Christmas Party!!

Hey everyone...

here are some pictures from the other night at the christmas party:



















Have a great break everyone!

Chris Cringle

Just a little update on the Christmas Sale.  Things have been going well.  We've sold quite a few pictures with Santa today, the buttons are a hit and the tags have been selling more and more as days go buy. Great job everyone. 

Also, as for the party.  We may be having some changes, but do not fret we'll keep you updated.

cheers.

With two weeks of class left things tend to get a little crazy. I know that everyone is busy with final projects and exams. I just wanted to let everyone know what's going on for the rest of the semester.

This week:
-AIGA secular Holiday sale
-Sign ups for moustache contest during lunch
-Wednesday 28 November Helvetica Movie @ 9ish (PM)
-Copious amounts of stress

Next week:
-AIGA secular Holiday sale
- Ugly Sweater Bowling Party date TBA
-Other events TBA

Just a friendly reminder that there will be a short meeting this Wednesday, 14 November. The purpose of this meeting is to exhibit designs for buttons and tags. .

Chicago Trip

Hey guys...here are some photos from chicago. sorry it took so long!

Make A Difference Day

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who participated in the make a difference day project. It was a good time! And to those of you who didn't... you better get your asses out there tomorrow and make a difference....or else!

Here are some photos from today:



















ps. i love bums!

The kids that are hip grow hair on their lip

There is a typography exhibit at GVSU tonight. Padnos Gallery. 6:00.

You may have noticed the wall 'o moustaches on the second floor. The posters are falling down and in no time there will be an awful mess and I will get in trouble for using 208 sheets of my own paper. So, Feel free to take a poster and cut out a moustache. You can wear you moustache at your leisure and feel like a fancy debutante. If champagne wishes and caviar dreams aren’t your thing, pretend to be a swash-bucklin'pirate, a heartless 1900’s steel conglomerate tycoon, cult film maker John Waters, cowboy extraordinaire Wyatt Earp or the sensational Doc Holiday. Give a moustache to your friend as birthday present or to that special someone. Nothing says I love you like a plaid moustache.

In summation
-Type Exhibit Tonight
- Check out Rex’s live type performance at lunch tomorrow
- Take Poster
- Cut Out Moustache
- Wear moustache
- Chicago trip Friday (cool posters by Shauna)
- UNICEF Labels Due (cool posters by Laura)
- See Deidre
- Make A difference Day Fast Approaching (cool posters by Victoria)
- Have a great week

AIGA Chicago Incite/Insight

In case you needed another reason to go to Chicago in the next couple of weeks...

Thursday, November 8
Incite/Insight 2007: The Role of Design and the Challenge of Sustainability

With Peter Nicholson, Creative and Executive Director of the Foresight Design Initiative

"What if designers' livelihoods weren't tied to the marketplace, but rather to society, i.e. the mix of people, place and culture that surrounds them? What would the projects look like? For whom and what would you be designing? Who would pay?"

"Sustainability should not be confused with "green." It goes deeper. Fundamentally, Sustainability is about recognizing that there are multiple types of value in the world and that we diminish ourselves by over emphasizing one (i.e. economic) over the others."

Peter Nicholson is the Creative and Executive Director of the Foresight Design Initiative, a nonprofit organization he established in 2002. Through this position, he leads a multifaceted career focused on the creative pursuit of greater social, environmental and economic sustainability. Peter consults on and undertakes innovative sustainable design projects for a diversity of clients, including government agencies, institutional nonprofits, and diverse businesses. Considered a highly adept discussion facilitator, he hosts Foresight’s monthly Green Drinks panels and is in regular demand as a guest speaker and moderator. Peter is dedicated to the education of the next generation of sustainability-minded leaders and regularly mentors interns as well as teaches the organization’s Urban Sustainable Design Studio.

Rubloff Auditorium
Loyola University
25 E Pearson
Chicago, IL
7 pm registration and reception
7:30 pm presentation
www.foresightdesign.org

At the Airport Still

Angela and I are currently taking residence at the Denver International Airport. We had missed our flight earlier this morning due to a marathon in downtown Denver. Because of that fact the shuttle system was shot to hell. So here we are still, I think angela is going to make a home out of McDonald's boxes. For me, I still enjoy sleeping under chairs.

I've been searching for photo's of the conference and found this little number. Helvetica in Colorado. Dig it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andyb/sets/72157602188250665/

Friday

A delayed post for Friday's events as yesterday was one of the longest ever. Up at 530 after still weird sleep patterns and not to bed until sometime around 2. Below are some highlights of the day. My notes for the days lectures have been uploaded to the Flickr acocount.

Enjoy.

AIGA Day 1

The beginning of what is going to be a full couple of days. With the time zone change, waking and sleeping is off, so I was up and out into another beautiful day pretty early. Walked around the neighborhood to get my bearings and ended up over my the Denver Art Museum, with the new addition by Daniel Libeskind.

Registered for the conference, got our bag of stuff, and checked out what was open in the morning.

As I spent most of the day taking photos, I ended up with too many to post in th blog, so I started a Flickr account. Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/14886870@N02 for the complete set. (hopefully, it works).

The conference day ended with the beginning of the main stage events. Here are some highlights of the speakers:

> The value of design can only be experienced through the design of valuable things.
> Relationship of architecture with graphic design.
> Got a new direction/addition for Thesis -- you know who you are.
> Postmodern corn dog
> Check out christopherbaker.net
> Check out www.andrewsloat.com
> Check out www.ametrica.info (not live yet, but will be cool)
> According to the president of the AIGA, Sean Adams, what's next in design are: Squares, Franklin Gothic, and PMS 172

And lastly, from my visit to the Denver Art Museum, a quote from Sol Lewitt (conceptual and minimalist artist): "No matter what form [art] may finally have, it must begin with an idea."

More tomorrow.

Student Symposium

Today Angela and I went to the student symposium. It was the part of the confrence that is directed towards the students. Very inspiring, here is the skinny.

The first presentation we saw was by the lovely ladies of Principle. There business model was vey interesting, cosidering that the are each at seperate offices scattered throughout the country. This is what they had said in short.

Envision the type of firm you would like to own, or be a partner of. ,ow find a firm that exists now that closly resembles that vision and work for them. Doing so will not only allow you to understand the business of design, but will also expose you to a variety of important contacts such as vendors, printers and so on.
Be good. The golden rule should be applied to your interaction with people in the design community. It's a very small world, and your reputation will follow you.
Always keep a dream list of clients. Go after work that inspires you. And most importantly, make time to do it all.
The next presentation was the two partners of Volume inc. The basis of their presentation is that specialization is for suckers. Which was very interesting since many of us feel that it is important to find a nitch. They feel in order for them to grow as designers, and people is to always push themselves into unfamiliar territory.
Adrian Shaugnessy spoke after the volume guys. He said that he was a self taught designer, and felt that the most important thing he missed out on was the experimentation that students are allowed to have. He also spoke about the three most important attributes of a graphic designer. Cultural awareness, having a broad vision of the worlf around us. We should make our lives research.
Communication. Designers should posess an about our work in a cohesive and collective way. You must be able to explain every nook and cranny, every nuance of your work. Most clients are terrified, because they have no idea what they are getting. You wouldn't walk into a furniture store and buy a 6ive thousand dollar sofa you've can't see. But that is precisley what we ask our clients to do. Great work is created when the relationship between the designer and client are perfectly ballanced.
Integrety. We need integrety in order to esablish our own code of ethical standards. If you stand up for what you believe, you may not always get the work, but you will get respect. And eventually that means more workam either be a hero or a doormat.

That was pretty much the jist of what happened today. Right now Angela and I are pretty tired. More adventures later.

Student Symposium

Day One Highlights

Your place, or mine.



A Room with a(n Architectural) View.




It's not Modernist, but it's still typography.




Cowboys aren't what they used to be.



Mile high Kendall alumni.

John Denver

Angela and I made it in one piece. Denver is a georgeous city. The most interesting thing I've seen so far is the museum of contemporary art. If you haven't seen it check it out. We'll I'm pretty tuckered. More adventures to come.

Mile High

Well, we made it. Thought I'd get the posting started. Now let's get the design fun started!

Chicago Bus Trip

We have booked the bus for Chicago on the 19th. If you are planning on attending please RSVP to Angela or myself (Suzanne). The cost is $15.00 and must be turned in to me before day of trip.

The studio visits are not determined as of yet. I have sent emails to a couple of places and am just waiting to hear back. Will follow up with a phone call tomorrow before I leave for Denver and will update you then.

S

Chicago Caravan This Thursday

I have only gotten one reply from those who signed up to go to Chi-town this Thursday.  I am going to email everyone who signed up once more, and If I don't get any thing back I suppose we just won't go.  No worries.  Just let me know.

brandonsatterlee@mac.com

There is a lunch and learn tomorrow. If you are interested in going please RSVP today, if you haven't already.

Kendall Experience

Konnect Applications are due this Friday, 5 October. I think it's a good opportunity for juniors and seniors. This is just a reminder for interested AIGA members.

The Fist Meeting

The first meeting of the A team comes to mind, sans van of course, when looking back at todays meeting.  We have a

busy month ahead of us, and it's coming up fast.  Here is a list of what is coming up in October.

October 4 

Lunch N' Learn

11:30am

Carrie Tilmann - M Design Ltd.

(not sure what room yet, will post later)

Chicago Caravan - John Bielenburg Confrence

11:30-Late

If you want to go, please email me.

