What would you like to see AIGA Portland do?
As the new incoming President of AIGA President for 2010, I have a questions all the Portland designers out there: What would you like to see AIGA Portland do?
From our round table a few months ago we heard people requesting more crafts and government involvement. We heard that we're doing well with sustainability (SHIFT) and design inspiration (Designspeaks). That said, turn out at the round table was small - so weigh in and post a comment below and let us know what you would like to see us do.
You don't have to be a member to weigh in and your participation is always appreciated. This is your town and as designers we should be your advocates. Let us know!
Comments
An ongoing lecture/panel/round table series on design history, theory, and professional practices, similar to OMSI's Science Pub (http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepub), would be valuable. Thank you, Joaquin.
Are there any particular topics you would like to see covered in this forum?
Maybe a few local contests? Every other chapter I know of does this for 3 reasons: It raises funds, it's the best sort of networking for pros and students alike, and it's fun.
I have never understood why we as a chapter seem to focus more on meet-ups and glasses of wine than we do attempting to stimulate the local community – directly. Guest speakers and hanging out can be fun, but putting your work up against the rest of the community is rewarding!
Make them open to the public, and offer a lower fee for a student category - I have seen it work, and we really should be doing an annual competition at the very least.
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your input! We're having our local chapter retreat today and this has really sparked a lot of ideas. Would you be interested in helping to put something like this together?
Joaquin
I'm not sure how this would work or what first steps would be taken, but as a design student, I'd love for there to be something for students in the field of design/craft/creative.
I'm really interested in design theory, story telling, discourse, history and the now. Perhaps there's something, if there's not already, for students to interact with professionals or something that would be educational/helpful to our careers and skills.
I am a PSU student and we're very much involved in studio tours and Skyping in professionals, but just thought this would still be something good to add here. Just something to ponder over.
I think AIGA should be more prominent and talked about at PSU and other local design schools/programs. Maybe there's something that focusing on students in some way—if there isn't already :)
Thanks.
Hi Christy,
Thanks for your input! I'm going to put our Education Chair, Nicole Conant in touch with you to explore this further. I'm very happy to have students weighing in. You guys are the life blood of our community.
Joaquin
A few people have approached me about CS5 workshops. Are there any adobe workshops planned for this year?
Hi Jessi - There's one possible one in the works now. We may be partnering with AIGA Los Angeles for a big one coming up.
I'd love to connect with other creatives in the start-up phase in a regular, informal coffee chat to share stories, support, resources, and lessons learned. Whether they be free lancers, small cooperatives or new agencies I'd love to meet those people. I'm going through the start up phase right now and would love a group to throw around ideas and possibly form strategic partnerships. Entrepreneurship can be tough! It's so much more fun when there are people there going through the same thing who are able to share in your successes and challenges.
Any ideas on what an anchor concept might be for this? Do you think we would need ice-breakers, a starting topic, moderator, etc?
One regular moderator/organizer would be nice - someone to introduce people and maintain consistency. But I'm thinking it could be a designated time and place and people just stop by for a quick chat. People could just sort of give an update on where they are in the process, some will be in earlier/later stages than others. Inevitably people will have questions and the whole group can contribute. People can share stories about things they've had to figure out (i.e. leasing an office for the first time, finding/recommending print vendors, etc). I'm not sure there would need to be structured topics, and no panel presentations or anything. Just a place to chat and share/get advice!
One group doing this is Portland Ten, they call it 'Founders Coffee' and describe it like this "Founder’s Coffee is a low-key, weekly get together for Portland entrepreneurs to connect with each other. No speakers, no pitches, just business founders gathering together to visit for an hour."
Portland Ten is geared towards entrepreneurs seeking venture capital. I'd rather be in a group for people who aren't necessarily looking for funding but ARE trying to make the business side work.
My two cents!
Hi Tori,
This is a great idea! Would be interested in helping planning an event series like this?
Joaquin
Hi Joaquin,
I'm open to it... or at least open to chatting with you about it. Email me and we can chat!
Tori
Ya'll should have events that focus on all kinds of design! Not just graphic design but everything that entails creativity. Interior design, culinary, handcrafts, art, music. There's so much out there. Perhaps hold movie showings about design. I think it'd be cool to figure out a way to get more people involved who aren't just designers, so that the general mass can appreciate design. More hands on = awesome.
Hi APPEL,
I think expanding engagement beyond the design community is a great idea. Do you have any specific ideas about crafts (or other things) that you are passionate about?
Joaquin
We welcome your comments!
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