In this episode of the Thinking through Design podcast, host Adam Fromme sits down with Bryce Patterson.
“And that is part of what I feel like the problem is, as to why the disparity is there, because nobody is there to teach these black kids about design. Like they just haven’t been exposed to it. They literally just don’t know, and so I feel like we can fix that.”
Bryce Patterson
This is included in a three-part series with students in the Mayo Peer-to-peer Mentorship Program. The program is named after Dr. Noel Mayo, a retired Professor in the Department of Design, Ohio Eminent Scholar, and owner of Noel Mayo Associates, the first African American industrial design firm in the United States.
This episode explores the power of mentorship in shaping a designer’s path, especially for those entering the field. Through a conversation with Bryce Peterson, a graduating senior from the Visual Communication Design program at The Ohio State University, the discussion highlights how representation and guidance can open doors and expand possibilities in design. From navigating early doubts to discovering inspiration through programs like the State of Black Design conference, Bryce shares how mentorship—both formal and informal—helped him find his place in the field.
The episode also touches on the pressures of portfolio-building and the perfectionism many designers face, offering an honest look at how mentorship can help break through those creative blocks. The conversation ends by reflecting on the broader role of the designer as a change-maker—someone who helps shape the world, often behind the scenes, by giving others permission to imagine, create, and grow. Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on the value of mentorship, representation, and the evolving identity of design.
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