AIGA UW-STOUT STUDENT GROUP

Website Moved

2010-03-05T11:20:00.002-06:00

Our Blog has moved to a Website
http://aiga.uwstout.edu

Needed : Photos

2010-03-03T10:39:00.001-06:00

Type of work: Photography
Description: Photos of downtown landmarks, points of visual interest and events
Contact: Laura at info@mainstreetmenomonie.org

Needed : Parking Map

2010-03-03T10:38:00.002-06:00

Type of work: Graphic Design
Description: Downtown Parking Map for Main Street of Menomonie
Contact: Laura at info@mainstreetmenomonie.org

Needed : Layout

2010-03-03T10:37:00.001-06:00

Type of work: Graphic Design
Description: Layout of events page for the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Joan at tourism@menomoniechamber.org

Needed : Logo for Bookends on Main

2010-03-03T10:36:00.000-06:00

Type of work: Graphic Design
Description: Logo for Bookends on Main
Contact: Susan at info@thebookends.com

Illustrator Wanted

2010-03-03T10:16:00.001-06:00

Passed on from the Art Department:

Jill Koekelin, the Owner and Graphic Designer of Etikette Custom Invitations & Annoucements in Middleton, WI is looking for an illustrator to work with on a case-by-case basis.

Students applying should be skilled in the field of illustration so clients could have the option to have their stationery custom illustrated wither through vector illustration, hand-drawn sketchs and even painted.

If interested please contact Jill Koskelin - jill@etikettedesign.com
www.etikettedesign.com

Conference : nowHERE

2010-02-26T08:33:00.002-06:00

The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point AIGA is holding our 6th annual nowHERE conference on March 5th and 6th. The conference is open to all. We have many events going on including workshops, lectures, games, and more! We are bringing in two visiting artist and 9 UWSP alumni. Our visiting artists this year are Michael Gericke a partner at Pentagram and Pete Harrison a designer and illustrator living and working in the UK. The entire conference is free (except the two workshops) and we encourage people to bring friends and family. Please visit our website for more information.

http://www.nowhereconference.com

Spring Semester Schedule

2010-02-25T21:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a heads up on what's going on the rest of the semester

Contest: Design a Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

2010-02-24T20:07:00.000-06:00

from GOOD Blog

the OBJECTIVE
Design the Klean Kanteen GOOD Special Edition Earth Day Bottles.

the ASSIGNMENT
Break out your art-creating equipment/software and make a design that can appear on the Klean Kanteen GOOD Earth Day bottles. The design should somehow relate to the theme of Earth Day, but it can be representational or abstract, it can be a pattern, or it could even just be text.

the INSPIRATION
We whipped up a quick example:

the REQUIREMENTS
Send us an e-mail at projects[at]goodinc[dot]com with your design. Here are the technical requirements:

We'll accept submissions until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 8. On Tuesday, March 9 we'll update this post with information about how to vote. We'll count votes though Friday, March 12 and announce the winner on Tuesday, March 16. The winner will get five Klean Kanteen GOOD Special Edition Earth Day bottles sporting his or her design.

Freelance Opportunity : WIAC CENTENNIAL

2010-02-19T13:04:00.002-06:00

What is WIAC: The most prestigious and accomplished Divistion III Conference in the history of the NCAA. http://www.wiacsports.com/

Why they want a new logo: The WIAC will be celebrating it's Contennial during the 2012-13 academic year and would like a Centennial Logo in order to recognize this milestone.

Where will the logo be used?: Incorporated into many of the activities, printed materials, signage and merchandise.

Chosen logo will receive $300 cash

Due: No later than 4pm on March 1

Submission Requirements

Complete the form (forwarded by Mary Jo). Please contact us to re-receive the email
submitted electronically to Matt Stanek, WIAC Assistant Conmissioner of Media Relations in either a .jpg or .eps format. mstanek@uwsa.edu
The design may incorporate elements of the conference's official logo and/or the Centennial's tag like "A Celebration of Excellence... Past, Present and for the Future", but it is not required
Individuals submitting designs agree to relinquish any and all proprietary rights to the WIAC should their logo be selected.

History after the jump

History

The first organizational meeting of the State Normal School Conference (later to be known as the Wisconsin State University Conference—WSUC) was held in Madison in July of 1913. The institutions represented at that meeting were Superior, River Falls, Stevens Point, La Crosse, Oshkosh, Whitewater, Platteville and Milwaukee. Stout joined the men’s only conference in 1914 followed by Eau Claire in 1917. Milwaukee left the conference in 1964 leaving the nine current members.

In 1971, the Wisconsin Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WWIAC) was formed for the purpose of providing greater participation opportunities for females to include the nine current members as well as Carthage College, UW-Parkside and UW-Madison. The conference expanded to 16 members by 1975 with the addition of Carroll College, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay and Marquette University. By 1982, the WWIAC consisted of the nine current members. UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior, UW-Whitewater

For 26 years, the WSUC and WWIAC operated as separate men’s and women’s conferences, respectively. In 1996, the University of Wisconsin System determined that the two conferences should be merged into a single conference under the direction of one conference commissioner. On July 1, 1997, the face of intercollegiate athletics in Wisconsin changed dramatically when the nine-members of the former Wisconsin State University Conference (WSUC) and the Wisconsin Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WWIAC) joined together to form a single conference - The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

The WSUC and WWIAC had long been recognized as two of the strongest men’s and women’s Division III conferences in the country. Since the merger, the WIAC has solidified its status as the most prestigious and competitive non-scholarship conference in the NCAA, and has added to the well-deserved reputation of its predecessors as the “Conference of Champions” by capturing 47 NCAA National Championships. Overall the WIAC has captured 88 NCAA team championships—far more than any other Division III conference.

The WIAC will be celebrating its Centennial during the 2012-13 academic year and is conducting a contest sponsored by Healy Awards to select a Centennial Logo in order to recognize this milestone in a manner befitting the most prestigious and accomplished Division III conference in the history of the NCAA. The selected logo will be incorporated into many of the activities, printed materials, signage, and merchandise planned for as part of the Centennial Celebration. Healy Awards will present a $300 cash prize to the individual submitting the selected logo.

Staci Paul :: Brew Love

2010-02-17T17:48:00.000-06:00

Our very own Staci Paul made it on Design Sponge and Benign Objects for the wonderful label designs she did for valentine's day.

Jeff Carpenter :: Soup Kitchen

2010-02-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

One of our own received an honorable mention in Graphic Exposure. Congrats Jeff Carpenter

Jeff took a sculpture course in New Zealand last semester that hosted an exhibit titled "Soup Kitchen". Appropriately enough they also served free soup.

From Jeff:
The concept behind the poster is pretty simple. Soup Kitchen>feed homeless>hold cardboard signs. I just took advantage of the fact that homeless people have their own unique avenue for displaying messages (no pun intended?). That pun may have been a stretch. Either way, there you have it!

Graphic Exposure is in Stevens Point and runs from Feb 14-March 14. Other accepted work from: Derek Huber, Kayd Mustonen, Stacey Kanarski and Matt Kuglitsc.

Freelance Opportunity : University Fact Book Cover

2010-02-15T16:41:00.002-06:00

Need Help with University Fact Book Cover

The Budget, Planning and Analysis Office is looking for help with designing the University Fact Book cover for next year’s publication. For reference, a few past Fact Books can be found under “Electronic Fact Book” heading (not “Facts About UW-Stout”) at:

http://www.uwstout.edu/static/bpa/ir/factbooks/index.html

If cover is selected, name will be included in publication and a hard copy of published Fact Book provided for portfolio. Any questions can be directed to Sally at bossharts@uwstout.edu .

In the past, we’ve rotated each year between one picture and several pictures on the cover. Since last year’s cover included only one picture, this year we’d like to have multiple pictures on the cover. Other information/criteria that would need to be included:

· Title: “Fact Book”

· Year: “2009-2010”

· Office title: “Office of Budget, Planning and Analysis”

· Stout Polytechnic Logo

· Malcolm Baldrige Logo

· Pictures (300 dpi resolution) should include multiple topics such as: diversity, sports, academics, student life

· Size of cover: Width - 8.5 inches

Height – 6 inches

· Deadline: Friday, April 30^th or any time before. Submissions after this date will not be accepted.

· Submit to: Sally Bosshart at bossharts@uwstout.edu or campus address - 210 Administration Building

If cover is selected, name will be included in publication and a hard copy of published Fact Book provided for portfolio. Any questions can be directed to Sally at bossharts@uwstout.edu .

Valentine Cards were a Hit!

2010-02-15T15:48:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone that participated and created Valentine Cards this year. It was a huge success.
We also were featured in the paper!
http://www.leadertelegram.com/promos/article_20a49db8-1a44-11df-81f0-001cc4c002e0.html

By Pamela Powers Leader-Telegram staff

MENOMONIE - UW-Stout graphic arts students are spreading love this Valentine's Day, and at the same time getting some public exposure for their work.

Students with the American Institute of Graphic Arts chapter at the university sold Valentine's Day cards this past week at the Memorial Student Center. The cards ranged from sentimental and loving to the raunchy side of Cupid's arrow.

One card showed two halves of a pear. It read: "Together we make a pair."

Another depicted a pair of socks smiling at each other with the greeting: "I'm glad I found you."

Others offered promises of a candlelight dinner, a massage or an opportunity to just sit and talk. Some were racier, discussing adult romantic activities.

The romantic humor depicted on some cards was a draw to passers-by. UW-Stout sophomore Taylor Wald bought four cards.

"I passed by the table, and they caught my attention," she said. "I think they are really creative. I was totally in a bad mood. They totally made me laugh."

Wald said she plans to keep the cards for herself to hang in her room.

"Maybe if I feel generous, I'll give them away," the 20-year-old psychiatric rehabilitation major quipped, smiling.

Bethany Danielson, 19, appreciated the cards, because they're original works of art.

"What a great idea," the sophomore secondary education major said. "It's great that they are made by students. It's something you really want to support."

This year marks the second in which graphic arts students have designed Valentine's Day cards for sale, said Hannah Hess, an AIGA chapter member. Proceeds from card sales help students pay to attend a design camp, where they can meet design professionals and other students.

"People are able to see the students' work," Hess, a junior graphics design major, said. "It's a way for students to get their designs out there."

Students created about 40 individual cards, which sold from 50 cents to $1 apiece. The group plans to sell Valentine's cards again next year and also may make Christmas and New Year's cards.

"Some of them are sweet and sentimental," Hess said. "Then we go all the way to the spectrum of more adult humor. It fits the range of the audience we have.

"I think students are more appreciative that kids their own age are making the cards. It's great to be able to show your parents, friends and family what you do and what you're going to be doing for a living."

Staci Paul, 21, a senior graphics design major, said it was just plain fun.

"This is what we are going to be doing someday," she said. "They are a little more personal than cards you see at the stores."

Show Your Stuff

2010-02-15T07:42:00.002-06:00

What have you been working on?
are you jazzed about your new camera that takes amazing photos?
are you learning how to design a website?
have you found your voice in the blogosphere?
did the hamilton woodtype museum make you want to quit school and arrange letters all day?
Whatever it is, we want to see it

This meeting will allow us all to learn from each other and find more ways to procrastinate on homeworking doing what we love to do - create.

