Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar chat with Kristine Johnson, a prominent figure in design leadership in Seattle. We explore her journey with AIGA, her impactful role in sponsorship, and the significance of community connections through leadership retreats. Christine shares insights on the unique ‘Into the Woods’ program and the AIGA LINK initiative, which connects professionals with youth in creative workshops. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking, redefining community, and the evolving landscape of sponsorship in the design world.

Key Takeaways

• Kristine Johnson is a design leader with a strong background in AIGA.
• Sponsorship success is built on community chemistry and collaboration.
• Leadership retreats provide valuable networking opportunities.
• The 'Into the Woods' program fosters creative exploration among designers.
• The AIGA Link program connects professionals with youth for creative workshops.
• Networking is about giving and receiving within the community.
• AIGA has opportunities to redefine community engagement.
• Sponsorship needs to adapt to the current design landscape.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.
• Building relationships is key to successful design leadership.

Episode Chapters

00:56 AIGA Involvement and Sponsorship Success

06:09 Leadership Retreats and Community Connections

10:15 Into the Woods: A Unique Design Experience

16:37 The AIGA LINK Program: Bridging Professionals and Youth

19:22 Reflections on Board Experiences and Networking

24:44 Redefining Community and Sponsorship

32:22 Resources for Further Learning

Featuring

• Guest Kristine Johnson, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research

In this episode, we welcome Bernardo Margulis, a creative leader with a rich background in design and technology. We discuss Bernardo’s journey with AIGA Philadelphia, the challenges and successes he faced in sponsorship roles, the importance of taking risks in professional growth, and memorable experiences from the Miami retreat. The conversation highlights the value of networking, mentorship, and the supportive nature of the design community. In this engaging conversation, we reflect on past experiences with parties, leadership roles, and the importance of community connections.

Key Takeaways

• Bernardo Margulis has a diverse background in design and technology.
• Sponsorship roles can be daunting but also rewarding and educational.
• Taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Networking at events can lead to lasting connections and opportunities.
• Experiences from retreats can provide valuable insights and learning.
• Being young and inexperienced can sometimes be an advantage in leadership roles.
• The design community is supportive and encourages experimentation.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.
• Education is a lifelong journey fueled by passion.
• Community connections are vital for personal growth.
• Reflecting on past challenges can inspire future initiatives.
• The role of mentorship in professional development is crucial.
• Building community is essential for collective success.

Episode Chapters

03:02 The Journey with AIGA Philadelphia
06:02 Sponsorship Challenges and Triumphs
08:48 The Importance of Taking Risks
11:46 Networking and Learning Experiences
17:55 Memorable Moments from Miami Retreat
21:08 Nostalgic Nights: Parties and Memories
25:09 Leadership Journey: The Impact of AIGA
30:33 Learning Through Experience: The Role of Education
35:11 Community Connections: The Importance of Networking
40:34 Reflections and Future Aspirations

Featuring

• Guest Bernardo Margulis, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research

In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, we engage with Gage Mitchell, a design leader and advocate for sustainable practices. Gage shares his journey through various AIGA chapters, emphasizing the importance of community building and leadership in design. This conversation explores the leadership journey of a prominent figure in AIGA, focusing on their experiences with organizing events, the value of leadership retreats, and the importance of building connections within the design community. Gage shares insights on leading retreats, fostering community impact, and the collaborative efforts of the Design for Good Task Force. They discuss the importance of harnessing the power of design to create meaningful experiences and the role of leadership in fostering creativity. The conversation also touches on practical advice for restarting AIGA Seattle, emphasizing the need to start small and empower others.

Key Takeaways

• Joining AIGA was a pivotal moment in Gage's career.
• He started a student group to engage with AIGA early on.
• Community building opened doors for Gage before graduation.
• Gage's journey includes multiple AIGA chapters across the U.S.
• Networking creates a powerful national community for designers.
• Unexpected connections often lead to the most meaningful relationships.
• Leadership retreats provide opportunities for learning and sharing knowledge.
• The integration of design, sustainability, and inclusion is crucial for impactful solutions.
• Creating frameworks for design can help facilitate better community solutions.
• Design for good emphasizes community engagement in the creative process.
• Starting small can lead to greater community involvement.
• Empowering others prevents burnout in leadership roles.
• Design leadership involves planting seeds for growth.
• Memorable experiences strengthen bonds within the design community.

Episode Chapters

05:51 Building Community Through AIGA

09:03 Transitioning to New Cities and AIGA Chapters

11:59 Leadership Retreat Experiences

14:51 Reflections on Community Building and Leadership

19:12 The Value of Leadership Retreats

21:03 Memorable Moments Beyond Programming

23:40 FOMO and Connection Building

25:14 Impact of Connections on Career

26:42 Design for Good Task Force and Collaboration

29:06 Integrating Design, Sustainability, and Inclusion

33:37 Leading Leadership Retreats

36:45 Community Impact through Leadership

39:21 Design for Good: Engaging Communities

40:44 Harnessing the Power of Design

41:38 Creating Space for Creativity

43:02 Restarting AIGA Seattle: Advice for New Leaders

45:30 Building Community: Start Small and Grow

46:50 Pyramid Memories: Fun and Connection

49:04 In-Person Connections: The Future of AIGA Seattle

Featuring

• Guest Gage Mitchell, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research