Design Education Talks

Lefteris Heretakis

After the very first Design Education Forum by the New Art School in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast was created as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris E. Heretakis MA RCA. His rich background in art, design and education, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. At its core,  Design Education Talks podcast functions as an open forum, fostering discussions that delve into the intricate facets of art and design education, unravelling the layers of creativity, and exploring the depths of design thinking in education.  This podcast stands as a testament to our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing contemporary art and design education. Each episode becomes a nexus of exploration, where innovative solutions are sought and shared. The collaborative nature of these discussions reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice, academia and industry, and tradition and innovation. One of the podcast's distinctive features is its role as a valuable resource for skill-building among the new generation of aspiring designers. The episodes serve as an intellectual toolbox, offering practical insights, strategies, and real-world experiences that contribute to the holistic development of creative professionals. Moreover, the podcast serves as a compass, providing clear directions for those interested in reshaping the models for teaching and learning in the dynamic field of design. As we continue our journey through the Design Education Talks podcast, our aim remains resolute: to inspire, inform, and ignite a transformative dialogue that propels the evolution of art and design education. By fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, we aspire to contribute to the positive growth and adaptation of educational practices, ensuring that they align seamlessly with the needs and aspirations of the ever-changing creative landscape.

  1. JAN 25

    Design in Motion: James Grady on Creative Process and Emerging Technologies

    Get in touch! James Grady is a designer, educator, and creative researcher who fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in design, technology, and performance. As an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Boston University, he works closely with faculty, students, and industry partners to explore how emerging tools and processes shape creative practice. His teaching emphasizes experimentation, authorship, and process-driven design, encouraging students to merge traditional and digital techniques in innovative ways. In addition to his academic work, James leads Design Axl, a design consultancy specializing in brand identity, digital experiences, and interactive storytelling. His projects span venture capital, technology, real estate, healthcare, and the arts, collaborating with clients to solve complex design challenges. His research and professional practice explore computational design, creative process, and the intersection of human and machine-generated work—an approach reflected in his latest talks and award-winning projects. www.profgrady.com www.axl.design https://vimeo.com/jamesjgrady https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjgrady/ https://www.instagram.com/design_axl/ https://www.instagram.com/prof_grady Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    25 min

  2. 12/27/2025

    The Second Mountain: John McFaul’s Search for Purpose in Design

    Get in touch! Today on Design Education Talks, we’re joined by John McFaul , Executive Creative Director, Brand Consultant, Educator, and one of those rare, restless creatives who has never quite fitted into the neat boxes the world tries to offer. From the Wirral to New York, from art school misfit to brand visionary, John's career is a vivid testament to curiosity, risk-taking, and cultural immersion. He began his journey believing he was a failure for choosing Art & Design over Oxford or Cambridge , until his foundation year transformed everything. Since then, John’s path has included studying at Kingston, a brief stint at Central Saint Martins, and pioneering the early fusion of illustration, digital tools and boundary-breaking design. He co-founded Black Convoy, then launched McFaulStudio, working with clients like Nike, Levi’s, New Balance, Brand Jordan, and more , often blending art, fashion, photography, and culture into truly genre-defying work. After closing McFaul-Day in 2024, having led a decade-long partnership with New Balance and other major lifestyle brands, John now finds himself at a turning point , what he calls the “Second Mountain.” Diagnosed with ADHD and fuelled by a desire to create work with more purpose and community impact, he is exploring new models of creative leadership and education. In the classroom, John is known for bringing raw honesty, boundless cultural insight, and a powerful message: that creativity is messy, emotional, and deeply human. He speaks openly about failure, process, and the dangers of marketised education, and he champions a design education rooted in risk, curiosity, and authenticity. Whether consulting global brands or inspiring the next generation, John McFaul remains a passionate advocate for creative freedom, experimentation, and meaningful cultural engagement. Welcome, John. Support the show Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    41 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    From MIT to IDEO: Sheng-Hung Lee on the Future of Design and Education

    Get in touch! Sheng-Hung Lee is a designer, engineer, and educator dedicated to advancing human-centered design and systemic service innovation. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), focusing on human behavior and service design. He is also a Board Director at Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). His interdisciplinary research integrates design, technology, and system engineering to develop innovative service models that enhance longevity and well-being. With dual master’s degrees in Integrated Design & Management and Mechanical Engineering from MIT, and dual undergraduate degrees in Industrial Design and Electrical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Lee bridges technical expertise with creative problem-solving. His professional experience includes working at IDEO and Continuum, where he contributed to high-impact projects spanning product design, service innovation, and design strategy. An active researcher at MIT AgeLab and the Ideation Lab, Lee explores topics such as smart home solutions, Design for Longevity (D4L), and inclusive design strategies. His work has been published in leading journals and conferences, and he serves as a reviewer and guest editor for international design publications. Beyond academia, Lee is engaged in global design communities, including the World Design Organization (WDO) and IDSA, advocating for design’s role in shaping the future of human experiences. For more information about Sheng-Hung Lee’s design and research work, please visit his website:  https://www.shenghunglee.com Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    19 min

