First of Kind, an Indie × Soleio Project
First of Kind, an Indie × Soleio Project
Podcast Description
This project came together around a simple question: Who are the designers in tech that are the first to pioneer a new way of doing things? What does that archetype look like in practice?
In music, we have genre-defining artists. In software, we have first-of-kind designers.
This is a show where we talk to the people pushing the frontiers of design into new directions and capabilities—whether at the helms of new businesses or as practitioners of a new craft.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to innovation in design, the intersection of technology and creativity, and the journeys of visionary design leaders. Episodes explore the experiences of industry pioneers like Susan Kare and Julie Zhuo, highlighting their contributions and insights into the evolving nature of design in tech.
In music, we have genre-defining artists. In software, we have first-of-kind designers. First of Kind is the story of design and tech told through conversations with its pioneers. Hosted by Soleio. Produced by Room 3. Sponsored by Framer, Cursor, Vercel and Profound. The future belongs to designers who build. firstofkind.com
What do Anthropic, Facebook, Pinterest and Stripe all have in common?
Everett Katigbak has played a foundational creative role at some of the most iconic brands in technology. His film work documents the stories of seminal figures who have shaped culture, such as his documentary projects on Stewart Brand and Luis Valdez.
In this in-depth conversation at his beautiful San Francisco home, Everett describes the “golden thread” that weaves through his non-linear career path, the importance of humanizing infrastructure, and why he believes your side hustle is actually your “true form.”
As of this recording, Everett has set out on his own to develop an independent creative practice. After years behind the camera, tech’s “brand guru” steps out in front of it.
00:00 Intro: “Your side hustle is your true form”
03:01 Making Facebook Feel Human
05:04 Getting Hired Because You Don’t Fit
08:10 Why San Francisco? Place Before Job
11:33 Analog Research Lab origins & mantras
13:35 Propaganda, Self-Talk, and Shaping Company Culture
16:32 Designing for Engagement vs. Meaning
17:18 Living in Contradictions: Anachronist Meets Futurist
19:27 How to Pick the Right Company (A Nose for What’s Next)
21:03 Expansion vs. Mastery: A Different Kind of Career Path
24:00 Going Independent
26:24 Inside Cursor as a “Cultural Sleuth”
28:49 Stories of Unseen Figures: Luis Valdez, Stewart Brand
32:00 Closing: Advice for Future Pioneers
S2:E6 Everett Katigbak: Indie Streak
Hosted by Soleio and produced by Room 3: room3nyc.com @room3nyc
First of Kind is powered by our sponsors:
Framer — framer.com
Cursor — cursor.com
Vercel — vercel.com
Profound — tryprofound.com
Website: firstofkind.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@firstofkind
𝕏: x.com/firstofkind
Threads: threads.com/firstofkind_
Instagram: instagram.com/firstofkind_
Hashtag: #FirstofKind
Disclaimer
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