So, if you have a website, blog, or are working on a new freelance assignment, uploading a video and taking some really kick ass shots with your camera COME AND SHARE IT WITH THE REST OF US!

Tuesday, Feb 16 // 5:45-6:45 // AA 321

Cocktails With Creatives - February, 2010

2010-02-11T15:27:00.003-06:00

Kelli Fox and Dena Hoewisch at the February, 2010 AIGA Cocktails with Creatives event. Location: American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.

Stimulatté

2010-02-11T12:36:00.003-06:00

StimuLatté is a FREE meet-up event for all design students throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Without a scheduled agenda, students can socialize and share inspiration in a fun, laid-back setting. We usually invite a professional guest to join us too! This time Founder of Spunk Design Machine, Jeff Johnson, has offered to host Stimulatté accompanied by Senior Designers Andrew Voss and Steve Marth! Directors of Education, Seth Johnson and Kolean Pitner, will also make appearances!

Other Information:

* Beverages will be provided at Spunk Design Machine.

* Street Parking is available.

Although this event is FREE, it is limited to 20 attendees. Please register in advance.

http://minnesota.aiga.org/events/2010/02/41109097

The Haiti Poster Project

2010-02-11T12:22:00.004-06:00

^^^click for more info^^^

THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT seeks limited edition sets of posters from artists, designers and design firms from around the world. The donated posters will be sold online to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. As designers, we have the collective ability to do what we love, AND to create a difference. THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT has been conceived as a collective effort by the design community to unite and effect change through our work. In order for this project to be successful, we are counting on designer participation.

DEADLINE: March 15th. Submissions after March 15th will also be accepted, but given the timeliness of the situation, we strongly encourage designers to meet this deadline.
Posters should be specific to the earthquake in Haiti or THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT.
The posters may be graphic or typographic.
The posters should be signed and numbered editions in quantities of 25 to 100. The posters should not be one-offs.
Minimum size is 11” x 17”. (Ideal size: 18” x 24”.) Poster can be produced by litho, digital or silk-screen print.
Posters may include credits for vendors who have donated supplies or services, but please keep them small and unobtrusive.
Artists will be responsible for designing, printing, and delivering the posters to HAITI POSTER PROJECT. Although we would like to print them, we don’t have the resources to coordinate all of the printing ourselves.
We encourage international submissions.
All submissions will become property of THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT, and will be sold to raise funds for the Doctors Without Borders earthquake disaster relief effort. Several posters from each donated set will be retained for possible future exhibition or publication.
When you’ve finished your design, please email a PDF or JPEG of finished poster for the site to: info@thehaitiposterproject.com (At least 380px x 480px, please.) Please also include the title of the poster, your name (as you’d like it to appear) and a short paragraph about you and your poster.

What do you wish you knew when you graduated?

2010-02-10T10:05:00.001-06:00

Here's the discussion post Staci and I were talking about at the meeting on Tuesday.

If you are on linked-in you can join the AIGA discussion group that is then e-mailed to you when updated (daily). Awhile ago this post came up:

What do you wish you knew when you graduated that you know now?

The first important insight item that I would like younger designers and even seasoned professionals to understand is exactly what we are doing here. Networking. Its a huge advantage to know someone, to have worked with them in the past and to have done a good job while working with them. Long story short :: Network to get ahead. And be a cool, talented, down to Earth person while doing it. - Todd Bricker, Owner of Design Refresh

If a strong-willed client comes to you with a lot of terrible ideas for the design project you are working on for them, don't waste your time and energy trying to talk them out of it. It takes much less time and effort to make a quick comp giving them exactly what they think they want, and then present it side-by-side with the piece that they actually need. 98% of the time they will immediately see the error of their ways and start treating you like the expert they hired you to be. - Lynne Kelly, Managing Owner and Creative Director of Design Metamorphosis

Learn how to write. Learn how to articulate your point impressively and like an adult. So many people in my age group (most of whom are coming out of school right now) can't even put a proper sentence together or spell correctly. When you have to describe yourself on paper, write a cover letter, write copy, or write a proposal, your writing ability WILL say something to its reader about your level of professionalism and education. - Gabrielle Gozo, Freelance Graphic Designer at L.F. O'Connell Associates, Inc

Relationships are the most important thing in your career. Call it networking, call it friendship, but people will make the difference in your career. Mentors, co-workers and clients. Find those kindred spirits and build those relationships.

Give more than you get. Your job as a young designer is to prove yourself and improve in the process. You will be exploited; that's good business. You should make more money for your bosses than what they pay you. In turn, you help build a mentor's business and you learn and grow as a mature professional. All early jobs are in a sense paid apprenticeships.

Choose your employers wisely. If you're going to work for another designer make sure that you can learn from them. If you aren't learning from them, it's not a balanced relationship. If there isn't mutual respect, quit. Find people who are worthy of your trust and your time. When you've proven yourself, your employer should trust you to meet with clients and maintain those relationships. If your employer is threatened by you, it's an unhealthy relationship.

Client relationships are tricky. They are first professional. They can be friendly, but this is business. You must respect them, their aesthetics, likes and dislikes, their ownership of your ideas. Cultivate that mutual respect, earn their trust. If a client relationship becomes adversarial, you're in trouble. Practice honest self-evaluation. If you've been accommodating and professional but are being treated poorly- negotiate, compromise and complete the job. Next time they try to hire you, make sure you're too busy to take on their project.

Maintain your sense of play. Creativity is manifest in playful juggling of ideas and concepts. Always envision your creative source as infinite; you will have access to a bottomless well of ideas in your creative life. When you're stuck, go out and play. - Bill Dawson, XK9 Design

You can find the rest of the post here: http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=95409&discussionID=12166065&split_page=1

Social Sunday

2010-02-05T07:41:00.000-06:00

Social Sunday is a gathering for UW-Stout AIGA Student group members. The purpose of the get-together is to hang out with other student designers in a fun, social setting while sharing ideas and inspiration. This month's Social Sunday is going to be held at the Raw Deal on February 7th at 1 pm. (The Raw Deal has deeee-licious juices, smoothies, and coffee, I must add!)
So come on by for some good food, good laughs, and good insight!

I have to say that Staci rocked this poster

Poster and custom type by Staci Paul

Brass RIng Awards

2010-02-04T14:39:00.000-06:00

http://brassringawards.com/

The Brass Ring Awards 24

The Brass Ring Awards competition is designed to motivate and reward students for excellence in art and design. Cash prizes are awarded and students may submit work in any of 40 different categories. This year marks the 24th year for the Brass Ring Awards, which attracted 949 entries in 2008 from 22 universities and 17 high schools. The awards presentation will be Sat., April 3rd at 3:00p.m. in Judd Theater.

BR24: Call for Entries
Open submissions: February 1, 2010
Last day to submit: February 15, 2010

It's time to see how your design work stacks up. It’s easy to enter online with $9 entry fees for all categories. Don’t miss the deadline: Enter now.

Eligibility
All undergraduate students and high school students with artwork in the following areas: art direction, graphic design, illustration, photography, game art, interior design and fine art. Separate categories will be judged for high school and college students.

Categories
Advertising
Graphic Design
Photography
Illustration
Interior Design
Game Design *new*
Animation *new*
Video *new*
High School

Awards
We award best of show, gold, silver, bronze and merit awards in each category based on the judge's scoring. All winners will be shown online.
Deadline

BR24 entries must be uploaded online to us no later than February 15, 2010

Workshop:: Themes for CaringBridge

2010-01-31T12:19:00.000-06:00

I will be hosting this workshop for students interested in volunteering their creativity and passion for a phenomenal cause. After using the site to keep up with friends and family struggling with illness and being a part of the CaringBridge staff last summer I would like to offer this experience to Stout students.

The workshop will cover how to create themes members can choose to use. This summer I created over 55 themes, and 10,000 members are using them. It's an overwhelming sense of pride and joy to know people are using something you designed to help tell their story.

Not familiar with CaringBridge? www.caringbridge.org
A CaringBridge website is personal, private and available 24/7. It helps ease the burden of keeping family and friends informed. The websites are easy to create and use. Authors add health updates and photos to share their story while visitors leave messages of love and support in the guestbook.

- Each day, over half-a-million people connect through CaringBridge.
- More than 1 billion visits have been made to personal CaringBridge websites.
- The CaringBridge community includes authors, visitors and/or donors in all 50 states and more than 215 countries/territories around the world.

************
All I ask is for you to e-mail me: KaydMustonen@gmail.com so I can send you the required material/templates to get you started
************

Tips for Better Ideas

2010-01-28T15:59:00.001-06:00

Check this out

Check our our Members

2010-01-27T17:36:00.002-06:00

Jake Anderson - blog
Lindsey Bock - site blog linkedin
Phillip Cahall - blog
Jessica Cihon - site linkedin
Kelli Fox - site linkedin
Ross Harried - blog linkedin twitter youtube
Ashley Hohnstein - site flickr
Laura Howard - site blog linkedin
Derek Huber - linkedin twitter
Jesse Lindhorst - site blog linkedin
Elizabeth Kruse - blog
Kayd Mustonen - site blog twitter linkedin
Staci Paul - site linkedin blog
Colin Schye - site twitter linkedin
Christen Shepard - site
Sam - blog
Sharon Stickney - site
Caitlin Teague - site
Jenna Wojan - site blog

*please message us if you are not listed or have more information

2010 OKTOBERFEST LOGO DESIGN CONTEST

2010-01-25T17:25:00.002-06:00

Oktoberfest rolls out the 2010 logo Design contest. The winner receives $150 and a weekend event admission pass. Details at www.chippewachamber.org/oktoberfest.asp

First Meeting of the Semester

2010-01-24T23:42:00.001-06:00

AIGA UW-Stout Student Group's first meeting of the semester is this Tuesday, the 26th at 5:45 in AA321

THIS MEETING IS FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN AND MULTIMEDIA DESIGN STUDENTS

We will be discussing memberships, future events and speakers and everything else we have in store for the Spring Semester.

If you are not able to attend please e-mail AIGA@uwstout.edu with your name, graduation Month and Year, email address, if you are already a member, and why you could not attend this meeting.

http://uwstoutaiga.blogspot.com/

{Poster Design by Derek Huber}

Graphic Exposure call for entries

2010-01-18T20:58:00.000-06:00

Heads up on calls for work for a juried student design show at UW-Steven's Point
Graphic Exposure is the midwest, regional juried student graphic design show.

http://www.graphicexposure.org/

Fee: $5 for each submitted work
Due: Jan 29th at Midnight

Event :: Cocktails with Creatives

2010-01-04T14:11:00.001-06:00

Thursday, January 7, 2010 6 - 8 p.m.
Erte Restaurant (The Peacock Lounge)
323 13th Avenue N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413

more info here

Facebook Holiday Gift

2009-12-22T13:04:00.000-06:00

Here's a beautiful print from facebook:

As a gift to its top advertising clients, Facebook typically gives money to donate to a charity of their choice, along with a special item like last year's reusable shopping bag. This year they decided to do an art poster and the in-house Communication Design Team got to work. Seriously got to work. The result is a 19 × 19-inch-square poster that is printed, embossed and foiled with a delicate, intricate and obsessive design that has the signature typographic and illustrative style of Ben Barry, a designer at Facebook — and if you've been following his cryptic photo status updates on Facebook you finally have closure on what he was working on all this time.

