Revision Path
550 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 155 ratingsThis is Revision Path — an award-winning weekly showcase of Black designers, developers, and digital creatives from all over the world. Each week, host Maurice Cherry interviews these creators about their work, their goals, what inspires them, and much more. First podcast in the Smithsonian NMAAHC.
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Episodes
050: Angelica Ross
October 27, 2014 14:00 - 54 minutes - 25.4 MBThis is our 50th podcast interview! And I couldn't be more excited to share with you this conversation with Angelica Ross. Angelica is the CEO and executive director of TransTech Social Enterprises, a training academy and apprenticeship program that aims to empower, educate and employ the trans community through the use of technology while promoting innovation, independence and entrepreneurship. She is someone who has made her career out of helping others navigate the challenges that come a...
049: Rokashi
October 20, 2014 14:00 - 47 minutes - 22.4 MBThis week, my conversation is with indie game maker Rokashi from Toronto. We talked about the current game industry and the need for diversity throughout (journalists, makers, characters, etc.) as well as the process behind his own game titled "I'm Fine". I think you'll really empathize with Rokashi's work and his willingness to get involved in gaming vis-à-vis his own personal experiences. Who says you need to be a master programmer to create your own games? Not Rokashi! Find out more in ...
048: Courtney Eimerman-Wallace
October 13, 2014 14:00 - 37 minutes - 18.2 MBLGBT History Month continues with Courtney Eimerman-Wallace, a UI/UX engineer in Washington, D.C. What's most interesting about Courtney is her non-traditional path into technology. But it's clearly worked to her advantage! Aside from her work with BlueLabs, Courtney has also worked as a creative technologist for iStrategyLabs and is currently the City Director for Washington, D.C. for Lesbians Who Tech. Courtney's positive outlook and outlook on life can be attributed to her two B's: be th...
047: David Dennis
October 06, 2014 14:00 - 52 minutes - 24.6 MBOctober kicks off with David Dennis -- a software engineer in New York City. David has worked for Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and even in the startup field with AppNexus and Happify. We spoke about his path to success, as well as what companies can do to help increase diversity in the technology field. He also shared his insights from attending an Innovation Summit at the White House back in June. We even got to geek out a little bit over Bitcoin! David Dennis on Twitter David Dennis on Lin...
046: Martin McNeese
September 29, 2014 14:00 - 45 minutes - 21.4 MBWe're ending September with a great conversation with Martin McNeese. With over 15 years experience as a design and technology professional, Martin has in depth working knowledge of corporate branding, graphic design, integrated promotions, website and internet development, strategy and consulting and business management. Simply put, Martin's the man. We talked about how he founded his design firm TechnikOne, how networking has been important for his business, and about how his passion for ...
045: Ced Funches
September 22, 2014 14:00 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBThis has been a really great month for interviews, and we've got another killer one for you this week with creative director, global designer, and digital strategist Ced Funches. Ced's resume reads like a designer's wishlist. He's worked in the NBA, the video game industry, higher education, wrote a children's book, and heads up his own digital agency Flippo+Interactive. Our interview touches on all of this, as well as Ced's thoughts on the design industry and what we can all do to make it ...
044: Antionette Carroll
September 15, 2014 14:00 - 55 minutes - 26 MBAntionette Carroll is one of the leading people championing for diversity in the design community. As the chair of AIGA's Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, she's spearheading initiatives with the organization to increase the numbers of women and minorities in the field through outreach, mentorship, and more. Our conversation explores why diversity is so important when it comes to design, why inclusion is a crucial part of solving this problem, as well as a bit about her own background and...
043: Kimberly Bryant
September 08, 2014 14:00 - 45 minutes - 21.3 MBKimberly Bryant is a force of nature. As the founder and executive director of Black Girls Code, she has been a tireless advocate for increasing the number of women in STEM fields through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities for young and pre-teen girls of color. The mission: introduce programming and technology to a new generation of coders who will become builders of technological innovation and of their own futures. But I wanted to go a bit beneath the surface and learn mo...
042: Dr. Christopher Charles Stewart
September 01, 2014 14:00 - 40 minutes - 19.2 MBThis week's conversation is with one of my closest and dearest friends, Dr. Christopher Charles Stewart. Christopher is an assistant professor of computer science at The Ohio State University. He also leads the ReRout Lab, a program that uses computer systems to broaden participation in computer science and build real systems that people use. He's also a recipient of the prestigious NSF Career Award! Way to go, Chris! We talked about his research over at OSU with cloud computing systems, "g...
041: Kevin Johnson
August 25, 2014 14:00 - 47 minutes - 22.3 MBSerial entrepreneur Kevin Johnson has several years of experience leading his multimillion-dollar marketing and communications company Johnson Media Inc., and has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, CBS, CNN, Oprah Radio, and in Forbes, The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal. On top of all this, Kevin is an accomplished jazz pianist and speaks fluent Spanish. Quite the resume! Kevin and I talked about when we first met back in 1999, how he built Johnson Media, and...
040: Husani Oakley
August 18, 2014 14:00 - 1 hour - 30.6 MBYou're in for a really great conversation this week. I talked with the venerable Husani Oakley -- creative technologist, technical director...the titles go on and on. He's worked with some of the biggest agencies in the world like Wieden + Kennedy, Euro RSCG, and EVB, and he's also had his own firm called Oakley + Partners. We talked about Husani's start with entrepreneurship, his spark for coding and creating, and what's coming up for him in the future. Husani is a kick-ass force in this i...
039: Jacinda Walker
August 11, 2014 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBI'm extremely excited to share this week's interview with you! I had the chance to talk with Jacinda Walker, a design strategist in Columbus, OH. Jacinda is a tireless champion for diversity in all fields of the arts, especially design. We spoke about her graduate research on Black and Latino students, her unique take on diversity in the design community, and about our upcoming panel at WMC Fest 5! Jacinda's dedication to lifelong learning is truly inspiring. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in...
038: Reggie Weaver
August 04, 2014 14:00 - 43 minutes - 20.6 MBWe're kicking off this month with an interview with Reggie Weaver, a young Ohio-based graphic designer and illustrator. Reggie and I talked about how he got his spark for design and illustration, not to mention what he learned from his first design gig. We also spoke about his work with the Diversity Task Force at the Columbus College of Art and Design and how he helps promote creativity, inclusion and diversity within the LGBTQIA community. Reggie Weaver on Behance Living Out, A Webcomic...
037: Jon Daniel
July 28, 2014 14:00 - 1 hour - 30.5 MBI'm ending out July with a truly great interview with Jon Daniel, an independent creative director in London. Jon is a classically trained designer who has over 25 years of design experience with big brands like IBM, NHS Careers, Philips, and Virgin Direct. He's also a regular columnist for Design Week, a leading UK publication for designers. Jon and I talked about how his African-Caribbean heritage influences his work, how design culture in the UK differs from here in the US, and his exhi...
036: Albert Whitley
July 21, 2014 14:00 - 41 minutes - 19.6 MBAlbert Whitley is a senior art director at SapientNitro and the current vice-president of AIGA Atlanta. During our conversation, Albert dropped a lot of pearls of wisdom about the design industry. No doubt that comes from his many years of work under some of the greats like Bill Grant of Grant Design Collaborative and Cynthia Jones of Jones Worley. We even touched on AIGA and diversity in the graphic design industry. Hear what Albert has to say in this week's interview! Albert Whitley on ...
