Our guest is Suzie Shin, a designer, educator, and artist who moved to Chicago after studying at RISD, drawn by the city's community of small design studios and creative collaboration.In this episode, Suzie speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her journey from aspiring illustrator to discovering her voice through collage and color. She shares insights about her analog-to-digital design process, where handmade work becomes the foundation for larger-scale projects, and how she creates parameters that allow for intuitive flow.Suzie discusses her experience as a new typography instructor at DePaul University and how persistence led to her internship at the renowned Chicago studio, Thirst. She opens up about her current collaboration with Rick Valicenti on an Alexander Girard exhibition in Columbus, Indiana, and how Girard's approach to color and joy influences her own pursuit of work.The conversation explores Suzie's creative philosophy—using collage as a thinking tool rather than an end goal—and her current transition away from traditional graphic design toward fine art and textiles. She reflects on finding balance between making and documenting, the challenges of graphic design's increasing association with marketing, and what grounds her outside the studio: reading, cooking, and learning to quilt.
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1:02:39
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1:02:39
085 • BETSY SCHUSTER
Our guest is Betsy Schuster, a type designer and founder of Queer Type, an independent type design studio based in the Detroit area. Originally from suburban Michigan, Betsy discovered his calling in typography after studying graphic design and darkroom photography.In this episode, Betsy speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his evolution from graphic designer to specialized type designer, exploring how his background in visual storytelling and photography shaped his approach to letterforms. He shares insights about his creative process, from late-night design sessions surrounded by sketches to finding inspiration in everything from handwriting to songwriters like PJ Harvey.Betsy discusses his recent typeface "Antiphony," released through Future Fonts, and his philosophy of pushing typographic boundaries while maintaining legibility. The conversation explores his expansion beyond fonts into jewelry design and textile work using his grandmother's fabrics, reflecting on how personal history and values inform creative practice.He opens up about the challenges of having diverse creative interests—from wanting to work with indigenous scripts to exploring fashion and ceramics—while building a focused type design practice. The episode touches on themes of creative identity, finding your calling, and the intersection of personal values with professional practice in the design world.
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51:51
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51:51
084 • RICK VALICENTI & CHRISTIAN SOLORZANO
Video available on YouTube and Spotify. Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.—Today's episode is a conversation between Rick Valicenti and Christian Solorzano about the production of the Chicago Graphic Design Club's second issue of their publication, Faculty. In this episode, they share stories about their collaboration and memorable highlights that center around craft and designing a publication that pushes boundaries and reflects today's graphic landscape across Chicago.
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1:11:51
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1:11:51
083 • CRISTOBAL MORA
Video available on YouTube and Spotify. Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.—Our guest is Cristobal Mora, co-founder of Bueno Days, the community-centered coffee shop and creative space in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. As a photographer, graphic designer, and community builder, Cristobal represents a new generation of Mexican-American creatives shaping Chicago's cultural landscape.In this episode, Cristobal speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his unconventional path from photography to graphic design through side projects rather than formal art education. He explores the complexities of Mexican-American identity and how cultural duality informs both his personal practice and community work.Cristobal discusses his evolution from documenting Chicago's South Side music scene to creating Bueno Days as a third space that celebrates authenticity without cultural tropes. He shares insights about building meaningful connections through design, the importance of giving yourself permission to pursue your vision, and his philosophy that everyone is a photographer with a unique perspective worth sharing.The conversation explores his approach to mentorship, the intersection of survival and creativity as an independent business owner, and his belief that graphic design is everywhere—making it a craft worthy of lifelong dedication. Cristobal offers candid advice for young designers navigating an uncertain industry and discusses his vision for creating community spaces where people can exist authentically.Music by the band Eighties Slang.
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1:01:30
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1:01:30
082 • ALIONA SOLAMADINA
Video available on YouTube and Spotify. Search, The Chicago Graphic Design Club.—Our guest is Aliona Solomadina, an independent graphic designer, artist, and researcher originally based in Kyiv who has been living in Chicago since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Aliona was featured in our inaugural Faculty publication through her work City of Forms.In this episode, Aliona speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her unique perspective as an outsider interpreting Chicago, exploring architecture and design through a curious lens.Aliona discusses her evolution from childhood interests to becoming a specialist in book design, visual identities, and design curation, working with institutions. As co-author of "Znak. Ukrainian Trademarks of the 1960s–80s," she brings deep research experience to her practice.The conversation explores her visual identity work for "Constructing Hope Ukraine" at the Chicago Architecture Center and her philosophy that graphic design has become a powerful tool for diplomacy. Aliona shares her impressions of American design culture, offers advice for purpose-driven creative work, and discusses how she maintains hope and vitality when addressing difficult subject matter.Music by the band Eighties Slang.
Underscore is a podcast by the Chicago Graphic Design Club that brings you conversations with Chicago’s creative community. On this podcast, host, Christian Solorzano, explores the craft, theory, and practice of graphic design, plus discusses ideas that cultivate a more inclusive and thoughtful creative community.
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