To encourage the donation aspect of the gift, the poster comes with a silkscreened, wooden token that is then customized on the back with a unique code for redeeming the donation. But the token doesn't just lay there, no, it comes nested in a pretty little flower-like pod that holds it in place. And even opening the poster requires paying attention to the custom printed packing tape and the lovely rubber stamp that has been stamped by hand.

There are also two different Thank You cards printed in 1-color offset and clear foil stamp.

The process and package for the poster is amazing. Find out more here

Wayzgoose Follow Up

2009-12-21T19:53:00.009-06:00

A few weeks ago a few of our Stout Students made our way over to the Hamilton Woodtype and Printing Museum to Volunteer at Hamilton's first ever Wazygoose Conference! We had so much fun, met some really cool people, and even got to make some prints.

Joe Alliotto, Laura Howard, Andrew Ridgeway, Lindsey Bock
We were making "type drawers" - Boxers with Type printed on them...

Matthew Carter and Kolean Pitner (AIGA Co-Director of Education)
We got to print with Matthew Carter's newly named Van Lanen Latin Wide!!

I had him sign mine =)

For more details on everything that we experienced that weekend check out Letterpress Adventures!

Thank you Travis!

2009-12-11T15:51:00.000-06:00

A HUGE thanks to Travis Olson from mono for coming to speak about Portfolios.

We all know you enjoyed it from the chatter in the halls and the emails we received the day after. Now lets start getting our portfolios out there!

Your Chance at Fame!

2009-12-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

Space 150 is a digital agency in Minneapolis famous for rebranding themselves every 150 days. Now they're opening their design doors to designers across the country to take a shot at branding them!
This is your chance to re-invent Space 150. Their previous version identities have won multiple awards. Yours could be next. Entries are due January 18th, 2010. That gives you all winter break to come up with something great!
So what are you waiting for? Submit your entry or get more information HERE.

A Trip to the Cities

2009-12-04T14:05:00.002-06:00

Yesterday a handful of design students were lucky enough to have the opportunity to tour a couple of studios and attend Cocktails with Creatives. I'd like to share some photos of some of the many highlights of the trip!

For our first studio tour, we went to Charles S. Anderson/Popink. They specialize in creating some awesome, colorful stock imagery including illustration and photography of plastic figures, as well as creating all promotional items for environmentally-friendly French Paper Company.

Later in the day we visited Duffy & Partners, known for designing for clients Aveda Men, American Eagle, Minute Maid, Thymes, Komen for the Cure, and the Bahamas. The atmosphere was awesome! It was a very beautiful studio with some awesome work and a great design process and philosophy. I think everyone who attended will agree that it was an inspiring experience.

Lastly, a few students attended Cocktails with Creatives at Fabulous Ferns where we met a wide variety of creatives and enjoyed some delicious food and drinks.

AIGA Holiday Card Designing event

2009-12-04T10:56:00.005-06:00

Monday, December 7th, 5:45 pm
APPA 125

Come design a holiday card that we can sell as a group! If you want to start designing one ahead of time, all cards designed must be a 4.5x5.5" size. Any style of card is acceptable: humorous, serious, heartwarming, sweet, edgy, etc. And we are designing for all holidays as well!

So feel free to start working on your designs :) You can email it back to AIGA UW-Stout if you finish it beforehand, or please join us at the event!

Poster designed by Colin Schye, Multimedia major, and Multimedia Director of AIGA.

2009-12-03T12:43:00.001-06:00

Strategy: Behind Design

Thursday, December 10, 2009 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Modern Climate
800 Hennepin Avenue,
8th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Want to know what it takes for design to be successful these days? How are ideas turned into results? Understanding the difference between design and design strategy is the first step in developing and implementing an effective design solution. You are invited to the next “So…” event, "Strategy: Behind Design".

Listen and engage with a panel of local agencies who effectively use design strategy to add value to their client interactions, advertising campaigns, print, electronic, and packaging solutions. See the case studies behind some of their most successful projects and how incorporating design strategy resulted in amazing results. Find out how to develop skills that will help you emerge as a strategic designer.

Panelists: Jason Tell from Modern Climate | Brad Surcey from Zeus Jones | Mike Schwab from Colle+McVoy | Kelly Munson from mono

Contact us via Twitter (@aigaMNemerging) or post on our event’s Facebook wall to make sure your burning questions get answered.

Join us for the next installment of the “So…” series for emerging designers. “So…” is the beginning of a question, an idea, a community, a statement. Emerging designers (typically in their first 4 years out of school) are brought together through a quarterly series of lectures, discussions and social networking hours. This is place where we explore the essential topics that you were never taught in school, or have been dying to ask since you broke into design.

Generously hosted by Modern Climate and sponsored by The Foundation.
Presented by AIGA Minnesota Emerging Designers Committee.

2009-12-03T12:37:00.002-06:00

Upcoming AIGA Minnesota Event!

Vino with Veterans

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Join us to share experiences, reconnect with your peers, and get new energy for the design profession. The AIGA Minnesota Veteran Designers Committee invites you to Vino with Veterans – a new, relaxed, social event for people with 15 or more years in the design business. This event is free and open to AIGA members and non-members.

A smattering of delectable food will be on hand with a cash bar. Spill the Wine offers American cuisine with continental influences and regional wine. It’s located at 11th and Washington Avenue South in the theater district. Parking is available in the rear of the building or at meters around the adjacent blocks.

AIGA Event :: Cocktails with Creatives

2009-12-01T15:41:00.000-06:00

This month's cocktails with creatives is just around the corner.
Thursday, Dec 3rd
6-8pm @ Fabulous Ferns

Holiday Wish List :: Pantone Deck

2009-11-29T14:11:00.000-06:00

Next up for the Holiday Wish List are Pantone Decks

I got a full Pantone set when I graduated from High School and absolutely love it! It's easy to walk around with your deck when getting inspiration for a project to match up ink colors to something you see.

The FORMULA GUIDE is a necessary tool for graphic designers, pre-press professionals and printers. Use it to select, specify and match 1,114 solid PANTONE Colors. Ink formulations are provided along with helpful RGB and CMYK icons under colors that can be effectively simulated on-screen and in CMYK. The guide's simple design provides a convenient and portable reference that can accompany you at client presentations or on press.

cost: $125

Speaker :: Portfolios

2009-11-27T22:44:00.002-06:00

You asked... we listened!

On Tuesday, December 1st Travis Olson from mono is coming to Stout to speak about Portfolios.

Freshman, Super Seniors and all Graphic Design majors from the area are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to see some examples, ask questions and understand what employers want to see in a graphic design portfolio.

Travis Olson is the design director at mono and joined AIGA in 2004. Over his career he has worked on brands ranging from Barbie to Harley Davidson. At mono, he makes sure that every touchpoint of a brand is consistent, interesting and visually powerful. If he’s not at mono, you can find him covered in grease from his two vintage bikes, covered by two dogs (Taco and Ferdinand) or covered with “Kahs!” from his summer softball team, the Weaselhawks. - from AIGA Luncheon Series 2008

Holiday Wish List :: L Letterpress

2009-11-19T15:37:00.001-06:00

Does everyone keep asking you what you want for Christmas? In these Holiday Wish List posts, the officers and I will give you wonderful ideas to tell parents, friends or people that have been lucky enough to draw your name out of a hat.

First up... The L Letterpress Machine
I am absolutely in love with Letterpress - and those of you who toured Studio on Fire this past weekend will agree with me that it is absolutely beautiful. I'm am super excited to announce the arrival of the L Letterpress Machine at Paper Source for $150

Here's how it works:
Step 1: Place printing plate on clear lid of L Letterpress tool. There are currently 15 printing plate sets with fantastic designs that can be mixed and matched to create an unlimited number of projects!

Step 2: Use the ink brayer to ink the printing plate. There are currently 20 ink colors available which can also be mixed to create additional custom colors!

Step 3: Place paper on the base of the tool. The L Letterpress paper is specifically designed for the L Letterpress tool to achieve that fantastic impression and soft texture.

Step 4: Close the lid of the L Letterpress tool and roll through the Epic Six tool to simultaneously print and deboss your image.

Thanks Mike

2009-11-18T14:53:00.000-06:00

A huge thanks to Mike Voermans for coming to speak. It was good to have you back in menom Mike!

Event :: Freedom on the Fence Screening and Discussion

2009-11-17T15:12:00.000-06:00

Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:00 pm
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
MCAD Auditorium 140
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Join us at MCAD for an exclusive screening of Freedom on the Fence and a discussion with director Andrea Marks about the film and the art of Polish posters. Whether you're a designer or are simply interested in art and design history, cultural history, or politics, you’ll want to be at MCAD Auditorium 140 on November 19th.

Freedom on the Fence presents a history of Polish poster art from WWII through the fall of Communism, detailing the evolution of this art form by revealing the revolutionary role posters played in the social, political, and cultural life of Poland. The film fuses contemporary footage of Warsaw and Krakow with remarkable archival footage (from the Polish National Film Archive) of posters on the streets and artists at work, providing context and demonstrating the contribution poster art made to Polish culture.

Cost:
AIGA Members: $8 advance/$10 door
AIGA Students: $5
Non-Members: $15 advance/$18 door

You asked... Phil Jones answered

2009-11-16T22:07:00.002-06:00

A huge thank you to Phil Jones for coming out to Stout a few weeks ago.

You asked... Phil answered. Here are all the questions students had after Phil came:

AIGA: What was your biggest challenge after graduating from college?

Phil: My biggest challenge was that I was completely unprepared for a career in graphic design. I didn't know how to work most of the programs so I had to find lessons online and check out books from the library to teach myself. I would get an assignment and work half the night just teaching myself how to do it. I always had the ideas I just didn't know how to create what was in my head. The thing was I was never afraid to ask questions. I asked my boss to give me homework at my internship. I asked him a question a day and he would teach me how something was made or how to get that effect. By showing that desire I got jobs I had no business getting and was put on projects I had no business being on. Because they knew I wouldn't settle they gave me things to push me. You have to be like that or nobody will spend time with you. They want to know that you are listening and trying to improve.

AIGA: What advice do you have for graduating seniors looking for a job?

Phil: Don't be to picky. Everyone is looking for something bigger, better or different. I would guarantee you that you will find people at the best design shops in the world looking to move on or do something that excites them more. You cannot believe that the job you have defines you as a designer. You need to look inside yourself for constant motivation. If your job isn't giving you the work you want to do, then go find it. If you can't find it create it. The only way you get ahead in this business is by challenging yourself outside of what is brought to your desk. If you only do the work that is given to you by your teacher you will look like a student. If you reach out into the community while in school you could come out looking like a professional. I got my first job because I went out in the community and told everyone I would design something for them and the crazy thing was, people took me up on it and some even paid me for it. If you wait for the perfect project or the perfect creative brief to do brilliant work, you will be waiting your entire life.

AIGA: When looking through portfolios what stands out?

Phil: Fresh thinking. I want to open up a portfolio and see projects that make me think, why didn't I think of that. Here is a good test to see if your idea is unique. Tell the design problem to someone who you feel isn't very creative. If they answer the question the way you did, then it is safe to say that is a very easy solution. What you want to do is craft an idea into a brilliant visual or set of visuals. Work hard to make your idea smart and your approach innovative. What I find all to often is young people look very quickly to develop a "style". This is a very bad thing unless you are an illustrator. As a graphic designer you never want to assign each brand your style. Great graphic designers may refine their approach but always allow for the style to emerge from the client or the project they are working on. This is important because this is what we look for in a good portfolio, the ability to interpret the message or brand in a way that speaks loud and clear for them - not you.

AIGA: How important is social media? Do i really need to Tweet or twittered or whatever?

Phil: Social media is a must have in the market today. I am not saying that you have to have it to survive but you do have to understand it. As the internet evolves graphic design is ever more important. We are in charge of decoding information and making the internet enjoyable just as we did for many years outdoors on posters and billboards. Outside of a knowledge of the internet it is very easy to get involved with communities that will help you search out job openings, opportunities, new projects, new clients and friends within the graphic design community. It is called networking for a reason. What you need to do early on is build a huge net of people and contacts. The more people that know you, know your work, like you and know you are looking for a job the better your chances are of getting what you need. Be a part of the community online and make yourself known. Share your work and praise others great work. It goes a long way in building a career.

AIGA: In many of your projects you thought of an idea and then went to the client to pitch it. How common is this?

Phil: It is extremely common to do this. I talked about my process because this is exactly what you need to be doing to get out there and get seen by people. I have worked at some great places but I wasn't always getting the projects that I wanted to be working on. So when I went home at night I worked on projects that I wanted to work on. I did things for clients I thought I wanted to work with. Some people say visualize your success and it will happen, or dress for the position you want, or even fake it til you make it. These all are basically what I did. I worked really hard on projects and then called them up and tried to find someone who would listen to me or look at my work. It worked for me. Trust me it isn't all luck. I have heard a ton of no's but once I heard that first one I realized it wasn't that bad so I kept trying. Each time I learned and built on that experience and alot of those experiences are what put me where I am today. Like I said before if you only do what comes across your desk you will only grow that fast. If you demand better work and push to be heard I think you would be surprised who will listen.

AIGA: In freelancing, how do you manage your time?

Phil: Freelancing is a constant battle of time management. You have to make investments in time to meet with clients, meet with agencies and produce work that pays. It is not an easy thing to do. You have to understand that the majority of your time in freelance work is spent promoting yourself. That is why social networking and things like twitter become so vital. Once you have the business you have to create timelines and estimates to make sure that you stay on track with your clients needs and budget. Then once that is all taken care of you have to produce good work. Good work means good business. When you make the client happy they will be more than happy to pass your name along. That equals less time promoting and more time doing what you love - designing.

AIGA: What is the best way to get freelance gigs?

Phil: Tell everyone you know, you design. Tell everyone you meet, you design. My biggest tool in getting freelance gigs is meeting up with people and doing good work. Doing good work will always get you more work. People will always remember the wonderful designer they hired to do their work and will always gladly pass along your name.

AIGA: How important is knowing web design if I want to do print?

Phil: It is a rare place this day and age that you will only need to know one area of design work. You really need to know the web even if you would rather only work in print. Another way to keep clients happy is to provide them with a large scope of design knowledge. You might not build their whole website but it would be good if you design their identity system that you know enough to show them what would look best on their website. Everything is moving towards the web and interactive. If you don't know it you really need to learn it because you job will require knowledge of it at some point in time I promise you that.

AIGA: Where do you draw inspiration from and how do you incorporate it in your designs?

Phil: My inspiration comes from everything. I am constantly writing in my little notebook. I am constantly thinking and creating in my head. I usually try to avoid design annuals and communication arts magazines they only make you design along current trends. What I like to do is dig into the clients business. I like to learn things about their business that they might even find fascinating. I love the library and old books. I like vintage sign typography and watching my nephews draw. I think you pull from things that you love and if it makes sense for a client then use it, but if not then don't force it. What I would tell you to do is take that funny thing that happened on the bus or the way your fry landed in the ketchup and create something you want to see. If it works for a client that is great but if not create to learn and keep pushing yourself as a designer and more importantly an artist.

AIGA: What are the pros of working freelance vs. working for a firm?

Phil: I think everyone should experience doing both at one point in their career. Early on I would recommend you work at a firm especially one you are able to learn at. Firms can be a wonderful environment full of creative energy. That is a great place to find out why your ideas work or why they don't. Being around seasoned pros they will be able to tell you what works and what doesn't about your idea. These are things you have to learn to be a great creative. It is really important to have an understanding of people's creative process and see how others work through problems.

On the flip side working for yourself allows you to be the boss and set your own guidelines. You need to be confident in your decisions because your clients depend on you to be the knowledgeable party. They expect you to know how to set things up for print and why they should use offset printing instead of digital. It is much more pressure to perform but when you have the knowledge of a few years in the field the problem solving becomes second nature and you can really explore things that you may not get the opportunity to if you are working as a designer for an agency or design firm.

AIGA: How do you learn more about the programs like illustrator and photoshop? Do you look at tutorials?

Phil: I learn new things all the time. I get on places like lynda.com and other tutorial sites and re-teach myself things all the time - just to see if I am doing it right. If you stop learning you could very well fall into bad habits. Those sites are out there to help you get better as a designer. There is a ton of information out there and I still find myself trying out new programs or new approaches to the same old problems. Early on I lived by tutorials but you can't ever be satisfied. The software companies keep tweaking and perfecting their programs we should all be updating our skills to stay up with the technology.

AIGA: How often do you do projects like threadless ts?

Phil: I love threadless. I am not the best illustrator and my style isn't always what they are looking for but it allows me to think within a different realm. I don't always get the chance to design tshirts so it is fun to try and give it a shot. If it isn't threadless it needs to be something. You have to constantly try things and push yourself. If you want a package design in your portfolio then create a package design. If you need a website then create one. The only thing preventing you from reinventing your portfolio every month is you. As a young designer you have the ability to experiment and try things you may have no business trying. When you get older they look to see what has been produced or what awards you have but when you are young they don't care about any of that. All we want to see is a yearning for more and a constant striving to create something different.

Students can email Phil some of their work for feedback. He kind of likes us Stout kids :)

Speaker :: Mike Voermans :: Life after Stout

2009-11-16T12:28:00.000-06:00

Stout Alum, and Larsen's web designer Mike Voermans is coming to Stout on Tuesday to discuss interactions with clients, collaborating with other designers and designing in the real world.

Mike has been one of my "go-to" guys since Freshman year - he's great at answering questions and helping solve problems.

Be sure to show up - even if you want to be a print designer, Mike can shed some light on why you want to be a well rounded designer versed in the world of web

Tuesday, Nov 17th
5:45, AA 210

{Poster designed by Graphic Design Junior and AIGA member Lenn Soderlund}

Cocktails with Creatives at OM

2009-11-11T15:04:00.001-06:00

Derek, Ross and Kayd went to Cocktails with Creatives a week ago and met tons of great people!

The next cocktails with creatives is Dec 3rd at Fabulous Fern's Bar and Grill

Great Northern Corporation Follow up

2009-11-11T14:54:00.002-06:00

A huge thanks to Fred from Great Northern Corporation for coming last tuesday to speak with ID and GD students about the packaging industry and possible internship opportunities.

Thanks for everyone that made it out.

Intern Opportunities: Graphic Design & Industrial Design/Packaging & Display

2009-11-09T14:06:00.001-06:00

Great Northern Corporation will be at Stout to talk about GD and ID internship opportunities.

Nov 10th

AA 321

5:45pm

Great Northern Corporation/Chippewa Falls (Formerly Kell Container) has 2 student intern/coop positions available and will be presenting information about GNC at the AIGA Student Chapter Meeting on Tuesday, November 10^th at 5:45 PM.

Great Northern Corporation is the largest independent corrugated paperboard manufacturer in the Wisconsin/Minneapolis market area designing and manufacturing Commercial Packaging (Brown Box); Consumer Packaging (Primary Product Packaging) and Point of Purchase Displays, both in Corrugated and Permanent materials.

The two positions are:

Graphic Design intern – participating in the design development, coordination and execution of graphics and print production.

Structural Design intern - open to Industrial Design students – participating in the development and design of; and sample making of commercial packaging; consumer packaging and displays.

Both positions are paid full time positions, Monday to Friday 8AM to 4:30 PM.

The Graphic position begins January and runs 8 months until August

The Structural Position begins in May and runs until December.

Interviews can be set up through the Stout Career Services Office and will follow the November 10^th presentation, date to be posted shortly.

Students and Faculty can check our website at www.greatnortherncorp.com for further Company information.

Great Northern will be on campus on Wednesday, November 18^th conducting interviews through Career Services. Students can sign up through the Stout Career Link. If you need help signing up or registering with Career Services, please contact Sonja Gilberston at (715)232-1603.

{Poster Designed by Laura Howard, AIGA member and Graphic Design Senior. Laura workined at Great Northern Corporation last summer}

Cookie Decorating Photos

2009-11-06T17:46:00.001-06:00

Here's some photos from cookie decorating -

Make something cool everyday

2009-11-05T16:08:00.000-06:00

Phil passed on this link for inspiration into Daily Design
If you are creating something cool everyday, or something cool every week SEND it to kaydmustonen@gmail.com and I'll blog about your creativity.

Tutorial A Day...

2009-11-05T09:51:00.010-06:00

Following Phil's talk I think everyone is inspired about "one-a-day design". The challenge we pose to our members is to push yourself and learn more each day no matter how busy you are with your studio classes, Spanish exams or nap schedule.

I will be adding to THIS POST each day with a new tutorial and add a print out on the board outside of AA124. Mainly Illustrator and Photoshop tutorials taken from various tutorial sites.

Tutorial #1
Thursday, Nov 5th
Creating Vintage Vector Bottle Caps In Illustrator via Vector Tuts

Tutorial #2
Friday, Nov 6th
Create a Sleep Illustration that Fades from Line Art to Color from PSD Tuts

Tutorial #3
Monday, November 9th
How to Create a Smokin' Western Type Treatment in Illustrator from Vectortuts

Tutorial #4
Tuesday, November 10th
Gradient Mesh Tutorial from Deviantart

Tutorial #5
Wednesday, November 11th
Create a Rolling Stones Inspired Tongue Illustration from Blog Spoon Graphics

Tutorial #6
Thursday, November 12th
Draw a Classy 3D Poker Chip in Photoshop from Tutorial 9

Tutorial #7
Friday, November 13th
Learn How to Draw Hand-crafted Pixel Art in Photoshop from PSD tuts

Tutorial #8
Monday, November 16th
How to create a realistic IES Lighting Effect in Photoshop from PSD tuts

Tutorial #9
Tuesday, November 17th
How to Create a Ribbon Using Blend Effect in Illustrator from Graphic Identity

Tutorial #10
Wednesday, November 18th
Using Shape Experimentation to Create Facial Features from Vector Tuts

Carbonmade : Easy On-line Portfolios

2009-11-04T16:19:00.003-06:00

from Cram Blog by Matt:

"I came across this neat little site for creating online portfolios and I have to say that I think it to be awesome. Of course if your thing is web design, you should make your own. But if you are strapped for time or the web isn’t really your thing and you still need to get something up to show, it would be hard to do better than what carbonmade has created.
I think that this is so easy in fact that there is really no excuse for having some sort of simple portfolio online. So, what are you waiting for? Go make something…"

Cocktails with Creatives - Nov

2009-11-04T14:40:00.001-06:00

Thursday, November 5, 2009 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
OM
401 N 1st Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
http://www.minnesota.aiga.org/events/2009/11/36310313

Come out and mingle with some of the most creative individuals in the Twin Cities area on November 5th from 6 tp 8 p.m. at AIGA's Cocktails with Creatives, located this month in downtown Minneapolis at OM. OM is a restaurant and bar which introduces a modern approach to Indian cuisine showcasing a unique blend of flavors found throughout India.
Bring your appetite along with your business cards as we will be sampling a variety of OM's finest cuisine. Come early and enjoy $2 drinks until 6:30

UW-Stout : Product and Package Design

2009-11-03T14:17:00.001-06:00

Product and Package Design
program used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

1st project - Packaging in a set of three
2nd project - Software packaging
3rd project - Wine Bottle

In a portfolio book many employers want to see product design or package design because that's where most of their business comes from.

Airborne by Staci Paul

Paulie & Pollie by Katie Lupton

Desi Delights by Kayd Mustonen

more images to come once everyone gets their products photographed

UW-Stout : Type In Motion

2009-11-03T13:42:00.003-06:00

As registration is upon us here is a insight as to what each design selective is all about:
TYPE IN MOTION
program used: Adobe After Effects
basically it's type... in motion
Awesome class to take if you ask me. The first project was a minimum of 2 minute sound clip from a movie or tv show. The second project was focused on the bibliography of a designer. The final project was a whole system for a tv network.

Step Brother from Ross Harried

Shamwow from Kayd Mustonen

Pork TV from Ian Crombie on Vimeo.

Garden TV from Kayd Mustonen on Vimeo.

Tween Scene from Ross Harried on Vimeo.

OMFGtv from Andrew Freeding on Vimeo.

RED redneck entertainment from Jessica Staude on Vimeo.

Speaker :: PHIL JONES

2009-11-01T15:58:00.005-06:00

Join us at UW-STOUT as Phil Jones speaks about his experiences in the design word and focuses on freelance design. Tuesday, Nov 3rd :: Applied Arts 210 :: 5:45

Phil Jones is a graphic designer and art director, working and living in Minneapolis, MN. His most known pieces is the Yoga One : Get Stretchy business card and promotional items featured on countless blogs and ABC's World's Wackiest Ads.

He is currently working as a full-time freelance designer after working for two years as a designer/art director for Wray Ward where he was a designer on accounts like AAA, WIX Filters and Chicago Pneumatic, Discovery Place and McColl Center for Visual Art. In addition to "for profit" work, Phil has donated him time and talent to develop campaigns for the American Red Cross, Humane Society, Hopeline – Vet2Vet Suicide Hotline and Save the Children.

Get the Most out of your Membership :: What you missed

2009-10-29T10:01:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone tonight was awesome! Here is what you missed and what you may want to know about AIGA:

Seth Johnson & Kolean Pitner
Talk about AIGA membership….this is where its at people!
The Professional Assoc. for Design
Works to advance design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force.

You can connect with Design Firms, Advertising Firms, Corporate In-house studios, freelancers, print designers, interactive designers, etc. through being an AIGA member. If you move away from the Minnesota chapter you can connect with people like these in your new AIGA chapter.

Stuff they do for Student Members:
Portfolio 1:1
StimuLatte
(seventh sin – interactive shop in MN)
(eight hour day – MN)
Cocktails with Creatives
Design Camp discounts
Design Show discounts
Access to job/intern listings

Stuff they do for Associate Members:
Quarterly lectures
Mentor Program
Access to list of annual salary survey
Workshops
Cocktails with Creatives

WHAT IS AIGA?
AIGA is its members. Not a building, not a board of directors, but its members.

JOIN BECAUSE:
Contacts: networking events, workshops, lectures, searching job boards, being on a committee
Continuing Education
Camaraderie: opportunities for networking with other designers, meeting new friends
Chance to Give Back:

NOT A MEMBER YET?
Become an annual member on your own for $75.
Become a member with a group of other students for only $50
You can get:
Your portfolio on AIGA’s website
Listing of jobs/internships
Committee membership
Annual Salary Survey
All chapter mailings
All national email mailings
Put it on your resume!

DISCOUNTS ON:
Health Insurance
AIGA local and national events
AIGA competitions and conferences
Lynda.com training libraries
Aquent Graphics Institute
Magazines & Books
FedEx & FedEx Kinkos: 20% off (go to website and sign up for program)
Adobe store: 15% off

MORE THINGS TO DO THROUGH AIGA
Portfolio 1 on 1:

Student portfolio weekend (Friday and Saturday)
Friday: Studio tours
Saturday: Workshops: resume writing, portfolio stuff then Portfolio review
Scholarship opportunities
Job opportunities

Design Camp:
Nisswa, MN
National Designers
Workshops
Cocktail Hour
Freebies

Design Show:
Juried show
Numerous categories
Discount on entrance fee

“Insights” lecture series:
Nationally/Internationally known design speakers

“So…” lecture series
Luncheons
StimuLatte
Cocktails with Creatives

{Poster designed by Katy Verbrugge, AIGA UW-Stout Vice President and Graphic Design Sophomore.}

MCAA seeking Logo

2009-10-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

Ben Oswald, the head of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) competition team needs a logo and letterhead designed.

They've put together a full proposal, ranging from marketing, to the estimate, to a full project management plan.

Please email ben for further information.
oswaldb@my.uwstout.edu

BDP now accepting applications

2009-10-27T14:10:00.000-06:00

Blue Devil Productions (BDP) is now accepting applications. For those who might not know who BDP is, they are the campus programming board who brings comedians, bands, speakers, movies, and etc to campus. It is run by Stout students.
Also, it is a paid position!

Blue Devil Productions website: bdp.uwstout.edu
Application webpage: http://bdp.uwstout.edu/a_jobs.html

***Note: Applications can be downloaded from the webpage and dropped off at the Student Organization Center (SOC) desk in the Memorial Student Center (MSC).
Here is the list of available positions:
    * Executive Producer
    * Art Director
    * Blue Devil Lounge Director
    * Comedy Director
    * Campus Marketing Director
    * Communications Director
    * Music Director
    * Multimedia Director
    * Public Marketing Director
    * Special Events and Films Director

Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Also, please come join BDP at our meetings every Monday 6pm in Northwoods Room, Memorial Student Center.

Jazz Orchestra seeking Logo Design

2009-10-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

Geoff Peterson from the Eau Claire is starting up a community jazz ensemble called the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra. He is looking for a logo for the band fronts, website, etc.

Please respond to: PETERSGD@uwec.edu
Geoffrey D. Peterson
Associate Professor of Political Science & American Indian Studies

Cookie Decorating

2009-10-27T10:58:00.000-06:00

COOKIE DECORATING TONIGHT!

Poster by Laura Howard, Graphic Design Senior and AIGA member

James Turrell and the Wolfsburg Project

2009-10-25T05:58:00.006-06:00

Here in Germany there is no shortage of American art being represented. I recently went to an opening exhibition of the artist named James Turrell who strictly works with light and the way the eye and mind perceive it. In Germany and especially in Hildesheim at the HAWK people are very interested in Lighting Design. What is Lighting Design you ask? I was asking myself the same question. Lighting Design here is using light in ways that it is most efficient to light a space, or create a sense of emotion/feeling by using only lighting within a specified space. The HAWK is the only university in Europe that actually has a program specified only for Lighting Design and a few of the students organized this trip to Wolfsburg for the exhibition.

James Turrll

When we got to this exhibition is was so packed with people we could hardly move around in the lobby of the Wolfsburg Kunst Museum. We were given a short introduction in German of what the whole James Turrell Wolfsburg Project involved and why it was so special. Then we were released into the gallery where there were process pieces of his previous and present work.

Once we got to his main installation we had to wait in a line because there was so many people trying to get into this room. I would see people walking out and looking around in amazement, completely taken aback by what they had seen. I couldn't understand how this piece of work could be so completely mesmerizing to everyone who saw it. Then I got my turn to enter this room...

Everyone had to put little foot booties on so that all the shoes wouldn't ruin the white surface inside. The room was filled with this amazing magenta-violet-blue light that was constantly changing. I could hardly see a single corner of this huge space. And as I walked down this ramp that spanned from the entrance there was a wall in front of me that I could walk up to but wasn't allowed to go too close to. The wall looked like a huge screen with some kind of back lighting to it that made it glow with this unbelievable intensity. But I then found out that the reason no one was allowed to walk closer to this wall was because it was not a wall at all. The wall that was perceived to be only a meter away from me was actually 8 meters away from me and the edge where the wall and the floor met was actually a 130cm drop down into this other section of the room! It's impossible to describe this piece to get the full effect of it. I then walked out of the room and the rest of the museum seemed to be lit by these bright green lights and I realized that it was because my eyes became so adapt to the magenta color within the huge room that natural light became green.

James Turrell's Wolfsberg Project 2009 in Wolfsburg, Germany

All I can say is that I have never been so moved by a piece of art in my life. There was something about this work that seemed so tangent and real that it sparked emotion within every person who saw it. Unbelievable.

James Turrell has also done work for the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis which some of the readers here might have seen before. Check out some more of James' work and be inspired. It is amazing how simple light can be used as a medium to inspire some complex and engaging ideas.

Sky Pesher by James Turrell created for the Walker Art Center in 2005

Glad that I could finally contribute something to everyone at home.
Happy regards from Germany!
Your fellow Stout Designer,
Jesse Lindhorst

Need A...

2009-10-16T22:03:00.006-05:00

Help Spread the Word... AIGA can design just about anything for you or your business.

Posters designed by Kayd Mustonen, Graphic Design Senior and AIGA Marketing Director

Design Camp 2009 :: What you missed

2009-10-15T15:32:00.004-05:00

This year 15 Stout AIGA members made it all the way up to Nisswa for Design Camp and had a blast!
From workshops, to dinners, to speakers and karaoke it's not possible to describe design camp to the full amazingness but I'll give it a shot.

Camp started at noon Friday morning. Nervous first-timers were immediately mixed with camp veterans who soon became friends and network buddies. The first interaction was a tough one... designing our camp shirts with potato stamps and paint. We giggled with some Canadian designers as we shared stamps and printing techniques.

The first speaker at camp was Aaron Draplin. Personally my favorite speaker of the entire weekend. To sum up his talk/life: Wanted to get out of small midwest town, Moved West to snowboard with his friends, found some sweet jobs that let him snowboard all day, Chilled all the time in his van when he didn't have a place to sleep, Moved to another state because he had a sweet offer, designed more sweet stuff, Loves his weiner dog Gary, Makes logos just for the hell of it, and Collects everything people would usually look at as old useless junk. Aaron was an extremely down to earth funny guy who doesn't let his success get to his head.

This year the theme was "Make your Mark" and took on a whole different approach to a picnic. During some down time the Stout kids wrote our very own recipe:

Rutabaga-Starry-eyed Surprise

3 cups Stars, 2 cans Eyes, 1/2 cup Rutabaga (optional), 3 tbsps of sparkle, 3 large balloons, 1 package

lubricant to taste, 1/2 tsp

Mix love and balloons together in a large bathtub until fluffy. Then mix in some fricken confetti. Bring mixture to a boil and cook down until it resembles John Vorwald. Scrape into a 9x13 casserole. Bake until Sexy. Garnish with sparkles and serve. Your guests will giggle uncontrollably

Friday Night brough on the mixer, where vendors have a booth and tell you a bit about their services. Bill from Hamilton Wood Type Museum was a hit! Studio on Fire brought a mini-press for people to do their own sample of letterpress. Laser Plus was also there to showcase their beautiful laser designs. Great contacts to meet during this event and delicious cake.

The night wouldn't be complete without some Karaoke.

We woke up Saturday morning to donuts and DJ Stout, a partner of Pentagram. He went through his work and shared stories about logo ideation, client relationships, recycling logos and a lot about farming. Very interesting to learn more and to understand how Pentagram is organized and works. All us Stout kids jumped in the photo with him - he was proud to have a University named after him.

Ellen Lupton was the third speaker of the weekend. You may recognize her name from some of your design textbooks. Great talk - very funny. I just hope I'm not an easy bake oven. (don't get the joke? That's why this post is called 'Design Camp 2009 :: WHAT YOU MISSED) Before hand Ellen got all the students together for a free lunch! Last year at camp I would guess that there was only 40 students who attended. This year was quite surprising and overwhelming with over 130 students.

The last speakers were Erik Karasyk and David Schwarz the founders of Hush. It was awesome to see some of their past work and the work that they were currently working on. Hush is celebrating their 3 year anniversary as a company - it's insane to see how successful they have become in a short amount of time.

Each camper had their choice of workshops to attend between speakers. Nomatic Press was there to demonstrate Paper Marbeling, French Paper was there to educate more people about their product, there were workshops about photography, legality of runing your own shop and a few others. The above photo is marbeling that Katy did. Currently we're woking on having a workshop to teach this method.

A huge thanks to all the students, designers and volunteers we met. Design Camp was a blast. I think everyone that went would pass up Homecoming for it anyday. I already can't wait for next year.

AIGA Members

2009-10-14T23:53:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to our New, Old and Renewed AIGA National Members
It's very exciting that we have 96 members in our Graphic Design group, 52 of them are National AIGA members.

Alyssa Miller, Amanda Harder, Andrea Manor, Anna Reseburg,Annie Kressin, Ashley Hohnstein, Brian Hildman, Brittany Kluz, Brittany Sweney, Caitlin Teague, Christen Shepard, Collin Syche, David Schreiber, Dena Hoewisch, Diane Witcher, Emily Brownson, Hannah Bergan, Hannah Helgerson, Hannah Hess, Jenna Lang, Jenna Wojan, Jennifer Traxler, Jesse Lindhorst, Jessica Brunette, Jessica Cihon, Jessica Donahoe, Jessica Thelen, Jessica Wilson, Joe Aliotto, Jon Daniels, Justine Goodrich, Kathleen Tolmie, Katie Wolff, Katy Verbrugge, Kayd Mustonen, Kayla Langhans, Kelli Fox, Kelsey Hansen, Kristie Wilson, Laura Howard, Lenn Soderlund, Lindsey Bock, Maddi Wichert, Megan Koschak, Melissa, Allen, Nate Koehler, Phillip Cahall, Sara Koller, Sara Pokorny, Staci Paul, Tegan Moersfelder, Tiffany Kroll

Resources [on & off campus]

2009-10-14T17:48:00.005-05:00

In your Senior classes you'll be asked to be thinking beyond your design and more about the materials, inks and paper... but why wait that long? Your design will look so much better if you start early!

ON CAMPUS
-Screenprinting Lab 2nd floor (after you've taken 1 class just buy your own screen, inks, etc) for metallic inks, new effects, print on bottles, 3D packages... Paul Delong = screen printing professor
-2nd floor industrial/interior design labs- Large Format printers (free)
-3D printer in the industrial design department (ask Andrew Macintosh-print lab guy- for help) makes your file into a 3D object
-Process Lab, 1st floor - - get a mold done for packaging etc.,
-Print resource center- inkjet large format printers (use for projects with more graphics & typography-less imagery, rich colors)
-art metals room - sandblaster, woodburning (like burning a logo into a wood sculpture)
-3rd floor resource center: design books
-4th floor Library: Design books/art history -very cool
-instructional resources (library)--sell books to you for cheap
-packaging technology department (other side of the process lab): lab assistent can help you, lots of different packaging materials, help you with different folds, what kinds of materials are best for creasing/folding

STS - Stout Typographical Society >> sts@uwstout.edu
help you print just about anything
-coasters
-laser engraving on metal, plastic, wood etc...
-magnets
-vinyl
-stickers
-screen printing > new machine this year that can print full color images
-printing books
-window clings
-letter press plates
-large format up to 4 ft wide by however long you want
-tshirts
****if you think of it they work with you to make it happen- they do act as a business> give them some lead time, they can work with you and help with your design to get your project done the way you want

OFF CAMPUS
PAPER>>you should be collecting paper samples!!
-Paper Depot
-Paper Source
-French Paper Co.
-MoHawk
-Neenah
-Gilbert
-Gmund

PRINTERS
Service Center (MSC)--large format, buttons, printing
Knaack's Advertising Svc (Menomonie)--laser engraver, vinyl cutting, screen printing etc > go up broadway, take a right by taco johns
UPS (Menomonie)--by Walmart/Quiznos
Fedex (Eau Claire)
Ambiant Vision Inks (Menomonie)--(715) 491.0238
-In Downsville: take any design and turn it into vinyl so you can transfer it to basically anything (such as the type they put on the student gallery glass)...ask Jeff in the Furlong Gallery for more info *pretty cheap*

Any questions let us know! =)

Cenex Co-op seeking Logo

2009-10-14T14:55:00.002-05:00

"Create the Co-op Logo" Contest
Are you artistically inclined?
Could you use $1000.00 in pocket change (or to pay bills)?
Enter the "Create the Co-op Logo" contest!

Here's a hint - our main color is red..... something that matches perhaps?

http://www.menomoniecenex.com/

We will pay...

Winner: $1000
2nd Prize: $100
3rd Prize: $50

Contest Rules:

Logo can be created with any readily copied media, digital or otherwise.
In exchange for the winning prize money, the co-op will obtain and retain all legal rights to the logo.
Artist will permit small changes in the logo to make it more user friendly and flexible for various media.
Artist will use the name Cedar Country Co-op.
Logo should be fairly simple and easy to recognize.
Logo may reflect regional geography, history, community, cooperative values, customer service, etc.
All entries due by November 1, 2009.

Submit hardcopy to:
Attn: Paul, Menomonie Co-op
PO Box 438, Menomonie, WI 54751

or drop off at one our locations in a sealed envelope.
or email to address below in PDF or JPEG format
Questions? Email pdiemert@menomoniecenex.com

St. Paul Art Crawl

2009-10-08T15:14:00.003-05:00

If you haven't experienced the St. Paul Art Crawl here is your chance!
Hundreds of artists of all different types of media open their studios/living spaces to the public to share and sell their work. There are tons of great people to meet and get inspired by. The website has a map which tells you which artist studios are participating.

Friday, Oct. 9, 6-10pm
Saturday, Oct. 10, 12-8
Sunday, Oct 11, 12-5

University Recreation Graphic Designer

2009-10-08T12:15:00.001-05:00

Just a follow up to the post: University Recreation seeking Graphic Designer - Juniors you should really apply! Not only will it be a little extra cash in your pocket but it's a phenomenal way to build your portfolio.

Staci Paul, a graphic design senior and AIGA member, currently works for the University designing recreation posters.
Below are just some of her pieces.
Also check out her website, flickr, and blog

2009-10-07T16:39:00.003-05:00

Click Each image to enlarge for more details =] It should be a super fun time! If you prefer to send a check for registration there are paper forms located on the Graphic Design Bulletin Board in Applied Arts next to room 124.

The bus will be stopping in Menomonie to pick everyone up! Email us if you're going! We'll try to help you save money by letting you know other people you can room with!

Check out cool things & what people have done there including some of us! Hamilton Wood Type Museum

Stimulatte

2009-10-06T18:14:00.002-05:00

Stimulatte!
with Katie and Nate from Eighthourday!

WHEN:
Thursday, October 22nd
6:30pm-8:00pm

WHERE:
Eighthourday's Studio
715 North Washington Ave
Suite 210 {SoHo Lofts}
Minneapolis, MN

WHAT:
This is a meet-up event for graphic design students from various schools around Minnesota and Wisconsin. In a fun, laid-back setting, students can mix and mingle with other students. The event has no schedule or agenda; just show up to socialize!

WHO:
All AIGA student members are invited to this event.
We usually invite a professional guest to join us; this time, Katie and Nate from Eighthourday have asked to host Stimulatte at their studio.
Directors of Education, Seth Johnson and Kolean Pitner, will also make appearances!

OTHER INFORMATION:
* For drinks, Java J’s is located right next door. It serves coffee and beer. Plan on eating dinner before.
* There is street parking available. I believe the meters are monitored until 6pm, but bring quarters just in case.

Please visit Eighthourday's website: http://eighthourday.com/

Let other people know if you're coming!:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=163259853456

AIGA Meeting 10.6.09

2009-10-06T13:46:00.003-05:00

Don't forget we have a meeting tonight!

Tonight we will be going over some tools in Photoshop and learn more about photo editing.

AA 125 @ 5:45

tutorial from Lunacore Photoshop Training

University Recreation seeking Graphic Designer

2009-10-03T22:45:00.003-05:00

Please speak to Timothy Mertz if you are interested in the following job opportunity (this was sent out to all graphic designers through their email, if you did not get the email ask one of us)

University Recreation is looking to hire the best graphic designers on campus. There is a current opening for this fall semester, and there will be another opening for the Spring semester. University Recreation commonly produces posters, registration forms, videos, website design, t-shirts and special event promotions across campus. Our design office has excellent equipment and the experience is representative of real-world experience. We are looking for fun, dynamic and high energy designers familiar with the field of sports & recreation.
I am looking for students that are Junior status or above and proficient in at least 3 the following:
· In Design
· Photoshop
· Illustrator
· Adobe applications
· Photography

Daily Drop Cap : Jessica Hische

2009-10-01T13:03:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite typographers is Jessica Hische - I blogged about here on her months ago but if you missed that post click here.

The Daily Drop Cap is an ongoing project by typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische. Each day (or at least each WORK day), a new hand-crafted decorative initial cap will be posted for your enjoyment and for the beautification of blog posts everywhere.

Check out her other work - everything is just lovely!

Your Handwriting - Font

2009-09-30T15:05:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Laura Howard for passing this cool site on!

At fontcapture.com you can create a font from your very own handwriting. There's no software to download and install, all you need is a printer and a scanner. Simply fill in the font template, scan and upload it to our website, and download your completed font. The fonts you create using fontcapture.com can be used on both Windows and Mac computers.

Free Brushes & Patterns

2009-09-30T10:15:00.009-05:00

Need a cool pattern or brush for a project??
Check out this cool website: www.brusheezy.com

All you have to do is download the brush/pattern set-

Open up photoshop,
if your brushes palette isn't shown go to Window > Brushes

Click on the little drop-down arrow in the upper right corner of your brush palette (under the x-out) > load brushes

Another screen will come up, find where you downloaded your new brushes (mine was on my desktop) and click Load and Wah-Lah! a bunch more brushes are added to your brush palette!

**You can also donate to the artists that submitted these brushes or submit some of your own! If you would like to create your own brush but don't know how feel free to ask!

More awesome links & free stuff under Tutorials & Stock Images/Vectors on the right side of our blog page

Useful Links

2009-09-29T21:46:00.004-05:00

Useful Links to start you out on the right foot this semester:

FACEBOOK
Be sure to follow us on facebook and get meeting reminders, link up with other students and all that other good stuff. Search for AIGA UW-Stout Student Group and don't forget to join AIGA Minnesota Student Community to get even more event info and reminders

AIGA.UWSTOUT.COM
While Colin is working on our official website we've started with a blog (this blog!) Events, Speakers, Workshops, Resources, Student Spotlights, Artist Spotlights and other fun stuff will be posted. Make sure you subscribe either through posts/atom or by your email

AIGA MN
Look around the site - there's lots to see.

AIGA PORTFOLIOS
National members have the option to create an online portfolio through the AIGA site. This can allow potentional employers to search for you and gives you a credible online portfolio. This AIGA portfolio is a great start if you're not ready to create your own webpage.

LINKED-IN
blogged about here

GMAIL
We took a poll and by the show of hands everyone that uses gmail Loves It!
Gmail can organize your emails, blogs, documents, photos and so much more. PLUS you don't have you give up your name@my.uwstout.edu - Gmail can redirect all your other email address into your gmail account. I haven't check my stout email account in a year! *if you are switching over to gmail and having your other email redirected test to make sure they are getting redirected*

GMAIL READER
A great feature gmail has is organizing the blogs you subscribe to.
When you want to get updates from a blog or website find the "Subscribe" link. Choose "Add to Google" then choose either "Add to Google Homepage" or "Add to Google Reader"
Once you've subscribed to a blog you will receive updates every time they make new post.

COROFLOT
Just like the AIGA portfolio except anyone can sign up. Coroflot

BEHANCE
This online portfolio requires you to be invited by someone else. This is a great source for inspiration! Behance

Staci Paul has a project up:

Jesse Lindhorst has a few projects up:

TWITTER
You may think that Twitter is pointless... who wants to get updates about what people are doing all the time!? But maybe you're not following the right people. Twitter allows you to be "facebook creepy" without the whole creepy part involved... and the fact that it's not facebook. You can choose to follow people you admire, firms you want to work for, causes you are interested in and get updates about events they are hosting, new products that are coming out and tons of inspiration.
Remember to "Brand" your twitter! Here's a great template from Smashing Magazine about Twitter Templates

Minnesota Center for Book Arts Classes

2009-09-29T20:48:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is a great resource for information and workshopsAs the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind in the nation, Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) celebrates the book as a vibrant contemporary art form that takes many shapes. From the traditional crafts of papermaking, letterpress printing and bookbinding to experimental artmaking and self-publishing techniques, MCBA supports the limitless creative evolution of book arts.

Here are two classes that could be useful for portfolios:

Round Back Spine Binding
with Roz Stendahl
Saturday, October 10; 10am-6pm
All skill levels welcome

Learn how to sew a sturdy text block on tapes without the fuss of using a sewing frame. Work with archival artist paper to create a hardbound, cloth covered journal that will accept work in wet or dry media. Only the complexity has been scaled down in this version of the traditional round back spine structure. It proves sturdy enough for intense field work and is elegant enough to grace your coffee table. Students will have the option of creating a recessed frame on the cover to hold a label made post-class. Students will be able to make this book structure again and again at home without expensive binding equipment.

Throughout the day the instructor will provide journaling suggestions, discuss how to select paper suitable for a variety of visual journaling media, and examine ways to adapt the structure's size. She will have examples of her own journals as well as other resource books on hand. (This is a more traditional version of the structure Roz taught in "Not Your Father's Casebound Journal" which used painted boards and alternative materials.)

Read more about this workshop on Roz's blog.

$110 ($100 members) + $20 supply fee

Coptic Binding: Focus on Stitching
with Sue Bjerke
Wednesday, October 14; 6-9pm
Binding experience helpful

This session is for those who already know how to wrap covers and fold signatures. If you've been frustrated with too little sewing time in previous workshops this approach is ideal. Start with the binding process using sets of covers and quires provided, allowing plenty of time to learn the link stitch and its options. The two-needle and four-needle binding will be executed on two books, approximately 6"x 4 1⁄2" in size. We'll discuss how to space sewing stations, two-color sewing, options for the length of the link stitch, and various options for cover materials.

$45 ($40 members) + $25 supply fee

New Eco Font

2009-09-29T12:48:00.004-05:00

This is a new eco font that saves 20% ink when printed. It has small holes in the letters so which allow this. For designers 'going green' this is pretty cool, and maybe something to keep in mind.

http://www.ecofont.nl/ecofont.html

Swanson Homes and Realty Seeking a Graphic Designer

2009-09-25T14:08:00.001-05:00

Swanson Homes and Realty of Eau Claire. We would like to employ the assistance of a graphic design student that is creative and uses the most current technology available in industrial media in order to prepare a Power Point presentation built for a Real Estate franchise opportunity with Better Homes and Gardens. This is an urgent request as we need to have a presentation put together no later than Monday morning 09/28. This project should take between two and four hours and we are willing to meet the student on the Stout campus over the weekend. This would be a great way for someone to add to their portfolio and resume and gain a positive reference for the future. I have listed a few sites to get a better idea of who we are working with and some of the concepts that are relevant in the local real estate market.

http://www.listedlocal.com/

http://www.ted.com/

http://www.bhgrealestate.com/

Ted.com, when using this site run a search for Daivd Rose to see a model presentation.

Listed Local is a site we currently use to market local property and the site was designed by jetpack.com.

This is a very date sensitive project – deadline is Monday!

If you are interested, please respond ASAP to Matt Meixner at mjmeixner@yahoo.com or at 715.577.9925

UW-Stout Admissions seeking Flash Designer

2009-09-24T11:42:00.002-05:00

Melissa Perez, a UW-Stout Admissions Counselor is seeking a student that has flash experience and willing to work on a project.

Melissa is interested in having someone create some sort of "flashy" (pun intended) email for students that are accepted to Stout and when they click on the link in an email that we send them, it'd say Congrats.

Please contact Melissa Perez if your interested or if you need further information:
Melissa Perez
UW-Stout Admissions Counselor
Wisconsin's Polytechnic University
715/232.2276
AIM: UWStoutMelissa

AIGA Event: Died Young, Stayed Pretty

2009-09-23T16:28:00.003-05:00

Poster Designed By Tanxxx

here's an AIGA event that EVERYONE, even non-members, can attend.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 7 p.m.
Walker Art Center Cinema
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403

This candid documentary delves into the underground poster culture in North America.

In posters for groups such as Arcade Fire, Radiohead, and Sonic Youth, these aesthetic brawlers publicly argue the merits of octopus imagery, hairy ’70s porn stars, and the spotty underbelly of Western civilization with a visual language that’s all their own—strikingly obscene, blasphemous, and often quite beautiful—and they’re not shy about throwing it in the face of polite society.

Q&A with the director follows the screening.

diedyoungstayedpretty.com
click here to register for the event

Submit your Monster

2009-09-22T23:58:00.005-05:00

Don't forget to submit a line vector drawing of your monster(s) to AIGA@uwstout.edu to add to our t-shirt this year. Deadline is next Tuesday, September 28th

Poster Designed by Jon Daniels, AIGA member and Graphic Design Senior

Speaker : Ray Rivera : Recap

2009-09-22T18:00:00.006-05:00

Thanks to everyone that came to Ray Rivera's talk about Resumes. For more information about UW-Stout's Career Service check out their webpage. Here is a recap for those that didn't take notes or those that couldn't make it.

HOW TO GET A JOB

1. Find the positions:

Networking - meeting anyone and everyone to learn about what they do and what you can do for them. Majority of your time should be spend Networking and Prospecting
Prospecting - calling companies.
Applying to job that are advertised. Internships are almost never advertised.

2. Approach the employer

Target what your employers want to see
For Graphic Design majors and Multimedia majors: Employers will hardly ever give you an interview without seeing a sample of your work. You should link a webpage or PDF portfolio when you send your cover letter and resume to a potential employer.
Your work will get you the job. So will your responsibility and dependability and personality.
You have 10 seconds to "wow" the employer so they will read more and call you for an interview

3. Resume

Contact info on Top. Name, Number E-mail, Address. Make sure your answering machine message is appropriate for your future employer to hear. Make sure you state your name and say in the message that "you will call them back".
Cover letter - some companies read them, some don't. It's better to be save than sorry. For larger companies a cover letter is needed to state your objectives because HR may get to your cover letter before it gets moved to a designer
Objective - needs to state what an EMPLOYER wants. Not "I want a job that will advance my skill..." Instead: A position in Graphic Design where there is a need for effective client relationships and the ability to create excitement in customers through the use of "client-centered" design.
Highlights and Qualifications. For many job searches they lay out what exactly they are looking for. Tell them that you meet these requirements. Include Highest Education. Include Experience. Include Skills. Include Performance Skills. Under experience: "8 year work history noted for exceeding expectations and promotion" Stating that you have 8 years of working under your belt (even though it is not in a graphic design field) can say a lot about you as an individual. PERSONAL STORY: My first internship gave me the job BECAUSE I had been a server at a restaurant for the past 3 years. The employer knew the people-skills it takes to wait tables, how organized the job required me to be, that I could work under pressure and that I showed commitment.
Education: GPA. List other things that you were also doing during that time. "3.6 GPA while working 25 hours a week".
Computer Skills: Many employers will take your resume and put it into a system to scan for words. Make sure you have listed what they list as needed qualifications and skills if you want your resume to be picked up
Professional Membership and Activities:
Work History: List all your work histories, what your title was, what your tasks were, what company it was for, where the company is located and how long you had the position
References Available Upon Request

Ray is available for individual critique and help with your resume. If you've never written a resume or cover letter before I would suggest making an appointment or going to the career conference.