035: Jeffrey Manu
July 14, 2014 14:00 - 37 minutes - 17.6 MBThis week I talked with Jeffrey Manu, a tech entrepreneur in Accra, Ghana. Jeffrey created one of Africa's first iPhone apps, and is dean of the Goshen Institute and founder of the design firm Lightcreative. Whoa! On top of that, he also taught me how to read a 300-page book in just two hours. Impressive! Learn more about Jeffrey in this week's interview! Jeffrey Manu on Twitter Jeffrey Manu on Instagram Jeffrey Manu on Tumblr Fresh Words Inspired
034: Abou Kone
July 07, 2014 14:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MBAbou Kone hails from Côte d’Ivoire, and is a self-described "mercenary-in-chief". (No, not the real kind!) Abou is a beast when it comes to coding. Front-end development with JS/jQuery is his specialty, and he's recently gotten into developing mobile apps. We talked about how Abou first got his spark for the web as a teenager in Dakar, his work with Coders4Africa, and why Africa will not miss the digital revolution. Enjoy! Abou Kone's Website Abou Kone on Twitter Tonsorious Elikya Mobi...
033: Glennette Clark
June 30, 2014 14:00 - 48 minutes - 23 MBWe're finishing up HBCU Month by talking with the inspiring and unstoppable Glennette Clark. She's an experienced UX designer, and has founded two events: UXCamp DC and Mobile UXCamp DC. The Grio named her one of the top 10 Blacks in technology to look out for in 2013. She's presented at SXSW and is currently pursuing her MBA in Strategic Design. Learn more about what Glennette's next move is in this week's interview! Glennette Clark on Twitter Glennette Clark on About.me
032: Eric Johnson
June 23, 2014 14:00 - 58 minutes - 27.4 MBHBCU Month continues with an interview with senior UX designer Eric Johnson, who I first heard about from Jole Simmons. Eric's worked for some big companies like Walmart, AOL, and Adobe, and he shared how his passion for design started at an early age. He dropped quite a few gems in this interview, so I think this is one you'll definitely want to take notes on while listening! Eric Johnson's Website Eric Johnson on Twitter Eric Johnson on Instagram
031: Nicole Norwood
June 16, 2014 14:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBI've known Nicole Norwood online for a while now, so when I had the idea to do an HBCU month, she was first on my list. Nicole is one half of the brother/sister duo known as Infinite Ink, a design and print shop in Jackson, MS, and she's also a popular event photographer. (Chances are you've seen her work from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!) On top of that, Nicole is a podcaster as well! I don't know how she finds the time to do it all. Learn more about Nicole and her latest pro...
030: Jole Simmons
June 09, 2014 14:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBI had such a great time talking with Jole Simmons, a killer presentation designer who has done work for Facebook, Duarte Designs, The Creative Group, the National Association of Black Journalists, and Microsoft. And wouldn't you know it -- Jole and I had this conversation while he was on vacation! Talk about dedication! Jole talked about his unconventional journey from a Hampton University grad working in advertising to a mid-career change that where he's now best known as the "presentation...
029: Tory Hargro
June 02, 2014 14:00 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's HBCU Month, and we're kicking things off with a great interview with USA Today's visual design manager Tory Hargro. Tory and I talked about user experience and the importance of design in modern news and storytelling. According to Tory, "it's easier for me to teach a coder how to be a journalist than teach a journalist how to be a coder." So if you have some design or coding knowledge, then you might look at working with the news in a different way! Also, learn how the simple turn of...
028: Akilah Thompkins-Robinson
May 26, 2014 14:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBAkilah Thompkins-Robinson is a web designer and e-commerce coach, and is the owner of AKZMe Designs and Online Boutique Source. Akilah shared why she loves working on e-commerce websites, how Pat Flynn helped her think about niche marketing, which platform crafters should use for online sales, and how her sorority helped her get an eye for design (and for business)! Show Notes AKZMe Designs (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) Online Boutique Source
027: Siedah Mitchum
May 19, 2014 14:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBThis week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Siedah Mitchum, a WordPress web designer, entrepreneur, and the creator of Inspiring Black Designers. We chatted about some of her mentors, talked about what inspires her work, and how Marie Forleo's B-School helped transform her business. Her mission to inspire other designers to have a bigger voice is something we both share, and Siedah makes a big announcement, so you'll definitely have to listen and find out what it is! Show Notes Siedah M...
