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_podcast

We 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.

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🎯 This episode is for you if:
You want to find your style as a designer
You want to use design for social impact
You are exploring collage or visual storytelling
You are navigating a career pivot
You want to build a meaningful creative career

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🕐 Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:16 Who is David Perrin
05:20 From accounting to design
14:00 Identity and culture in design
18:30 Finding his collage style
24:00 Designing for social justice
32:00 Working at The Ford Foundation
41:00 Nonprofit design vs agency work
50:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome
59:00 Current creative season
01:04:00 Quickfire round

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🌐 Connect with David Perrin:
Website: dpicting.com
Instagram: @dpicting

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🎨 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast