Educated Guess

One of the core tenets of Educated Guess is "Accessibility". For us, this means that people (at any age) should have the opportunity to shadow and learn as much as possible about a career they are interested in. And, ultimately, we believe that this mode of thinking will lead to more "pluralists" in today's society. The term "pluralist" for us has gotten a bad rap over the years. Unfortunately, having more than one interest can be a slippery slope towards being perceived as a "jack of all trades".  However, even if our interests, skills, and background tend to look more like a paper machete, we find it incredibly powerful to acknowledge this as a good thing instead of a setback. That said, for this episode, we're joined by Amy Choi someone who has a pulse on the power of being multifaceted. A few years ago, Amy Choi and Rebecca Lehrer founded MashUp Americans where they produce The Mash-Up Americans podcast and curate stories in a weekly newsletter. While seemingly operating under a normal blog to busine

Educated Guess is now a year old! And, after putting in a year’s worth of sweat equity, I’ve decided to take a moment to reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.  In this moment of silence and reflection, I’ve realized a pretty exhaustive list of tactical things I would’ve done differently -- “start sooner”, “come up with detailed content plan”, or “don’t come up with detailed content plan” lol. Yet, each of the items on that list ended up being pretty specific to starting a podcast--and therefore, pretty low value to most of you listening. So, instead, I decided to zoom out a bit and share with you some life lessons and principles of starting a new venture -- hopefully these help in some fashion.  These are my thoughts….tune in. Enjoy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Educated Guess is all about bridging the gap for careers in art + design. And, as a result, we spend a lot of time working to understand the complexities of an innovative solution so that we could explain and share it with someone who might just be starting out. This week, we're joined by someone who’s helped chart that exact same path — Dong-Ping Wong—co-founder of Food New York, Inc.  Food is a New York-based design studio focused on architecture and environmental design. Their projects range from installations, private residences, set design, giant swimming pools, and more. A partial client list of theirs includes Kanye West, Tom Sachs, Virgil Abloh, and more. For about an hour, we spend time walking through the following questions and topics: Figuring Out the Right Amount of Iteration  Collaborating With High-Profile Clients Finding a Path to More Productive Architecture Navigating the Field of Architecture in a Slow Economy   If you want to checkout more work from Food, you can vis

Given the ever-changing landscape of tech, it can frequently feel difficult to sell a new design service centered around a piece of technology that’s still evolving. So, for the few companies who are brave enough to step out in front and lead the charge on defining different use cases in the space, a moment of recognition is required in our book.  This week we're joined by someone who fits that bill exactly — Hassan Seguias— co-founder of Elevux, Inc. Elevux is an Orlando-based design studio focused on disruptive experiences and product design. They specialize in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and product design. Some of their clients include 3M, Disney, and Universal Studios. For about an hour, we spend time walking through the following questions and topics: The Importance of Creative Discharge   The Death of the Traditional Agency Model   The Biggest Pain Points in Explaining AR/VR to Clients   Mapping Out a Learning Plan for Yourself   If you want to checkout more wor

If you're interested in starting a studio or agency of your own, it's most likely because you'd like to consistently take on projects that are both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Yet, for anyone who's spent time in a small agency or studio, they know that the reality is usually a lot tougher to bring to bear than the ideal scenario.  This week we're joined by Archie Lee Coates IV -- co-founder of PLAYLAB, Inc. PLAYLAB is an art and design studio with projects spanning dozens of industries and disciplines, and for about an hour, we spend time walking through the following questions and topics: The Pros and Cons of Corporate Projects How to Initiate the Work You Want to See  Embracing Ambiguity  How to React to Being Placed in a Box Finding a Balance Between Work and Play  If you want to checkout more of PLAYLAB and Archie's Work, you can visit them here:  https://www.playlab.org/work/ https://www.instagram.com/playlabinc/ https://www.instagram.com/ottomilo/

In an era where pretty much all design businesses can do the same thing...Logo Design, Branding, Product, Websites, Brochures, etc., how do you know what business you're in?  The truth is -- in true consulting fashion -- that it depends. Depending on the branding or marketing objectives, the different structures and staff can create a huge impact on the budget, the process and the outcomes. So, to unpack these questions, we've brought Marc Posch (founder of Brand Consulting firm Opus Brand Consulting) on the show to talk it through.  You can keep up with Marc's whereabouts here:  https://medium.com/marc-posch-design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

