Show off your skills!

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

Call for entries! (for students only)

AIGA Baltimore is requesting design submissions for a poster to promote Ink / Pixels 2012, a design conference for students. Deadline is February 20th.

Required Content
Ink / Pixels 2012
AIGA Baltimore’s design conference for students

Have your portfolio reviewed
Listen to awesome professionals
And get a chance to speak your mind, PechaKucha style

Saturday, April 21

AIGA student members $10
Non-members $25

Visit baltimore.aiga.org/events for more information and to register!

Please also include the AIGA Baltimore logo (download logo here) somewhere on the design. You can change the color and size of the logo. You cannot crop, skew or distort it. The logo must be at least 3.5 inches wide.

Technical Specifications

  • Size: 12 x 18 inches, portrait orientation
  • Bleed: 0.125 inches
  • Color: 4-color maximum
  • One-sided printing
  • If using raster graphics, the resolution must be 300 dpi.
  • Please keep all fonts editable (meaning do not outline or rasterize).
  • All imagery must be of your own creation. Do not use any images downloaded from the Internet or other resources.

Note about Fonts
Please use only OpenType fonts or fonts that are Mac compatible and make sure to include them with your design file. We may need to update the text on the poster design because we are still finalizing some details about the conference at the time of this competition.

What to Submit
Submit your original InDesign, Photoshop or Illustrator file. Please include all links and fonts needed for the design to display and print properly. Submissions missing files will not be considered.

How to Submit
All submissions are due by 11:59pm, February 20th.
Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

  1. Zip your files into one single zip file.
  2. Post the zip file to https://wetransfer.com (It’s free!).
  3. Enter studentposter@baltimore.aiga.org as the friend’s email address.
  4. Enter your email address.
  5. In the message box, include your name, email address, phone number and school you attend.
  6. Click on Transfer.

The winner of the competition will be announced after February 27 on our blog.

Eligibility
You must be an AIGA student member to submit.

Award
The winning design will be distributed to schools in the Baltimore area. The designer will receive one free entrance to the conference, 10 copies of the printed poster and a $50 iTunes gift card.

Questions?
Please email alissa@baltimore.aiga.org if you have any questions.

Converse: Social Design

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

the big crowd at our Converse night

Last week, we had our regular Converse event, and the topic was “social design.” A group of 25 charged and passionate people arrived ready to tackle the subject. Here are some of snippets from the evening.

  • What is Social Design? Does it need to be defined?
  • It’s with the idea the end result will bring proactive change.
  • It’s tackling social issues with design methodologies.
  • There is often a “giving back” aspect to the project.
  • Having graphic designers involved early in these projects allows the creative thinking skill set to be utilized in the solution, rather than just at the end to “make things pretty.”
  • Projects seem to be more successful when they are tackled by groups of people from a broad range of disciplines. The collaboration aspect is key. The designer role is just one part of a larger group.
  • Keep things as simple as possible and have the audience and users in mind to ensure the project can have longevity.
  • Make sure you are welcome in the community. Partner with them and ask the community what they want and need. Often, they have the best ideas.
  • Have an exit plan, so that when the group leaves, the solution can keep running successfully without you.

What topics might be good to tackle for Baltimore?

  • Bike lanes
  • Education
  • Increase manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Trash
  • Pride for the city
  • Crime
  • Unemployment
  • Improve the city’s brand
  • Increase city population
  • Food deserts, nutrition education
  • Diabetes
  • Communication without violence
  • Homelessness
  • Improve education, health and recreate for teens
  • Instill confidence and values in children

Thanks to those who made it out, and look out for our next Converse event in March!

Converse is our roundtable event regularly occurring on the third Thursday of odd numbered months. Each event focuses on a different topic for discussion. Email converse@baltimore.aiga.org if you have any questions or if you would like to suggest a topic for a future Converse night.

