Fellow designer and VCFA graduate Ryan Slone joins Lorilee on the podcast. Ryan is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at University of Arkansas’ School of Art. He shares his creative journey, from his childhood in Arkansas to designing for notable clients in Brooklyn. The two discuss the differences (and similarities) between agency and academic life and how grad school shaped their approaches. Today, Ryan’s research focuses on social-advocacy poster design, and his award-winning work has been featured internationally.

Highlights: 

• On Ryan’s playlist: “Moon” - Kanye West
• His creative trajectory
• Being a young designer at renowned design firm Pentagram
• Why he left agency life to teach
• Parallels between client work and the classroom
• Balancing work and life
• Recapturing the fun in making
• Communicating complex social issues through design
• One tool for our G&G toolbox

Mentioned in this episode:

• “New House” - Michael Bierut
• Vermont College of Fine Arts’ Graphic Design program

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