New Here: Balancing Big Projects and Small Town Impact (with Brian Simpson)

On this episode throwback, we discuss:Eric's experience running and growing a startup called Perkville in the bay areaCreating a culture of mentorshipBeing a Chief Design Officer of one, and how running a startup helped Eric refine his focus and purposeEric walks us through the Facebook Groups team, their mission and how they workThe importance of "north star" concepts and their ability to help you sell an idea and a vision to your teamWhy shorter (3 day) sprints can be more effective than 5 day design sprintsThe "People/Problem" framework at Facebook and how Facebook designers drive the products and determine what to shipThe value of diverse job experiences and how working in an agency can help you learn skills to create and sell ideasHaving a diverse team of designers gives you awesome collaboration and outcomes.Testing incremental changes get you incremental results, but when you test big bold ideas you can see huge angle changes in your metricsDesigners need to get out of their bubbles (most of your users are not like you)Tips on user testing when you don't have real user testing support or funding----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Korczynski, a dedicated pop-culture aficionado and UX Lead at IBM. Heather offers a deep dive into her life—discussing her role at IBM, her passion for Austin FC, and her aspirations of launching her own business. We explore her growth journey, covering the importance of community, the value of tackling new challenges, and how she balances her career with evolving interests. Heather also shares her excitement about recent pop culture highlights, like the buzz around the Barbenheimer double feature, and reveals her approach to continually learning new skills, from advanced design techniques to project management fundamentals. Wrapping up, Heather provides thoughtful advice for those aiming to embrace new opportunities, step out of their comfort zones, and confront anxieties head-on, all in the pursuit of authentic growth and self-discovery.

In this episode, Nina Sanchez, Tony Sanchez, Bobby Dixon, and Nhi Nguyen delve into the Big Little Poster Show, exploring its value for Austin's design community, sharing personal connections with food, and uncovering the inspiration behind Bobby and Nhi's desire to get involved. They discuss how the show brings together a diverse group of designers and creators, fostering a unique space for collaboration, creativity, and community. Each guest shares their perspective on the relationship between design and food culture, revealing how flavors, colors, and textures inspire their creative processes. Bobby and Nhi share their excitement about the works these artists will bring to life, anticipating how each piece will uniquely capture the theme and celebrate the spirit of Urban Roots. Tune in to hear why this event is more than just an art showcase—it's a celebration of design, community, and the connections that drive creativity forward.Follow THe Big Little Poster Show, Bobby Dixon, Nhi Nguyen, and Nina at:Web: biglittleprintshowInstagram:@thebiglittleprintshowBobby Dixon: @klctvefusionNhi Nguyen: @nhiiiNina Sanchez: @chola.in.floral----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

In this episode, Tony and Anthony explore the nuanced distinctions between good and beautiful design. They consider the subjectivity of beauty, influenced by cultural and individual preferences, and the importance of usability and business objectives and what constitutes “good” design. Citing a mobile game that succeeds commercially and the unconventional design of the Cybertruck, they underline the tension between aesthetics and functionality. The conversation shifts to natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and the balance between awe-inspiring visuals and the tendency to overlook everyday wonders.Follow Tony and Anthony on X: Tony Sanchez Anthony ArmendarizLinkedin: Tony Sanchez Anthony Armendariz----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

In this episode, we chat with Brian Simpson, a creative professional who took the leap from Florida to Austin, Texas, back in 2008. Brian started in flash design and later co-founded an experiential design agency, showcasing incredible innovation and adaptability along the way. We’ll hear about his work on high-profile projects, including a groundbreaking app for Rupert Murdoch, and dive into the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Things get personal as we discuss how parenthood and a pandemic-inspired move to small-town Wimberley have shaped his journey. We’ll also explore Brian’s latest passion project, Small Town Locals, which is all about supporting rural communities through commerce and storytelling. So join us for an inspiring conversation on risk-taking, continuous learning, and finding balance in the ever-evolving world of creative business.Follow Brian and Small Town Locals on Web: www.smalltownlocals.comInstagram: @smalltownlocals @whatsupwithbrian----Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

Ten years ago, Funsize launched the Hustle Podcast. Since then, we have had nearly one hundred conversations with exciting people in the design industry.Today, we're excited to announce and discuss the next generation of the Funsize podcasting, The Funsize Show!This podcast, now rebranded as The Funsize Show, is a variety show with many exciting segments hosted by many brilliant people at Funsize. The content will span the gamut of design leadership to design expertise, conversations with our clients about our relationship and our work, taking risks and trying new things, fun and inspiring conversations with our team,  and more.We're about to launch a new website for the show and will be making that announcement on our social media and on future podcast episodes. Please stay tuned. We think you'll like it. Check out more exciting episodes on the Funsize Show Website.Web: www.funsize.co. |  Instagram: @funsizeco  |  X: @funsize 

Juliana Vislova is the VP of Design at Mercury, an all-in-one banking platform for startups. A former linguistics major, Juliana is career switcher who spent time as an art director for a digital marketing agency before her design career. After moving to the U.S., she stumbled upon product design and immediately loved its intersection of pscyhology, art, storytelling and problem-solving. Her design path has taken her from the founding designer at Mercury to now leading a team of 20. In this episode we cover: Career SwitchingBurnoutPersonal agency in workGiving up control and trusting othersMeetings as workAnd more!Visit the Funsize websiteSubscribe to The Funsize Digest

During our party for SXSW 2022, we interviewed designers and tech workers to understand how their careers were affected by the pandemic and what it means for their futures. We'd like to extend a huge thanks to Johnny Abowd, Carlos Menchaca, Dina Williams, Ali Metall, AC Cowart, Steven Parvaresh, Rick Messer, Isabelle Encela, Steven Ray and Katy Beightol for sharing their perspectives on this unique episode. In this episode we cover:How people's work was affected by the pandemicThe differences in team dynamics created over the last two yearsWhere designers see their careers headed nextAnd more!Visit the Funsize websiteSubscribe to The Funsize Digest

Brian Peterson is a a multidisciplinary creator supporting, connecting, and empowering organizations through strategic design. Brian’s background is in fine arts with a brief stint in animation/illustration. His path to design has taken him through freelance visual design, to a founding team startup, to the design studio at Funsize. Currently, he leads design teams at Affirm, where he works to bring honest financial products to the world.Brian is a strong believer in collaboration and he sees design as a vehicle for connecting people and transforming organizations. When not thinking about design management, operations, methodologies, etc., Brian likes to build worlds through drawing.In this episode we cover:Design managementIndividual contributorsGrowthManagementDesign operationsLeveling upAnd more!Visit the Funsize websiteSubscribe to The Funsize Digest

Kevin Hawkins is the director of product design at BookClub—an online platform that brings authors and readers together. He is also an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design leader and educator with over 12 years of experience building communities and launching products.Kevin is a self-taught front-end developer and started his career doing freelance web design for local businesses and science NGOs in his home town: Washington D.C. He transitioned to his first full-time job in UX at 16. Since then, he's been a UX leader for Booking.com, PwC, EY, Gap Inc., and more. Kevin now resides in Amsterdam where he teaches UX and directs the production and launch of innovative products. In his spare time, he likes to travel, learn new perspectives, and desires to be challenged while doing good work. In this episode we cover:Outcome vs. intentWorkaholism Cultural inspiration20% timeSofas  & interior designHyggeAnd more!Visit the Funsize websiteSubscribe to The Funsize Digest