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.

Our guest is Chris Eichenseer, a Chicago-based designer and founder of Someoddpilot Design Studio and Public Works Gallery.

In this episode, Chris speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his journey from thrash metal bands to building one of Chicago's most distinctive design studios. He shares insights on creative fearlessness, building mythology through design, and how maintaining a rebellious spirit shapes his approach to underground and corporate projects.

Chris speaks about his deep connection to Chicago's DIY creative community, from his early days making album covers to his current work fostering collaborative environments. He opens up about the intersection of music, design, and entrepreneurship and how creating spaces for fearless ideation has shaped Someoddpilot's unique creative culture.

Music by the band Eighties Slang.

Our guest is Robert Robbins, a Chicago-based designer and creative director at City Church Chicago.

In this episode, Robert speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his journey from skateboarding culture to creative leadership, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to mentoring the next generation of designers. Robert shares his perspective on creating spaces where creativity can flourish and why vulnerability is essential in leadership.

Robert speaks about his deep connection to Chicago's creative community, from his early days in the punk rock scene to his current role building creative talent. He shares with us how faith, resilience, and a commitment to serving others have guided his path, and how these values translate into building strong creative teams and meaningful work.

Contact Robert at robert@thisisegg.com.

Music by the band ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eighties Slang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Today, we share a special Underscore episode with some of the Chicago Graphic Design Club team: Cheryl, Alexis, Jeffrey, and Christian. Together, we reflect on 2024, all that we’ve accomplished, and our vision for 2025.

We also spend time reading over comments from our community survey, giving you a glimpse into how the CGDC operates and works behind the scenes. As usual, thank you for listening and for all your support this year. It means a lot, and you are the reason why we do this.

Enjoy the conversation, and if you enjoy this show, please rate it, share it with your friends, and subscribe to it wherever you listen.

Music by the band ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eighties Slang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our guest is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Antonio Garcia, a Chicago-based designer, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at TXI, and Founder of Dadwell.

In this episode, Antonio speaks with host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Solorzano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about the intersection of business, strategy, and design and their value in creating outcomes rooted in intellectual curiosity and reason.

Antonio speaks about his love for Chicago and his trajectory as a designer for over two decades. He shares with us how hope and his lived experience come across through his work and how that has translated into his involvement in Chicago’s design community through initiatives such as mentorship, programming, and giving back.

Music by the band ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eighties Slang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our guest is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hamid Alavi, a Chicago-based graphic designer, and Chicago Graphic Design Club programming team member.

In this episode, Hamid speaks with host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Solorzano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about his multimedia creative practices, moving to the US from Iran, his research methods, Chicago, the importance of self-initiated projects, and much more.

Music by the band ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eighties Slang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.