ArtsDesign

(WIP) Podcast

Ways Into Practice

Ways Into Practice is a podcast by Bielke&Yang that gives students and young designers real insight into the design industry. It is created and produced by students, for students — a space where the next generation asks the questions that matter most to them.

In each episode, a student host talks with an established designer from a different field. Through honest, personal conversations, our guests share their own journeys, and offer advice on what to expect — and what to demand — from a career in design.

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 42 min
English

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S4 · E2
September 17 · 26 min
Should the Interface Adapt, or the User? (Hazel Zhu, madAbility Lab)
Should the Interface Adapt, or the User? What ADHD Research Says About Customising Interfaces. In the second episode, Emily and Ida talk to Hazel Zhu. Hazel is a third-year PhD student at the madAbility Lab, University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she researches assistive technologies for neurodiverse users across HCI, accessibility and AI. She built FocusView, a tool that lets viewers with ADHD reshape a video's layout, background, captions and audio to cut distraction. Then she found the tool had become a distraction of its own. Some participants ended up focused on editing the video rather than watching it. Hazel talks about what her participants asked for instead, why two people can need opposite things from the same interface, and what that means for anyone who has ever shipped a settings panel. Initiative by Bielke&Yang Supported by DOGA
S4 · E1
September 3 · 43 min
What ADHD Teaches Us About Design (Kristin Leer, MD, Psychiatrist & Author)
In the first episode of (WIP) Podcast Season 4, Emily and Ida speak to Kristin Leer (@kristinleeradhd), an MD and specialist in psychiatry. She is also the author of ADHD: 7 veier til ny forståelse. Kristin brings a clinical perspective to questions designers rarely get to ask a doctor: how does ADHD actually present, and why are so many more people being diagnosed now? Adults treated for ADHD in Norway have grown by 148% between 2015 and 2024 (PwC/Helsedirektoratet, 2025). Kristin explains that this isn't a sudden rise in ADHD itself — Norway only started diagnosing adults around 15 years ago, so children, parents, and grandparents are now often being diagnosed at the same time. That means more people than ever are being recognised as having minds that perceive the world little differently from what most systems expect. Kristin also makes the case for why understanding ADHD is not just a medical concern — it's a design concern. If we want to build digital services that truly work for everyone, we need to embrace this group and start by understanding how their minds work, which will lead to better experiences for everyone. 📖 Kristin's book: https://www.ark.no/produkt/boker/hobbyboker-og-fritid/adhd-9788202740306 An initiative by Bielke&Yang In collaboration with Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA)
August 7 · 56 sec
Design for the Edges (TRAILER)
S 04 (TRAILER): Design for the Edges How do we design for cognitive load through the lens of ADHD, and improve digital experiences for everyone? This season of Ways Into Practice is about cognitive load: the mental effort it takes to use an app or a website. (WIP) Institute interns and researchers Emily Tvervåg and Ida Holmen Skjervold look at how small design choices add up, and how they can quietly wear people down. Their starting point is their own research into how people with ADHD experience the web. Minds that are easily overwhelmed feel a bad design choice first, and feel it hardest. That makes them a powerful test: if a service works well for them, it tends to work better for everyone. This matters more each year. In Norway, the share of adults treated for ADHD in the public health system more than doubled in ten years, rising 148% between 2015 and 2024. More people are being recognised as neurodivergent, and the way we live now asks more of everyone’s attention and focus. Design that respects how minds work is no longer a nice extra. It is becoming a basic part of building fair, usable digital services. Across the season, Emily and Ida talk to guests from medicine, research, and tech. Together they ask a simple question with big consequences: how do we build digital services and products that don’t exhaust the people using them?
