Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Rick Griffith Episode Summary

Release Date: December 23, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, host Debbie Millman engages in an in-depth conversation with graphic designer and letterpress printmaker Rick Griffith. The discussion delves into Griffith's unique approach to design, his deep-rooted activism, and the interplay between his creative practice and social advocacy. Filmed at the Howe Design Live conference in Denver, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Griffith's life, work, and philosophies.

Rick Griffith: A Brief Overview

Rick Griffith is a renowned graphic designer specializing in letterpress printmaking. Notably, he was Print magazine's first artist in residence in 2020, and his work is held in the permanent collections of several American museums. Based in Denver, Griffith co-owns and operates Matter, a multifaceted establishment functioning as a design studio, typography laboratory, and bookstore.

Early Life and Influences (00:36 – 06:02)

Griffith shares his formative years, highlighting a childhood steeped in literature. Raised in southeast London with a strong emphasis on reading, his parents introduced him to classics such as Chaucer, the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, and Dickens—all read before he turned twelve. This literary foundation not only fostered his love for storytelling but also provided him with solace during challenging times.

• Notable Quote:
  "Whenever I said I was bored, they said, go read that book or go read that book." (05:10)

Griffith describes his early curiosity with technology, recounting how, at eight years old, he dismantled a cassette deck to understand its inner workings. This hands-on exploration laid the groundwork for his meticulous approach to design.

Formative Years and Design Beginnings (06:18 – 15:10)

As a teenager, Griffith moved to Washington D.C., a period marked by personal turmoil and deep immersion in the punk rock scene. The DIY ethos of the 1980s punk community influenced his collaborative spirit and commitment to activism.

Despite dropping out of high school, Griffith's passion for design persisted. He took college courses at Cooper Union, the New School, Parsons, and CU Boulder but remains largely self-taught. His diverse experiences, including working as a bike messenger and a DJ at the original 9:30 Club, enriched his creative perspectives.

• Notable Quote:
  "I have incredible curiosity about the world that we have inherited or the world that we're creating or the things that help us thrive in a creative atmosphere." (16:58)

Specializing in Letterpress and Typography (15:10 – 29:35)

Griffith pivoted from digital design to analog letterpress printing after experiencing a creative impasse. Mentored by industry veterans like Tom Parsons and Jason Wetkin, he embraced the tactile and meticulous nature of letterpress, which aligned seamlessly with his dedication to social issues.

His commitment to type specialization led him to acquire wood type and develop expertise in both analog and digital forms. This dual mastery enables him to create posters that are as much political statements as they are works of art.

• Notable Quote:
  "I moved into caring about acquiring wood type and figuring out how to make posters on the fly and how to make printing an extension of my writing practice." (19:19)

Design Meets Activism (29:35 – 35:20)

Griffith articulates the intrinsic link between his design work and activism. He emphasizes that his awareness of social injustices—such as racism, sexism, and environmental degradation—inspires his creative endeavors. The printing press becomes a vehicle for voicing opposition and advocating for change.

He reflects on the challenges within the design industry, noting an increase in racism and sexism as he pursued his ambitions:

• Notable Quote:
  "The moment I started to express ambition, I experienced more racism. Anyone feel like that? Or sexism? Anyone else? Right the minute you want something, that's when the walls start to show up." (00:01)

Griffith highlights the importance of empathy and optimism in design, arguing that designers must envision and strive for a better future despite societal setbacks.

Building Long-Term Client Relationships (09:46 – 12:03)

Griffith shares insights into cultivating enduring client relationships, some spanning over two decades. He attributes this success to genuine care, deep engagement with clients' interests, and mutual trust.

• Notable Quote:
  "The 20 year long relationships look like you caring enough about them to know what they're into and what they're like working with." (10:10)

His partnership with Deborah Johnson exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating how shared values and dedication can sustain long-term collaborations.

Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation (35:00 – 38:00)

Passionate about education, Griffith teaches both graduate and undergraduate students, believing that teaching keeps him connected to contemporary struggles and fresh perspectives. He observes a significant shift in students' challenges over the years, noting increased struggles with mental health and socioeconomic pressures.

Griffith advocates for leveraging intergenerational collaboration, urging older generations to support and empower younger activists rather than hinder their progress.

• Notable Quote:
  "My generation has to get the hell out of the way of the upcoming generations... It's hold hands and use the power that you have in the generation that you belong to to listen and to answer to their Queries about the world that they've already inherited." (38:56)

Closing Thoughts and Manifesto (39:20 – 41:37)

As the conversation nears its end, Griffith shares a poignant manifesto that encapsulates the myriad struggles faced by marginalized communities. This piece serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and recognition.

• Manifesto Excerpt:
  "There is only one struggle. It is the struggle not to be colonized, lied to, not to have treaties broken, land stolen, and to survive a genocide... The struggle to belong. The struggle to know the history of your circumstance. There is only one struggle." (40:03)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with affirmations of mutual respect and the enduring impact of Griffith's work. Debbie Millman and Rick Griffith emphasize the critical role of design in shaping a more just and empathetic world, underscoring the podcast's central theme of how creative individuals navigate and influence the arc of their lives.

• Closing Quote:
  "We can talk about making a difference. We can make a difference, or we can do both." (42:06)

Key Takeaways

• Interconnectedness of Design and Activism: Griffith exemplifies how creative practice can serve as a platform for social change.

• Importance of Education and Mentorship: Continuous learning and teaching are vital for personal growth and fostering the next generation of designers.

• Building Trusting Relationships: Long-term client relationships are built on genuine care, mutual interests, and sustained trust.

• Empathy and Optimism in Design: Designers must maintain empathy and optimism to envision and work towards a better future.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Rick Griffith (00:01): "The moment I started to express ambition, I experienced more racism. Anyone feel like that? Or sexism? Anyone else?"

2. Rick Griffith (05:10): "Whenever I said I was bored, they said, go read that book or go read that book."

3. Rick Griffith (16:58): "I have incredible curiosity about the world that we have inherited or the world that we're creating or the things that help us thrive in a creative atmosphere."

4. Rick Griffith (19:19): "I moved into caring about acquiring wood type and figuring out how to make posters on the fly and how to make printing an extension of my writing practice."

5. Rick Griffith (10:10): "The 20 year long relationships look like you caring enough about them to know what they're into and what they're like working with."

6. Rick Griffith (38:56): "My generation has to get the hell out of the way of the upcoming generations... It's hold hands and use the power that you have in the generation that you belong to to listen and to answer to their Queries about the world that they've already inherited."

This episode of Design Matters offers a profound exploration of how design and activism intertwine in Rick Griffith's life, providing valuable insights for designers, activists, and creative thinkers alike.