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

In this Cheers & Tiers conversation, Mike Joosse shares his extensive journey with AIGA, highlighting the pivotal role it played in his career and personal growth. He discusses with hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar his experiences at AIGA leadership retreats, the importance of community building in design, and how he applies the lessons learned from AIGA chapter to national leadership, to his current role at VML. The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking, the value of in-person connections, and the ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive creative community.

Key Takeaways

• AIGA has been instrumental in Mike's career development.
• Leadership retreats foster deep connections among design professionals.
• Community building is essential in the design industry.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs applies to professional development.
• Mike emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community.
• In-person interactions create unique networking opportunities.
• Mike's role at VML focuses on connecting team members.
• The magic of leadership retreats lies in shared experiences.
• Mike aims to replicate AIGA's community spirit at VML.
• Building strong connections is vital for team cohesion.

Episode Chapters

04:59 Leadership Retreat Experiences and Insights

10:12 Community Building and Networking in Design

14:48 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Design Leadership

20:09 Translating AIGA Lessons to VML

24:45 The Magic of In-Person Connections

30:01 Reflections on Community and Future Aspirations

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 conversation, David John Walker, a prominent art director and type designer, shares his journey through the design world, his involvement with AIGA and the Nashville chapter, and the evolution of design education. He discusses the importance of networking, community building, and the role of design in social change, particularly in light of recent events. David also reflects on his personal projects, the power of lettering, and the need for continued activism in the design community.

Key Takeaways

• Networking events are crucial for connecting with design leaders.
• Academia plays a vital role in sustaining AIGA's membership.
• Leadership retreats provide valuable opportunities for growth.
• Design can be a powerful tool for social change.
• David emphasizes the importance of community in design education.
• Lettering projects allow for personal expression and commentary.
• Apathy in the design community is unacceptable.
• David's work has been influenced by recent social movements.
• The design profession has evolved but still faces challenges.

Episode Chapters

03:13 David's Journey with AIGA
05:55 The Evolution of AIGA and Academia
08:59 Networking and Community Building in Design
11:47 Leadership Experiences and Their Impact
15:13 The Role of Design in Social Change
17:55 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
20:56 The Power of Lettering and Personal Expression
23:55 Reflections on Activism and Design

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 episode of Cheers & Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar talk with Paul Mendoza around his journey with AIGA Los Angeles, his experiences at AIGA leadership retreats, and how those experiences shaped his career path leading to his current role producing Amazon’s in-house design conference, Conflux. Paul shares stories about karaoke nights, after-parties (including the informal GayIGA gatherings), and the famous 6AM Club where designers would stay up all night talking about their lives and careers. Paul talks about his formative experiences at AIGA leadership retreats, particularly his first in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2015, and recounts his show-stopping karaoke performance that made him instantly recognizable among AIGA leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Involvement in professional organizations can open unexpected career paths and connections.
• The most meaningful connections often happen during unstructured, after-hours events.
• Creating dedicated spaces for underrepresented communities builds stronger overall organizations.
• Communication skills are as important for designers as visual design abilities.
• Bringing joy and authenticity to professional settings improves the experience for everyone.
• Understanding local design communities and cultures creates more relevant programming.
• Coaching and mentoring early-career designers helps build confidence and future leaders.
• Vulnerability (like singing karaoke) can create instant connections in professional settings.
• Events that build community require both structured programming and space for organic interaction.
• Strong communities, like human pyramids, require solid foundations and mutual support.
• Professional development happens through both formal education and community involvement.
• Design leadership involves amplifying others' voices and helping them shine.
• Transferring skills between industries (TV writing to design conference production) creates unique value.

