In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, we engage with Gage Mitchell, a design leader and advocate for sustainable practices. Gage shares his journey through various AIGA chapters, emphasizing the importance of community building and leadership in design. This conversation explores the leadership journey of a prominent figure in AIGA, focusing on their experiences with organizing events, the value of leadership retreats, and the importance of building connections within the design community. Gage...
Jun 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 13
In this conversation, Victor Davila shares his extensive journey in design leadership, particularly within AIGA. He discusses his roles, experiences at leadership retreats, and the importance of community in fostering growth and collaboration. Victor emphasizes the balance of multiple commitments and the impact of mentorship and relationships in the creative field. He reflects on memorable moments from leadership retreats and the collective spirit of the design community. This conversation explo...
May 24, 2025•46 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar interview Wendy Quesinberry, a seasoned designer and AIGA leader. We discuss Wendy's journey in design leadership, her experiences with AIGA Seattle, and the importance of community in the design world. Wendy shares memorable events from her time as president of AIGA Seattle, her transition to starting her design studio, and her vision for revitalizing the design community in Seattle. The conversation highlights the signi...
May 17, 2025•41 min•Ep. 11
Rachel Elnar and Erik Cargill welcome Frances Yllana, a branding experience and community strategist, to this episode of Cheers & Tiers . Frances shares her journey with AIGA from the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter to her National involvement, discussing her leadership roles and the impact of community on her career. She reflects on her experiences at leadership retreats, the importance of writing for personal healing, and her involvement with Design for Democracy. Frances also talks about her tr...
May 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of Cheers & Tier s, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar welcome Brian Singer, a San Francisco-based artist and designer known for his impactful projects that foster human connection and social change. The conversation delves into Brian’s journey in design leadership, his experiences with AIGA, and the memorable moments from leadership retreats. They discuss the Twitspotting project, the challenges of controversial art, and the importance of community in the design industry. B...
May 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 9
In this Cheers & Tiers episode, Ashleigh Axios shares her journey in design leadership, highlighting her extensive involvement with AIGA and the impact of community engagement on her career. She reflects on memorable experiences at leadership retreats, the importance of building trust within design communities, and the lessons learned from her leadership roles. Ashleigh also discusses the creation of the DotGov design conference and the significance of fostering connections among designers i...
Apr 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 8
In this engaging conversation, Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar explore the journey of Elysia Syriac, an experienced designer passionate about design operations and community engagement. They discuss her involvement with AIGA, the impact of mentorship, and the creative skateboard art project that raised funds for students with disabilities. The conversation also delves into the significance of leadership retreats in fostering connections and creating unforgettable experiences in the design communit...
Apr 19, 2025•45 min•Ep. 7
In this Cheers & Tiers conversation, Mike Joosse shares his extensive journey with AIGA, highlighting the pivotal role it played in his career and personal growth. He discusses with hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar his experiences at AIGA leadership retreats, the importance of community building in design, and how he applies the lessons learned from AIGA chapter to national leadership, to his current role at VML. The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking, the value of in-...
Apr 12, 2025•40 min•Ep. 6
In this Cheers & Tiers conversation, David John Walker, a prominent art director and type designer, shares his journey through the design world, his involvement with AIGA and the Nashville chapter, and the evolution of design education. He discusses the importance of networking, community building, and the role of design in social change, particularly in light of recent events. David also reflects on his personal projects, the power of lettering, and the need for continued activism in the de...
Apr 05, 2025•34 min•Ep. 5
In this episode of Cheers & Tiers , hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar talk with Paul Mendoza around his journey with AIGA Los Angeles, his experiences at AIGA leadership retreats, and how those experiences shaped his career path leading to his current role producing Amazon’s in-house design conference, Conflux. Paul shares stories about karaoke nights, after-parties (including the informal GayIGA gatherings), and the famous 6AM Club where designers would stay up all night talking about the...
Mar 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 4
In this episode of Cheers & Tiers , hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar catch up with design powerhouse Christine Sheller. From leading UX teams to shaping AIGA Philly, Christine has done it all—and she’s got the wild leadership retreat stories to prove it! We chat about her journey in design, the magic of community, and how a chance encounter at a conference led to big career moves. Plus, we talk about her adventures in LA, teaching at ArtCenter, and even a hilarious run-in with Flavor Flav...
Mar 22, 2025•40 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of Cheers & Tiers , hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar sit down with design veteran Josh Silverman to discuss his 30-year career spanning entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership. Josh reflects on how volunteering with AIGA Boston early in his career transformed his professional journey. What started as a simple act of "raising his hand" led to meaningful leadership roles, forging connections with collaborators, mentors, and lifelong friends. Together, Erik, Rac...
Mar 15, 2025•39 min•Ep. 2
In this episode of Cheers and Tiers, hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar welcome Amanda Hovest, a seasoned graphic designer with over 18 years of experience. The conversation explores Amanda's journey in design leadership, her impactful role at AIGA Los Angeles, and the importance of networking and mentorship in the design community. They discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership roles, the significance of connections made through AIGA, and Amanda's recent move to Pittsburgh, where she co...
Mar 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1
Meet Erik and Rachel as they introduce the Cheers & Tiers podcast, where AIGA chapter leadership stories come alive. Discover how design community bonds formed at leadership retreats shaped careers and created lasting friendships. Pour yourself something nice and join us for these tales of triumph, growth, and occasional shenanigans. What’s in this preview Introduction to hosts Erik Cargill (AIGA Seattle) and Rachel Elnar (AIGA Los Angeles) Origin story of Cheers & Tiers What to expect f...
Feb 25, 2025•3 min•Ep. 1