S3 · E6
Aug 1, 2025 · 47 min
What Does Design Education and Collaboration Look Like in an AI-Driven World? (Anthony Sheret and Edd Harrington, Ordino)
In this episode of Ways Into Practice, Jade and Estella sit down with Anthony Sheret and Edd Harrington, the duo who spent the last 15 years building Colophon Foundry, rising from a partnership to the number two type foundry by revenue in EMEA. Colophon was responsible for some of the most recognisable creative work in the last decade, helping to define brands for Google, Meta, Johnson & Johnson, Burger King, Roblox, Canva and many more. An estimated 2 billion people continue to see its output each day. Now, following the acquisition of Colophon in 2023, they’re channeling that experience into their new venture, Ordino. The conversation spans early doubts about design school, the realities of freelancing, the value of in-person dialogue, and the opportunities AI brings to creative practice. It’s a candid look at how long-term creative partnerships evolve — and why staying open to change is just as important as building something that lasts. We cover:✹ Design education (and doubt)✹ Lessons from building a business✹ Creative partnership dynamics✹ Why in-person interactions still matter✹ What excites them about AI in design … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by @bielkeyang Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths. #WaysIntoPractice #DesignPodcast #TypeDesign #Colophon #Ordino #CreativePartnership #DesignEducation #AIandDesign
S3 · E5
Jul 24, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
How Do You Build a Creative Partnership Without Losing Yourself? With Lizy Gershenzon and Travis Kochel (Future Fonts)
Lizy Gershenzon and Travis Kochel share their journey navigating the niche world of type design — from co-founding Future Fonts (@futurefonts), a community-driven marketplace for experimental, in-progress typefaces, to learning how to grow individually while building something together. In this conversation, they reflect on nearly two decades of collaboration, offering two distinct perspectives on how they’ve defined their roles, stayed creatively aligned, and sustained a long-term partnership. Future Fonts & Vectro are led by Lizy Gershenzon and Travis Kochel. This duo have been partners for nearly two decades. They are also known for the innovative fonts Chartwell (a font that makes charts using OpenType) and Kablammo (a variable font for Google that explores technology and animation). They specialize in type design, digital product design, and branding. Lizy has worked with GitHub, Headspace, Instrument, Nike, and Google, adding in-house and agency design and management experience to the team. Travis taught Type Design at Portland State for over 10 years and brings deep expertise in typeface design and development. Together, they previously founded Scribble Tone, creatingplatforms and custom typefaces for Design Portland, XOXO Festival, and Marmoset Music. Both served as adjunct professors at Portland State University, and teach type and marketing workshops. … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by @bielkeyang Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths. Photo by Sage Brown (@sagebrown)
S3 · E4
Jul 17, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Why Voicing Your Interests Early in Your Career Actually Help You Push Past Imposter Syndrome? With Louise Grosjean (Dazed Studio)
In this episode, Jade and Estella discuss facing imposter syndrome with Louise (@louisegrosjean). From how she built her confidence during the various roles she had to take on so far in her career to affirming what worked for her and lead her in the current professional position she’s occupying at Dazed studio (@dazedstudio ) in London. We’re excited for you to hear about Louise’s fresh perspective on the topic since she only graduated 3 years ago but has already taken on various roles. … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by Bielke&Yang. Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.
S3 · E3
Jul 10, 2025 · 59 min
How Do You Balance Ambition With a Critical Eye on the Systems You Work In? With Kaave Pour (21st Europe)
How Do You Balance Ambition With a Critical Eye on the Systems You Work In? With Kaave Pour (21st Europe) In this episode, Jade and Estella talk with Kaave Pour — Co-Founder of Space 10 and Founder of the recently launched 21st Europe — about what it means to choose not just your craft, but your context. Kaave shares why he's dedicated his career to reimagining the home as a space for social and environmental change, and how he balances big-picture ambition with grounded, long-term goals. They explore how designers can work with integrity inside complex systems, the challenges and rewards of building with community, and what it takes to stay focused while pursuing bold ideas over time. Whether you're just starting out or redefining your path, this episode offers valuable insights into designing with purpose. … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by Bielke&Yang Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.