Episode Chapters

00:55 Paul's journey with AIGA, starting in 2013 as a student
02:27 Working on AIGA portfolio day and attending his first leadership retreat
04:26 Memories from the Grand Rapids leadership retreat
07:28 Paul's karaoke talents and creating memorable moments
10:29 The importance of singing and vulnerability in community building
11:17 The "6AM Club" and after-hours magic at leadership retreats
12:39 GayIGA gatherings and supporting queer businesses in North Carolina
16:18 Building human pyramids as a metaphor for leadership
20:35 How AIGA influenced Paul's work at Amazon's Conflux conference
22:13 The importance of local design communities and culture
24:19 Bringing joy to professional environments
25:45 Writing for live shows and coaching speakers
27:54 The importance of communication skills for designers

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 episode of Cheers & Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar catch up with design powerhouse Christine Sheller. From leading UX teams to shaping AIGA Philly, Christine has done it all—and she’s got the wild leadership retreat stories to prove it! We chat about her journey in design, the magic of community, and how a chance encounter at a conference led to big career moves. Plus, we talk about her adventures in LA, teaching at ArtCenter, and even a hilarious run-in with Flavor Flav.

Key Takeaways

• Christine Scheller is a powerhouse in design and UX.
• She emphasizes the importance of community in design leadership.
• Leadership retreats foster deep connections among designers.
• In-house design initiatives can significantly impact the industry.
• Teaching at ArtCenter College of Design is a rewarding experience for Christine.
• The design landscape is rapidly changing due to technology and market demands.
• Networking through AIGA has transformed many careers in design.
• Christine's journey reflects the importance of mentorship and support in design.
• Community building is essential for fostering new talent in design.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Design Leadership
02:19 Christine's Journey in Design and AIGA
05:01 Leadership Retreats and Community Building
17:03 In-House Design Initiatives and Impact
21:52 Current Endeavors and Teaching Experiences
29:02 Reflections on Community and Connection

Featuring

• Guest Christine Sheller, connect on LinkedIn | ADPList
• 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 episode of Cheers & Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar sit down with design veteran Josh Silverman to discuss his 30-year career spanning entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership. Josh reflects on how volunteering with AIGA Boston early in his career transformed his professional journey. What started as a simple act of "raising his hand" led to meaningful leadership roles, forging connections with collaborators, mentors, and lifelong friends.

Together, Erik, Rachel, and Josh explore how community participation creates a virtuous cycle: the more you give, the more unexpected opportunities arise. They share practical advice for designers at any career stage looking to find their community—whether through local meetups, online spaces, or volunteering. This conversation offers an intimate look at how design communities are more than just professional networks—they're support systems that enrich both work and life. Josh's story is a powerful reminder that in design, as in life, we go further together than alone.

Key Takeaways

• Be the ancestors the design community needs.
• Taking initiative in the community fosters personal and professional growth.
• Community remains relevant, important, and necessary.
• Involvement with AIGA can open new opportunities.
• The courage to stand up and contribute leads to meaningful connections.
• Hiring managers value community engagement.
• Design advocacy and education is a continuous effort.
• Opportunities for community building are waiting to be discovered or created.
• Technology can be a powerful tool for building and sustaining community.
• Unstructured, organic community building fosters authentic relationships.
• Letting go of expectations can open doors to new possibilities.
• Some experiences, like spending a day with Stefan Sagmeister, are priceless.
• Investing in a community can yield immeasurable personal and professional rewards.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:18 Josh Silverman: A Shared Love of Community & Leadership
• 02:15 Early Days: Pre-AIGA and the Logo in a Square Rebrand
• 10:12 AIGA: The Backbone of the Design Community
• 13:23 First Leadership Retreat: Phoenix, AZ
• 15:48 A Moment with Debbie Millman in Omaha
• 17:49 Why Community is Still Essential
• 20:57 The Role of Education and Advocacy
• 24:12 ConFig: A New Model for Community Building?
• 26:25 Integrating Learning into Leadership
• 29:17 AFTA in Boston
• 30:20 How Many Pyramids?
• 31:10 How AIGA Leadership Shaped Josh Today
• 34:16 Producing the Stefan Sagmeister Lecture
• 35:33 Raising Your Hand: The Power of Taking Initiative
• 36:45 Wrap-Up

Featuring

• Guest Josh Silverman, connect on LinkedIn | PeopleWork Partners
• 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