Graphic Support Group Podcast

“Timing is everything” is as much of a cliché as “you only live once”, but behind those tired phrases is truth. When Bryan and I spoke with Abby Chen, the timing was right. She was celebrating two months since leaving a job at Apple and beginning her independent practice as Studio Present Tense.
Throughout the conversation, Abby walked us through the tremendous amount of courage, deliberation and negotiation with her self that led up to that moment. She shared how she was able to give herself a chance and described the many barriers along the way. It was such a pleasure to share this intimate conversation that mirrors many talks many of us have in our careers and working lives.
Congratulations again Abby on opening Studio Present Tense. Check out her work!
Again, thank you all for listening
We R here 4 U.


Get full access to Graphic Support Group Podcast at graphicsupportgroup.substack.com/subscribe

Continuing on the mission to introduce more voices to the podcast, we’ve invited Berlin’s #1 fan Muj Abdulzade to co-host with James. When we first asked Muj about hoping on the podcast Naïma Ben Ayed was at the top of her list of people to talk to.
We spent a lovely afternoon chatting with the London-based type designer on her family, the laziness of certain tech companies and the general challenge of working on Arabic type in a world that seeks to stay rooted in Latin. Naïma’s honesty opened space for James and Muj to relay their own experiences with language and culture in the globalized design world.
It’s amazing to be releasing the 50th conversation! Thank you to all our past guests and for all the love from our listeners.
Keep a look out on our Substack for more updates from GSG and news about Naïma’s forthcoming Arabic type design book!


Get full access to Graphic Support Group Podcast at graphicsupportgroup.substack.com/subscribe

Practice, practice, practice. Whether or now practice makes perfect it's about putting in the hours, the work, the sweat, the tears and the reflections. Bryan Collins of Poetic State joined me, James, in a calm and collected conversation with designer and illustrator Alex Kirsch. We connected on how drawing and soccer have been pillars in his life since childhood, yet the two worlds haven't always merged together. Alex shares how his love of sport and the discipline it has taught him has influenced how he's pushed himself as a designer who now occupies several different spaces.
Thanks for the support.
We R Here 4 U.


Get full access to Graphic Support Group Podcast at graphicsupportgroup.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back for another season of Graphic Support Group. Kicking off for Season 6 is another episode of our beloved “Behind the Screen” series. If you haven’t heard it our first installment was with Hasan Askari.
This time we got to speak with LA print legend David Mayes. He's long been a part of the LA design community, going beyond his role as a printer to be a steward of design in the city. He shared the development of his career and the many relationships he’s fostered through his work as a printer. David was honest and candid about the weight of being responsible for executing so many people’s work. Throughout the years he’s created lasting bonds and helped bridge the gap between printers and designers. His involvement in AIGA LA has added depth and meaning to his business and the community that’s grown around him. We’re so grateful for his story and helped us better understand the humanity behind the service. Be kind to your printers!
—
This year we’ll be bringing some new voices to the podcast to join as co-hosts. Thank you all for supporting this project and we hope to grow the community of creativity and care.


Get full access to Graphic Support Group Podcast at graphicsupportgroup.substack.com/subscribe

Before we begin we have a special message from Bryan and Poetic State.
Hey, listeners. I'm Bryan Collins, founder of Poetic State, and I'm a career coach who helps multidisciplinary creatives break through whatever is holding them back. If you're stuck, unclear about your next steps or just ready to get outta your own way, I'd love to hear your story. We're offering free 30 minute discovery calls for the listeners of the podcast where we can talk about where you are, where you want to go, and your next action. Follow the link below to book your session with me.
Take him up on this and don’t miss out!
As we wrap up the year and our Season 5, we welcomed back Bryan Collins to help us work some stuff out. James admitted his suspicion of Bryan and recruiters. Drew lets off a little steam about the pressures of collaboration. Through it all Bryan was there with us and helping bring our attentions to the center.
Thank you all so much for supporting Graphic Support Group this year. We have had a chance to reflect on how great this podcast platform is and what it means to us.
We R Here 4 U.


Get full access to Graphic Support Group Podcast at graphicsupportgroup.substack.com/subscribe