Open-Call for Board Applications

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

As we have mentioned in recent months, the AIGA Baltimore Board has been in a period of transition. We have revised the structure of the board, which has created several new positions. If you have ever wanted to play a greater role in the design community, now is your chance.

Being on the board is more than just a resume builder, it is your opportunity to have an impact in the Baltimore design community. By being on the board for the AIGA Baltimore Chapter, you are joining a group of dedicated professionals who are supportive of each board members’ initiatives. These positions are new, so the descriptions are just a starting point. Should you accept a position, we would want to work with you to help define the role further. If any of these positions interest you, please click the button below to download the application packet.

Open Positions

  • Education & Professional Development Director
  • Social Design Director
  • Print Publications Chair
  • Digital Publications Chair
  • Web Chair
  • Membership Chair
  • Sponsorship Chair
  • Networking Chair
  • Converse Chair

We are looking forward to this new exciting year. Please contact us if you have any questions about the open positions.

Best Regards,
Alissa Jones, President
Brian Ghiloni, Vice President

Download the Application Packet

Style or No Style?

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

This was the topic of our Converse event this past Thursday at Teavolve. It was a rousing topic, and the group brought up some great points.

  • Some designers seem to have less of a style, but rather a methodology.
  • Some felt they were hired/not hired because of their style or lack of style.
  • Illustrators and photographers have a style, but this aids in predictability for that art form.
  • Some see style as just a sales tool.
  • Maybe the time for a designer having a style is over and the real art is in the process, methodology and the designer’s approach.

Thanks to those who made it out, and look out for our next Converse event on social design in January!

Converse is our roundtable event regularly occurring on the third Thursday of odd numbered months. Each event focuses on a different topic for discussion. Email converse@baltimore.aiga.org if you have any questions or if you would like to suggest a topic for a future Converse night.

Portfolio Review Tips

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

Portfolio Review Tips

AIGA Baltimore’s portfolio review is on Thursday, December 1. So, the time has come. You’ve been going to school for several years, working hard on each and every project your professors have assigned, and now is your time to shine. You are about to be pushed into the job market or you are looking for your first internship. But guess what? The thought scares you to death. Here are some tips for for making your portfolio presentation outstanding.

  • Dress professionally. This means no low-cut tops, no torn clothing, and iron your clothes.
  • Arrive on time (better yet, arrive early) and come in smiling.
  • Introduce yourself. Tell the reviewer (or employer) your name and something interesting about yourself (what type of industry you want to go into, why you chose the field of design, etc.)
  • Make your portfolio well contained and organized. Don’t forget, that at job interviews, you may have your coat, a bag/purse, notepad and portfolio in your hands. Make sure you can carry everything and still be able to shake hands when meeting people.
  • Keep it clean! Smudges, hair, work off centered, and inconsistencies; these all just show you don’t pay attention to details.
  • Only plan to show the reviewer 7–10 pieces of your best work. Start and end with your strongest pieces.
  • Be ready to talk about your work. Tell a short story about each piece. Explain how you conceived of the idea, what research was conducted, who the target audience was, etc.
  • Use industry words. Avoid words like “my professor” and “the class.”
  • Don’t rush through it. Speak at a normal pace and give the reviewer time to comment on each piece.
  • Don’t get defensive if the reviewer criticizes your work. They are there to help you. You can filter through the comments later and decide what changes you should make.
  • Have your resume and business card ready to give the reviewer (or employer). Don’t wait for them to ask.
  • Ask the reviewer questions about their job. Take the opportunity to learn about what they do and how they got there.
  • Ask for the reviewer’s business card and followup with a thank you email or a snail mail thank you card.

Breathe, have fun and good luck! AIGA Baltimore’s portfolio review is on Thursday, December 1. Register now and save!

On the move!

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

We're moving!

Over the last two years, some of you may have passed by our office space within Engine Performance on N. Charles Street. We’ve decided to move out and go sans office in the interest of cutting costs and putting those funds back toward programming for you.