If you've ever wondered whether or not you're committing your time to the right tasks, then this episode is for you. This week, we're joined by author, speaker, and consultant Josh Davis, PhD. Josh Davis, PhD, is the author of the international bestseller Two Awesome Hours. He is Faculty and Senior Director of Research at the Institute for Personal Leadership, and he teaches "The Art of Public Speaking" at the NLP Center of New York. I brought him on the show to walk through the differences between efficiency and effectiveness. Some other topics we walk through on the show include:  how to cope with never feeling productive enough the benefit of distraction why efficiency is a terrible metric for humans the importance of momentum vs. magic what are the basic circumstances we can setup to be more productive. Also, you can keep up with Josh's work and purchase his book at the links below.  https://neuroleadership.com/personnel/dr-josh-davis/ https://twitter.com/joshdavisphd?lang=en http://

Have you ever met that one person who always seems to ask just the right question to dig deeper into your thinking? Usually this person is a therapist. But, what if there was a way for the average person to tap into their innate curiosity. What if questions could unlock brand new ideas that changed the way we thought about the world?  This week, we're bringing on the man who just might have the answer. Warren Berger is a bestselling author of multiple books on the topic. As a former journalist, he uses his investigative approach to dig into just how the most revolutionary ideas come about.  Some of the topics we touch on include:  What are the right questions to ask?  Is it ever bad to over question the norm? How to balance logic and emotion when facing big life decisions What are some prime ways to collaborate?  Also, you can keep up with Warren's work and purchase his book at the links below.  https://warrenberger.com/ https://amorebeautifulquestion.com/ https://twitt

If you've ever felt weird, awkward, or inauthentic at networking events or conferences, you can trust that you're not alone. In fact, you're probably in the majority.  So, now that we know the problem, how might we go about solving for the lack of continuity and consistency in finding deep relationships?  In an effort to shed some light, we're joined this week by bestselling author, TED talk speaker, and professor, David Burkus. His most recent book--FRIEND OF A FRIEND: UNDERSTANDING THE HIDDEN NETWORKS THAT CAN TRANSFORM YOUR WORK AND LIFE--he takes a scientific approach to breaking down the primitive and modern aspects of human networks.  Some of the questions we touch on include:  Which areas of your network provide the best source of new ideas and insights Where the potential blind spots and weak points in your network are How to foster authentic, collaborative relationships How to effectively grow and strengthen your network Also, you can keep up with Dave's work and purchas

On this episode, we're joined by Deneesha Lawrence -- Producer on the marketing team for Facebook's new Portal product. For about an hour, we spend time unpacking some of the difficult questions about diversity & inclusion. Some of which include:  what’s the difference between diversity and inclusion?  what is the long term impact / agenda people are seeking?  if you are someone who doesn’t feel included in your workplace, how do you decide whether it’s your place to stay and fight that battle or if you should leave and start your own? These are the questions we are unpacking and many more. This is a conversation that is needed, and I’ll have to preface that we are not experts in this domain. We simply have chosen to start the conversation.  And, our hope out of this conversation is that people who feel excluded and uncomfortable at work can begin to find peace + solidarity in which actions are best for them.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/supp

The past few years have been a challenge for the world. Even though these are some of the most prosperous times in modern history, they're also some of the most socially numbing times for many.  While I can't speak for everyone, I know many who've had their assumptions challenged, anxieties fueled, and social comforts taken away.  And as artists, our social comforts are often our moments of inspiration. Yet, overtime, you might've noticed yourself feeling fewer and fewer moments that feel like this. Well, I've been struggling with this as well. And, truth be told, I haven't found a perfect remedy. But, heading into the new year, I want us all to have as much momentum and purpose as possible. So, I thought it'd be helpful to share my intuition on a couple of questions below.  how does social media influence the way we think about art?  is it truly bad to be doing more business than design now?  how do we keep the childlike imagination alive? Tune in. --- Support this podcas

