Joining us this month to share his insights on the intersection of empathy and design is strategist and storyteller Antonio García. His career in socially-responsible and user-centered design has included holding posts at Firebelly and gravitytank, where he currently guides interaction design and social innovation as an Associate Partner.
If you were fortunate enough to snag a ticket to Friday’s talk, here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store!
What drives your desire to create?
Personally, it’s seeing other people’s work and getting excited and motivated to join them. I get lots of inspiration from within design and illustration but also from outside our industry: technology, streetwear, toys, video games, movies, animation, signage, stories and so on. Professionally, I’m driven to make complex things more clear. To make people care. To motivate them to take action. To spur transactions and exchange. To fight for the user. To champion the cause. To help organizations grow. To create value and push things forward.
How does Chicago influence you or your work?
I fall madly in love with our skyline every single time I see it. Doesn’t matter the time of day or angle I see it from, I’m filled with energy and excitement. I love our parks and lakefront. I love riding the train and people watching. I hate our segregation but I love our ethnic enclaves and the food and culture you find in each one. When it comes to creativity, Chicago’s midwest work ethic is unparalleled—no place hustles heads-down like we do. I love following my favorite Chicago artists and auteurs on Instagram (Kyle LaMere, Brandon Breaux, Chad Khouri, Chuck Anderson, Czr Prz, Paul Octavious, Will Miller, Andy Luce…) I’m proud of Chicago’s emerging rap talent (Chance, Saba, Taylor Bennet, Mick Jenkins…) I love our indie filmmakers like Strange Loop Studios and Kartemquin Films. There’s so much to experience and be influenced by.
What are you most proud of, professionally or otherwise?
I’m proud of the interaction design team I have the honor of leading at gravitytank. We’ve got some of the brightest, most thoughtful people working on really gnarly technology and design challenges. Everyone’s super committed to each other and the work. It’s awesome to be shoulder to shoulder with such good people who care deeply about the end-user experience and like to define the future together.
What is your dream creative project?
Creating an entire universe of illustrated characters that teach kids how to be better humans through interactive play, exploration and discovery. Basically a scenario where I get to draw a lot of cute things, talk in different character voices and work with animators, motion designers, developers and early childhood development experts to make awesome immersive experiences (digital and IRL!) for young people.
What does this month’s theme—empathy—mean to you?
Empathy is recognizing yourself in other people.
