Okay, Team! A Young Designer's Guide.

In this episode, Mark, Dan, and Kristen field questions from the wonderful Graphic Design students of Indiana State University! The Q&A covers a multitude of subjects from imposter syndrome, the differences between art and creative directors, should you go to graduate school as a visual artist if you never intend to teach, and lots more!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

To celebrate the end of Season 3, Mark, Kristen, Dan, and Lauren visit the Okay Team! Lounge, where they have drinks and discuss everything BUT graphic design. Subjects include the upcoming Season 4 of the podcast, some movie reviews, a little bit of reality TV, and gaming. There is a lot of laughter and geeky content with this episode, but they'll back in Season 4 with more design news, guests, and possibly an episode with a class of college graphic design students asking questions on career guidance!So sit back, relax, have a nice drink, and welcome to The Okay Team! Lounge. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

In this episode, the Team chats with Haley Moore, VP of Design, about her career path from designer to manager and how she came to terms with embracing her natural ability to lead projects and being comfortable managing a team of very skilled designers. She discusses taking leaps in her career in order to not lean away from her natural skillsets, even if they are hard to recognize, and being ok with the concept of not being the best at something. Haley also discusses the traits and qualities she looks for when hiring a new designer, including how to share a bit of yourself with your interviewers. Kristen discusses Bigfoot (again), and Haley unwinds with snacks on the floor to deal with burnout.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

In this episode, The Team discuss costly mistakes they've made in their careers, how they addressed them, and how to you should address your own $10K mistakes when you make them (and you will).Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

In this episode The Team speaks with Highmark Health UX (User Experience) Researcher Autumn Gilbert!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

Listen in as The Team discusses career pivots and offers insight for each step of the process. We cover advice for researching your intended field, seeking out opportunities to develop new and necessary skills, building up a refreshed portfolio and online presence, and ways to find a new network within the niche of design you hope to enter. Finally, we address many of the biggest concerns of pivoting and solutions for how to handle them as they arise! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

We're excited to have professional Photographer Todd Kuhns on this episode, where he talks about the state of photography as an industry, advice for young photographers and designers, and how design could learn from the last 20 years of how photography has evolved.  Todd's work may be found at his website and YouTube channel:Studio12online.comTodd Kuhns on YouTubeHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

In this episode, Kristen, Dan, and Lauren discuss the importance and impact of soft skills in your design role and job hunting. The Team covers what soft skills are, how you can talk about them in interviews, and how you build on them throughout your career.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

EPISODE 23: Storytelling Your WorkOn this episode, the Team discusses tips and tactics for presenting your creative work and ideas in a storytelling narrative. We present ideas for ways to mesh verbal and visual cues to guide you and the audience through your work and how to present ideas in the most professional and goal-oriented manner. We give ideas for how to streamline your narrative, show off your creative process, set up your website, and, sometimes most difficult of all, how to verbally wrap up the story of each piece. Finally, we talk about how these storytelling skills will continue with you in your career, often being utilized to sell ideas to clients and non-designers.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

In this episode, the Team talks about professional mentorship in design. They discuss how mentor/mentee relationships are different from what you may have experienced in school, how those relationships form, and what it means to be a good mentor. Egg-timer news this week covers the team's favorite features announced at Apple's WWDC event. Digressions include how to pronounce “biopic,” business card design, and poorly drawn billboards. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

On this episode, the Team celebrates the start of season three by welcoming new, full-time host, Lauren DeMarks! Egg Timer News covers the launch and huge take off of artist-friendly social media site, Cara, along with our predictions for its future. We then dive into the dreaded world of group projects, focusing on working with other disciplines and their ways of problem solving, the importance of communication and speaking up, and also time management. We share tips on planning for successful group meetings, tactics for handling how to get started, and tools for project management. Finally, the Team covers how to work with different aesthetics within group members, sharing team projects in your portfolio, and the best way to wrap up any group project. We hope you enjoy Episode 21!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan LawsonHost, Website Director - Lauren DeMarks

Welcome to a special edition as we wrap up Season 2; the Ok, Team Lounge! In this episode, your hosts will cover a variety of topics outside the world of design and discuss their passions. Buckle up, as the Team covers Dan's new podcast, horror movies, video games, tv shows we're loving, D&D, Nicholas Cage's acting prowess, and Kristen's favorite cryptid; Bigfoot. We also have a special announcement; Lauren DeMarks will be joining us next season as a full time host! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

