Technically Speaking with Harrison Wheeler Harrison Wheeler

Eso Tolson, a Memphis-based designer and brand strategist, shares his journey as an artist and how he developed his unique style. He reveals his passion for uplifting and inspiring people through his work, including his art projects. He also talks about finding safety and comfort in different spaces and the impact of his trip to Hawaii. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and finding inspiration outside of work. His love for Memphis and its vernacular language has influenced his art, which resonated with the community. He encourages creatives to stay true to themselves and make a difference.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace AI as a creative tool, not a threatCultivate inclusive spaces for self-expression while respecting othersOvercome creative blocks by taking fulfilling breaksCelebrate cultural influences in your artUse empowering words for both yourself and others
Quotes:
"AI art is just a tool to speed up the process of whatever you're trying to build." - Eso Tolson"Feeling safe is about creating spaces where people can let their guard down and just be themselves." - Eso Tolson"When I'm in a creative rut, I take a step back and do things that fulfill me, like taking a walk or engaging in activities unrelated to my work." - Eso Tolson"I wanted to celebrate the vernacular language of Memphis and highlight that it doesn't diminish intelligence or other qualities." - Eso Tolson"The words of empowerment I share are meaningful to me first, and I know that others can benefit from them too." - Eso Tolson
Timestamps:
(01:36) Introduction of Eso Tolson, The Multi-Disciplinary Artist
(03:14) Icebreaker: His current obsession with AI art and his take on new technology
(06:47) Icebreaker: What he realized about adaptability during his recent trip to Hawaii and what makes a space safe and inclusive
(11:15) Icebreaker: Discover your "coffee bean" and how it can help you break your creative rut
(13:42) From track star to artist: His journey from East St. Louis, IL to Memphis, TN
(20:49) How he developed his unique and authentic lettering style, his love letter Spectacular Vernacular to Memphis, and why Memphis embraced it
(28:11) The reason he shows up online and shares empowering messages to others
(31:42) How creativity isn't just for artists, and how every person is creative in their own way
(32:45) Where to find Eso online

About The Guest:
Eso Tolson is a Memphis-based multi-disciplinary artist and creative director known for his unique lettering style and ability to uplift, inspire, and celebrate people through his work. He specializes in hand-lettering for branding, editorial, and commercial projects. He is also an accomplished speaker and shared his story and philosophy on TEDx Talks "Less Grind, More Chill."

Connect with Eso Tolson:
Instagram

Referenced Links:
Watch Less Grind, More Chill on TEDx
Spectacular Vernacular: Eso’s Love Letter to Memphis


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Donald Burlock, User Experience Designer and Author of Superhuman by Design, joins the show to discuss his book and his mission to bring authenticity and social impact to the design profession. He shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of showing up as your authentic self in a world that often pressures us to conform. He also highlights the need for unification and the power of community in driving positive change. Whether you're a designer just starting or an experienced leader in the field, his book offers valuable insights and guidance for making a lasting impact in the design world.
Key Takeaways:
Join Donald on his golfing journey and his discoveries about the sportLearn about unification and social connection in the remote work landscape Explore how to own your image and persona authenticallyUse Superhuman by Design as your cheat code to design success Understand his mission and how looking beyond short-lived product improvements can make it happen
Quotes:
"I challenge those folks to not rely on the hubris. You're not in a position as a leader to say wonderful things about diversity and inclusion and belonging." - Donald Burlock"Design is more than just creating products or services. It's about bettering the human experience and making a positive impact." - Donald Burlock"Authenticity is the key to making a meaningful contribution as a designer." - Donald Burlock"Designers have the power to shape the future and drive social change." - Donald Burlock"The design industry needs to have more conversations about unification and finding common ground." - Donald BurlockTimestamps:
(01:26) Introduction of Donald Burlock, Author of Superhuman by Design
(03:50) Icebreaker: His golfing journey, the intriguing intricacies of the sport, and his newfound appreciation for coordination and balance
(08:43) Icebreaker: The importance of unification and social connection in the evolving landscape of remote work and independence
(14:00) Icebreaker: How to own your image and persona amidst societal pressures to conform
(24:31) Superhuman by Design, a decade of design wisdom and inspiration from Donald Burlock to creatives of all levels
(35:13) His mission: To use design to enhance the human experience for the long term, looking beyond short-lived product improvements
(39:08) How to purchase the book and engage with Donald
About The Guest:
Donald Burlock is a User Experience Designer and Author of the book Superhuman by Design. He has over 10 years of experience in the design industry, focusing on leveraging creativity to drive social impact. He is passionate about helping designers and creatives find their authentic voices and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Connect with Donald Burlock:
Instagram
Website
Referenced Links:
Superhuman by Design Paperback
Superhuman by Design Ebook
What's Next:
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Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga, Founders of Six Cinquième, an award-winning strategic branding agency in Montreal, Canada, discuss their journey in starting their agency and the lessons they've learned. They discuss the importance of flexibility, adapting to change, and prioritizing personal well-being and creativity in the workplace. They also touch on the creative industry's evolving nature and the opportunities ahead. Their dynamic and forward-thinking approach sets them apart in the agency world.
Key Takeaways:
Learn about the key in branding and business from their experience completing a project for Will Smith's WestbrookUncover the power of traditional, personalized marketing in today's industry landscape and why it outshines online transactional approachesFind out what drove them to take the leap into agency life and how you can do the sameWitness the fascinating evolution of the Ash and Miro dynamic, a lesson in successful partnershipsExamine Six Cinquième's unique approach to strategic branding – a masterclass in standing out in the creative worldDiscover the two traits that fueled their success despite facing numerous trials and errors.Investigate the wisdom of taking things one step at a time in your journeyFind out why stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks are the keys to personal and professional growth
Quotes:
"We just happened to be working together on these different projects… and it just made sense to make it more official and turn it into something official." - Ashley Phillips"We wanted to be taken more seriously, and we just had a moment of why are we doing this to ourselves?" - Miro LaFlaga"Put yourself in uncomfortable situations as much as possible. Push yourself into the unknown and see what happens." - Miro LaFlaga


Timestamps:
(01:22) Introduction of Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga
(01:47) The new social network for designers and creatives Post.cv (sic) Read.cv
(02:48) Icebreaker: How striving for fitness goals mirrors the determination and strategy in Pokémon battles
(04:56) Icebreaker: The completion of their project for Will Smith’s entertainment venture company, Westbrook, and the importance of flexibility in branding
(07:46) Icebreaker: Why they work in silence but listen to their preferred music while doing other things
(10:49) Their excitement about the opportunities in the current industry landscape and why traditional (personalized) is still the best marketing approach compared to online (transactional)
(12:54) What made them decide to start an agency
(14:16) The evolution of the Ash and Miro dynamic
(19:58) Six Cinquième as an agency and its unique approach to strategic branding
(22:23) The two traits they consider as keys to their success that kept them going despite all the trial and error
(24:13) Excitement about future projects and the importance of taking things one step at a time
(26:50) Why you should take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations to grow and succeed


About The Guests:
Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga are the founders of Six Cinquième. This award-winning Montreal-based strategic brand consultancy guides aspiring global brands to align with an authentic vision and supports them in scaling it.

They support them in their missions to disrupt their industries and, ultimately, build a legacy that will shape a better future. Their approach is intentional and strategic because building brands that can create impactful change in a world that fears change requires careful consideration.

Connect with Ash and Miro:
a...

George Aye discusses his journey in design and the unique perspective he brings as an Adjunct Professor and Co-Founder of Greater Good Studio. He shares his current obsession and efforts to improve his diet and overall health. He also delves into the importance of design ethics and the need for a shared understanding and framework in the industry. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of working with different types of clients and the responsibility of tackling complex social issues through design.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize design ethics by promoting shared understanding and frameworkDesign with mindfulness to prevent harm, especially when working with vulnerable populations.Embrace a human-centered approach as the design industry evolves.Maintain a balance between optimism and frustration when tackling complex social issues, acknowledging the challenges while staying hopeful.Approach your work with purpose by being empathetic and innovative in your designs 
Quotes:
"I want them to remember these meals so they have that baseline palate. Not that I need them to have a high fine dining palette, but just like they will associate love and connection through food, I want to be somewhat responsible for that." - George Aye
"And because there isn't really much in the way of a standard or a single definition, if you will, it becomes incredibly risky, I think, to expose those teams to human subjects." - George Aye 
"I've been really pleased to see how sophisticated our clients are becoming around knowing that there's still a gap in our understanding around these humans that we care for and we protective of and we serve and we want to get closer to what that gap is. - George Aye
"Don't say that this is the same of getting someone approved for food stamps or not. They are not the same. And that rhetoric around it being impactful I get, but it is not equivalent to direct reconciliation around systemic issues, around harm and around race and identity that are present because to make those equivalent to me feels like, grossly inappropriate." - George Aye 
"The term pissed-off optimist comes from my co-founder, Sara Cantor, and it aptly describes, I think, for the two of us, the inherent tension in wanting to remain hopeful that something can still happen. But mad as hell that something hasn't happened yet, because there's a lot to be upset about. And I think, if anything, it's about recognizing we would believe. I don't think it's healthy or sustainable to be only one of those two things. - George Aye
"It's not about having money. They are denied getting their foot onto the wealth generating mechanism that is homeownership." - George Aye
"What do we have to do this work? What right do we have to show up to any of these spaces and have anything to say?" - George Aye
Timestamps:
(01:22) Introduction to George Aye, Co-Founder of Greater Studio in Chicago
(02:21) Icebreaker: His current obsession with Poke Bowls and diet
(07:33) Icebreaker: The lack of industry-wide ethical framework in design
(15:18) Icebreaker: His surprise at the number of clients seeking their expertise
(20:52) His background in design and transition to the social sector
(28:22) The concept of being a "pissed-off optimist"
(32:41) Overview of the types of projects Greater Studio works on
(36:41) The responsibility and approach to working on diverse topics
(39:21) How to find out more about Greater Studio and their work

About The Guest:
George Aye is the Co-Founder of Greater Good Studio...

Isaac Hayes III, entrepreneur and music producer, discusses the peer-to-peer subscription model and the rise of subscriptions on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He sees this as a validation of his platform, Fanbase, which aims to uplift creators of color who other platforms have underserved. He believes every social media platform has its time and will eventually be replaced by a new platform geared toward the younger generation. He also talks about the importance of persistence and questioning societal norms in pursuing success. The Fanbase app is available for download on iOS and Android.
Key Takeaways:
Discover how the peer-to-peer subscription model validates Fanbase as a major social media platformEmpower your earnings on Fanbase by unlocking monetization opportunities for all, prioritizing underserved creators of colorRevolutionize social media lifecycles since every platform finds relevance within its generationHarness the unstoppable force of persistence that surpasses talent, genius, and educationForge your unique path by challenging societal norms and writing your own rules for success

Quotes:
"When you have a platform like Facebook and Instagram combined, worth about a big $700 billion market cap trying to copy what we're doing, that tells me that, 'Oh, you're on the right track in what you're doing.'" - Isaac Hayes III"I can build everything that Facebook and Instagram and TikTok can build, but they can't build Black culture." - Isaac Hayes III"Persistence is the most powerful force on the planet, right? It's more powerful than talent. It's more powerful than genius. It's more powerful than education." - Isaac Hayes III
Timestamps:
(01:41) Introduction to Isaac Hayes III
(02:20) What he thinks of social media platforms copying the peer-to-peer subscription model he created
(03:42) His belief that every social media platform will live and die
(04:39) Why Fanbase is the next logical platform for Gen Z and Gen Alpha
(05:05) The importance of providing subscriptions and monetization for ALL users
(05:57) His decision to pursue crowdfunding to raise capital
(07:08) How equity crowdfunding offers the opportunity for everyday people to invest
(08:00) Motivation to allow people to own part of a tech startup
(09:57) The power of persistence and questioning societal norms
(15:12) How to download Fanbase and connect with Isaac Hayes III

About The Guest:
Isaac Hayes III is an entrepreneur and music producer based in Atlanta. He is the Founder and CEO of Fanbase, a social media platform that focuses on peer-to-peer subscriptions and aims to uplift creators of color.

Connect with Isaac Hayes III:
Fanbase

Referenced Links:
Fanbase

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Alexis Cotton, a Design Lead at Meta, discusses her journey into design and her experience as a neurodivergent designer. She shares her passion for storytelling and finding her voice as a designer. Alexis also talks about the challenges of making friends during the pandemic and the importance of work-life balance.

Key Takeaways:
Learn how to rediscover hobbies, find new interests, and embrace change post-pandemicDiscover strategies for connecting with others and transform your home into a comfortable and uniquely creative space that perfectly reflects your styleCreate impactful designs using the power of communication and storytellingLeverage your distinctive point of view to accomplish outstanding outcomes in your professionUse Alexis' tip to effectively manage remote work and maintain a work-life balance

Quotes:
"We should talk about how hard it is to make friends during the pandemic and be more upfront with people that we are close to and ask them to set us up." - Alexis Cotton"Your design work is only as great as the way that you can articulate it." - Alexis Cotton"With these decisions to go back to the office, be hybrid or remote, you should really think about where you do your best work." - Alexis CottonTimestamps:
(00:24) Introduction to the episode and guest, Alexis Cotton
(01:08) Icebreaker: Rediscovering hobbies post-pandemic
(02:52) Icebreaker: The place that best symbolizes her personality
(05:42) Icebreaker: The challenges of making new friends
(08:13) Her journey into design and the impact of the Posse Foundation on her career
(11:51) Her transition from fine arts to product design
(14:01) Her role as a Product Design Architect at Meta
(18:04) Neurodivergence and its impact on work
(20:52) The importance of storytelling and finding your voice
(28:07) Her advice on work-life balance and finding what works best for you
(28:48) How to reach Alexis Cotton

About The Guest:
Meet Alexis Cotton, a Design Lead at Meta with a fine arts and graphic design background. She has honed her skills at renowned companies like Gigster and Intuit. Alexis is passionate about storytelling and constantly strives to find her unique voice as a designer. Additionally, she is neurodivergent, which gives her a distinct perspective and helps her excel in her work.

Connect with Alexis Cotton:
LinkedIn

Referenced Links:
Learn more about Posse here.
Rent your furniture here.

What's Next:
Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast.
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Visit the website here.

Connect With Me:
Instagram
LinkedIn
a...