Creative Critique with Your Studio Crush

Liam Lynch is a New York-based hip hop dancer and movement artist. After learning to dance in high school by cyphering with friends in the hallways, he began to formally pursue dance in college at Princeton University. Liam has trained in hip hop, house, popping, contemporary, and more, which he combines into his own unique style. He performs with BOLD Dance Company, works as a freelance commercial dancer for music videos and performances, attends battles and continues to choreograph and teach. He is also part of the inaugural Mets dance team the Queens Crew. Here is my conversation with Liam Lynch.

Andy Sun is a Brooklyn-based creative director and designer. His work focuses on product/graphic design, user interface/user experience research, and storytelling. He is a Creative Producer at Nik Bentel Studio which releases limited edition performative objects. These can range from furniture, clothing, handbags, homeware items and toys. This is my conversation with Andy Sun.

Welcome to the first non-interview episode where I discuss the differences between art and design and analyze a decorative arts object, a Kosen from 1930s Japan. Examining decorative objects like the Kosen reveals the values of the Japanese Art Deco period. According to the Japan Society’s exhibition “Deco Japan: Shaping Culture, 1920-1945,” an important aspect of the Art Deco period in Japan was the rise of the “modern girl” and her role in cosmopolitan urban culture. The “modern girl” embodied the intersection of Japanese style with Western culture. For instance, while wearing a kimono, she might adopt a Western hairstyle and accessories. Deco culture emphasizes consumerism and taste-making, so a closer look at objects decorating domestic spaces is fascinating.

Luke McCambley is a new Greenpoint resident, a professional cartoonist, and The Orange Runner. He draws comics mostly about running, draws portraits of mostly runners, and works with running brands like Hoka, On, Brooks, and Nike. You might see him around in an orange jumpsuit. Here is my conversation with my friend Luke.

Juno Roome is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in Brooklyn. His music is best described as  dream pop-esque and explores memory and nostalgia. He has over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, a new music video called Baby photos that just came out, and an upcoming show at Heaven Can Wait on October 15th. Here is my conversation with my friend Juno.

Christine Evans started designing clothes at a young age and always knew she would work in fashion. She got her BFA from Parsons, the New School, and has an impressive resume, having worked at brands like Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Under Armour. She now works as an associate designer at Vineyard Vines, and we talked about how growing up in Washington DC affected her sense of style and identity in her fashion career. But more importantly, we talked about playing lacrosse together in high school. This is my conversation with Christine Evans.

Tina Bearden is a freelance photographer and art director based in New York, she is a huge part of the running community and focuses on movement and sports in her work. She is currently the global art director at Steve Madden and is responsible for concepting and executing the creative vision of the popular shoe brand. We talked about her non traditional way of getting into her career, and how she figured out her niche through just sticking with her passions of running and photography. She is probably one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. This is my conversation with Tina Bearden.

Nicholas Raefski is a fashion designer based in New York City. He has a namesake label and his brand is best described as poststructuralist streetwear and serves as a commentary on the modern-day consumerist phenomena. He takes influence from popular culture across film, music, and sports. He was named one of 7 American Menswear Designers To Watch during NY mens day fashion week 2023 by Hypebeast, and even has a documentary about his fashion week journey called the Dream is alive. So without further ado, here is my conversation with my friend Nick!

Introducing my new podcast, Creative Critique with Your Studio Crush! My name is Ally and I am an emerging curator and design historian living in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. On this podcast, I am interviewing crush-worthy creatives to broaden your (and my) understanding of creative careers. In doing so, I am hoping to make information about careers across the arts and design fields more accessible. Have you ever thought, I want to have 'xyz' job but how do I do that? Like how does one become an auctioneer or a creative director? Don't worry, we'll clear that up for you. In addition to my interviews, I will also discuss design and art topics I am personally interested in, and maybe you'll learn something new! This one is for the creatives, the art school kids, and the people stuck in corporate jobs.