Listen Close Jeff Close

Within 5 years from graduating at RISD in the Graphic Design program, Jessica Walsh has her feet firmly planted at one of the most influential design studios today, partnered with one of the most influential designers—Stefan Sagmeister. On this show, Jessica talks about the process involved in her work and I ask her opinion on graphic design today. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Peter Buchanan-Smith is a graduate of SVA's Master of Design program. He has also done graphic design work for Wilco, Isaac Mizrahi and Philip Glass. Today however, his focus is on Best Made Company, which was started with the intention to tell a story. His first product was the axe, a powerful tool that he thought was in need to be improved. Now Best Made Co. has gone beyond the axe and on this show Peter talks about his experience of transitioning from a graphic designer to an entrepreneur among other things. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Julia Hoffman is the creative director for The Department of Advertising and Graphic Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In other words, she leads an in-house design team that designs exhibits in the museum for you to interact with. On this show, I talk to her about what an in-house design studio is and how it's different, how identity systems come to be, and the transformation of communication for us as designers. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Arem Duplessis is a name you should be familiar with. He has been the creative mind behind some of the most prolific magazines. With his feet planted firmly at the New York Times Magazine, to say the least, he oversees how an urgent issue should feel and tug on the heartstrings of its readers. On Listen Close, he divulges a topic I have yet to tackle in the world of design and graphic design. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Deborah Adler focuses on seeking design opportunities in industries that need help most. She is highly influential in the medical field partly due to her thesis project she developed in school, which is now known as the ClearRX system. Deborah shares her thought process on projects and why entering the 'gemba' is something everyone, including designers, should be doing. http://www.listencloseshow.com/

Steven Heller and Lita Talarico have been at the forefront of design education for quite some time. They are the chairs of successful Masters programs in design and have really pushed the MFA status quo. I ask them why it's so important to have education as a designer, and as they relay a multitude of important specifics I realize this show is not to be missed. http://www.listencloseshow.com/