Students of Design

Russell Toynes – Personal Identities, False Confidence, and “Pulling Taffy" – Ep3

Episode Summary

Russell is the Owner and Creative Director at Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. He's also a Design Educator and teaches Portfolio Development at Austin Community College. Russell is a longtime friend—we went to school together, worked together at Dell, and were roommates for a while.

Episode Notes

Russell is the Owner and Creative Director at Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. He's also a Design Educator and teaches Portfolio Development at Austin Community College. Russell is a longtime friend—we went to school together, worked together at Dell, and were roommates for a while. Check out work samples at SudioDzo.com and follow Studio Dzo on Instagram.

Questions for this interview.

• (Listener Question) What makes a strong portfolio? What specific things do you look for?
• What can you remember and tell us about your first portfolio?
• Do you consider yourself a confident person? 
• (Listener Question) What advice do you have for graphic designers who struggle with self-doubt and imposter-like feelings?
• What were some of the considerations you made before leaving Dell? What emotions did you experience after making that decision?
• What has Studio Dzo taught you that you didn't know before?
• Can you explain the meaning behind the phrase "pulling taffy"?
• What's the story behind the thought, "Get your mind right, get your grind right"?
• What kind of value did you get from going to AIGA events?
• What can students do before they take a portfolio class to help them be more prepared?
• Do you have any words of encouragement for people of color in the design industry?
• Where should designers go within themselves to find inspiration for their visual identity?