Exploded View

It's been one year since we were all told to quarantine. In that time, so much has changed in the ways that we work. Being full time at home has forced us all to collaborate remotely, which is why I invited our next guest, Kelly Custer.  Kelly is the founder of an industrial design studio called Knack which does 100% of their work remotely. They've done this from day one, long before Covid-19 was in the picture. So as we all take stock of our year of remote collaboration, we can learn from Kelly, what works, what doesn't, and how can we all take steps to improve remote collaboration. Enjoy! More on instagram @ExplodedViewPodcastHost: Craig MackiewiczGuest: Kelly Custer 

Have you ever thought about going out on your own and starting a design consulting practice?  Michael DiTullo, a talented and prolific designer who has worked with some of the biggest brands out there, steps through the journey he took to kicking off his own practice. From building contracts and setting rates, to maintain relationships with clients and business advice, Michael opens up about the advice that has helped him succeed and build a thriving practice. I hope you enjoy this Season 2 kickoff of Exploded View. More on Instagram @ExplodedViewPodcast Host: Craig MackiewiczGuest: Michael Ditullo

Today on Exploded view, we are going to explore the topic of diversity within our own industry with the cofounders of the Women in Industrial Design Chicago Chapter (aka WIID), Mallory Evans and McKayla Barber. Mallory and McKayla bring a unique perspective on the topic as Cofounders of WIID, but also as the next generation of successful designers working in our industry. The question we will explore today is how might we empower the next generation of women designers in our field? We will chat with Mallory and McKayla about the great work that WIID is doing, and how they are helping the ID field. They will provide some actionable advice for women on everything from searching for your first job, to what you can do if you find yourself in an uncomfortable work situation. I think this episode is important to listen to regardless of your gender or level of seniority. To that end, we also chat about how men can help empower women in the workplace. I hope you enjoy! More on Instagram @ExplodedViewPodcast Host: Craig Mackiewicz Guests: Mallory Evans and McKayla Barber

It is said that a company’s brand exists in the minds of the consumer, the company can only do its best to influence that image. I love this interpretation because it means brands can’t just talk about what they believe is right, but also have to live it through their actions, products and services. Companies should make their products and actions speak for the brand as much as a tagline or advertisement. Authenticity is a buzz word, but I believe it’s for good reason. So how do you create a brand from scratch that has meaning and hits the right cord with consumers--especially in todays crowded marketplace. Today on Exploded View, we are going to talk to my friend Larry Parker, Designer Director at Rivian Automotive and learn how he helped develop the Rivian brand from scratch. What steps are important to consider when developing the brand from the ground up, and how do those strategies get applied on everything from the product to the imagery. Enjoy! More on Instagram @ExplodedViewPodcast Host: Craig Mackiewicz Guest: Larry Parker