S3 · E2
Jul 2, 2025 · 36 min
How Can Design Education Work Hand-in-Hand with the Industry? With Paula López-Nuño (MBB, Folch Studio)
In this episode, Jade and Estella sit down with Paula (@paulalopeznuno ) a strategist and Master’s Program Director who simultaneously works at the intersection of design education and industry. From studying at Elisava (@elisava.school ), school of design and engineering to teaching and co-directing the Master’s Beyond Branding (@thisisbeyondbranding ) program collaborating with Folch studio (@folchstudio ). Her multifaceted role is a great example of the possibilities of bridging visual design, strategy and innovation. … Themes discussed in this episode: • Values and critical perspectives in design education • Creating an environment for deep learning • The impact of international diversity • Embracing flexibility • The current role of AI • Challenging clients’ perspectives • Innovation in movement and sensory design … Listen to the full episode now, link in bio. … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by @bielkeyang Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.
S3 · E1
Jun 25, 2025 · 31 min
How Do You Build a Career Around What You’re Actually Good At? With Elliott Panam-Moody (The Brand Identity)
In this episode, Jade and Estella sit down with Elliott Panam-Moody, founder of The Brand Identity, to explore what it means to build a creative career while still discovering what you’re best at. Elliott shares the story behind The Brand Identity — how it evolved from a meticulously curated Instagram feed into a, if not the, leading platform for the global graphic design community. Launched in 2015, it now serves over 1 million creatives worldwide, showcasing the top 1% of graphic design and offering a rich ecosystem that includes a digital store, job board, and editorial content. Constantly testing, failing, readjusting and learning along the way. This episode offers a candid look at the realities of creative entrepreneurship and what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. … Together, they discuss: • Monetisation, how it works and when to capitalise on it? • The power of platforms in shaping design standards • The importance of transparency in the design industry • Navigating criticism and the responsibility that comes with influence … Listen to the full episode now, link in bio. … Ways Into Practice is a podcast about design by @bielkeyang Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths. Supported by Barne-, ungdoms- og familiedirektoratet (Bufdir).
S2 · E6
Oct 25, 2024 · 42 min
How does cross-disciplinary thinking shape design outcomes? With Kristoffer Eidsnes (ANTI)
In this episode of Ways into Practice, Kristine and Rasmus sit down with Kristoffer Eidsnes, the Design Director at ANTI, to discuss his unconventional path into design, his work with cultural and commercial clients, and how real-world experience can shape a designer’s perspective on what is good design. Kristoffer shares insights on collaboration, staying original, and how his work in music and festivals continues to inspire his creative process.
S2 · E5
Oct 3, 2024 · 56 min
What Does It Mean to Belong in Today’s Professional World? With Guro Røberg (Telenor)
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of transitioning from academic life to the professional world with our guest, Guro Røberg. Alongside hosts Rasmus and Kristine, we explore themes of belonging, power dynamics, and the importance of continuous learning in the workplace. Guro shares invaluable insights from her diverse background in music, economics, and design, offering guidance on navigating the early stages of one’s career. Guro is an experienced design leader and executive advisor with an international background. For the past 10 years, she has held leadership roles in four consultancies (ÆRA, EY Doberman, Designit and Netlife) and is currently a Product Coach at Telenor. As an economist from Copenhagen Business School, she specialised in managing creative processes and has driven transformation processes for clients with bold strategic ambitions worldwide. She is a professional facilitator and public speaker who contributes to conferences and podcasts on topics relating to design, innovation, leadership and organisation. She founded an interactive talk show that explores how we can live better lives at work, investigating topics like power, belonging, beauty, language, change, success and consciousness.
