Designing With Purpose: David Perrin on Collage, Culture, and Social Impact

How do you turn design into real impact?In this episode of Art School Graduate, art director and collage artist David Perrin breaks down how he uses design to explore social justice, Black culture, and community—and how you can build a purpose-driven creative career.From going from accounting to Design Lead at the Ford Foundation, David shares how he found his voice through collage, overcame imposter syndrome, and started creating work that actually matters.🎧 Subscribe for more design conversations: 👉 @artschoolgraduate_podcastWe talk about:• Finding your creative voice as a designer• Using collage for storytelling and social impact• Designing around sensitive topics like race and policy• Navigating imposter syndrome and career pivots• Why more designers need to lead in social justice spaces• Building a meaningful and sustainable creative career💡 If you’re a designer, student, or creative trying to find your purpose, this episode is for you.⸻🎯 This episode is for you if:You want to find your style as a designerYou want to use design for social impactYou are exploring collage or visual storytellingYou are navigating a career pivotYou want to build a meaningful creative career⸻🕐 Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:16 Who is David Perrin05:20 From accounting to design14:00 Identity and culture in design18:30 Finding his collage style24:00 Designing for social justice32:00 Working at The Ford Foundation41:00 Nonprofit design vs agency work50:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome59:00 Current creative season01:04:00 Quickfire round⸻🌐 Connect with David Perrin:Website: dpicting.comInstagram: @dpicting⸻🎨 Follow the Podcast:Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast