Who Is Psychedelics Design's Founder/Voice Alexandra Plesner?
Alexandra Plesner is an Austrian interdisciplinary designer and entrepreneur based mainly between London and Austria. With a career spanning prestigious roles at Method Inc., Normally Ltd., Tank Magazine, and Karla Otto PR, Plesner has left her mark on global brands like Nike, Spotify, and Mercedes-Benz. She has recently taken on a creative advisory role for Gwella and volunteered her creative skills for the ZENDO project and Hystelica.
Plesner's academic journey includes an MA in Applied Imagination from Central Saint Martins and an MSc in Applied Psychology from London Metropolitan University. Her thought leadership extends to publications like Psychedelics Today, Proto.Life, Psychedelic Spotlight and Women on Psychedelics. Plesner's work has garnered recognition from Wallpaper*, Fast Company, and Wired.
At Psychedelics Design, Plesner is bridging disciplines, and fostering collaboration between diverse thinkers and creators. Her platform offers resources, workshops, and consulting services, pushing the boundaries of creative innovation while operating within ethical frameworks. Plesner's mission transcends traditional design, focusing on reimagining creativity through altered perspectives. By exploring the intersection of psychedelics and design, she aims to eventually unlock new realms of problem-solving and innovation, addressing complex challenges in fresh, inspiring ways.
Alexandra is a generalist. She continues to be inspired by 60s Porsche ads, car racing,17th and 18th-century still lifes, Fellini and Jim Jarmusch movies, the typesetting of Japanese newspapers, the Austrian Alps and Oxman’s Nature-centric design.
What Is Psychedelics Design?
Founded in 2022, London-based Psychedelics Design is pushing the boundaries of creative innovation. This self-funded community platform and open education resource is on a mission to explore how psychedelic experiences can inspire new approaches to design, all while operating within ethical frameworks.
At its core, Psychedelics Design serves as a bridge between disciplines, fostering a rich exchange of ideas among diverse communities of thinkers and creators. The platform offers a range of free and accessible resources, including:
- The 4 Principles of Psychedelics Design (a New Design Philosophy)
- Free newsletter and podcast
- Free templates and resources
- Access to pro bono and affordable design
- A growing directory of creative professionals and agencies in the psychedelic space
- Workshops with a design focus
- Events with experts in transformative experiences
- Design and creative consulting support
- Creative collaborations
By exploring the intersection of psychedelics and design, this pioneering platform aims to unlock new realms of creativity and problem-solving. Psychedelics Design is not just about visual aesthetics; it's about reimagining the very process of innovation itself, harnessing expanded consciousness to address complex challenges in fresh, inspiring ways. The project is an ever-evolving experiment in itself.
What Is The Psychedelics Design Conference?
On December 11, 2024, join Plesner and her team for the Psychedelics Design Conference, a virtual conference that explores the intersection of psychedelics, creativity, and design. Produced in partnership with Blossom, the daylong event will feature panels on topics including “Psychedelics and Empathic Design - A Female Perspective,” “Cultivating Safe Spaces: Enhancing Human Potential in Regenerative Environments,” “Harmonizing Psychedelics, Technology, and Nature: Innovating Our Connection to Earth,” and many more. Sponsored by Purple City Retreats, Talent Think Innovations, Set Set, and Medly, the conference will be a unique opportunity to hear from pioneering psychedelics professionals around the world. (Click here for tickets!)
Psychology Today writes, “Psychedelics Design explores the intersection of design and function, observing their impact on psych-delics and vice versa. It aims to highlight the fusion of psychedelics with innovative and forward-thinking design principles for greater industry insights.”
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) says, “This conference will bridge art, science, design, and engineering to explore the potentials of psychedelics through a design lens to benefit people, society, and the planet. It aims to share groundbreaking findings, connect with likeminded individuals, and build a collaborative and genuine community.”
What Is Alexandra Plesner’s Advice For Those Who Seek To Get Their Branding Right In Psych Space Startup Worlds?
“Branding is not about logos or colours; it's about etching your purpose into the fabric of culture," Plesner says. "Align your visual identity with your core values and mission, as nature aligns form with function. Take time to understand your unique offering and audience deeply—rush, and you'll create noise; pause, and you'll eventually compose a really good song. Let your brand breathe and evolve organically. Embrace experimentation and play and bold ideas might just crystallize into enduring legacies.”
What Are The Psychedelics Design Awards?
The First Psychedelics Design Awards are now open for applications to everyone dedicated to furthering the psychedelic narrative, from student concepts to entire companies, newsletters and media platforms, coaches, innovative architectural concepts, clinical and retreat settings, researchers, audio experiences and music, to actual products or brand design.
There will also be a “Mushroom of the Year” voting that will start in 2025. The award is inclusive and entirely online featuring trailblazers from both the psychedelic as well as creative industries such as Andrew DeAngelo, Michel Rojkind, Willy Christie, Stephanie Karzon Abrams (who will also be speaking at the upcoming event in December), Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, Michael Hyp, Zoe Wilder, Jeff (Jalen) Salazar, and Hector Pottie.
*Editor's Note: Did you know? Andrew DeAngelo and Willy Christie shared Weedsday Playlists for you to check out too!
Alexandra Plesner's "Mushroom Afterglow" Weedsday Playlist
For her Weedsday Playlist, Alexandra Plesner turned, as someone who listened to mostly rock'n'roll her entire life, to some electronic vibes she learned to love best for flow state vibes: "I’ve learned that much music doesn't resonate even after navigating altered states of consciousness. Despite my limited experience with such, I've selected five tracks that truly resonated with me in those come-down and afterglowing times. These songs, introduced by people close to me who've left a lasting impression, provided a sense of ease as I explored new soundscapes."
Danit And Rey&Kjavik - "Cuatro Vientos (Rey&Kjavik Remix)”
I’ve only had two psilocybin experiences, which might sound surprising given my work in the psychedelic space. Without getting into too much detail, my first journey was in nature and only towards the end, some carefully chosen music helped me land back in reality as we know it. This remix by Rey&Kjavik, originally by Danit, is called "Cuatro Vientos." [It] has a deep, meditative feel, blending earthy, organic elements with electronic beats. The entire track has a spiritual or nature-inspired vibe with a smooth, hypnotic rhythm. The track builds a sense of calm, is grounding but also transcendent.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Oliver Koletzki - "A Tribe Called Kotori"
"A Tribe Called Kotori" by Oliver Koletzki is characterized as a mysterious and hypnotic track, leaning towards the downtempo. The track showcases an organic floating sound, building really nicely, whilst incorporating elements that transport listeners to different locations. I first came across this tune during an absolutely amazing date night in winter in front of a fireplace. Needless to say it has been one of my favourites ever since. The song surprisingly was also part of a playlist of a women’s retreat I attended which made me feel right at home during the experience.
Click here to play on Spotify!
East Forest, Ram Dass, And Trevor H. Oswalt - "Perfect, Perfect”
Would my teenage self have believed anyone [who said] I would listen to electronic music, especially something like this? Hell no! But here we are. “Perfect, Perfect" by East Forest, the mushroom music legend, and Ram Dass, the iconic spiritual teacher, is a profound, meditative piece that 100 percent blends spiritual wisdom with ambient music. Ram Dass shares reflections on life, acceptance, and the idea of perfection through spoken words, which are deeply grounding and filled with compassion. The soundscape is soothing and light. The piano is gentle and warm; and it brings you back in the present moment.
Click here to play on Spotify!
*Editor's Note: Did you know? East Forest recently released his debut feature-length documentary, MUSIC FOR MUSHROOMS. Learn more here.
ÜNAM And DIBIDABO - “Cosmic Sex (DIBIDABO Remix)
The "Cosmic Sex" remix by DIBIDABO has a sensual and hypnotic vibe, blending deep, melodic house with subtle tribal elements. The track layers smooth, pulsating beats with atmospheric synths, creating a somewhat fun and sensual sound. There's a steady groove throughout. The track allows you to lose yourself in its rhythm. It is not for everyone though, I feel.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Lui Mafuta And Caldrew - “Fluffy Clouds”
I only heard this track by Lui Mafuta, co-produced with Caldrew, this summer for the first time. It is a very chilled-out track with a light, airy vibe–well it is called “Fluffy Clouds” after all. It combines smooth electronic beats with mellow, atmospheric melodies that create a relaxed and overall positive atmosphere. It’s the kind of track that brings a sense of ease to a moment.
Click here to play on Spotify!
For more about Psychedelics Design, visit psychedelics.design. You can apply for the award here and purchase tickets for the online conference on December 11th here. Follow @psychedelicsdesign on Instagram to engage with the community or subscribe to their Substack newsletter.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
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Featured image: Alexandra Plesner, founder of Psychedelics Design (C) Psychedelics Design