026: Lebogang Ditshwene
May 12, 2014 14:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBLebogang Ditshwene is the owner of Lephutshe Designs, a graphic design studio in Johannesburg, South Africa. We talked about the realities of running a design studio in South Africa, her work with the Young Entrepreneurs Programme, and what she's learned doing design and entrepreneurship work here in the United States and in the Netherlands. Lebogang also gives some great advice for up and coming designers and talks about how the business community in Johannesburg helps her grow her busines...
025: David Yarde
May 05, 2014 14:00 - 36 minutes - 17 MBThis week's interview is with David Yarde, a web designer and developer, and co-founder of the creative strategy and branding firm Sevenality. We talked a little bit about branding, discussed which brands are getting it right (and which aren't!) and talked about how to succeed being an introverted person of color, and how that can be misconstrued. David is a prime example of someone who has used design to change his life, and I think you'll really be inspired by his story and his advice fo...
024: Kevin Karanja
April 28, 2014 14:00 - 50 minutes - 22.9 MBKevin Karanja has an unbridled passion and enthusiasm for design that is infectious! We first heard about Kevin last year on eNCA when they did a profile about his font Charvet. Since then Kevin, hasn't rested on his laurels. The young self-taught motion graphics designer's work has even made the front page of Behance. I really think you'll be inspired by Kevin's work and his unique approach to his work. Show Notes Kevin Karanja's Website Kevin Karanja on Facebook Kevin Karanja on Tumblr...
023: Chris Barker
April 21, 2014 14:00 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MBYou may remember Chris Barker from last week's interview with Brandy Spain. Chris' design work has graced the cover of magazines -- literally! We talked about how he came into design through print work, his plans for creating a platform for Black gay men (print and online) and the importance of representation in the design industry. Show Notes 84ink
022: Brandy Spain
April 14, 2014 14:00 - 20 minutes - 9.38 MBCreative professional Brandy Spain came to us at the referral of next week's interview subject, Chris Barker. Brandy's crisp and clean design style, along with her strong work ethic, even helped pave the way for a new entrepreneurial venture -- presentation design! We even geek out a bit talking about music. Learn more about Brandy in this week's interview! Show Notes Brandy Spain on Facebook Brandy Spain on Behance
021: Adekunle Oduye
April 07, 2014 14:00 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBAdekunle Oduye is a young designer in New York City. As the youngest of seven kids, Adekunle wanted to become a painter, and he talks about how he came into design and development, his time studying in Rome, and projects he's created though hackathons. He even gives nods to some of the big names in the industry, and I share a little advice about giving design and tech talks. I hope you'll enjoy this interview! Show Notes Adekunle Oduye on Twitter Adekunle Oduye's Website Convene Oh My M...
020: Jacques Dupoux
March 31, 2014 14:00 - 40 minutes - 18.6 MBWhen it comes to design, Jacques Dupoux is big on communicating without pretense. It was really great to talk with him and get his honest, unvarnished take on how he got started in this industry and where he plans to go. We also talked about diversity in the design field and on what it means to have the space to fail. Show Notes Jacques Dupoux on Twitter DUPO
019: Michele Washington
March 24, 2014 14:00 - 52 minutes - 23.9 MBThis week's interview is with Michele Washington, a creative director, brand strategist, educator, connector...the adjectives go on and on. Three of the people we've interviewed before (Andrew Bass, Maurice Woods, Steve Jones) have mentioned her and I was so glad to get a chance to talk about her work and decades of experience in the design industry. Show Notes Michele Washington on Twitter Michele Washington on LinkedIn Michele Washington on Facebook Cultural Boundaries Michele Washin...
