Design Better Podcast Summary: Live at Savannah College of Art and Design with Kate Aronowitz, Steve Johnson, Kat Holmes, and Jaime Lopez

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In a special live episode of Design Better, co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter engage with four esteemed design leaders—Kate Aronowitz, Steve Johnson, Kat Holmes, and Jamie Lopez—recorded at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The conversation delves into the unpredictable nature of career paths in design, emphasizing adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

1. Navigating Career Paths and Expectations

00:02 – 04:50

Aaron and Eli open the discussion by reflecting on their initial career expectations, highlighting how reality often diverges from plans. Aaron shares his certainty about becoming a successful painter in New York, while Eli discusses the ambiguity he faced as a product design undergrad.

• Kate Aronowitz (04:50): “I thought someone was going to chart the path after school for me. I had my parents, professors, and first boss who cared, but I quickly realized it was up to me to architect my own path.”

• Jamie Lopez (06:19): Emphasizes the misconception of having a clear design career path and the importance of seizing opportunities during design school.

• Steve Johnson (07:23): Shares his journey from engineering to finding a purposeful connection in the workplace, adapting his career through interactions and relationships.

• Kat Holmes (08:38): Highlights the importance of mastering fundamentals and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

2. Entering the Design Ecosystem: Startups vs. Large Companies

09:43 – 17:26

The panelists discuss the pros and cons of starting a career in small startups versus large, established companies.

• Kat Holmes (10:08): Advocates for starting at smaller companies to gain diverse experiences and encourages building strong foundations before moving to larger organizations.

• Steve Johnson (16:45): Counters by praising the variety of projects and opportunities available at large companies like Microsoft and Google, describing them as a "candy store" for designers.

• Kate Aronowitz (12:05): Reiterates the value of learning from experienced mentors in larger teams, even if the initial projects seem mundane.

• Jamie Lopez (18:14): Emphasizes the importance of mentorship and building connections, regardless of the company size.

3. The Importance of Soft Skills and Collaboration

19:57 – 29:47

Aaron shifts the conversation to the critical soft skills necessary for design professionals, beyond technical expertise.

• Steve Johnson (20:34): Introduces the concept of "power skills," emphasizing openness to feedback and self-awareness in aligning personal goals with the workplace environment.

• Kate Aronowitz (22:02): Stresses the significance of preparation, attention to detail, and accountability in professional settings.

• Jamie Lopez (23:07): Highlights collaboration as a fundamental skill, advocating for being a great team player who contributes positively to the work environment.

• Kat Holmes (24:44): Advises designers to tell compelling stories about their work and to focus on team success rather than personal accolades.

• Aaron Walter (26:39): Adds that collaboration requires humility and the ability to let go of ego to work effectively within teams.

4. Embracing AI in Design

25:49 – 29:47

The panel explores the impact of generative AI tools on the design industry, discussing both opportunities and challenges.

• Steve Johnson (26:39): Views AI as a new digital material for experimentation, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and collaboration with technologists.

• Kat Holmes (28:11): Encourages embracing AI, comparing its generic outputs to "fast food" and advocating for adding personal creativity to AI-generated content.

• Kate Aronowitz (29:25): Reminds designers that AI is a tool, not a shortcut, and underscores the necessity of maintaining craftsmanship and curation skills.

• Jamie Lopez (29:47): Expresses optimism about AI, believing that creative individuals can leverage these tools to enhance their work rather than be replaced by them.

5. Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market

30:51 – 33:44

With a competitive job landscape, the panel offers strategies for new designers to distinguish themselves.

• Kate Aronowitz (31:15): Emphasizes the importance of a polished, error-free portfolio that clearly articulates project goals, roles, and outcomes.

• Steve Johnson (32:22): Adds that attitude and authenticity are crucial, encouraging designers to showcase their unique passions and personality in their work.

• Kat Holmes (33:44): Highlights the value of iterations in portfolios to demonstrate problem-solving processes and adaptability.

• Jamie Lopez (35:21): Advises genuine interest and preparation in job applications and interviews to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm.

6. The Purpose of Work

40:31 – 46:07

The discussion shifts to the philosophical question, "What is work for?" revealing diverse perspectives on the meaning and purpose of professional life.

• Kat Holmes (41:25): Views work as an opportunity for creative expression and an outlet for her passions.

• Steve Johnson (42:24): Sees work as a means to shape culture and mindset, driven by a sense of purpose and societal impact.

• Jamie Lopez (44:07): Aligns work with social impact, inspired by her background and desire to make the world a better place through design.

• Kate Aronowitz (45:16): Describes work as a journey of self-discovery and meaningful contributions alongside supportive colleagues.

7. Audience Q&A Highlights

47:20 – 66:57

The panel addresses audience questions, providing actionable advice on building relationships, crafting portfolios, and navigating internships.

• Sejun (47:20): Asks about handling small talk in relationship-building, especially coming from a culture where small talk is less common.

  • Jamie Lopez (48:02): Distinguishes between networking and building genuine connections, suggesting finding comfortable environments to gradually build relationships.

  • Steve Johnson (48:40): Highlights the importance of intentional interactions and being authentic in communications.

  • Kate Aronowitz (50:33): Advises asking specific, actionable questions when reaching out to professionals, focusing on showing respect for their time.

• Sean McAteer (52:29): Inquires about staying updated with emerging design trends.

  • Kat Holmes (52:51): Attributes staying current to her passion for pop culture, continuous reading, and maintaining curiosity.

  • Jamie Lopez (53:31): Discusses the role of storytelling and iterating on projects to reflect diverse user experiences.

• Sam Merrill (54:54): Asks about personal growth outside of design and connections.

  • Steve Johnson (55:04): Reflects on self-compassion and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of resilience and grace in personal and professional life.

  • Jamie Lopez (56:44): Shares her journey of embracing her identity and authenticity in professional settings, leading to personal and career growth.

• Eva (57:10): Seeks advice on securing internships and making meaningful connections.

  • Kat Holmes (58:53): Encourages persistence, specificity in outreach, and building relationships through authentic interactions rather than generic mentorship requests.

  • Steve Johnson (61:03): Advocates for perseverance in reaching out despite initial setbacks, emphasizing that lack of response is not a personal rejection.

  • Jamie Lopez (61:06): Highlights the importance of foundational skills and craftsmanship as evergreen qualities that transcend technological changes.

8. Conclusion

66:26 – 67:15

Aaron thanks the panelists for their invaluable insights, while Carrie wraps up the episode with production acknowledgments and a call for listeners to leave reviews and share the podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Kate Aronowitz (04:50): “Careers are wonderful. You're going to work for some wonderful people out there, but it's a business at the end of the day, and you have to take care of yourself first.”

• Kat Holmes (24:44): “You have to make sure that you're a part of a team. You have to understand that you are not there to be a superstar. You're there to make sure that the team is successful.”

• Jamie Lopez (23:07): “Learn to be a great collaborator. It'll help you jump from so many different diverse environments and bring one of the most powerful things you can.”

• Steve Johnson (32:22): “Be yourself and connect it to the work you're doing, because that comes through in a way where we want people in the team who are going to bring all of that authentic passion.”

• Jamie Lopez (35:21): “Be genuinely interested. Don't treat everything just like, well, I'm here for my job now and like, are you going to give it to me?”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Design Better offers a deep dive into the nuanced experiences of top design professionals, providing listeners with practical advice on navigating career uncertainties, building meaningful relationships, embracing technological advancements, and infusing purpose into their work. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, the insights shared by Kate, Steve, Kat, and Jamie are invaluable for honing your craft and fostering a collaborative and innovative mindset.