Chicago Graphic Design Club

??? Today, we share a conversation with Violet Luczak, an artist, educator, and designer who currently directs the graphic design program at McHenry County College. Violet speaks with host Christian Solorzano and this episode's co-host Hamid Alavi about her journey from graphic design to fine art and how her formal design training influences her distinctive style. In this episode, Violet opens up about her creative process—how she collects words and phrases as inspiration rather than beginning with visual references. Through her experiences transitioning from commercial design to teaching and maintaining her art practice, Violet offers valuable perspectives on finding creative fulfillment and building community within Chicago’s vibrant art scene. The conversation explores Violet’s newest chapter: opening a storefront studio space that she hopes will become a hub for creative community engagement and collaboration. Enjoy the conversation, and if you enjoy this show, please rate it, share it with your friends, and subscribe wherever you listen. — ?? Underscore is a show produced by the Chicago Graphic Design Club that brings you conversations with Chicago’s creative community. On this podcast, we explore the craft, theory, and practice of graphic design, plus discuss ideas that cultivate a more inclusive and thoughtful creative community. ?? You can find us through your preferred podcast platforms — such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. ?? Link in bio to listen (https://lnkd.in/eH-BqkB) — #Chicago?#GraphicDesign?#CGDC?#Design?#DesignCommunity?#ArtistStudio?#ArtisticProcess?#DesignPodcast?#DesignConversation?#DesignEducation?#ChicagoDesign?#ChicagoCreatives?#Underscore?#GraphicDesignPodcast?#ArtEducation?#FineArt

Our friends at Murmur Ring have an upcoming immersion in Peru‘s Sacred Valley this year. Ashley Lukasik, Murmur Ring founder, speaks with Christian Solorzano about how this immersion offers global design leaders a meaningful opportunity to deepen their network. Participants will exchange ideas, reflections, and best practices with a global cohort of designers in the real world, while utilizing the Sacred Valley as a living research site at the confluence of traditional and contemporary practices. This immersion is in partnership with Institute of Design (ID) and Empathy. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gcG9Z5cm

Special thanks to everybody who joined us this past week to celebrate the Chicago Graphic Design Club and our community. We'd also like to thank the Design Museum of Chicago for its space and support. ?? We hope to see you soon. ??: Patrick Smith Poster by: Cheryl Bever

??? Today, we share a conversation with Cris Hernández, a type designer and researcher exploring typography support for Indigenous languages and underrepresented communities. Listen here ?? https://lnkd.in/gDTzsj_m Cris speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his journey from being fascinated by anime symbols to his current research in typography. In this episode, Cris opens up about the importance of understanding where our design knowledge and influences come from, his work with Indigenous communities, and how the typography industry is evolving today. Through experiences across Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, Cris offers valuable perspectives on representation in design and shares insights about different design communities. He also discusses the current state of type design and why it’s crucial to consider who we might be excluding from our design decisions. Enjoy the conversation, and if you enjoy this show, please rate it, share it with your friends, and subscribe to it wherever you listen. — ?? Underscore is a show produced by the Chicago Graphic Design Club that brings you conversations with Chicago’s creative community. On this podcast, we explore the craft, theory, and practice of graphic design, plus discuss ideas that cultivate a more inclusive and thoughtful creative community. ?? You can find us through your preferred podcast platforms — such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. ?? Link in bio to listen (https://lnkd.in/eH-BqkB) — #Chicago?#GraphicDesign?#CGDC?#Design?#DesignCommunity?#DesignBookClub?#BookClub?#DesignPodcast?#DesignConversation?#DesignRecording?#DesignerPodcast?#ChicagoDesign?#ChicagoCreatives?#Underscore?#GraphicDesignPodcast?#Typography?#TypeDesign?#InclusiveDesign

?? MUSIC FOR YOUR FRIDAY. Courtesy of Christian Solorzano

Join us Tuesday, February 25th, from 4:30 – 7pm, for a special evening marking our fifth anniversary. Our anniversary exhibition at the Design Museum of Chicago showcases and highlights moments from the last five years of the Chicago Graphic Design Club and will be on display throughout February. Join us to celebrate this special evening through conversation, refreshments, music, and fun. Thanks to Sugar Bliss for providing refreshments, and special thanks to the Design Museum of Chicago for hosting us and being great partners throughout the years. Register through our website: https://lnkd.in/eH-BqkB — #Chicago?#GraphicDesign?#CGDC?#Design?#DesignCommunity?#DesignBookClub?#BookClub?#DesignPodcast?#DesignConversation?#DesignRecording?#DesignerPodcast?#ChicagoDesign?#ChicagoCreatives?#Underscore?#ChicagoTypography?#ChicagoLettering?#DMoC

Thank you to everybody who joined us last evening for a wonderful time of typography, design, and community. We hope to see you again soon. Special thanks to all the speakers: Jackson Showalter-Cavanaugh, Cris Hernández, Alexis Gonzalez, and Kate Doyle. And to Public Works Gallery for the space and hospitality.

MUSIC FOR YOUR FRIDAY by Nicolette Stosur-Bassett.

Join us February 6th, for Cold Style, a casual evening of lettering and typeface design in Chicago. We’ll spend time discussing typography design and celebrating community in an intimate setting with a range of featured designers who share their processes and work. ?? Featured Designers Jackson Showalter-Cavanaugh?is the founder and sole designer behind Okay Type, a boutique typeface design studio nestled in Chicago’s vibrant Logan Square neighborhood. Operating from his home studio, he embraces an intentionally measured approach to type design, prioritizing craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. This dedication to quality has enabled him to create distinguished typefaces that serve the needs of discerning designers, prestigious brands, and businesses worldwide. Cris Hernández?is a typeface designer and researcher with a practice centered on supporting the Indigenous languages and writing systems of North America. He currently divides his time between his foundry Que Queda Type and the Typotheque Indigenous North American Type project. Born and raised in South Chicago, he currently works from Brooklyn; Lenapehoking, the unceded homeland of the Lenape people. Alexis Gonzalez?is a Mexican-American multi-disciplinary designer, artist, and community organizer based in Chicago. She loves how the Chicago design community enables growth, amiability, and discovery. In her work, she draws inspiration from the world through the lens of abundance and authenticity. Kate Doyle?is a graphic designer living in Chicago and working at XXIX. She primarily works in website design, with additional interests in brand, typography, and illustrative work. Special thanks to?Someoddpilot?&?Public Works Gallery?for the space and hospitality.?

?? Help us capture the spirit of Chicago's design community. ?? What makes our design community special? How has CGDC impacted your design journey? What do you enjoy about our programming? Your insights will help us showcase the impact of our growing design community and will be featured on upcoming projects. Your participation is tremendously appreciated. ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/gDtP-bBz #ChicagoDesign?#CGDC?#DesignCommunity?#ChicagoCreatives