Richard Boynton and Scott Thares from Wink, and Michael Byzewski and Dan Ibarra from Aesthetic Apparatus (both based in Minneapolis) interview each other in Q&A. They talk about the origins of their firms' unusual names, the things they collect, and how the partners' friendships have held up. These guys also get into business issues related to starting and running a small business. In fact, when asked what advice he’d give to young designers wanting to start their own business, Byzewski replies, “Don’t do it! There are enough of us trying to make it.”

This issue we also dip down under as writer Chantal Omodiagbe talks about the challenges designers in Australia face, including a sense of disconnection with the rest of the design world. She also profiles four firms from different regions of the country and the work they’re doing for some well-known clients.

Nancy Bernard speaks with Stephen Frykholm of Herman Miller and Joe Duffy of Duffy Partners about the secrets and skills of mentoring and keeping good talent, and a Duffy protégé, Brian Collins, provides his own take on being mentored and how it has helped him throughout his career. He’s now in a position to nurture talent as creative director of Ogilvy & Mather’s Brand Integration Group and he passes on tips he’s learned along the way.

And last but not least, the student winners of the STEP annual design competition are featured this issue. The projects range from ad campaigns to posters to illustration and editorial design to a fun-filled commercial for an alcoholic energy drink. If there’s one lesson to learn this issue, this is it: Don’t get too comfortable with your success. The new breed is gaining on you.