In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar welcome Brian Singer, a San Francisco-based artist and designer known for his impactful projects that foster human connection and social change. The conversation delves into Brian’s journey in design leadership, his experiences with AIGA, and the memorable moments from leadership retreats. They discuss the Twitspotting project, the challenges of controversial art, and the importance of community in the design industry. Brian reflects on his transition from chapter leadership to national leadership and shares insights on building connections within the design community.

Key Takeaways

• Brian Singer is known for his bold projects that spark social change.
• The AIGA leadership retreats fostered strong community bonds among designers.
• Transitioning from complaining to taking action is crucial in leadership.
• Controversial art can provoke strong reactions and discussions.
• Building community is essential for effective leadership in design.
• Memorable experiences often happen outside of formal programming.
• Leadership requires understanding the constraints and challenges of the industry.
• Brian’s Twitspotting project highlighted distracted driving in a unique way.
• The design community thrives on collaboration and shared experiences.
• Networking at leadership retreats has lasting impacts on professional relationships.

Episode Chapters

02:59 Reminiscing About AIGA Leadership Retreats

06:08 Brian’s Journey into AIGA Leadership

08:57 The Twitspotting Project Explained

11:52 The Impact of Controversial Art

14:56 Community and Leadership Dynamics

17:56 Memorable After-Program Experiences

21:11 Building Community in Design

24:08 Transitioning from Chapter to National Leadership

26:50 Reflections on Leadership and Change

Featuring

• Guest Brian Singer, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: San Francisco Design Week, June 2 – 10, 2025: get your tickets

In this Cheers & Tiers episode, Ashleigh Axios shares her journey in design leadership, highlighting her extensive involvement with AIGA and the impact of community engagement on her career. She reflects on memorable experiences at leadership retreats, the importance of building trust within design communities, and the lessons learned from her leadership roles. Ashleigh also discusses the creation of the DotGov design conference and the significance of fostering connections among designers in government. The conversation emphasizes the value of giving back to the community and the personal growth that comes from such involvement. More about AIGA DC's DotGov: https://dc.aiga.org/dotgovdesign/

Key Takeaways

• Volunteering in design communities can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
• Leadership retreats provide opportunities for networking and sharing creative ideas.
• Building trust and vulnerability is essential in design communities.
• The DotGov design conference was created to connect government designers and share resources.
• Leadership roles in AIGA taught valuable management and negotiation skills.
• Community involvement can lead to lasting friendships and connections.
• The importance of succession planning in volunteer organizations.
• Design initiatives can have a significant impact on public services.
• Reflecting on experiences in design leadership can inspire future generations.

Episode Chapters

03:03 Community Engagement and Leadership in AIGA

05:56 Memorable Experiences at Leadership Retreats

08:58 Building Trust and Vulnerability in Design Communities

11:52 The Impact of AIGA on Personal and Professional Growth

15:00 Creating Initiatives: DotGov Design Conference

21:13 Lessons Learned from Leadership Roles

24:04 Reflections on Community and Future Engagement

Featuring

• Guest Ashleigh Axios, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: San Francisco Design Week, June 2 – 10, 2025: get your tickets

In this engaging conversation, Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar explore the journey of Elysia Syriac, an experienced designer passionate about design operations and community engagement. They discuss her involvement with AIGA, the impact of mentorship, and the creative skateboard art project that raised funds for students with disabilities. The conversation also delves into the significance of leadership retreats in fostering connections and creating unforgettable experiences in the design community. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on their experiences at creative retreats, discussing the emotional highs and lows of returning to everyday life after such events. They share memorable moments, including fun activities like pyramid formations and karaoke, emphasizing the importance of community and connection within the design field. The discussion also touches on the significance of preserving design history and legacy, as well as the future of creativity and the role of designers in shaping the world.

Key Takeaways

• AIGA involvement can shape a designer's career trajectory.
• Mentorship programs can lead to significant community impact.
• Skateboard art projects foster creativity and community engagement.
• Leadership retreats provide invaluable networking opportunities.
• Unexpected moments can make events unforgettable.
• Documenting experiences adds value to participants.
• Collaboration enhances the quality of events.
• Creativity is essential in event planning.
• Community-driven initiatives can lead to meaningful change.
• Building connections is key to a vibrant design community. Returning from retreats can leave one feeling empty.
• The importance of having a community to share experiences with.
• Memorable moments from retreats often include fun activities and bonding.
• Pyramids have become an iconic activity at retreats.
• Leadership retreats provide valuable peer mentorship.
• AIGA fosters a sense of belonging among designers.
• Designers hold responsibility for how the world communicates.
• Preserving design history is crucial for future generations.
• Creativity is essential for moving culture and business forward.
• Celebrating the unique abilities of creatives is vital.

Episode Chapters

01:18 AIGA Involvement and Early Experiences

03:05 The Bordo Bello Skateboard Art Project

10:22 Leadership Retreat Experiences

20:07 Creating Unforgettable Events

23:50 The Highs and Lows of Retreats

28:07 Memorable Moments and Pyramids

33:56 The Importance of Community in Design

39:01 Preserving Design History and Legacy

39:55 The Future of Creativity and Community

Featuring

• Guest Elysia Syriac, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
• Subscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Sponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop now
Sponsored by: San Francisco Design Week, June 2 – 10, 2025: get your tickets