Type Speaks

• 01.07 // Type, Time, and Thrift Stores // Briar Levit

  In this episode of Type Speaks, co-hosts Ray and Emiko sit down with Briar Levitt. We dive deep into the origins and purpose of the People's Graphic Design Archive, the importance of saving design history, especially the ordinary and underrepresented, and how inspiration often comes from the tactile, the analog, and the unexpected. Plus, we talk about thrift finds, Oz books, quilt magazines, and the quiet power of uploading one artifact at a time.Briar Levit is a Professor of Graphic Design at Portland State University. Levit’s feature-length documentary, Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production, which follows design production from manual to digital methods, established an obsession with design history—particularly aspects not in the canon. She currently collaborates with Louise Sandhaus, Brockett Horne, and Morgan Searcy on The People’s Graphic Design Archive. She recently edited a book of essays for Princeton Architectural Press called Baseline Shift: Untold Stories of Women in Graphic Design History.

  --------  

  55:50
• 01.06 // Preserving Stories Through Type // Tré Seals

  In this episode, we speak with Tré Seals a designer, typographer, and founder of Vocal Type. We talk about trade secrets in the type design community, the endangered skill of writing in cursive and knowledge sharing to build a better future. We also get an inside scoop on what is to come from Vocal Type!Tré Seals is a designer, typographer, and founder of Vocal Type, a type foundry dedicated to increasing diversity in design through culturally and historically inspired typefaces. Rooted in storytelling, his work explores the intersection of typography, activism, and identity—creating type systems that preserve history while shaping the future. Beyond Vocal Type, his projects span brand identity, editorial design, and cultural research, with collaborations ranging from global brands to independent artists. Whether designing for political campaigns, museum exhibitions, or major publications, his work challenges convention, making space for underrepresented narratives in the visual landscape.

  --------  

  1:07:26
• 01.05 // Design, Politics, and Finding Your Creative Voice // Morgan Searcy

  In this episode of Type Speaks, Rae and Emiko sit down with Morgan Searcy, an art director and creative lead with a background in graphic design, advertising, and progressive politics. From working on major political campaigns to navigating the fast-paced world of branding, Morgan shares insights on the role of design in shaping public perception and creating meaningful change. They discuss the intersection of politics and design, the challenges of freelancing, and the evolving nature of digital branding. Plus, a rapid-fire Q&A reveals Morgan’s favorite typefaces, treats, and travel destinations. Morgan Searcy is an art director and creative lead with a background in graphic design, advertising, and progressive politics. Her creative practice focuses on finding sustainable and practical solutions that center design. She has recently led creatives with Instrument and collaborated with Wieden+Kennedy. She is a Co-Director of The People's Graphic Design Archive, where she collaborates to promote equitable collection of histories. Morgan has also supported creative strategy and direction with NY State Democrats and political campaigns Warren for President and Jon Ossoff for Senate, and has served as Brand and Creative Director at Rock the Vote. In 2023, she launched The Politics Project, an initiative supporting research that uplifts Gen Z and bipoc voices in progressive politics.

  --------  

  1:01:41
• 01.04 // Southern Style, Storytelling, & The Art of Play // Aaron Gresham

  In this episode, we speak with Aaron Gresham about his journey as a designer, creative director, and mentor. We explore his early influences growing up in a creative household, how southern vernacular design has shaped his work, and his experiences collaborating with major brands like Apple and Google, as well as artists like Vampire Weekend and Lady Gaga. Aaron shares insights on using synesthesia in his creative process, the importance of storytelling in design, and why embracing play leads to better work. We also discuss the challenges young designers face, the value of mentorship, and how to find success beyond awards.Aaron Gresham is a creative director, designer, and mentor with over 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and design. He has worked with global brands such as Apple and Google, as well as local institutions in Alabama. His work in music design has led to collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga, Eric Clapton, and Saint Paul & The Broken Bones. With a passion for storytelling through design, Aaron continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of designers.

  --------  

  49:22
• 01.03 // Design Accidents and Play // Mario Bocanegra Martinez

  In this episode, we speak with Mario Bocanegra Martinez about the process of purposeful play leading to new ideas. We also learn what percentage of design is a happy accident, how he cultivates a creative space that nurtures experimentation, and why you should never lose your inner kid.Mario Bocanegra is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University, where he teaches courses in interactive media, imagemaking, photo communications, and typography. He earned both his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Oklahoma State University. Mario works with intuitive processes—experimental imagemaking, assemblage video, typography, and motion design—to create poetic visual outcomes. 

  --------  

  38:11

Mais podcasts de Arte

Podcasts em tendência em Arte

Sobre Type Speaks