Joined by digital content strategist at Finishline, Kim Nguyen, we talk about smart ways to use time on social, color threading on an IG feed, getting better at work-life balance, and learning to speak up as a woman in a creative field. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Joined by Author, speaker, and art school consultant, Kevin Carroll, we walk through mindset changes, winning routines, and a 4-step process that could give any designer the same edge he's seen in the world's biggest athletes - including his friend Kobe Bryant. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Naturally, I think we’re all a little afraid of standing out from the rest of the crowd. Naturally, when you stand out, you’re open for criticism. Yet, so many of us come from places, cultures, and circumstances that others simply can’t relate to. So, what should you do? Blend in or shout every chance you get? We like to think there’s a lot of middle ground that’s worth exploring. So, this week, we invited Spandana Gopal, founder of Tiipoi to have a conversation about Indian design, cultural appropriation, and how we can all share parts of who we are through our work. If you’re someone who has been looking for a way to share more about your specific upbringing, nationality, or ethnicity, this episode was made just for you. Tune in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

As we approach a a new decade of the 24/7 news cycle (starting , everyone feels pressure to create (and consume) content around the clock—for better or for worse. This week we’re joined by Ben Roazen, former host of Hypebeast Radio and contributing writer for GQ, The Fader, and Complex to talk through content as an artfrom, worst freelancing practices, normcore opinions, and unplugging from work at night. Tune in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

[Education]: Pratt + Chelsea Flea Market [Work]: Johnson Trading Gallery + Salon 94 With over 20 years of experience buying and selling high-end art, furniture, and sculpture, Paul Johnson knows more than a thing or two about building a art + design business. Over the course of an hour long conversation, we talk about family, finances, and faith during the long--often arduous--journey of the art scene. Also, he gives his take on humility and what a strategy might look like to start an art or design gallery in 2018. If you’ve thought about opening your own gallery or consignment store, this show is for you. Tune in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Content Producer - [Education]: Complex - [Work]: Complex, Finishline, + Rosewood We don't like the phrase "making it". The second that happens is the same second that we stop growing. In the spirit of growth, we're joined by someone who's shown an innate ability to sustain a career in the ever-changing world of sneakers and content. Brandon Edler has been a critical part of the recent--and sustained-- success of Complex and Finishline. Now, at Rosewood, he spends roughly 50 minutes talking with us about his opinions on: - Building a Business from a Passion - Finding Your Tribe - Showing Your Value - Knowing If It's Time to Cash in Your Collection - StockX, Grailed, and Goat We think you'll love the discussion this week. You can follow us--and this week's guest--using the links below. - instagram.com/educated__guess - instagram.com/mrbrando3 Tune in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Industrial Designer [Education]: Art Center College of Design, Astro Studios, IDEO, InCase, Steelcase, Nike, and more. [Work]: Aplat, Inc. It’s probably your dream to start a new brand from scratch. In today’s age of dropshipping and crowdfunding, a new start is just a click away. But, what do you do once the novelty of “launch” wears off? How do you separate your personal life from your brand? What do you do when distraction starts creeping in? On this episode, we sit down with Shujan Bertrand, founder of Aplat, Inc. With past experience at Astro Studios, IDEO, Incase, Steelcase, Nike, and more, her perspectives are definitely worth you lending an ear. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Co-Founder Atlanta Design Festival [Education]: Design is Human + Modern Atlanta [Work]: Atlanta Design Festival If you’re a young, self-taught designer, you might feel out of place at a design fair. Walking from one exhibit to the next, you can’t even imagine how you might find a foot in the door. Yet, one of the worst things you can do is to never come back. Today, I invited Bernard McCoy (co-founder of Atlanta Design Festival) on the show to have a conversation about why local design fairs are often the best opportunity for young designers to share their work, learn new skills, and grow their network each time they step through the door at a design fair. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support

Industrial Design Studio [Education] Linnaeus University [Work] IKEA, BAUX, TID Watches, MUUTO, HEM, Cappellini With well over a decade of experience under his belt, Jonas Pettersson (co-founder of @formuswithlove) knows first hand what it’s like to lead a studio through the pit of a financial meltdown and the peak of an IKEA commission. Before you can know success, you must first know yourself. And, running a design studio can teach you a lot about both. On this episode, we talk with Jonas about how he’s managed to keep the soul of his studio alive. Tune. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/educated-guess/support