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When it comes to recognizable icons, few rival Nike’s Swoosh, designed by student designer Carolyn Davidson for $35. We unpack her quiet career, late recognition, and lasting influence with guest Sarah Williams, Co-CEO of Beardwood & Co. and President of AIGA NY. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Carolyn Davidson: We’re pulling back the curtain on one of design’s most enduring marks: the Nike Swoosh. In 1971, Portland State University student Carolyn Davidson sketched a fluid, wing-like “stripe” directly over a shoe drawing—a fast, simple symbol that Phil Knight didn’t love at first but chose under production pressure. She invoiced $35, kept freelancing for the scrappy company as it rebranded from Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike, and later stepped away from the spotlight. Years afterward, Nike surprised her with a gold Swoosh ring and stock—an act of overdue recognition that grew to life-changing value. We trace Davidson’s process, her broader early contributions beyond the logo, and how the Swoosh eventually stood alone without the wordmark.   About Sarah Williams: Sarah Williams is Co-CEO of Beardwood & Co. and President of AIGA New York. She joined Beardwood early (2006) after starting at Landor and rose to co-owner, leading brand programs for companies like Danone and Colgate while advancing mentorship and access across the NYC design community. Follow Sarah: Instagram: @_sarah_aw_ Beardwood & Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardwoodco/ https://beardwood.com/ ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

In this dual feature episode we take a celebratory look at Lorraine Wild’s influence as a writer, educator, and designer who helped shift graphic design from a formal practice to a cultural one, with personal insight from friend and fellow designer, Louise Sandhaus. Lorraine Wild resources: Green Dragon Office “More Than a Few Questions About Graphic Design Education” (1983) via Emigre archive Design Observer Archive – Lorraine Wild   Louise Sandhaus links: Buy Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Lorraine: Lorraine Wild is a Canadian-born graphic designer, educator, and writer whose work has shaped the trajectory of contemporary design. After studying at Cranbrook and Yale, she launched a career that bridged cultural criticism, publishing, and pedagogy. At CalArts, she reimagined graphic design education to focus on personal voice and authorship, mentoring generations of now-prominent designers. Through her studio Green Dragon Office, she’s known for crafting visually rich books and catalogs for artists, architects, and cultural institutions, always rooted in research, narrative, and materiality. About Louise: Louise Sandhaus is a Los Angeles–based graphic designer, educator, and historian. A former director of the CalArts Graphic Design Program, she’s the founder of Louise Sandhaus Design (LSD) and co-founder of the initiative “The People’s Graphic Design Archive.” Her celebrated book Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots helped redefine how we archive and celebrate California graphic design. Known for her bold, joyful aesthetic and deep commitment to inclusive design history, Louise has been a vocal advocate for amplifying overlooked voices in the field — especially women.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Discover the untold story of Claire McCardell, the woman who invented casual wear, defied Dior, and changed the way American women dress (with insight from author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, who finally put her name back on the label). Buy the Book: Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Claire: Claire McCardell put zippers on the side so women could dress themselves. She gave us pockets when men said we didn’t need them. She invented the wrap dress before Diane von Furstenberg and made ballet flats a thing—during wartime, using Capezio dance shoes. At a time when women were being arrested for wearing pants, Claire McCardell was designing clothing that made women feel powerful, stylish, and free. While Dior was cinching waists and romanticizing restriction, Claire was pioneering what became known as the “American Look”—comfortable, functional, and modern. Her name was once as big as Chanel’s, and she was the first designer to have her name on a ready-to-wear label. So why don’t we remember her? Find out on this week’s episode.   About Elizabeth: Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson is an award-winning journalist and author based in Baltimore. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, The Washington Post, and more. Her debut book, Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free, was published in June 2025 to wide acclaim, including praise from The New York Times Book Review, which called it “the linchpin I didn’t know I needed.”   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This episode explores the remarkable career of Sharon Werner, founder of Werner Design Werks, and her candid reflections on misogyny, imposter syndrome, and staying small by choice. From childhood paper dolls to running a studio for nearly 35 years, Sharon’s story is filled with wit, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Sharon: Sharon Werner is the founder of Werner Design Werks, an award-winning design studio in Minneapolis known for its bold, thoughtful branding and packaging work. With nearly 35 years at the helm, Sharon has worked with clients ranging from Target and Nick at Nite to Moët Hennessy and Planned Parenthood. Her studio is known for its collaborative approach, small-team mindset, and deep respect for craft and storytelling. Follow Sharon: Website: wdw.com Instagram: @wernerdesignwerks Sharon's Instagram: @sharon_werner660 ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This designer-on-designer episode explores Clara Porset’s legacy of cultural modernism and political courage, with insights from interior designer Lindsey Colhoun, whose own work echoes Clara’s timeless use of natural materials and storytelling. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Clara: Clara Porset (1895–1981) was a Cuban-born, Mexican-adopted designer known for fusing modernist principles with indigenous Mexican craft and materials. Trained at Columbia University, the École des Beaux-Arts, and influenced by the Bauhaus, she developed a design philosophy centered on functionality, ethics, and cultural identity. Forced into political exile from Cuba, she found her voice in Mexico — redefining the field of interior design, mentoring students, and designing iconic furniture like the Butaca chair, which remains on display in Frida Kahlo’s home. Her work lives on in warm, handmade modernism and in the generations of designers she inspired. About Lindsey: Lindsey Colhoun is the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous interior design studio, where she creates warm, livable sanctuaries that merge functionality, style, and sustainability. A Los Angeles native raised in a historic Frank Gehry home, Lindsey was immersed in architecture and interiors from a young age — influenced by her mother, also an interior designer. Today, she works with celebrities, Hollywood executives, and discerning clients, known for her timeless Southern California aesthetic and thoughtful, layered spaces that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who live in them. Follow Lindsey: Website: lindseycolhoun.com Instagram: @lindseycolhoundesign ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Ceramicist Rachel Saunders shares her self-taught creative journey—from leaving LA burnout behind to launching a soul-led business, shifting into retreats, and redefining success on her own terms. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Rachel: Rachel Saunders is a self-taught ceramicist and designer based on Vancouver Island, Canada. She is the founder of Rachel Saunders Ceramics, a brand known for its sculptural yet functional pieces that explore themes of femininity, sustainability, and intuitive design. Her now-iconic Woman Vase has become a symbol of empowerment and creativity. Rachel began her creative journey in visual merchandising in Los Angeles, but after experiencing burnout in a toxic work environment, she returned to Canada and immersed herself in clay—learning through community studios, YouTube videos, and trial and error. Over time, she built a globally recognized brand, with her work featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Elle Decor. In 2022, Rachel made a major shift away from product-based production toward more intentional, holistic offerings—launching an online creative membership and hosting artist retreats in Greece and Tuscany. Through her work and her story, she continues to inspire creatives to define success on their own terms and prioritize a sustainable, soul-led life. Follow Rachel: Website: rachelsaundersceramics.com Instagram: @rachelsaundersceramics.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This deep-dive episode explores the jaw-dropping career of costume designer Edith Head—Hollywood’s most awarded woman—whose designs for stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly came with a trail of secrets, rivalries, and reinvention, with fashion enthusiast Darrian Wright joining for the ride. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Edith: Edith Head was a legendary Hollywood costume designer whose career spanned over 50 years and more than 440 films. Known for her iconic round glasses and modest demeanor, she was the behind-the-scenes architect of some of the silver screen’s most iconic looks. With 8 Academy Awards—more than any woman in history—Head crafted wardrobes that shaped characters, stars, and an entire era of film, often blurring the lines between credit, creativity, and control.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This episode features designer and Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney as she opens up about work-life balance, her art show California Poppy, the impact of the LA fires, and the quiet courage it takes to keep evolving creatively.   Checkout her art show: California Poppy at The Art Wolf Checkout her latest book: Jungalow: Decorate Wild _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Justina: Justina Blakeney is a true multi-hyphenate—artist, designer, author, creative director, entrepreneur—and the founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand, Jungalow. Her signature style is instantly recognizable: bold, bohemian, colorful, and deeply rooted in personal expression and global inspiration. But beyond aesthetics, Justina has reshaped what a modern creative career can look like. Over the years, she’s collaborated with a long list of major brands including Target, Anthropologie, Loloi Rugs, Selamat, Opalhouse, and Keds—bringing her joyful sensibility into homes, wardrobes, and even our feet. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, The New York Times, Dwell, and more. She’s also the author of The New Bohemians, The New Bohemians Handbook, and Jungalow: Decorate Wild—books that have helped countless readers reclaim their homes as spaces of healing and self-expression. In this conversation, we talk about the LA fires that forced her to evacuate her home, the symbolism behind her solo art show California Poppy, and how she’s finding her way back to forgotten parts of herself through painting, song, and joy. We also dive into work-life balance, creative risk-taking, identity, motherhood, and what it means to define “enoughness” in a culture that always demands more. Follow Justina: Instagram: @justinablakeney justinablakeney.com jungalow.com Jungalow: Decorate Wild   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This episode features legendary designer and leader Maria Giudice, who shares her journey from Staten Island art kid to founding Hot Studio, navigating Facebook’s acquisition, and using design to shift culture, leadership, and the C-suite. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Maria: Maria Giudice is a trailblazing designer, creative leader, and author who has spent over three decades redefining what it means to lead with empathy. She’s the founder of Hot Studio, one of the first woman-led digital design studios in the country, which was acquired by Facebook in 2013. Maria went on to become Director of Product Design at Facebook and later VP of Experience Design at Autodesk, helping bring people-centered thinking into the heart of tech culture. She’s the co-author of Rise of the DEO and Changemakers, two influential books that empower designers to lead change. From painting in Staten Island to reshaping Silicon Valley—Maria’s story is as bold as it is inspiring. Follow Maria: Instagram: @mgiudice LinkedIn: Maria Giudice Rise of the DEO Changemakers   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This dual feature episode explores the legacy of Tomoko Miho’s masterful use of space and quiet modernism, alongside Jessica Strelioff’s thoughtful approach to building timeless, soulful brands through her studio, Goodside. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources: AIGA Medalist: Tomoko MihoThe Quiet Confidence of Tomoko Miho — Eye MagazineHerman Miller Stories: Creative Class Hero - Tomoko MihoTomoko Miho Vintage Poster on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/201923687476  About Tomoko: Tomoko Miho (1931–2012) was a pioneering American graphic designer known for her elegant use of space, clarity, and restrained modernism. A graduate of the Institute of Design in Chicago, she worked for George Nelson Associates and Unimark International before founding her own studio, Tomoko Miho & Co. Her clients included Herman Miller, MoMA, and the Smithsonian, and in 1993, she was awarded the AIGA Medal for her outstanding contributions to design. Miho’s work masterfully blended Swiss modernism, American pragmatism, and Japanese aesthetics to create timeless, poetic visual communications. About Jessica: Jessica Strelioff is the founder and creative director of Goodside Studio, a design practice known for its emotionally resonant, timeless branding. With a background in creating thoughtful, human-centered design, Jessica builds brands that are both strategic and soulful, always with a strong editorial and visual clarity. Her work embodies restraint and intentionality, carrying forward the spirit of designers like Tomoko Miho into a modern, digital world. Follow Jessica: Goodside Studio Website: goodside.studio Threads: @jessicastrelioff Instagram: @jessicastrelioff LinkedIn: Jessica Strelioff Behance Portfolio: behance.net/strelioff   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

In this episode, multidisciplinary designer Alex Proba shares how persistence, daily creative rituals, and an unwavering belief in color have shaped her global design career—from posters and murals to pools and product lines. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Alex Proba is a German-born, New York-based multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Studio Proba. Known for her playful use of color and pattern across murals, furniture, textiles, installations, and branding, she has collaborated with global brands like Nike, Google, and Louis Vuitton. Her iconic “Poster a Day” project launched her career and continues to inspire creatives worldwide with its message of consistency and exploration. Follow Alex: Instagram: @alexprobaWebsite: studioproba.com ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This episode we talk about the high-heeled rise, fall, and fierce reinvention of designer Tamara Mellon, co-founder of Jimmy Choo, whose resilience redefined what it means to be a woman in luxury fashion—with cultural insight from author Rachelle Bergstein. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources / Links: In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara MellonTamara Mellon on the Shopify Plus BlogWomen from the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us by Rachelle BergsteinTamara Mellon Interview on Inc. Tamara Mellon is a British-American fashion designer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo. A former accessories editor at British Vogue, Mellon played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s aesthetic and global success. She later launched her own label, Tamara Mellon Inc., where she continues to design with a focus on empowering women and disrupting the fashion business model. Rachelle Bergstein is a writer and cultural commentator, best known as the author of Women from the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us. Her work explores the intersection of fashion, identity, and culture. With a background in literature and a sharp eye for symbolism in style, Bergstein brings a unique voice to fashion history and its impact on women’s lives. Follow Rachelle: Instagram: @rachellewbWebsite: rachellebergstein.com ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

This dual feature episode explores the legacy of Susan Kare, the designer behind the original Mac icons, with guests Amy and Jennifer Hood, the twin creatives behind Hoodzpah, known for their bold branding and empowering creative business strategies. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources / Links: Susan Kare's Prints: kareprints.comSmithsonian ArticleAmy and Jen's Book: Freelance and Business and Stuff by Amy Hood and Jennifer Hood About Susan Susan Kare is a graphic designer and pioneering iconographer best known for her work on the original Apple Macintosh in the early 1980s. With a background in fine arts, she had no prior experience in computer graphics when she was hired to design the first digital icons and typefaces for the Mac. Using graph paper and pixel constraints, she created some of the most enduring symbols in tech history, including the Happy Mac, the Command key symbol, and the original Mac fonts like Chicago and Geneva. Her designs humanized technology, making computers intuitive and accessible to non-technical users. After Apple, she continued shaping digital interfaces at NeXT, Microsoft, Facebook, and Pinterest, and today, she serves as a Design Architect at Niantic Labs while selling limited-edition prints of her iconic designs. About Amy & Jen Hood Amy and Jen Hood are the twin sister duo behind Hoodzpah, a Southern California-based branding agency known for its bold, strategic, and personality-driven design work. Since founding Hoodzpah in 2011, they have worked with major brands like Disney, Nike, and 20th Century Fox, creating memorable identities and custom typefaces. Beyond client work, they are passionate about helping creatives build successful careers—they wrote Freelance, and Business, and Stuff, a practical and empowering guide to running a creative business, and have launched resources for designers, including brand identity courses and custom fonts. With a fearless approach to branding and a deep understanding of creative entrepreneurship, Amy and Jen have carved out a distinctive place in the design world while uplifting the next generation of creatives. Amy and Jen's Book: Freelance and Business and Stuff by Amy Hood and Jennifer Hood Follow Amy & Jen: Amy's Instagram: @amyhoodlumJen's Instagram: @thegoodhoodStudio Instagram: @hoodzpahdesignWebsite: hoodzpahdesign.com ____ 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 the artistry of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, whose improvisational designs and cultural resilience transformed necessity into celebrated textile art, alongside Francine Thompson, Design Director at Hims & Hers, who shares insights on visual storytelling and building compelling brand narratives. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources: Souls Grown Deep Gee's Bend Website: geesbend.orgInstagram: @geesbendquiltmakersGee's Bend on Etsy About The Quilters of Gee's Bend The Gee’s Bend Quilters are a collective of African American women from the small, rural community of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, whose quilting tradition dates back to the 19th century. Descendants of enslaved people who once worked the land as sharecroppers, these women transformed necessity into artistry, crafting bold, improvisational quilts from repurposed fabrics like denim, flour sacks, and worn-out clothing. Their work remained largely unknown outside their community until the early 2000s, when museum exhibitions catapulted them into the national spotlight. Now celebrated as one of the most significant contributions to American textile art, Gee’s Bend quilts have been displayed at the Whitney Museum, the Met, and the Smithsonian. Their distinctive designs—like the Housetop and Bricklayer patterns—have influenced modern art and design, blending tradition with innovation. Today, their legacy continues through exhibitions, workshops, and direct sales, ensuring their craft remains both an artistic and economic lifeline for the community. About Francine Francine Thompson is the Design Director of Brand at Hims & Hers, where she brings a strategic and thoughtful approach to branding, creating design systems that feel both human and impactful. With a foundation in graphic design, brand identity, typography, and creative strategy, she has built a career helping brands tell compelling stories that connect with people on a deeper level. Her work spans everything from printed materials to physical products, and she’s known for her ability to turn big ideas into tangible, beautifully executed realities. Based in California, Francine’s expertise in editorial design and brand storytelling has shaped her approach to crafting experiences that feel cohesive from the macro to the micro. In this episode, she shares insights on the power of visual storytelling and what it means to build a brand that resonates.   Follow Francine: Instagram: @francineathompsonWebsite: francineathompson.comTikTok: @franslittlelife ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice—it can be a full-circle moment that shapes both the mentor and the mentee. In this episode, Jeanetta Gonzales, a celebrated surface designer, illustrator, and creative coach, shares how mentorship has impacted her career, why representation in design matters, and how guiding others can be just as transformative as being guided. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources: Sika Design — Nanna & Jorgen DitzelFredericia Furniture — 100 Year Tribute E-Book About Jeanetta Jeanetta Gonzales is a surface designer, illustrator, and creative mentor with over 25 years of experience in the design industry. She has collaborated with major brands like Target, Adobe, The New York Times, and Crayola, creating bold, vibrant artwork infused with energy and empowerment. In addition to her design work, Jeanetta is passionate about mentorship, offering coaching programs, workshops, and online classes to help emerging artists develop their unique style and navigate their careers. She also teaches a popular Skillshare course on discovering your artistic voice. Through her work, Jeanetta champions representation in the creative industry and encourages artists to embrace their individuality. You can find her work and mentorship offerings at jeanettagonzales.com and follow her on Instagram at @nettdesigns. Follow Jeanetta: Instagram: @nettdesignsWebsite: jeanettagonzales.com ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod