Portfolio reviewers allow
participants to present their creative work, get advice and make valuable
connections. I am again among this group, even as my own career path has
evolved away from routine creative design problem solving. Students at this
conference can also get a look at what peers have been working on. I am so
impressed and delighted to meet some of these aspiring graphic artists. Jake
from Millikin University is working with a team to bring children with
disabilities more representation. Andrew from Maryville University is interested in video game development. Tyler is already working for a local firm
that handles advertising for the Zoo. Brad is interested in motion illustration
and design. Igor is an UMSL graphic designer with a polished look and a
professional demeanor. I also met Stewart, Brad and Cole. All of these young
designers reinforce my belief that the future looks bright indeed.
This year’s AIGA student
conference centered around a full Saturday on Webster University's Gateway
campus in downtown STL with Keynote speakers: De Nichols,
Social Impact Design Principal of Civic Creatives, a design strategy agency.
She is an alum of Washington University and Bonnie
Siegler, Creative Director & Founder of Eight and a Half, a New York
design studio.
I shared bits of
conversation with other reviewers and some of the local organizers of this
event in Saint Louis. Too be sure, the businesses of design are more diverse than ever. The
great thing is the passion for thoughtful approaches to everything from social
justice, digital motion graphics to ephemeral print still have champions. I sat
next to Barbara JK Nwacha, Chair of Art & Design at SIU Edwardsville and
marveled at her enthusiasm and nurturing nature. The theme for the conference
revolved around finding a good fit. With encouragement from educators and
inspiration from practitioners I hope these talented designers find places
where they will thrive and make the world a better place.