S2 · E4
Sep 26, 2024 · 41 min
How Can We Curate Inspiration in the Digital Age? With Richard Baird (BP&O, Logo Archive)
In this episode, Rasmus and Kristine sit down with Richard Baird, a designer, writer, and publisher who has taken a unique path into the world of graphic design. From his beginnings in furniture design to creating platforms like BP&O and Logo Archive, Richard shares his journey of finding his true calling. We explore the importance of understanding design history, the challenges of maintaining creativity in a trend-driven world, and the value of spontaneity and experimentation in building a fulfilling design career. This conversation offers insight into how designers can find inspiration, learn from the past, and adapt to an ever-changing industry.
S2 · E3
Sep 12, 2024 · 41 min
How can we challenge biases in creative spaces? With Sun Helen Isdahl Kalvenes (Freelance)
In this episode of Ways into Practice, we dive into the multifaceted concept of diversity in the design world with guest Sun Helen Isdahl Kalvenes. From her experiences across different countries and cultures, Sun Helen discusses the various dimensions of diversity, the importance of representation, and how to address biases in creative spaces. She shares her insights on the role of empathy, the significance of diverse leadership, and how we can make design truly inclusive.
S2 · E2
Sep 5, 2024 · 52 min
What does it take to succeed in the creative industry today? Sanda Zahirovic (Heydays)
In this episode, Sanda Zahirovic, Managing Director at Heydays, joins Rasmus and Kristine to explore; the challenges and opportunities in the current creative job market, focusing on how to navigate the industry during economic downturns, the importance of standing out as a candidate, and the ethical considerations around education and job preparation. Sanda shares insights from her 16 years in the industry, including advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, the evolving role of designers, and the impact of market dynamics on career development.
S2 · E1
Aug 28, 2024 · 39 min
How does place impact design processes and outcomes? With Erik Berger Vaage (Walk A Thought)
In Episode One of Season Two, Kristine and Rasmus talk to Erik Berger Vaage, co-founder of the design studio Walk of Thought. Erik shares his fascinating journey from his roots in Oslo to his experiences in the early days of Collins in San Francisco and setting up his own practice in Paris. The discussion delves into the influence of place on design processes and outcomes, particularly universal design, the challenges of building a cohesive brand across different markets, and the importance of maintaining the small studio ethos in larger corporate settings. …… WIP is a podcast about design by Bielke&Yang. Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.
S1 · E5
Aug 1, 2023 · 38 min
Ida Louise Andresen (SDG)
Ida Louise Andersen is a Senior Designer continuously searching to find new ways to bend, stretch, feed and grow new ideas. Currently working at Scandinavian Design Group (SDG). She takes us on her journey from studying in Oslo and Milan to how she started in the industry. Ida shares her experiences in branding the nation branding of Norway, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the challenges of designing for a diverse international audience. Ida talks us through the concept behind her personal project, "Ida's Space," a digital haven where she finds artistic freedom and inspiration beyond the crowded social media landscape. We explore the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and how creativity flourishes when designers step outside the design bubble. Ida's passion for design shines through as she discusses the impact of her playful mindset on her recent project, Mash, a lifestyle brand focused on wellness and embracing life's highs and lows. Join us for an engaging conversation with Ida as she shares her design philosophy, her approach to nation branding, and the magic that comes from finding joy in creativity. …… Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme. …… A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh Photography by @bowoslo Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio …… waysintopractice.no #design #students #process #design #branding #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship
S1 · E4
Jul 25, 2023 · 44 min
Even Suseg (Also Known As)
Even Suseg, is an award-winning graphic designer, art director, and co-founder of the Oslo-based creative collective, Also Known As. With a wealth of experience in diverse disciplines and sectors, Even creates unique concepts that surprise and challenge, working with major commercial clients and some of Norway's most prominent artists. Even takes Linn and Kristoffer through his journey from studying in Trondheim to becoming a graphic designer in Oslo. He shares the process of finding his first job as an intern and the pivotal experiences at Metric Design and Scandinavian Design Group that shaped his career. Later, we discuss the inception of Also Known As and how they approach their multidisciplinary studio, incorporating various talents like graphic designers, photographers, and film directors. He discusses world-class collaborations with brands like Red Bull and Posten, offering insights into the creative process and the value of documenting the journey. We also delve into Even's long-standing collaboration with the Norwegian music duo Karpe, exploring the significance of trust, dedication, and the mutual respect that has made their projects truly exceptional. alsoknownas.no @alsoknownas__ …… Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme. …… A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh Photography by @linn.linn.linh Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio …… waysintopractice.no #design #students #process #artdirection #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship
