There’s a time and place for gravitas within design. Recently, the avalanche of catastrophes can easily leave us feeling jaded, hopeless, and unwell. And over the past few years, there’s been an added dimension of urgency within our profession to not only design beautiful work but take ourselves way too seriously (I should take this advice). To be a designer is no longer about being technically proficient or a producer of beautiful work but also to think critically and deeply about the impact of the decisions that we, as designers, make.
But, the big question is, okay, sure, let’s focus on those things, but when can we play and take ourselves not so seriously, even if for just a bit? Regardless of all this solemn urgency within our field — there is a well-deserved time and space for playfulness and humor. It’s the humor and play that can often help us cultivate the resilience to carry on the fight. Our skills and experience should not only solve problems but also be healing or nurturing for the designer designing, and sometimes the only way to play is by finding the time outside our jobs to do so. And sometimes, this manifests through weirdness.
That is where Mick Champayne comes in.
Her playfulness and humor are not only necessary amidst all the chaos in the world but also a nice escape from reality — even if just for a bit. Her kind-spirited attitude is infectious if you ever find yourself within her proximity or even if you occasionally exchange DMs. Her Instagram has become an experience in itself — a smorgasbord of fun and, most importantly, friendship.
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, she came to Chicago to study graphic design at Columbia College. She describes herself as a creator of experiences that have both beauty and brains, and rightfully so. For over a decade, Champayne has designed for Digitas (UK), Critical Mass, Huge, Instrument, and is currently a product designer at Google.
If you’re familiar with her illustrations, you’ve noticed her dedication to butts, memes, pop culture references, and weirdness (like a pink lizard smoking cigarettes). Unsurprisingly, as a kid, she was not the Disney princess type but rather a fan of Nickelodeon’s humor, you know, all the boogers and grotesqueness.
But, even for Champayne, it’s not always all fun and games. Over the past years, she’s given talks on women in design, diversity and inclusion, and ethical and speculative design. She’s lectured at IxDA Chicago, Women Talk Design, Speculative Futures Chicago, Adobe Live, and more. Today, she designs for millions of users at Google and somehow still finds the time to draw, parent, be a friend, and unapologetically be herself.
In our podcast, Underscore, I spoke with Champayne about her childhood fascination with illustrations, moving to Chicago from a small town, graphic design, creativity, Columbia college, and more.
Follow Mick on Instagram
Written by