We are still organizing the trip.

brandonsatterlee@mac.com

October 11-14

AIGA Conference - Denver

If you want to go email Angie Dow

October 12

Unicef Trick or Treat

14x4.25 (paint can) design due.

October 15

Make a Difference Day

Squares issued for decoration

October 17th

Unicef Trick or Treat

Winner will be chosen.

October 19

Chicago Trip

Going to Chicago for the day by bus.

Emails about sign ups will be sent to you.

October ??

Helvetica Movie

Mustache Competition Teaser Posters

The Haunt

Cheers Kariokie 

------------------

And that just about raps it up for todays meeting, and the plans for October.  Make sure you write these dates down somewhere you'll remember them.  If you have any questions or concerns you can email Angela, Steven, or myself. Thanks everyone for showing up.  Lets keep it up.

Cheers.

B

Make a Difference Day

Wood Blocks will hopefully be available the week of Oct. 15, 2007
so if you know that you won't be able to make it to our little get
together on Tuesday Oct. 23, 2007. So bring all of your art supplies
to get creative and decorate the blocks however you would like.
Then on Friday Oct. 26, 2007 we are going to put all of our blocks
back together and set up the structure somewhere in downtown
Grand Rapids, create some flyers and try to get peoples attention
create awareness of National Make a Difference Day. We will be
passing out our creative blocks to people as somewhat of a reminder
that the following day will be make a difference day, and that they
should get involved.

Any questions, leave a comment or email me (wieszcd@fsuimail.ferris.edu)

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Just some things to think about and dates to keep in mind.....

Label Design Competition.

Size: 14 x 4.25 inches
Due Date: Friday Oct. 12, 2007
Turn in to Deidre either in person
or put your file on the 428 room folder
in a folder named UNICEF LABEL

Finalist: Five Finalist will be chosen by the 17th.

Boxes: On Oct. 17, 2007 we will have a table set up on the
4th floor during lunch, and you will be able to pick
up your trick-or-treat boxes and start collecting.

Money Due: The money collected, in the boxes, is due on
Oct. 31, 2007. So we will have two weeks to
to make as much money as we can.

If you have any questions just leave a comment or email me.
wieszcd@fsuimail.ferris.edu
Or check out the Unicef website (www.unicefusa.org)

Now You're in Trouble

I convinced Steve that it would be a good idea to give me posting accessibility on this blog. There's one born every minute... ;)

In a more official capacity, it is my intent to report on the AIGA Conference (11-14 October) on this blog. That way, those who are unable to attend can still get some of the experience. Steve has requested a photo of me giving Stefan Sagmeister a high-five. Feel free to leave your requests. I'll see what I can do.

As the conference is in Denver (two hours behind), and posts won't be made until late in the day, only you night owls will get news hot off the wire. But for the rest of you sleepy heads, it'll be waiting for you when you wake up.

Almost time for out first official meeting. See you in 429.

attn: meeting wednesday

on wednesday,26 september, there will be a much-needed meeting in room 429. future meetings will most likely be held in room 103 due to the large size of our group this year. also, just to give the people who actually read this (which i hope is a lot of you, but i suspect is just a handful) a heads up for upcoming events:

20 september: ellen lupton speaking in ann arbor

26 septmber: first meeting in room 429. please be there.

4 october: we will be having our first lunch and learn (l'n'l) with carrie from m design (during lunch). peter bielenberg, the founder of project m will be speaking in chicago @ 6pm (cst). we are not going as a group, but some of us are driving down after the lunch and learn. it's $10 for aiga members.

11 october: aiga design conference in denver (a handful of us are going. i would recommend talking with brandon, jason, or
suzanne if you have any questions about this)

19 october: chicago trip. details to be discussed 26 september.

lastly, chelsey wanted to know if anyone would be interested in a karaoke party at cheers on plainfield. that way everyone could go (21 or not).

p.s. the new faculty stationary is...well...ugly, for lack of a better word.

party animals

here's an idea for an aiga project: know your candidate posters. this idea comes from diana. as we enter the political pre-season it is important to know who the candidates are and what they're all about. in a nutshell we would make posters with accurate non-biased information about the potential candidates. the goal is to inform and educate, not to sway. it's about leadership not partisanship. anyway, i think this is pretty solid idea and i'd like to know what everyone else thinks.

rated arrgh

this wednesday is talk like a pirate day, so talk like a pirate if you feel so inclined.

first things first

greetings and salutations,
my name is steve and i will be updating the aiga blog this year. with any luck i will be able to sway a few members into helping me out by collecting photos for me and submitting engaging ideas. in addition to providing my unapologetic opinion on arbitrary aspects of design i will also be posting information about meetings (date, time, room, posters, etc.) and other aiga functions. In summation: steve>aigablog>helpmeoutnow+then>meetings>photos>posters>opinionsforfree>enjoy.