005: David Jon Walker of AIGA Nashville

From Memphis student to Yale design powerhouse, David’s trajectory is one rooted in momentum, connection, and creative obligation. He launched his AIGA journey in 2008 with a classroom assignment, then led Nashville’s chapter, organized retreats, and sparked a lettering practice that doubled as historical commentary. Whether writing with Procreate or building human pyramids at leadership retreats, his story underscores the power of inertia—and creative responsibility.Key TakeawaysMomentum matters: What began as a class assignment led to chapters, conferences, and Yale.Leadership pivots on presence: Real opportunities start with showing up—for retreats, for conversations, for creative exploration.Shapes of care: Lettering sprang from reflection and urgency; his art is both cathartic and communicative.Momentum is legacy: From civil rights runs to daily practice, David’s career honors the past by refusing silence and inaction.Episode Chapters02:00 – AIGA through academia: His first exposure was in graduate school—designing a conference engagement site. That launched his longtime involvement, from student chapter to Co‑President in Nashville.  03:53 – Retreat connections: “We met at the leadership retreat in Denver”—a pivotal moment where design community transcended locales.  07:32 – Students are bedrock: David reflects on how student involvement sustains AIGA, even as professionals grow busier.  09:49 – Programming with purpose: He organized workshops, campus visits, portfolio reviews, and “speed‑dating” sessions between job seekers and employers.  12:02 – Rooftop pyramid story: David recounts being the base of a human pyramid at the Raleigh retreat—and joining the “24-hour sunrise club” at Atlanta.  14:18 – Network sparks career moves: AIGA connections led him to Pasadena, then to Yale—each conference paving the way forward.  16:16 – Active invitation matters: A walk to a speaker in the hallway opened doors—like being invited into the Poster House advisory board. 22:34 – Lettering amid uncertain times: David picked up Procreate and began a crisis‑driven lettering practice during the pandemic.  24:26 – Putting pen to protest: His lettering caught Fine Acts’ eye—he contributed to free protest posters shortly into the practice.  26:27 – Running through history: A post-election run in Birmingham mirrored the civil rights march routes—fueling his creative momentum: “Apathy is inexcusable.”  About Our GuestDavid Jon Walker is a Yale School of Art professor, art director, and type designer whose design is deeply rooted in storytelling, history, and social awareness. With an MFA from both Memphis and Yale, he’s served on advisory boards for the Type Directors Club and Poster House, and collaborated with major institutions like HarperCollins and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His career—shaped by AIGA retreats, academic rigor, and activist lettering—reflects creativity committed to purpose.  FeaturingGuest David Jon Walker, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research