Indiana State University Professor Nancy Nicols-Pethick joins the team to talk shop and how she uses her unique experiences to push students to find passion in their work, learn how to address failures, and recognize how to aim for higher personal standards rather than settling for their current skill level. We cover mastering creative foundations, work/life balance, and, of course, her thoughts on AI. Join us and our wonderful guest as we discuss art, passion, and finding creativity in the seemingly mundane. Nancy's WebsiteThrough the Eyes of an Artist - Nancy Nichols-PethickAmazon Affiliate Link: Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A Handbook for Art StudentsHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the Team talks about accessibility and design. Guest host Lauren DeMarks talks about user experience (UX) design and the spectrum of use cases for ensuring equitable experiences regardless of temporary or long-term physical disabilities. Show Notes:Overall, what does it mean to have accessible design? Lauren, would you like to give us a definition or overview? OVERVIEW Accessibility is the practice of making sure a product, environment or service can be used by everyone—however they encounter it.Including those with blindness/low vision, speech impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive & learning disabilities, motor/dexterity issues—accessible solutions make it so that these folks can actually meaningfully use the designs we create. But accessible design is important in ALL elements and design disciplines. Accessible design can also help people with various kinds of impairments (because you probably first think of permanent ones). Situational —walking in high heels, I'm at a loud concert. Temporary— my leg is broken, I have an ear infection and cannot hear. Permanent — I am paralyzed and cannot use my legs, I am blind. Accessible designs help EVERYONEAccessible design helps ALL people—even those without disabilities (taking 14 bags of groceries to my 7th floor apartment makes elevators look real nice). What's the difference between Accessibility and usability? Usability issues generally affect all users, both users with and without disabilities. All users have difficulty using a website. Accessibility issues occur solely for people with disabilities when they have difficulty using or accessing a website without problems. Accessible design makes spaces and designed products USABLE for EVERYONE, regardless of ability. Accessibility is important in ALL silos of designDigitalPrintPhysical EnvironmentalTeachingEtc. DigitalMainly consider solutions that benefit low-sight or low-hearing users. Cognitive impairments come into considerations too. Alt. text. Not just relying on color to communicate a message. Allowing for customization (text size, color-blind settings, etc) (we also see this in video games). Goes beyond just visual, and as a digital designer you need to have a tight partnership with your developers to make sure the code is accessible as well. Print design? Oxo vegetable peeler maBuilt environments & environmental design. Take mobility into account more than digital products. What things are considered in this area of design? Routes, signage, etc… Curb cut - Physical productsDesign for folks with arthritis, but they're just flat out more comfortable for everyone. TeachingProviding multiple ways (within reason) for students to demonstrate mastery. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode guest host Lauren DeMarks joins the Team as talks about ways to level up as a graphic designer. Show Notes:What does it mean to “level up?”More than just software skills, aesthetic, or even becoming more efficientHigher level of performance, thinking, innovating, systems thinking, etc…Tangible markers of successful leveling up:PromotionTitle changeRaiseResponsibilities change/increaseOn reflection, softer markers like just feeling more confident in doing something you weren't doing a year agoAnecdotes & Story Time! Lauren's experience Lauren's classmate's experience: Basically everyone left and she just found herself the most senior one on the team after only 5 years. Dan: Constant growth mindset = new, unplanned opportunities! Mark: From a nobody to Kristen & Dan's friend!!!Advice: If you feel stuck or like you don't know what to DO to actively level up as a designer, here are some useful tips! Find a mentor (someone to constantly push you)How to find one? Can it be a more experienced colleague? Past professor? More senior members on your team (stress the value of NOT being the sole designer on a team right out of school)Attend eventsIndustry events, online, in-person, etc. Keep in touch!!!Classmates and coworkers that move to other jobsThese people can spread far and wide and make even more connections. It's worth your time to keep in touch! You never know the connections you can eventually make! Kristen got her job at Miami bc she kept in touch with Erin who taught her letterpress at Miami, asked for help letterpressing her wedding invites, just happened to mention teaching at Miami was her dream job, and 4 YEARS later Erin remembered and asked her to apply to the opening at Miami! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, guest Crystal Black talks about issues related to doing design work for friends and the pitfalls of not using a contract. Egg Timer News: Canva buys Affinity!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team attempts to stay on task and talk about work-life balance for Graphic Designers. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team explore different software used in professional graphic design. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team explores the graphic design interviewing process and the tough questions and situations that may arise during the process. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team Interviews UX Designer Lauren DeMarks! Lauren talks about her time as a design student, intern, and Senior UX Designer.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team chats about the positive and negative influences of Artificial Intelligence on Graphic Design and Design Education. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team answers listener questions, discusses ImagineFX Magazine, and finally answers the question, "Does Kristen own a tiara?"Time stamp information:(07:41) How do you overcome imposter syndrome when starting your job?(08:24) I'm going to be a new designer  going into the field after getting married, my partners job often has us relocate to different states semi- often. How do I search for jobs and communicate my situation without making myself seem like a weakness/ liability?(10:56) What is the best way to deal with not being graded for the first time? (i.e. how do you measure success without a letter grade?)(12:22) Can you talk about the equipment you use in your line of work? For starters, laptop vs desktop? Mouse vs trackpad? Etc. (17:22)What are some good goals to set when starting out in your first year of work?(19:17) How do you guys go about, deal with, and take the next step after making a costly design mistake at your job?(22:55) What are some projects that you were not sure about taking on, but you're glad you did because it turned out cool/the experience was great?(25:15) How do you deal with disappointments and failures in your career, with yourself and clients you might be working with?How do you deal with disappointments in your career? When something doesn't go perfect I take it very personally, how do you get over the disappointment?(26:29) Is it OK to add your own personal touch to a piece that some believe should be done a certain way? (something personal like a mark or a shape that only the artist would know or even realize was there.)(30:09) What does your typical work flow look like and do you work on more than one project at a time?(33:00) For someone pursuing a career in graphic design, what are employers looking for in a portfolio? How many different projects should be included? Do employers want to see sketches/before and afters? Is there such thing as too much in a portfolio? Is creating your own website to display your work better than some of the portfolio building apps (apps such as Behance)?(35:49) What will my first day on the job be like?(37:22) I love my job, and the co-workers and benefits are great, but im feeling bored. What should I do?(39:44) I'm ready to change jobs. How do I go about scheduling interviews while still working at my current job?(41:40) I'm a design student discouraged by my professors' negative talk of the profession. So I want to ask you: do love the work, why? and how to stay motivated and driven? (45:34) What should I expect my boss to talk about in my first year review? (47:22) How should I address my superiors at work?(48:19) I see a lot of job listings that only mention Canva as their main program. I find that program very limiting both creatively and aesthetically. Do I just apply for these jobs so I can get a paycheck and experience or do I hold out for a job that is more in the world of adobe products?(51:38) How do you give critique that is honest, but not hurtful?(53:29) What are the top three things new designers should be really good at?Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team covers salary negotiating techniques, cost of living considerations, and how to calculate how much you should ask for when negotiating your salary for a graphic design job!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team explores how and why designers should catalog their successes in order to become more confident and well-rounded in their careers. 

In this episode The Team talks about what they do to overcome creative ruts, advice on coming up with unique ideas, and how the struggle to be original is actually positive for you. 

In this episode, The Team discusses what it's like to be a freelance Graphic Designer with cohost Dan Lawson.

In this episode, The Team examines the career path to becoming a college-level educator in Graphic Design. We talk about degree requirements, expectations on the job, and just how easy/difficult it is to land one of these positions at various institutional levels!

In this episode the Team continues the discussion about career paths in Graphic Design, what makes each career path unique, and provides advice that may help you decide if a specific discipline is right for you!

In this episode Mark Cela, Kristen Pericleous, and Dan Lawson begin a two-part discussion about education and career paths for graphic designers. The conversation covers the positives and negatives of higher education, and what types of degrees designers may consider for different career paths.

In this episode, the team discusses the moment each of them knew Graphic Design was the correct career path for them.

On our first episode, Graphic Designers Mark Cela, Kristen Pericleous, and Dan Lawson discuss what inspired them to pursue art and design as a career.