Introducing "Eyes on Design," AIGA's 2026 Programming Theme

In this episode, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello host Andy Curson and Rob Slowe from Arctic Paper as they dive into sustainable papermaking, the role of print in a digital age, and collaborations with emerging designers. Discover how Arctic Paper balances environmental responsibility with innovation, and how print continues to evolve as a meaningful medium for creativity and storytelling.Arctic Paper’s portfolio: mills in Sweden and Poland, offering coated, uncoated, book, and high-end papersThe relationship between Arctic Paper and the Munken Design Brand, and insights into their global activitiesCollaborations with European design schools for over 20 years, fostering youth creativityThe evolution of agenda design: flexibility, interactivity, and the shift from static to fluid layoutsThe value of physical books and print in an era dominated by screens, emphasizing quality and sensory experienceArctic Paper’s sustainability initiatives: FSC, Cradle to Cradle, CO2 reduction, water conservation, and environmental stewardshipChallenges in translating digital files to print, ICC profiles, and ensuring color fidelityDigital tools like Munken Sans font and Munken Creator for hybrid design approachesThe future of print: high-end books as niche luxury items, akin to vinyl recordsThe impact of AI on design and print, emphasizing the importance of tactile, slow media for deep engagementResources & Links:Arctic Paper Official Website: https://www.arcticpaper.comMunken Paper: https://www.arcticpaper.com/brands/munken/Munken Sans Typeface: https://colab.munken.com/munken-sansMunken Creator Web Tool: https://colab.munken.com/munkencreatorFSC Certification: https://fsc.orgTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Eyes on Design theme and guests from Arctic Paper02:29 - Arctic Paper’s global presence and product offerings04:09 - Clarification of Arctic Paper and Munkin Brand relationship05:34 - The backgrounds and careers of Andy and Rob in the paper industry11:34 - Long-standing collaboration with European art and design schools14:32 - Big shifts in youth design practices: flexibility and interactivity16:33 - How COVID influenced innovative student projects and engagement with paper19:04 - Challenges of translating digital files to print on uncoated paper21:03 - The role of paper quality in creating memorable experiences24:47 - Arctic Paper’s commitments to sustainability and environmental impact27:31 - Innovations in reducing water and energy consumption in papermaking30:14 - The physical environment as part of sustainability and community well-being31:24 - How Arctic Paper bridges expectations between digital and print media34:41 - Digital tools and experiments like Munken Sans font and Munken Creator platform39:24 - The future of luxury books and print as a niche market akin to vinyl records41:59 - The timeless value of physical books and passing on treasured works42:35 - AI's role in design, print, and storytelling: preserving tactile skills amid digital growth45:09 - Looking ahead: embracing both digital and physical mediums, fostering new creatives

Join co-hosts Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello as they kick off a brand-new season of the AIGA Design Podcast. We’re diving deep into our new programming theme, "Eyes on Design."Whether you’re a long-time listener or brand new to the show, Lee-Sean and Giulia take a moment to (re)introduce themselves and share the backgrounds (and biases) they bring to design discourse.Have a story to tell? We’re scouting for guests! Send your pitches to [email protected] the conversation: We love hearing from you. Drop us an email or a voice message with your thoughts on the new seasonThe AIGA Design Podcast is 100% member-supported. Join AIGA today at aiga.org to support our work and connect with our community of design professionals, educators, and leaders.

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, hosts Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello sit down with Aleksey Fedorov, Director of Global Brand Marketing at Microsoft, for a wide-ranging conversation on branding, performance, and the evolving role of design in society.Aleksey reflects on his nonlinear career path and how moments of tension, uncertainty, and failure have shaped his creative practice. Together, they unpack how brands can move beyond metrics to create meaning, build trust, and reflect the complexity of the world we live in. The conversation also explores the role of AI in creative work, the importance of inclusion and representation in brand systems, and what it means to design not just visuals, but immersive, living worlds.Drawing on his experience at Microsoft and his involvement with AIGA, Aleksey shares insights on how institutions and brands must continue to evolve, embracing discomfort and staying grounded in human values to remain relevant and impactful.Episode Recommendation:Book: Art Since 1900Newsletter: Benedict EvansMovie: HerShow: Andor

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello engage in an inspiring conversation with Devika Menon, a service design and delivery lead at the City of Philadelphia. They explore Devika's diverse career journey, from her early days in animation film design to her current role in civic design. The discussion highlights the importance of human-centered design, the challenges of working within government systems, and the significance of participatory service design. Devika shares insights on navigating uncertainty, the impact of cultural experiences on design thinking, and the value of collaboration in creating sustainable change.Episode Recommendations:Book: Good Services: Decoding the Mystery of What Makes a Good ServiceBook: Braiding Sweetgrass

