Tom Parkes | Web & Brand, Design as Art, Communication, Sensitivity & Receptivity

Learn more about Tom at https://www.tparkes.com

Today I'm speaking with Tom Parkes — a Web + Brand designer.

Tom's worked at agencies such as Instrument, Justified Studio, and MetaLab, and freelanced for companies such as Airbnb and Microsoft. He's now at Glide — where I work — leading web & brand.

We talked about many things like:

• The activity and craft of design
• Sensitivity and receptivity to design and art
• Design in agencies versus in-house
• The difference between art and design
• How design is merging with motion
• And much, much more

---

Summary

In this conversation, Jack Vaughan speaks with Tom Parkes, a web and brand designer, about his journey in design, the evolution from graphic design to visual communication, and the importance of sensitivity and emotional connection in the design process. They discuss the role of typography, the impact of university experiences, and the balance between trends and timelessness in design. Tom shares insights on the significance of communication in design and how it shapes the designer's approach to their work.

In this conversation, Tom discusses the intricacies of branding and design, emphasizing the importance of presentation, critique, and the separation of personal identity from work. He introduces his 'Holy Trinity' of design process, which includes context, empathy, and execution. The dialogue explores the balance between art and design, the evolution of digital design, and the significance of brand strategy. Tom reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in design, advocating for a thoughtful approach to integrating new technologies while maintaining the essence of creativity.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Evolution of Design Terminology
• 05:44 Navigating Design Education and Personal Growth
• 13:45 The Emotional Connection to Design
• 19:42 Sensitivity and Vulnerability in Creativity
• 29:38 Staying Relevant in Design Trends
• 37:12 The Essence of Timeless Design
• 39:49 The Evolution of Branding
• 43:26 The Art of Communication in Design
• 54:23 Tom's Holy Trinity of Design Process
• 58:02 The Intersection of Art and Design
• 01:06:38 Navigating the Balance of Web and Brand Design
• 01:07:13 The Evolution of Brand Strategy in Design
• 01:11:59 The Intersection of Design and Development
• 01:16:24 Reflections on Product Design vs. Brand Design
• 01:19:13 Creating Synchronicity Between Brand and Product
• 01:22:10 Systems Thinking in Design
• 01:25:59 The Importance of Brand Strategy in Design
• 01:30:44 The Future of Design in the Age of AI