Visit our website for ways to reach us, and thank you to our board for all of their hard work this weekend!

some board members on move out day
Sean Heavey, Wing Pokrywka, Alissa Jones

Show Baltimore why you love design!

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

We know you love design, so now is your chance to show what you love about it to Baltimore! Check out D Center’s request for entries. They are looking for submissions for their upcoming exhibition, Network (Temporary Permanent Collection). They want a representation of what design means to you. This could be a project you worked on, an advertisement of your organization, a doodle on a napkin, a letter of support, or any kind of visual media or contribution that indicates your relationship to design.

To enter your submission, RSVP by 10/26, and include a brief description of the work (no more than 150 words) and deliver your work or arrange for it to be picked up before November 2.

D Center is located at 218 Saratoga Street storefront gallery, D Center @ MAP.

To RSVP or ask questions, contact marian.glebes@gmail.com or mkamoss@gmail.com.

You don’t know Jack: A conversation with Jack Anderson

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, taking a look at everything from afar – it is often good to get up out of your comfortable setting and listen to others speak to their experiences and have an in-person conversation.  Last week, I had the privilege of attending ADG’s event: Branding With Jack Anderson, which was both motivational and inspiring.

Jack Anderson of Hornall Anderson is one who is inspired by the people at his office and strives to help create new environments giving people the ultimate human experience. He describes himself as a student, a designer, and a strategist – commenting on the fact that designers are not just part of the service department anymore, but that we are vital in the collaboration process. We all can be creative no matter who we are in an organization, and when you foster an environment with no fear and give employees the permission to fail – your people grow.

The Hornall Anderson Experience Lab (HAX) is brilliant. It is a space created for the fostering of creative ideas with multiple technologies and the space to test them. Yes, not every company can have one of these, but we can take the concept and foster creativity by listening to the main ideas Jack commented on in his talk:

• Anyone can be creative. The next best idea for your company can come from the receptionist. Hornall Anderson’s receptionist came up with the idea of a culture wall, a wall of photos of all the employees showing different expressions. Maybe someone has an idea for ping-pong tournaments or company retreats, etc. Letting people be able to express their ideas in an open environment with no fear keeps the moral positive.

• Don’t love your ideas to death. As creative beings, we sometimes try too hard to keep an idea and love it so much it fails. Push for quick no’s and prototyping. Let ideas come and let them go – understanding that not all of your loved ideas are going to be the ones that make it.

• Create your own story. You make your own success. Don’t let others write it for you. If there is something you want to do, go for it. Pave your own way, but understand that it will not always be easy.

• Give the permission to fail. Make mistakes and make them on purpose, giving yourself or the staff the ability to think quickly and effectively. Giving people the permission to fail allows a weight of fear to be lifted and helps open the doors to more creative collaboration and a better flow of ideas. It allows people to take risks they may have been scared to take before.

• Open environments. Get people off their butts and into meetings and out in the open. Take field trips, build space to allow for creative collaboration, and allocate a budget for ideas.

• Even ground. Even though Jack is the CEO of Hornall and Anderson, when in a room his voice does not carry anymore weight than any other person in the department. Allow for good ideas and creativity to come from anywhere.

• Recommended Reading: Good to Great By Jim Collins. This book changes how we think about success, talking about a Hedgehog concept and helps the reader learn how a good company can become a great company.

Thank you to ADG and Jack Anderson for an inspiring and motivational event, where we have grown our knowledge in understanding of creativity, branding, and appreciation for those that inspire us to do more. Here’s to all of our ongoing education that feeds our sense of curiosity.

Welcome to a year of exciting new changes!

