Our guest is JJ Salgado, a recent Columbia College Chicago graduate, designer, and the newest member of the Chicago Graphic Design Club team.

In this episode, JJ speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his journey through design education and into Chicago's creative community.

JJ discusses the pivotal role mentorship has played in his development, particularly his relationships with designers like Robert Robbins, Amira Hegazy, Dave Pabellon, and Guy Villa, and how attending community events—from the Chicago Design Archive talks to CGDC gatherings—opened doors and shaped his understanding of what it means to be part of a creative ecosystem.

The conversation explores JJ's love of cohesive brand systems, his philosophy of "witnessing"—slowing down to pay attention to details and people around him—and the importance of being physically and mentally present, including his practice of walking Chicago's neighborhoods without headphones.

JJ shares his vision for documenting Chicago's creative community through social media, his commitment to making design spaces more welcoming for the next generation, and his excitement about deepening his roots in the city.