Our guest is Cris Hernández, a type designer and researcher currently based in New York, working on expanding typography support for indigenous languages and underrepresented communities through various collaborative projects.

In this episode, Cris speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his journey from being captivated by anime symbols as a child to his current research in typography. He shares insights about the importance of understanding where our design knowledge comes from and his work with Indigenous communities to preserve and develop their writing systems.

Cris talks about his experiences across different design communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York while offering valuable perspectives on representation in design. He shares his vision for a more inclusive typography landscape with us and his recent launch of Get a Type foundry.

Music by the band Eighties Slang.

Our guest is Lauren Gallagher, a Chicago-based designer and founder of Something Else Studio, a shape-shifting creative practice working with like-minded clients and collaborators.

In this episode, Lauren speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her path from early design explorations to running her own studio, and how launching just before the pandemic shaped her approach to work. She shares insights on building a practice that aligns with her values while fostering meaningful collaborations.

Lauren speaks about her deep connection to Chicago's creative community, finding inspiration beyond design circles, growth, and learning. She shares with us how her grandfather's memory influenced her studio's name and philosophy.

Music by the band ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eighties Slang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our guest is ⁠Nathaniel Haefner⁠, a Chicago-based designer and educator who teaches graphic design while exploring the intersections of typography, web development, and music.

In this episode, Nathaniel speaks with host ⁠Christian Solorzano⁠ about his journey from engineering student to design educator, and how his systematic approach shapes both his creative work and teaching. He shares insights on creating tools for others, whether through type design, web development, or music synthesis, and how embracing failure leads to authentic creative growth.

Nathaniel speaks about his deep connection to experimental typography and systematic design, from his early days teaching at Texas State to his current role fostering the next generation of designers in Chicago. He shares with us how memory, identity, and failure inform his creative practice and teaching philosophy.

Music by the band Eighties Slang.