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

As we mentioned recently, the board for AIGA Baltimore has undergone some changes, and we’d like to take the opportunity to introduce ourselves.

photo of Alissa JonesAlissa Jones, President
I grew up loving the feel of paper and the smell of ink. Instead of sending me to summer camp, my mother would buy me art supplies; so graphic design was a natural fit. I’ve worked in educational design, broadcast design, branding and even spent some time as an English teacher in Japan. I’m a freelance graphic designer and adjunct instructor for Stevenson University and Anne Arundel Community College. This is my sixth year living in Baltimore and third year serving on the AIGA Baltimore board.

photo of Brian GhiloniBrian Ghiloni, Vice President
Although I’m originally from New Hampshire, I’ve called Baltimore home for the past 15 years. I’m Senior Designer and Partner at Locust Grove Studios, a design firm specializing in special event and exhibit design. Together with my partner Joe Karlik, we’ve worked with a diverse client base ranging from some of the most prominent companies in the world, to governmental and non-profit organizations. Throughout the year, I split my time between Baltimore and Maryland’s upper eastern shore where our studio is situated in a restored, 1860s one-room schoolhouse. This will be my fourth year serving on the board for AIGA Baltimore.

What to expect next
In the interest of maintaining an open dialogue with our members, we have revised our method of electing board members. In the upcoming months, please look out for a request from the AIGA Baltimore chapter for our members to review and approve our proposed new board.

We are looking forward to this new exciting year. Please contact us to share your ideas of how the AIGA Baltimore chapter can continue to serve your needs to grow your career in the world of design.

Best regards,
Alissa Jones and Brian Ghiloni

Changes for AIGA Baltimore

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

There is a philosophy that an organization can only be as strong as its leader. Thankfully for the past three years, AIGA Baltimore has been fortunate to have a president who was dedicated to the best interests of our organization. Regrettably though, Chapter President, Christopher Jones, decided to step down at the end of August. During his tenure, he developed a dedicated team of board members, helped grow the membership of our chapter in a challenging economy and push forward multiple initiatives like the e-newsletter, blog and the printed newsletter, as well as coordinate a phenomenal speaker series including Jim Sherraden, House Industries, Design Army, Debbie Millman, and Steven Heller just to name a few.

Additionally, we’d like to thank four other board members whose terms have ended in the recent months: Beth Lacey Gill, Lindsay Story, Heather Joines and Elisa Watson. These individuals have donated countless hours to the chapter that can never be repaid. Please join us in thanking them for everything they have done.

It’s been said, “Change is the only constant in life.” As designers, our contribution has traditionally been the development of identities, collateral and websites. Designers are no longer content to be limited to these roles. To continue AIGA Baltimore’s legacy of service to our design community, the board is committed to furthering discussions about the role of design and the potentially larger impact it can have. With this new initiative, we hope to engage in important social issues in a deeper way than ever before. Please welcome our new Chapter President, Alissa Jones (no relation), and new Vice President, Brian Ghiloni who are excited to facilitate this larger conversation.

Moreover, AIGA Baltimore has several great changes planned for this fall and beyond:

  • Blends: Our monthly happy hours will now be the first week of every month and include informational sessions on specific topics of interest for designers.
  • Critique Hash: You loved it when we ran it last spring, so we are bringing it back on a regular basis. The third Saturday of every other month, starting this October, will be your chance to receive feedback on in-progress work and your portfolio from fellow designers.
  • Converse: We know how important it is to hear from leaders on design, so starting in November, the third Thursday of every other month, you can hear a variety of opinions on current hot topics at our roundtable sessions.
  • Pulp, Ink, and Hops: AIGA Baltimore has made the difficult decision that it is time to retire this event, and instead, we are going to focus on supporting AIGA’s new initiative for Design for Good. You can learn more about this initiative from the Executive Director of AIGA, Ric Grefé’s interview with Fast Company.
  • Communications: AIGA Baltimore is going to continue to improve our communications with members and other organizations throughout our region. Through building relationships, we plan to bring a greater variety of events and programs and help increase the value of design within the community.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or an interest in volunteering, please contact us! We always love hearing from our members. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our upcoming events.