Well Made

Writer Richie Siegel and Stephan talk about 2016’s big trends in the digital, direct-to-consumer market. In the past few years, with the boom of vertical commerce brands like Glossier, Everlane, and Warby Parker, the cross section of tech, retail, and fashion has been all the rage in the startup world. Instead of starting new apps, tech-inclined, business-savvy, design lovers have started direct-to-consumer brands in an attempt break down monopolies, disrupt age old supply chains, and change how consumers shop.  On this episode, Stephan talks with Richie about brands that are changing how we think about retail and e-commerce, and what we can expect in the future. Visit the Lumi Blog for links from the episode and to Richie’s blog and podcast.

Illustrator and entrepreneur Tuesday Bassen talks to Stephan about the evolution of her work through a series of “What do I have to lose?” milestones in her life. From Nebraska to New York to Los Angeles, Tuesday has made big changes to find the wit and honesty that’s so distinct about her work. In addition to her illustration work, Tuesday runs her online shop, Shop Tuesday and just launched her first apparel collection for fall. This summer, she opened her first brick-and-mortar shop, Friend Mart, in LA’s Chinatown. On this episode, Stephan talks with Tuesday about she came into her signature style, built her audience, and how she continues to keep it amidst copyright battles with fashion giant Zara. Visit the Lumi Blog for links from the episode and photos from Tuesday’s shop and her clothing line.

Grace Bonney is a blogging trailblazer. With an eye for interior design, DIY, and writing, she started Design*Sponge in 2004. It’s a super popular destination for all things creative — home, design, and entrepreneurship — that gets 1 million views daily. Now Grace has launched a new book, “In the Company of Women” talking to over 100 diverse women who have started their own creative careers and asking them really good questions. On this episode, Stephan gets meta, asking Grace questions about those good questions — What are they? How do you ask them? And why are they important? Visit the Lumi Blog for links to women mentioned and highlights from the episode.

Mig Reyes is a writer and traditionally trained graphic designer who found himself designing for the web before the UI and UX designers were common job titles. In addition to being the co-president of AIGA Chicago, he's formerly worked at Tock, Basecamp, and Threadless, really blazing a trail of beautiful spaces and experiences on the web. Now Mig is taking his talent and experience to Trunk Club as a design lead. On this episode of Well Made, Stephan talks to Mig about his role in the conception of these iconic web companies, and how he sees the role of the designer evolving. Visit the Lumi Blog for examples of Mig's work and highlights from the episode.

Jeff Sheldon’s lifestyle brand Ugmonk has earned a faithful following of designers and entrepreneurs. He started the brand at the beginning of his design career and his faithful followers have been there every step of the way. In this episode, Jeff talks to Stephan about how promoting brand transparency and staying small has earned Ugmonk an ever-growing, faithful following. Visit the Lumi Blog for photos and highlights from the episode.

Aaron Draplin is as iconic as his work for Nike, Esquire and the Obama Administration. While running his companies Draplin Design Co and Field Notes, Aaron has learned a lot about how to work hard while making lasting relationships with all the people who matter. Stephan Ango talks to him about his new book “Pretty Much Everything,” his tendency for optimism, and what how his dad shaped his personality. Visit the Lumi Blog for the full transcript.

Kevin Kelly is founding executive editor of “Wired,” and the former editor of the “Whole Earth Catalog.” In this fast-paced episode, Stephan Ango talks to Kevin about his new book, his predictions of the future, and how we an embrace them. Visit the Lumi Blog for the full transcript.

Eva Goicochea — web designer, brand strategist and co-founder of Tinker and Maude talks to Stephan Ango about her minimal aesthetic and the evolution of modern brands. Visit the Lumi Blog for detailed show notes.

Matt Alexander, founder of Edition Collective talks to Stephan Ango about his growing brand and how he aspires to meet customers' needs by thinking small and staying flexible. Visit the Lumi Blog for detailed show notes.

In our first live episode of Well Made, Stephan Ango talks to designer and entrepreneur, Mike Macadaan. Founder of leather accessories brand, This is Ground, Mike has a storied past as a product designer at AOL, Myspace and the startup incubator, Science. He shares his experiences crossing over from digital to physical design, and the challenges that come with it. Visit the Lumi Blog for detailed show notes and pictures from our first Los Angeles meetup at Lumi HQ.

In our second episode of Well Made, Stephan Ango talks to designer and typography legend, Tobias Frere-Jones. Tobias tells us about the concept behind his new typeface Mallory. We talk to him about the personality and potential of type, and how it level the playing field in business. Type affects the impact of how we communicate and in this episode, we definitely wax poetic about our love for typography. And pangrams.  Visit the Lumi Blog for show notes and photos showcasing Mallory, made with Lumi vinyl decals, rubber stamps and silkscreen kit.

In the world of tech and design, Jeff Veen has done it all. From launching Typekit and working as Adobe's VP of Design, to his new role as Design Partner in the VC world at True Ventures. After sharing lessons from his expansive career (in the most humble way possible), Jeff talks to us about bringing better typography to the web, Adobe's acquisition of Typekit, and the role of design in modern business. Full transcript and show notes