The Thinking through Design podcast releases Episode 16. In this episode of the Thinking through Design podcast, host Adam Fromme sits down with 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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This episode is available on Apple Podcasts or by visiting the Podcast webpage.

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About the podcast

It’s obvious that design is all around us, but how designers think through their work is often a mystery. Yet, understanding that process can fuel our own curiosity and creativity. Adam Fromme hosts Thinking through Design as a series of in-depth discussions to reveal the designer’s mindset and realize its value. 

Thinking through Design is brought to you by the Department of Design at The Ohio State University. For general inquires, contact Adam Fromme, fromme.3@osu.edu