Women Designers You Should Know

This episode didn't get nearly as many listens as it should, probably being that it was only episode 6, so now is a good time to push this rerun out into the world. Especially since LA is on fire, and I've been temporarily displaced by the fires. Enjoy!Renowned graphic designer Gail Anderson shares her journey from creating magazines in her youth to working at Rolling Stone and beyond, discussing her experiences as a woman of color in the design industry and the evolution of her career. Listen in on how Gail's mentors shaped her path and the fulfillment she finds in seeing her designs in the world._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay____About Gail:Gail Anderson is a distinguished designer, writer, and educator, renowned for her impactful work at Rolling Stone magazine where she served as senior art director. She’s an AIGA Medalist, has authored 14 books and currently chairs the BFA Advertising and BFA Design departments at the School of Visual Arts. Anderson's creative portfolio extends to Broadway, where she has designed posters for notable productions, and she has several awards, including the 2018 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement​In this episode, Gail shares her journey, starting from her early years as a creative in grammar school to what it was like navigating the challenges as a Black woman designer in the 80s and 90s, while breaking barriers in the industry.Join us as we explore Gail's career, her inspirations, and her thoughts on the evolving world of design. Today, we’re bringing you a firsthand look into the mind of a true design trailblazer.A massive thank you to Gail for sharing her incredible journey, insights, and wisdom with us. It’s been an absolute honor to have her on the show and to learn from her experiences and expertise.  Her story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and passion. Highlights:Gail's creative beginnings and inspirations in the BronxHer education at SVA and women teachers like Paula Scher, Carin Goldberg, Louise FiliNavigating the design industry in the 80s and 90s as a black womanIconic work at Rolling Stone and BroadwayThe importance of writing books on design for continual learningReflections on her career and legacy in the design worldLinks:Learn more about Gail Anderson's work at her websiteSubscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifySocial Media:Instagram: @amberasayInstagram: @WomenDesignersPod ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Explore the extraordinary life and career of Mary Blair, the visionary artist behind Disney classics like Cinderella and It’s a Small World, whose bold use of color and modernist style transformed animation and design history, with special guest, Mike Asay._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Book: Magic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John CanemakerLittle Golden Book Compilation: A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden BooksLittle Golden Book: I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss (Illustrated by Mary Blair) About MaryMary Blair wasn’t just an artist—she was a design visionary who transformed Disney’s visual language during its golden age. With her bold use of color, clean lines, and modernist sensibilities, Mary brought a fresh, imaginative approach to classics like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. Her work challenged the traditional realism of animation, introducing a playful, graphic style that still resonates today.Beyond the big screen, Mary was the creative force behind the iconic It’s a Small World attraction, where her vibrant, harmonious designs celebrated global unity and joy. She also applied her design genius to murals, advertising campaigns, and book illustrations, always pushing the boundaries of what design could achieve.In a male-dominated industry, Mary often faced challenges, but her influence was undeniable. She has even been said to be Walt Disney’s favorite artist, with him entrusting her with some of the studio’s most visionary projects. Mary Blair didn’t just design beautiful things—she pioneered a new visual language that shaped animation and continues to inspire designers worldwide.If you’re ready to uncover the story behind one of Disney’s most groundbreaking designers, listen to this episode now and step into the colorful world of Mary Blair. ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

2024 has been a whirlwind year for Women Designers You Should Know, with 29 inspiring episodes celebrating groundbreaking women in design + 6 bonus episodes that dive into the layers between these stories. This recap dives into the podcast’s journey, from tackling the glaring absence of women in design education to uncovering recurring themes in their stories. Host Amber Asay explores why humanism, patience, and breaking free from societal constraints are central to these women’s legacies. The episode also celebrates trailblazers who pioneered new design paths and shares the most inspiring philosophies from the year’s episodes. Packed with insights and memorable clips, this reflection honors the women who’ve shaped design while inspiring us to continue amplifying their stories._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______ ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This dual feature episode highlights Corita Kent’s journey from nun to Pop Art pioneer, using screen printing to champion love and justice, and Britt Rohr’s modern take on printmaking as the founder of Swell Press, blending craftsmanship and storytelling in her designs._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Book: Learning by Heart: Teaching to Free the Creative Spirit by Corita Kent and Jan StewardAbout CoritaCorita Kent (1918–1986), also known as Sister Mary Corita, was a nun, artist, and educator whose screen prints and serigraphs fused Pop Art with powerful messages of love, justice, and activism. As chair of the art department at Immaculate Heart College, she inspired a generation of students with her innovative teaching methods and bold use of everyday imagery. Her works, including the iconic Love stamp and Rainbow Swash mural, continue to resonate globally as symbols of creativity and compassion. Today, Corita is celebrated for her unique ability to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. About BrittBritt Rohr is the founder of Swell Press, a California-based letterpress studio known for its meticulous craftsmanship and timeless designs. With a passion for tactile art forms, Britt has carved out a niche in creating bespoke print pieces that marry modern aesthetics with the classic charm of letterpress. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and admired for its ability to tell meaningful stories through design. Follow Britt:Instagram: @swellpressWebsite: SwellPress.com  ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod