This session explores how self-initiated design can create radical change for society, as well as possible pitfalls for designers with good intentions.

This panel presents short talks by include Mikea Hugley, who runs Cre8t1v3, designing graphics, products, and branding, is a graduate of MICA and has received numerous grants and awards, including the AIGA World Studio Scholarship; Lesie Xia, a queer Chinese American art director, who studied graphic design at MICA and has worked for companies including The Foundry at Meredith, Men’s Health, VICE News, and Fast Company; and Ronin Wood, a graphic designer currently working at Starry Internet who brings his experience working in-house for brands to support candidates and causes he believes in, including Jabari Brisport for New York State Senate in 2020 and Suraj Patel for Congress in 2018, and NYDSA.