Welcome to Psychedelics Design – where design meets psychedelics!
This week, host Alexandra Plesner sat down with David Good, the creative director at DoubleBlind Magazine and a professor of graduate design at Pratt Institute in New York.
David is not only a brand strategist, illustrator, and graphic designer with an impressive portfolio—including projects for the Museum of Sex and the Center for Optimal Living—but also a passionate educator and thought leader in the intersection of design, psychedelics, and culture.
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David Good – Designing The World’s Leading Psychedelic Magazines
In this inspiring conversation, David shares his journey from studying linguistics and communications design at USC to shaping the visual identity of DoubleBlind Magazine—a dream he co-created with editor-in-chief Shelby Hartman.
Together, they transformed a passion project into a leading publication in the psychedelic space, blending the playfulness of the movement’s 1960s roots with cutting-edge journalism and design.
Amongst other things, David shares how the visual identity of DoubleBlind Magazine was carefully crafted to invite curiosity and trust, blending nostalgia with modernity.
He believes that the harmony between design elements—such as layout, color, and paper choice—creates a holistic experience that draws people in and keeps them engaged. This thoughtful approach to brand identity not only attracts readers but also builds a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the community.
Key Themes Explored
The importance of authenticity, honesty, and context in creating meaningful design work:
Authenticity lies at the heart of David’s design philosophy; he stresses that meaningful work begins with honesty and self-reflection.He encourages designers to consider the broader context in which their work exists, recognizing that design is never created in isolation. By grounding their work in truth and relevance, designers can produce pieces that genuinely resonate and inspire change.
David’s design philosophy: drawing from history, philosophy, and personal curiosity to inspire new ideas
David’s approach to design is deeply informed by his background in linguistics, art history, and philosophy. He advocates for a continual curiosity about the world, drawing on diverse references to create layered and innovative designs. This openness to learning and juxtaposing ideas allows for the emergence of new meanings and creative breakthroughs
Museum Of Sex The power of design as a tool for cultural and social change within the psychedelic movement
Design has the unique ability to shape perceptions and spark conversations, especially in emerging fields like psychedelics.David emphasized that every design choice—from typography to imagery—can reinforce or challenge cultural narratives, making design a powerful vehicle for social transformation. By consciously integrating the playful spirit of the 1960s psychedelic movement with contemporary values, design can help legitimize and propel the movement forward.
If you’re curious about the creative forces driving the psychedelic renaissance, or want to hear how design can change the world, don’t miss this episode! Tune in for fresh insights, personal stories, and a deep dive into the art and heart behind one of today’s most influential magazines.
Follow David Good on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/davidgooddesign
David Good Design
David Good Design is the creative studio of David Good, a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and creative director with over a decade of experience in brand, editorial, and visual storytelling. David’s work blends strategic design with intuitive, mixed-media experimentation—merging collage, animation, and digital tools to create visually compelling narratives. His practice bridges the commercial and the conceptual, offering clients bold, thoughtful, and artfully executed creative solutions.
DoubleBlind
DoubleBlind is a trusted resource for news, evidence-based education, and storytelling on psychedelics. We work with leading medical professionals, scientific researchers, journalists, mycologists, indigenous stewards, and cultural pioneers to provide nuanced and reliable information about the psychedelic movement—and all that it touches, from healthcare disparities to drug policy reform.
Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is a private university with its main campus in Brooklyn, New York. It has an additional campus in Manhattan and an extension campus in Utica, New York. The institute was founded in 1887 and comprises six schools. The institute is primarily known for its programs in architecture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and fine arts. “Pratt is an institute, an experience, and an idea.”
!!OUR NEXT EVENT!!
We are thrilled to collaborate with an exceptional roster of community partners and contributors to create something truly unique with the Psychedelics Design Awards (submissions open until March 16, 2025) and its Online Awards Event, scheduled for May 15, 2025.
Join us to explore: music, harm reduction and creative process – all in context with psychedelics!
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