  4. 10/28/2025

    Zines, Books, and Beyond: The Practice of Jac Batey

    Get in touch! I run MA illustration and teach on BA illustration. Also supervise practice-based PhDs. Specialism is in illustration/artistbooks/zines and teaching. My own creative practice is mostly as in artists book /artzines and as an artist. I work both digitally and also with real materials like drawing, collage and print. I think social awareness and research skills are an important part of teaching illustration. I initiated and curate the UoP Artzine collection Zineopolis, this is a research hub and a collection of over 500 artzines from lots of countries and makers. I include student zines as well. This resource is used for teaching (we have zine modules) but also to generate staff research both in conceptualising and disseminating. There’s a summary on the REF database since this was an IMAPCT case study in REF21 https://results2021.ref.ac.uk/impact/... The main Zineopolis site is here https://zineopolis.blogspot.com/p/abo... You can see my practice here: https://jacbatey.com/ This site also links to specific sites on artists books (Damp Flat Books) Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    21 min

  5. 09/25/2025

    Costume as Sculpture: The Worlds of Gwen van den Eijnde

    Get in touch! Gwen van den Eijnde is a French–Dutch artist and costume designer based in the United States. For the past decade, he has been teaching apparel design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, where he currently serves as Head of Programme. While pursuing his artistic research at the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg, he began creating costumes as sculptural works. His practice explores how the act of wearing a costume can transform one’s presence in space. Through performances, installations, and photography, he has constructed visual worlds and atmospheres in which the costumes form part of a complete scenography. His performances have taken place internationally—in artist residencies, museums, schools, festivals, theatres, and workshops—often in collaboration with practitioners from a wide range of disciplines. In 2011, he led a workshop in the fashion department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, where he introduced students to his interest in Polish traditional dress. This experience marked the beginning of his teaching career. He later taught textile design at the Haute École des Arts du Rhin in Mulhouse (France) and has carried out creative research for fashion houses including Hermès and Tiffany & Co. In 2022 and again in 2024, he designed costumes for chamber operas produced by the Boston Early Music Festival: L’Idylle sur la Paix by Jean-Baptiste Lully, La Fête de Rueil by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Don Quichotte auf der Hochzeit des Comacho by Georg Philipp Telemann. Continuing to expand his research into folk and historical dress, material culture, and embroidery techniques, van den Eijnde will take part in a major group exhibition on eighteenth-century fashion and its contemporary legacy in Paris in 2026. 👉 www.gvde.net Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    31 min

  6. 08/27/2025

    Design Education Talks: Brian Grimwood - The Illustrator Who Rewrote the Rules

    Get in touch! As an illustration educator, few figures stand out as boldly, and as impactfully, as Brian Grimwood. His work is not merely a reflection of evolving visual trends; it is a catalyst for change that helped define what modern illustration could become. In an era when hyper-realistic, tightly controlled imagery dominated the commercial landscape, Grimwood dared to introduce a freer, more expressive line, loose, lyrical, and unmistakably human. Emerging in the 1970s, Grimwood’s early illustrations marked a radical departure from the status quo. His influences ranged from Chinese brush painting to jazz improvisation, and this breadth of reference infused his work with a spontaneity that felt both fresh and fearless. It’s no exaggeration to say that Brian Grimwood didn’t just break the rules, he rewrote them, making space for a new kind of illustrative voice: emotional, intuitive, and full of personality. His work is invaluable for teaching students about the importance of authorship in illustration. Brian’s style is instantly recognisable, yet it continually evolves, a powerful lesson in the value of experimentation over stagnation. He reminds us that technical skill is only part of the equation; the rest is vision, energy, and the willingness to take risks. Brian Grimwood's impact, however, extends far beyond the page. In 1983, he co-founded The Central Illustration Agency (CIA), a visionary move that professionalised the role of the illustrator and gave artists greater control over their careers. CIA was not just an agency, it was a platform that challenged exploitative norms and advocated for illustrators as creative equals in the commercial process. For educators and students alike, CIA's history offers a compelling narrative about the power of creative entrepreneurship and community. His collaborations with global clients, Apple, the Beatles, The New Yorker, British Airways, Saatchi & Saatchi, among many others, prove that expressive, idiosyncratic work can succeed at the highest levels of commercial design. He navigated the often-precarious intersection of art and commerce without compromise, a feat that continues to inspire. As a teacher, I often return to Grimwood when introducing students to the concept of visual voice. His work defies categorisation, equal parts fine art, editorial design, advertising, and storytelling and it speaks to the enduring power of drawing as a personal and po Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    35 min