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Kevin Flores, an experienced product and design leader, founder and coach. They delve into Kevin's diverse career journey, from his early days in Silicon Valley to his experiences with major corporations like LinkedIn and Verizon. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability in design careers, the evolving role of design leaders, and the significance of personal branding. Kevin shares insights on navigating the challenges of the design industry, the impact of AI on design processes, and the value of cultivating a unique design sense. He reminds designers that even as AI evolves, maintaining a sharp critical lens remains an essential skill.Episode Recommendations:Kevin's Book: Design Career HandbookShort Film: Powers of TenBook recommendation: Orbiting the Giant Hairball

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello speak with George Aye, co-founder of Greater Good Studio⁠, about his concept of “pissed off optimism”, the tension between acknowledging what’s broken and believing in the possibility of meaningful change. The conversation explores the power of community, the realities of navigating race and identity in the design profession, and the transitions and trade-offs that come with moving from designer to business owner. George also reflects on the principles that guide his studio, the importance of ethics in design education, and the role designers can play in supporting social change. The episode concludes with inspirational media recommendations and a call to action for designers to connect with local nonprofits.

In this insightful episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, hosts Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello are joined by Sahar Chung, Director of Product Strategy at Multiplayer. Sahar shares her unique career journey, from her early days as a NASA contractor to becoming a leader in the UX field. The conversation delves into the evolution of UX research as a strategic partner, the importance of building inclusive methodologies, and the critical role of relationship-building in design. Learn about Sahar's co-founding of Confetti Q&A, a platform for community-driven discussions on industry challenges. Connect with Sahar Chung:https://saharchung.com/LinkedinSahar’s recommendation: Fantasy HighJoin us for the 2025 AIGA Design Conference, October 9-11 in Los Angeles, California – ⁠⁠⁠https://www.aiga.org/design/aiga-design-conferenceWatch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MscLQyFFwVI

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, hosts Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello sit down with Helder Santo, a partner at Unnamed, to explore the dynamic intersection of design, technology, and performance. Helder shares his journey through the evolving landscape of digital marketing and design, highlighting key moments from his career at renowned creative agencies. The conversation delves into the concept of a regenerative design ecosystem, the challenges of venture building in creative agencies, and the transformative potential of AI in design. Helder emphasizes the importance of embracing change, building trust, and fostering innovation within teams and client relationships.Connect with ⁠Helder Santo:[email protected]’s recommendation: SeveranceJoin us for the 2025 AIGA Design Conference, October 9-11 in Los Angeles, California – ⁠⁠https://www.aiga.org/design/aiga-design-conference

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello speak with Sunny Bonnell, Co-Founder & CEO of ⁠Motto⁠, about the powerful intersection of design and performance. Sunny shares her nonlinear career journey, emphasizing the importance of stirring emotion and inspiring action through creativity. The conversation delves into the essentials of brand transformation, the significance of visionary leadership, and how the design ecosystem is rapidly evolving with technology. Sunny also discusses her book, '⁠Rare Breed⁠,' which encourages leaders to embrace their unique and defiant traits as strengths, and introduces ⁠Vision Camp⁠, a program aimed at cultivating visionary leaders. The discussion explores the necessity of resilience, the pursuit of perfection in one's craft, and how to build brands around ideas worth rallying around.In a rapidly evolving industry, how can we turn our unconventional traits into a catalyst for visionary leadership and impactful brand transformation?Connect with ⁠Sunny Bonnell:⁠⁠https://wearemotto.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠ MottoInstagram Motto⁠Motto’s Vision Camp⁠Sunny Bonnell’s book: ⁠Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different⁠ Sunny’s recommendation: Jiro Dreams of SushiJoin us for the 2025 AIGA Design Conference, October 9-11 in Los Angeles, California – ⁠https://www.aiga.org/design/aiga-design-conference

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello speak with Maria Fernanda La Rotta, co-founder and head of strategy at ⁠Switch Strategy⁠, about her dynamic career journey and the mission of her company to champion inclusion and drive innovation. Maria reflects on the strategic value of a design MBA, her commitment to empowering the next generation through her teaching role at Parsons, and how Switch Strategy specializes in developing niche markets for growth. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities within the current market, the critical importance of strategic design in solving business problems, and the evolving impact of AI on the industry. The discussion delves deeper into how inclusion drives business value, the necessity of advocating for it to enhance business performance, and the power of being a connector of ideas and people. How can strategic design be a catalyst for embedding genuine inclusion in today's evolving business landscape?Connect with ⁠Maria Fernanda La Rotta on LinkedIn⁠Switch Strategy: ⁠https://switchstrategy.co/⁠Maria Fernanda’s book recommendation: ⁠Steal like an Artist⁠Join us for the 2025 AIGA Design Conference, October 9-11 in Los Angeles, California – ⁠⁠https://www.aiga.org/design/aiga-design-conference⁠