the Wholesome Direct Indie Game Showcase back in June, I had to have him on the show.We talked about how 2021 has been going so far -- a new gig and a new baby! -- and he spoke on why he created his own gaming studio and gave some history behind the studio's first title: Onsen Master. Derrick also shared his inspiration behind getting into game programming, the indie gaming scene for underrepresented designers, and he gave some great advice for anyone looking to start making their own titles. If there's a video game out there that you would love to see, hopefully Derrick's story will inspire you to create it!LinksWaking Oni Games on TwitchWaking Oni Games on TwitterWaking Oni GamesFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by AdobeSupport for Revision Path comes from Adobe MAX.Adobe MAX is the annual global creativity confere

Whether you like it or not, writing is an integral part of the design process these days, and no one knows this better than this week's guest, Reese Fuller. As a senior writer for digital agency Work & Co, Reese works with visual designers and strategists to help "make the words sound good." Our conversation started off with Reese detailing how he works as a writer in a design agency, talked about his switch from STEM to writing, and cleared up some misconceptions designers may have about including writing in the design process. Reese also spoke about growing up in the DMV area, the difference for him between working in agencies vs. in-house at companies, and gives some great advice and resources for any designers looking to strengthen their writing. Don't sleep on the written word -- with examples like Reese, it's clear that there's more than one way to be in the design industry!LinksReese Fuller's WebsiteReese Fuller on InstagramReese Fuller on LinkedInFor extended show notes, including a full transcrip

Sometimes you cross paths with people, and you never know if or how you will reconnect in the future. I have wanted to have a sound designer on the podcast for years, and through a series of conversations, now I have one -- one that I've worked with in the past! Meet Cedric Wilson, lead producer at Lantigua Williams & Co. We talk about some of Cedric's most well-known audio projects, and he shared how he got into music theory in high school, which evolved into studying sound design and becoming a producer. Cedric also gives some basics on sound design, and shares why it's such an important part of the world now. There are a lot of avenues for getting into sound design, and I'm glad Cedric is here to help introduce some of them to the Revision Path audience!LinksCedric Wilson's WebsiteCedric Wilson on InstagramCedric Wilson on TwitterGamer FriendsFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by Brevity & WitBrevity & Wit is a stra

"A better world is possible if we approach our work with a class- AND race-aware lens." Michael Collett was dropping gems like this, and we hadn't even started recording! I have followed Michael's work since 2016, and I'm glad we finally finally got a chance to talk on Revision Path about his career and his overall philosophy to life. We talked about his involvement with Greenworks and Design To Divest, and Michael shared some of his origin story growing up between The Middle East and the United States. He also spoke about class awareness and politics among the Black creative class, working in San Francisco, and the one piece of advice that has stuck with him over the years. We need deep thinkers like Michael in the Black design community to keep us all honest and accountable!LinksMichael Collett's WebsiteMichael Collett on TwitterMichael Collett on Are.naGreenworksGreenworks on InstagramDesign To DivestDesign To Divest on InstagramFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit

If you've had any sort of interaction with government services on the Web, particularly at the national level, there's a pretty good chance your experience in some form was designed or conceived by this week's guest -- the one and only Ron Bronson.Longtime fans will remember Ron's first appearance on the podcast seven years ago, and our conversation starts off with a quick recap of what lessons he's learned over the past year. From here, we talk about his career shift from education to civic tech, the emergence of consequence design, and even a Finnish sport akin to baseball known as pesäpallo. Ron's story is a testament to the power of reinvention, and hopefully it convinces you that whatever it is you're imagining, it's possible! Ron Bronson's 2014 InterviewRon Bronson's WebsiteRob Bronson on TwitterWeb Management for Regular PeopleQX | Consequence DesignFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by Brevity & WitBrevity & Wit is

"If you have a vision for yourself, go for it." When Maxwell VanHook told me that before our interview, I knew that he was about to drop some serious knowledge. And he did not disappoint! We started off in an interesting place -- the home -- and he talked about how newlywed life and how he's been re-evaluating the concept of work and code switching in this current age. He also shared a bit about his work as an associate creative director for Amazon Devices, and his role as co-host of the weekly IG Live show Designing While Black. For Maxwell, trusting your voice and values has been key to his success...and I definitely agree with that!LinksMaxwell VanHook's WebsiteMaxwell VanHook on InstagramDesigning While Black on InstagramFor extended show notes, including a full transcript of this interview, visit revisionpath.com.==========Sponsored by Brevity & WitBrevity & Wit is a strategy and design firm committed to designing a more inclusive and equitable world.We accomplish this through graphic design, pre

Being confident with your creativity will take you far as a designer, and this week's guest is a perfect example of that. Jeffrey Henderson is the founder of AndThem, an NYC-based creative collective that focuses on building creativity and business within Black and brown communities. We started off talking about plans for the summer, and then Jeffrey spoke about his innovative agency model and how he uses it to help give back to the next generation of creatives. We also talked about his 15+ year career as a footwear designer for Nike, Yeezy, and Cole Haan, and how he brings that knowledge to his current work with creating his own footwear designs. Thank you Jeffrey for being a shining example of what it means to use your talent to bring the world to your feet -- literally!LinksGoodThin.gsAndThemNinetyNine ProductsJEX.NYCSponsored by Brevity & WitBrevity & Wit is a strategy and design firm committed to designing a more inclusive and equitable world.We accomplish this through graphic design, presentatio