  7. 07/31/2025

    Design Education Talks Haluk Sicimoğlu: Blending Empathy with Advertising Expertise

    Get in touch! We’re thrilled to welcome Haluk Sicimoğlu, a dynamic strategist, storyteller, and entrepreneur hailing from İzmir. As the founder of THAAT’S IT!, Haluk brings a sharp focus on innovation powered by insight, and crafts heartfelt brand narratives that truly connect with people  You might know Haluk from his compelling TEDx talk in 2019 — “Kimsenin Sevmediği Kahve” (The Coffee That No One Likes) — where he masterfully used a simple cup of coffee to unpack how overlooked ideas can hold transformative value . His talk reminds us that even what’s initially unpalatable can, with empathy and smart storytelling, become something everyone loves. Beyond the stage, Haluk is a go-to thought leader in marketing, innovation, and storytelling. He’s frequently featured by Speaker Agency presenting on themes such as “İçgörüsüz inovasyon uzun yaşamaz” (Innovation without insight cannot last), the art of business storytelling, and forging brand narratives that flow “heart to heart”  So whether you're dreaming of launching a brand, navigating change, or just love a good story — stay tuned: we’re diving into Haluk’s unique vision and discovering how the most unexpected ideas can spark real connection.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/haluksicimoglu/?originalSubdomain=tr Support the show Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    32 min

  8. 07/17/2025

    AIGA Special: Design Is a Performance... But Who’s Watching?

    Get in touch! Lee-Sean Huang - Co-Executive Director, Learning + Programs Giulia Donatello - Design Competitions and Event Manager The 2025 AIGA Design Conference is happening in Los Angeles from October 9th to 11th, and it's not just any conference—it's the 40th anniversary! This is the place to be for three days of inspiration, connection, and professional growth. As a listener of our podcast, you get an exclusive 15% discount on your ticket. Use the code DESIGNEDUCATIONPODCAST when you register. Find the direct link HERE. It’s a fantastic opportunity for growth, and we’d love for our community to be there. We hope to see you in LA! Support the show Since its inception in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast has served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris Heretakis. His rich background, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. See all of our work on on https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool Follow us on twitter at @newartschool Read our latest articles at https://newartschool.education/ and https://heretakis.medium.com/ Equipment used to produce the podcast: Rodcaster pro II Rode NT1 5th generation Elgato Low profile Microphone Arm Monster Prolink Studio Pro microphone cable The rest of the equipment is here 👉https://kit.co/heretakis/podcasting

    49 min
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About

After the very first Design Education Forum by the New Art School in 2019, Design Education Talks podcast was created as a dynamic platform for the exchange of insights and ideas within the realm of art and design education. This initiative sprang from a culmination of nearly a decade of extensive research conducted by Lefteris E. Heretakis MA RCA. His rich background in art, design and education, intertwining academia, industry, and student engagement, laid the foundation for a podcast that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of educational discourse. At its core,  Design Education Talks podcast functions as an open forum, fostering discussions that delve into the intricate facets of art and design education, unravelling the layers of creativity, and exploring the depths of design thinking in education.  This podcast stands as a testament to our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing contemporary art and design education. Each episode becomes a nexus of exploration, where innovative solutions are sought and shared. The collaborative nature of these discussions reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice, academia and industry, and tradition and innovation. One of the podcast's distinctive features is its role as a valuable resource for skill-building among the new generation of aspiring designers. The episodes serve as an intellectual toolbox, offering practical insights, strategies, and real-world experiences that contribute to the holistic development of creative professionals. Moreover, the podcast serves as a compass, providing clear directions for those interested in reshaping the models for teaching and learning in the dynamic field of design. As we continue our journey through the Design Education Talks podcast, our aim remains resolute: to inspire, inform, and ignite a transformative dialogue that propels the evolution of art and design education. By fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, we aspire to contribute to the positive growth and adaptation of educational practices, ensuring that they align seamlessly with the needs and aspirations of the ever-changing creative landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Lefteris Heretakis
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The New Art School
  • Show Website
    Design Education Talks
  • Provider
    Lefteris Heretakis