018: Catt Small
March 17, 2014 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBCatt Small is her name and there's no shame in her game. I talked with the Bronx-born UX designer/developer about how she got started, the need for greater representation in the tech field, her work with Brooklyn Gamery and The Code Liberation Foundation, and even geeked out over gaming for a bit and talked about fighters and racial and gender representation in gaming. Show Notes Catt Small on Twitter The Catt Suite Brooklyn Gamery The Code Liberation Foundation Tech Under Thirty
017: Alaxic Smith
March 10, 2014 14:00 - 38 minutes - 17.4 MBWho wants to be the next Mark Zuckerberg when you could be the next Alaxic Smith? This 18-year-old wunderkind started coding at the age of 12 and has already founded two social networks and is busy building his third -- Communly -- where he's working with some of the biggest names in music. Alaxic is a rising star that you'll definitely want to watch for in the future. Learn more about his tireless drive and work ethic (as well as some of my tips for SXSW!) in this week's interview. Show No...
016: Alesha Randolph
March 03, 2014 15:00 - 33 minutes - 15.7 MBAlesha Randolph kicks off this month's interviews! This creative professional calls Washington DC home, and we talked about her path to becoming a designer, representation, and giving back to the design community. Alesha has well over a decade of experience in the design industry and now that she's out on her own, you'll definitely hear more from her and about her work! Show Notes Alesha Randolph's Website Alesha Randolph on Behance Alesha Randolph on Twitter Alesha Randolph on Etsy
015: Emory Douglas
January 20, 2014 15:00 - 48 minutes - 22.3 MBFor the month of January, we have a 3-part “Design Journeys” series — podcast interviews with designers that have been featured on AIGA.org. Rounding out our series here on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an interview with Emory Douglas, the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1960-1981. I think you’ll really enjoy this talk with an American design legend. Show Notes Emory Douglas on Facebook Emory Douglas Art on Tumblr The Black Panther Newspaper Black Panther: ...
014: Maurice Woods
January 13, 2014 15:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBFor the month of January, we have a 3-part “Design Journeys” series — podcast interviews with designers that have been featured on AIGA.org. This week, we talked with Maurice Woods, former professional basketball player, graphic designer, and executive director of the Inneract Project. His advice for what Black designers can do to help give back to the community rings through very clearly. Show Notes Maurice Woods on Twitter Inneract Project (Facebook, Twitter) "Envisioning Blackness in...
013: Steve Jones
January 06, 2014 15:00 - 41 minutes - 18.9 MBThis month kicks off our 3-part “Design Journeys” series — podcast interviews with designers that have been featured on AIGA.org. First up is Steve Jones, graphic designer and design professor at San Francisco State University. We touched on diversity in the design field, education, typography, and the notion of a Black design aesthetic. Show Notes Plantain Studio (Facebook) Steve Jones' Faculty Profile at San Francisco State University Emerge YSB
012: Michael Roach
December 16, 2013 15:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBMichael Roach is very future-forward when it comes to his work. As we talked, I kept thinking “hey, so-and-so is doing that now…except Michael was doing it years ago”! Aside from being a graphic designer and web designer, Michael is also a jazz pianist, and we talked a bit on how music influences his design work and on the vibrant design scene in upstate New York. Show Notes Michael Roach on LinkedIn Michael Roach on Twitter Michael Roach's Portfolio Michael Roach's AIGA Profile The Bl...
011: Stephen Topsy
November 02, 2013 14:00 - 21 minutes - 9.64 MBI first ran across Stephen Topsy online years ago when he was doing iOS design work. Now he’s a programmer, but still dabbles in design as well. We spoke about how Aaliyah helped him get his spark for design, how motivation came from one of his high school teachers, and touched on LA’s diverse tech and design scene. Show Notes Stephen Topsy on Twitter Stephen Topsy on Facebook HyperStudio HyperCard
010: Khalil Bey
October 28, 2013 14:00 - 57 minutes - 26.4 MBKhalil Bey and I met almost ten years ago, and I’ve followed him from his early days at Stanford up to his current post at Google. We talked about his work with the big G, how he first got involved in programming, how his father was a big influence on his current work, and about diversity in Silicon Valley. Show Notes Khalil Bey on Facebook Khalil Bey on Google+ Khalil Bey on Twitter Google Products & Advertising Platforms Articulate
009: Buck!
October 21, 2013 14:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBWhen I interview someone, I usually ask them if there’s anyone else they know who we should reach out to and feature. BUCK! came highly referred by Leon Scott, so I knew I had to contact him. If there’s one thing I can say about Buck!, it’s that the man has two things: passion and patience. The passion is about his work, and he’s done design for Heineken, Scion, Timberland, Adidas, and more. The patience is probably from dealing with me since we had to re-record this interview several times...
008: Crystal Flemister
October 14, 2013 14:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBI first met Crystal Flemister years ago when we were both designers at AT&T. Since then, she's moved on to CNN and has been making a name for herself in the local fashion scene with her company Pistol Whipped Cream. We talk about her time at the Art Institute of Atlanta, her inspirations, and...Kanye West? Yep, a little bit of everything. Check it out! Show Notes The Crystallization Crystal Flemister on Twitter Crystal Flemister on Instagram The Pistol Whipped Cream
007: Brandon Butler
October 07, 2013 14:00 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBBrandon Butler was one of the first people to reach out to me about Revision Path through Facebook. We set up the interview and I have to tell you -- it was one of the best interviews I've had to date. We talked about his current work with Edelman, and he shared some great advice for up-and-comers in the tech and design industry and told a personal story about motivation that will stick with you well after the interview ends. Show Notes Brandon Butler on Twitter Brandon Butler on Behance...
006: Mokokoma Mokhonoana
September 23, 2013 14:00 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MBI came across Mokokoma Mokhonoana on Behance while looking up African graphic designers. I really liked his logos — simple, yet bold and uncompromising. But when I visited his website and saw his aphorisms, writings, and cartoons? I knew I had to talk to him. Our interview wasn’t just about design – in fact, we didn’t talk much about design at all! I think you’ll like this departure from the regular shop talk on design and development. I hope you enjoy it! Show Notes Mokokoma Mokhonoana on...
005: Daphne Larose
September 09, 2013 14:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBI love Daphne Larose's intro for her website, Black Female Coders. "We're out there. We may not see each other in our computer science courses or in our offices at work or while roaming around technology conferences -- but we know we're out there. Here is where we find each other." Powerful! I had to talk to her about what she's doing with Black Female Coders and get her overall thoughts on blacks in technology. Daphne is definitely making waves in the community and I think you'll be hearing...
004: Maurice Wingfield
August 26, 2013 14:00 - 55 minutes - 25.5 MBAside from being a graphic and web designer, Maurice Wingfield is also a talented illustrator! He contacted me through Facebook and we had a really great conversation on design, diversity in the tech and design fields and conferences, technology in Africa...it really runs the gamut of topics from A to Z. I also get a bit long winded in parts, which is why this interview is pretty lengthy. But it's really good. Very dense. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and soak it all in! Show Notes Ma...
003: Irv Briscoe
July 29, 2013 14:00 - 48 minutes - 22.2 MBIrv Briscoe is a fresh young developer out of Minneapolis. I would say he's a fresh "up and coming" developer, but Irv has already done big work for brands like Target, Subaru, and kidrobot! Through his development studio von91, Irv works with other developers, designers, and creatives alike. It's a really good interview that I hope you'll enjoy! Show Notes Irv Briscoe on Twitter Irv Briscoe's Website von91
002: Nathaniel Deal
July 15, 2013 14:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBThis week, I talked with Atlanta front-end engineer Nathaniel Deal! Nathaniel creates responsive experiences for kick-ass clients. We talk about a little bit of everything: design conferences, web education, mobile development, and more. Show Notes Nathaniel Deal on Twitter Nathaniel Deal's Website Nathaniel Deal's "Death To the Waterfall"
001: Raquel Rodriguez
June 03, 2013 14:00 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MBRevision Path's first podcast interview is with Pittsburgh letterer and designer Raquel Rodriguez. We had a great dialogue about typography, how her design influences her work as a librarian, freelancing, and a lot more. Show Notes Raquel Rodriguez on Twitter RaquelCPS