In this episode we speak with the extraordinarily talented Kayla Gray!

Kayla is a Graphic Designer for American Structurepoint and alumna of the Indiana State University Graphic Design program. We discuss Kayla’s job working as a designer alongside engineers, Structurepoint’s fantastic onboarding, the Cracker Barrel logo, Mark finally watches It’s Always Sunny, Dan searches the Internet for Milk Steak, and why Kristen serves separate hams for the adults and children during the holidays.

So Okay Team!, sit back, grab a beverage, and let’s get started!

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

Welcome to Episode 35: Designer Downtime!

In this episode, the Team discusses what young designers can do with their downtime, whether that be from school or in off-work hours. We discuss how to find an internship and also and how to fill the experience holes in your résumé if you haven’t had a summer internship. We’ll go over ideas including mentorship, shadowing, networking, and in-person or digital events, culminating in a list of ideas to help you boost your design skills and experience. Dan impersonates Kristen, we discuss government cheese, and Mark‘s gallery show was a huge success! Listen now to hear the full context!

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In light of Google’s new video editor the Team tackles the topic of AI again. We talk about the pros and cons that could come from the extreme power of AI tools currently, diving into media production and consumption patterns, safe ways to interact with AI creations, and the over-saturation of the market. Discussions surround why people may shy away from the disingenuous and seek out real connections. Is AI media transitory? Will authenticity win out? Kristen doesn’t answer Mark‘s questions and instead talks about her AI hopes and dreams, Dan has more horror movie recommendations, and Mark‘s new exhibit is live (though by the time this episode airs it will be closed).

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

Join us this episode as The Team chats with Project Manager, Designer, Researcher, and World Traveler Alissa Cook. We’ll discuss the benefits of taking a service-driven gap year after design school, using design expertise to understand the user in any situation, and really accepting experiences that open your eyes to all that design can be. Alissa demonstrates how stepping away from a traditional design path and following personal interests really shaped the unique design career she has today. Mark talks about umbrella thieves, we are not up for a Webby Award, also Impact Statements are super helpful!

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

Welcome back! In this episode, Kristen and Lauren are joined by Trevor Minton, Chief Experience Officer at Openfield in Cincinnati. Join us as we discuss the ways we've seen the design industry narrow and focus on specialities, using design as a mindset and solving problems outside of your job, and the importance of being flexible and accepting new technologies in an ever-evolving landscape of design tools. We cover how to be a problem solver instead of a problem finder and important moments in the growth of a young designer's career.

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, Mark, Dan, and Kristen field questions from the wonderful Graphic Design students of Indiana State University!

The Q&A covers a multitude of subjects from imposter syndrome, the differences between art and creative directors, should you go to graduate school as a visual artist if you never intend to teach, and lots more!

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

To celebrate the end of Season 3, Mark, Kristen, Dan, and Lauren visit the Okay Team! Lounge, where they have drinks and discuss everything BUT graphic design.

Subjects include the upcoming Season 4 of the podcast, some movie reviews, a little bit of reality TV, and gaming.

There is a lot of laughter and geeky content with this episode, but they'll back in Season 4 with more design news, guests, and possibly an episode with a class of college graphic design students asking questions on career guidance!

So sit back, relax, have a nice drink, and welcome to The Okay Team! Lounge.

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the Team chats with Haley Moore, VP of Design, about her career path from designer to manager and how she came to terms with embracing her natural ability to lead projects and being comfortable managing a team of very skilled designers. She discusses taking leaps in her career in order to not lean away from her natural skillsets, even if they are hard to recognize, and being ok with the concept of not being the best at something.

Haley also discusses the traits and qualities she looks for when hiring a new designer, including how to share a bit of yourself with your interviewers.

Kristen discusses Bigfoot (again), and Haley unwinds with snacks on the floor to deal with burnout.

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark Cela
Host, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen Pericleous
Host, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor - Dan Lawson