Because of AIGA » Minnesota

Designers are my people!

mydarndest — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:52:15 +0000

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While working in Des Moines in 1980, I attended the Design Conference at Lutsen, sponsored by Minnesota Graphic Designers Association (the precursor to AIGA Minnesota). I met Tim Larsen, who had started MGDA in 1977. Four years later, I landed a job in Minneapolis. Over the next few years, I took leadership roles in MGDA—from newsletter editor to co-chair of the design conference to president. After many design job changes, a sabbatical to have three kids, and a return to the industry in a marketing capacity, Tim hired me at Larsen Design. It only took 22 years, but AIGA helped me find a dream job!

Friendships with Other Designers.

mydarndest — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:24:48 +0000

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Confidence
As a recent grad, I gained the confidence to go out and take part in networking activities, be more of a part of the design community, and reach out to fellow designers/studios for advice and support.

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Resources
Being a part of AIGA has opened my eyes to a world of resources. Wanting to make a career move, I have gained contacts with many studios, printers, and freelancers in Minneapolis. From this I have come across great places such as Open Book. (http://www.mnbookarts.org/)

I’m not the only one.

mydarndest — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:31:56 +0000

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AIGA is designer therapy. There’s always someone who’s solved the same problem, faced the same client situations, and worried about the same things as you are. It’s also ongoing continued education: there’s no end to what you can absorb. You’ll never find a therapist and teacher for $335 a year anywhere else.

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Because of AIGA, design is a shared experience.

I made new friends.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:58:48 +0000

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If there wasn’t AIGA, I really don’t have a way to meet new people. My days are really work and church… but AIGA connects me to some many people who are like minded.

They found me a job.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:03:48 +0000

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They gave me something to believe in. (Ok that would have been the first answer but its seven words AND a period).

I meet such incredible people.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:44:56 +0000

Where else can you meet the who’s who or our profession? And not only see them at a presentation but to actually share a meal and a conversation with them. From Kit Hinrichs to Dana Arnett to Jamie Koval and let’s not forget Milton Glaser. But also, what about Jeff Barlow, Tan Le, Sean Adams, Jen Soik, the NEXT generation of rock stars.

It’s okay to be creative.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:41:57 +0000

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I’ve been involved with AIGA most of my professional career and finally convinced my boss to let me join and be more involved with the chapter and the national organisation. I always have had the role of the creative person in the room with accountants and engineers. The strength gained from AIGA involvement has helped me see how important my contributions were to this group (before design thinking became hot that is). thanks AIGA!

I have dared to move.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:34:35 +0000

1 I have moved from the Midwest to the West Coast to the Mid-Eastern Coast and back to the Midwest. Moving with confidence, because I knew, I would find and meet interesting people through AIGA. 2 I have learned and … Continue reading →

I am connected.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:32:50 +0000

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Moving from Atlanta, GA to Minneapolis, MN after school was a hug transition. Not having family or friend living in Minneapolis, was like starting from scratch. AIGA MN made the transition easy with amazing programs like Portfolio 1-on-1; where I could show my book to working local designers and Cocktails With Creatives; every month a meet and greet with other local designers. Networking became easy. It was like being in a big city with a small town attitude.

I’m connected with my colleagues.

mydarndest — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:31:22 +0000