S1 · E3
Jul 18, 2023 · 35 min
Juliane Stensrud (Mos)
Juliane Stensrud, the co-founder of Mos, is an experienced Art Director whose work centres around human insight, connecting target audiences to brands and making them relevant in people's lives. She believes in the power of visual expression and storytelling, emphasising that both disciplines are vital for creating standout brands with a strong impact. In this episode, Juliane discusses her journey in the field of art direction and the inspiration she gained from collaborating with others. She shares how she transitioned from being an art director in larger agencies to starting her own business with Mos, highlighting the pros and cons of entrepreneurship. Delving into the core values and working principles of Mos, emphasising the importance of honesty, communication, and craft in their creative process. She explains how the challenge of being self-reliant and finding answers themselves pushed them to define their beliefs and processes as a studio. Leaving the safety of a stable environment was a daunting experience, but Juliane expresses gratitude for the sense of freedom that comes with running her own business. She also elaborates on the significance of establishing trusting relationships with clients. Highlights the value of challenging and questioning each other, leading to better outcomes and decision-making for clients. Juliane compares this relationship to a loving one, where the work environment and mutual trust greatly impact the success of the collaboration. Throughout the episode, Juliane's passion for visual expression, storytelling, and creating standout brands shines through, offering valuable insights into her journey as an art director and entrepreneur. mososlo.no @mososlo …… Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme taking the form of a podcast to provide students and young designers valuable insights when starting their journey into the design industry. …… A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh Photography by @bowoslo Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio …… waysintopractice.no #design #students #process #artdirection #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship
S1 · E2
Jul 12, 2023 · 45 min
Jelsen Lee Innocent (Freelance)
Jelsen is a Haitian-American creative from New York – moving to Norway in 2018. His non-linear design journey has dotted several industries and countries. He graduated from the art direction program at Miami Ad School (Miami & Hamburg), soon after gravitating to graphic design within advertising, then broadened to studying industrial design at CSM (London) before re-entering the ad and graphic design world. He balances his commercial work with an art practice. Through this body of work, he confronts social & cultural biases via material play, sculpture and installation. Delving into the differences between working in the United States and Norway, Jelsen emphasising the importance of being selective and prioritising work and workplaces that align with his values, resulting in an international focus to his client list. The discussion also touches on the lack of diversity and representation in the design industry, both in educational institutions and the job market. Sharing his perspectives on the need for broader horizons, exposure to different cultures, and the inclusion of diverse voices in design. Exploring the challenges faced by non-white creatives in Norway and the importance of cultural representation and equity. Jelsen encourages students to expand their networks and engage with professionals in the industry, highlighting the value of reaching out, asking questions, and leveraging the connections and resources available through their educational institutions. He emphasises the need for students to position themselves effectively for job opportunities and the sharing of knowledge and insights with their peers. archival-jelsen.com jelsenjelsenjelsen.com @sketches.in.plain
S1 · E1
Jul 5, 2023 · 39 min
Erlend Grimeland and Elias Olderbakk (Travers)
Founded in 2021 by Erlend Grimeland and Elias Oderbakk Travers, have a vision to foster a society that makes positive choices effortless for the community and planet. They believe in collective problem-solving for social challenges, which is why they frequently collaborate with talented and compassionate individuals from diverse fields. Seeking to work alongside those who share their commitment to creating a more democratic, engaging, and sustainable society. Erlend and Elias talk us through their background, discovering their process and studio ethos, how they work today and what advice they would give aspiring designers when thinking of starting their own practice. travers.as @travers.lab

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