Design is how things go from functional to meaningful. The founders in this section understand that. They’ve built design agencies, product studios, UX consultancies, and creative firms that shape how people interact with everything from apps to physical spaces.
These interviews cover the full design spectrum. Graphic design. UX and UI. Industrial design. Interior design. Brand identity. Web design. The kind of work that most people don’t notice until it’s done badly. Which, if you think about it, is the highest compliment.
The founders here talk about the business of design, not just the craft. How to price creative work. How to manage client expectations. How to build a team of creative people without everything devolving into chaos. And how to stay creatively fulfilled while running a business, which turns out to be harder than it sounds.
You’ll find insights on design thinking, user research, building a portfolio, and the eternal debate between form and function. If you’re a designer, a founder who needs design help, or just someone who appreciates things that work well and look good doing it, these conversations are for you.
Have thick skin and don’t be easily swayed by what others say. Rene Pabon is President and CEO of The Childs Dreyfus Group – where he continues to foster an award winning…
Meet Rene Pabon – President and CEO of The Childs Dreyfus Group
FINISH – complete the tasks you start. It sounds commonsensical, but a lot of people don’t finish. It makes all the difference to finish the task at hand. Venturing to…
Not all ideas are created equal, and sometimes it takes some testing to figure out which will work. Erin Berman, an established storyteller, brand strategist, and creative director, is the…
Stop being over critical or self-doubting. Avoid the fear of not knowing enough because the reality is that you are always enough. Felderman Keatinge + Associates are a Los Angeles-based…
Meet Stanley Felderman & Nancy Keatinge – Creators of Felderman Keatinge + Associates
I think working your butt off is necessary, but if you enjoy your work and if you are passionate about it, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Jessica Bartram…
Meet Jessica Bartram – Co-founder of Emery Clothing Collection
I believe in finding business ideas that you are passionate about, rather than finding something unique, and focus on bringing them to life. Sandesh Joshi is the President and co-founder…
I’d find a mentor and find them quickly. As a young entrepreneur (I started Walk West when I was 24), I didn’t yet know that I knew absolutely nothing. Brian…
Reassess what you think you believe. That means everything, from the way you market your company to the way you operate to the work you’re going after to what you…
Meet Maria Rapetskaya – Founder and Creative Director of Undefined Creative
The thing I do over and over is reassess my goals, recommit, and make new goals. Cody Burdett grew up learning at the foot of his father, a 30 year…
I typically begin my days at 5:45 am and finish when I feel it’s finished. Juan Pablo Molyneux heads the international interior design firm J.P. Molyneux Studio Ltd. His first…
I’m not completely against multitasking, but being able to really focus on one thing at a time has really made things easier for me. Entrepreneur, artist, designer, and humanitarian, Marissa…
Do not be afraid to get started. You can learn along the way. As the President and CEO, Carol is responsible for driving key strategic initiatives for ESI Ergonomic Solutions….
Meet Carol Keogh – President and CEO of ESI Ergonomic Solutions