Career Service Finding Job Video - in depth strategy on finding opportunities

Other resources:
AIGA- Presenting your portfolio
AIGA- Insights on Writing your Resume
AIGA- 10 common mistakes in resume and cover letters
AIGA- What Designers Must Learn
AIGA- A guide to internships

Contest: Global Solution

2009-09-22T13:33:00.006-05:00

AIGA multimedia students (or graphic design students) check out this contest!

Citizens for Global Solutions Multimedia Contest 2009

$4000 in prizes is up for grabs!

This year's theme is "Choose your Global Solution" - we're looking for submissions where:

1) The stories or games have options which can lead to different outcomes and

2) the viewer/player gets to choose between those options.

We all know that the global challenges we're facing right now have many different solutions and we want you to show your audience how different choices lead to different outcomes for them and the world.

We want artists, designers, poets, activists and others to get involved and are looking for submissions in flash animation, spoken word, digital video or any other format. The only limit is your own creativity and imagination (and the rules and the criteria…but they're only there to help you, we promise!)

Message to Newbies
Don't have multimedia skills? Then team up with someone who does! Some of the best submissions in past years have come from teams of people with different strengths - someone who knows the issues, someone with tech/art skills, etc.

Important Dates:
The Deadline for submissions is November 17th, 2009

Entries will be judged by a panel of expert judges AND by all of us! The judging panel will determine their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards, and we will ALL be able to view the top entries and vote on a people's choice winner.

Winners will be announced on December 17th, 2009

Speaker: Ray Rivera from Career Services

2009-09-19T21:19:00.003-05:00

Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 22

Ray Rivera from Career Services will be speaking about Resumes, Portfolios and the resources that Stout can offer students looking for a job.

All Art and Design majors are welcome!

After Ray's talk, AIGA will briefly meet to collect checks and answer any questions that you may have about resumes and portfolios.

Poster designed by Junior and AIGA Graphic Design Director Kelli Fox

Monster Inspiration

2009-09-17T23:42:00.005-05:00

Katy sent me this link that I would like to share with all of you to get your creative juices flowing! Just a reminder that a vector image of your monster is due by Tuesday September 29th.

Stefan Butcher DAILY MONSTER

1st Meeting Recap

2009-09-17T19:52:00.004-05:00

Thanks for everyone for coming to the first meeting. Here are a few highlights:

MEMBERSHIP: payment due by TUESDAY, September 22nd

Option 1) National AIGA membership $50/year
Recommended for Juniors and Seniors who want to start getting involved and gain some experience

OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP recognized under Minnesota and Nationally
receive discounts on AIGA funded events
personal profile and portfolio on AIGA website
access to job postings and member/company listings
publication discounts
able to attend meetings
on the AIGA Stout mailing list
able to attend University hosted events

Option 2) University membership: $10/semester.
EVERYONE has to pay this fee to be part of the Stout Organization

unofficial membership not recognized by AIGA
able to attend meetings
on the AIGA Stout mailing list
able to attend University hosted events

DESIGN CAMP [link]
If you don't have a National Membership already I would suggest signing up for one through the AIGA site because the checks we are sending in will take too long to process.

MAKE/THINK CONFERENCE [link]

BUSINESS CARD PRINTERS

TSHIRT DESIGN
We voted on a "Monster/Zombie" theme for t-shirts this time around. The goal is for as many people as possible to draw an original monster and submit it to AIGA@uwstout.edu
The board members will then arrange the monsters on a shirt - the front, the back, on the bottom, on the sleeve... Print them and Sell them. Posters to advertise will be up soon.

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd
Ray Rivera from the career services will be speak to all Art and Design majors about resumes and portfolios. After the meeting you're welcome to ask the officers about their personal stories and questions because Design resumes are a bit different than business resumes.

If you have any questions please email AIGA@uwstout.edu

First Meeting

2009-09-13T19:26:00.003-05:00

Don't miss our first meeting of the school year. Come check us out, ask questions GET INVOLVED!

Tuesday, September 15th :: 5:45pm :: AA 210

Poster Designed by Lindsey Bock, AIGA UW-Stout President and Graphic Design Senior

Designer: Paul Rand on Design

2009-09-11T18:42:00.005-05:00

One of our goals as AIGA members is not only to learn about what's happening in the world at this very moment but to also take a look back on some of the most influential designers. This week's short shout out is for Paul Rand, an American graphic designer best known for his corporate logo designs.

[Photo via paul-rand.com]

Here's a short video of Paul Rand. If you like the video style take Stout's Design Course: Type in Motion

For more of Rand's work check out his website

[photo via: denniswilms.wordpress.com]

Competion: Flux 09

2009-09-10T11:01:00.001-05:00

Check out AIGA's Flux competition. Entry fee is cheap. Submit things and make us proud!

AIGA at the Backyard Bash

2009-09-08T20:35:00.004-05:00

It was great meeting so many new students and catching up with friends at the Backyard Bash tonight. In case you missed our booth our first meeting is Tuesday, September 15th at 5:45 in Applied Arts Lecture Hall 210

AIGA Membership

2009-08-24T18:04:00.017-05:00

Welcome to the blog for the graphic design group at the University of Wisconsin Stout!

Whether your an incoming student or have only a semester of courses left, becoming a member of AIGA will bring you opportunities you wouldn't otherwise get without this organization behind you.

AIGA, the professional association for design, is the premier place for design—to discover it, discuss it, understand it, appreciate it, be inspired by it. It is the place designers turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis, and research and advance education and ethical practices.

AIGA (American Institute for Graphic Arts) is a nationally recognized organization. Stout's student group is part of AIGA Minnesota.

UW-STOUT LEVEL:
Stout's AIGA student group had over 100 members last year, either with a national membership or with a university membership. We have expanded our scope to specialize in graphic design events, multi-media design events, speakers and workshops to bring our organization every opportunity to learn and to expand their skills.

Meetings will be every other week and will focus on getting more involved with design outside of the classroom and allow students to interact with each other to learn. Freelance opportunities will be available for those interested and internship opportunities will be passed on to AIGA members. Subscribe to the blog for future events.

In the past, alumni and professional designers have spoken with the students to share insights regarding job hunting, portfolio building and reviews, freelance work, animation and personal branding. We have also taken part in the Homecoming parade, screen printed t-shirts and had a social BBQ.

PROFESSIONAL AIGA MINNESOTA:
Stout's Student Group works with AIGA Minnesota to coordinate events available to students.
AIGA Minnesota offers events such as Design Camp, Cocktails with Creatives, Studio Tours and Portfolio Reviews. These are for students and professionals alike and are GREAT ways to network with other students as well as professionals to get more information about the design profession.

With an AIGA membership, students can access the designer's directory and job postings and receive discounts on events. Members also can set up a profile on the national website and upload their portfolio and resume to pass onto potential employers.

BECOMING A MEMBER:
National Level: $70 if you mail a check to AIGA UW-Stout Student Group

Discounts on AIGA events
Design Annual
On-Line portfolio
Access to job opportunities
Access to Designers Directory
Attend meetings for free
Receive e-mails about job opportunities
Able to attend University Funded events and workshops
Network with other students in the organization
Learn outside of the classroom
much much more!

University Level: $10/semester.

Attend meetings for free
Receive e-mails about job opportunities
Able to attend University Funded events and workshops
Network with other students in the organization
Learn outside of the classroom.

CHECKS CAN BE MAILED TO:
AIGA UW-Stout Student Group
Applied Arts Building
712 S. Broadway
Menomonie, WI 54751

Please include the student's name, year and UW-Stout email address

Membership fees can also be handed to an officer during the first meeting. First meeting TBA.

For further announcements, news, events, speakers, resources and highlights you can subscribe to this blog. E-mail announcements and meeting minutes will only be sent out to members.

If you have additional questions please e-mail AIGA@uwstout.edu

Design Camp Registration Open

2009-08-23T22:37:00.002-05:00

Design Camp Registration is now open.
Sign up now and let us know if you're coming!

Design Camp 2009

2009-08-14T10:49:00.007-05:00

It's almost that time of year again to sign up for AIGA MN Design Camp! About 15 of us drove up last year to Nisswa, MN for a weekend of workshops, speakers, karaoke, dinners, networking and an all around great time.

This year the Theme is
Spot-On Inspiration.
Where the stain of an unfinished idea becomes a thing of promising beauty.

October 2–4, 2009 (yes, this is Stout's Homecoming Week)
Grand View Lodge (last year we stayed at a nearby hotel with all the other students)
Nisswa, MN

Here's from their website:
Join us at Design Camp® 2009 and immerse yourself in the messiness of the creative process. There’s a host of colorful events, including enlightened speakers, experiential workshops, beaming bonfires, mouth-watering libations, highly charged activities and civilized conversation with friends and colleagues. It’s a potluck of possibilities.

To tease your designer appetite, look who’s showing up to make their own mark on Design Camp®:

Aaron Draplin
Draplin Design Co., North America
Located in the mighty Pacific Northwest, Aaron Draplin of the Draplin Design Co. proudly rolls up his sleeves on a number of projects related to the Print, Identity, Web Development, Illustration and Gocco Muscle categories. He prides himself on a high level of craftsmanship and quality that keeps him up late into the wet Portland nights.
draplin.com

Ellen Lupton
Design Writing Research
Ellen Lupton is a designer, writer and curator. She is director of the Graphic Design MFA program at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and curator of contemporary design at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. She is the author of numerous books on design, including “Design Your Life” (2009).
designwritingresearch.org

Erik Karasyk and David Schwarz
HUSH
HUSH is a New York-based content creation studio led by cofounders/creative directors Erik Karasyk and David Schwarz. HUSH develops powerful brand-driven stories, award-winning design, animation and interactive content for TV commercials, music videos, broadcast and integrated campaigns. With over a decade of ideation and execution experience, HUSH pushes creative limits to build brand awareness and audience loyalty.
heyhush.com

DJ Stout
Pentagram (Austin)
At Pentagram, DJ’s wide-ranging expertise encompasses the design and redesign of a variety of publications including magazines, books and catalogs. He and his team also specialize in identity design, branding, packaging, exhibitions and website design. DJ’s work has been widely published and has won countless design awards. Prior to Pentagram, he spent 13 years at Texas Monthly where he was awarded the National Magazine Award three times.
pentagram.com

Bring an open mind. Make your mark. Spot on!

*although registration is not open yet you can still take off work, mark it on your calendar and start a countdown until one of the best events of the year. I'll send out an email once registration is open.

Please e-mail AIGA@uwstout.edu or comment to this post if you plan on going. We can arrange rides and hotels once we get a better idea of who all is coming.

Cocktails With Creatives :: What you missed...

2009-08-10T22:02:00.004-05:00

Brian and I went to Cocktails with Creatives at Tiger Sushi last Thursday and we cannot wait to go again next month! Seriously, what a great event to combine Creatives, Drinks and delicious food. The best thing about this event is that EVERYONE wants to mingle and get to know as many people as they can. I caught up with people from the Studio On Fire workshop, met new designers and business owners, found a great woman to do all my printing from now on and pried out some information about Design Camp before the posters were sent out! This event should not be missed whether you're an incoming freshman or a graduated senior.

Watch out - What you say on Facebook or Twitter could get your fired

2009-08-10T15:22:00.005-05:00

Although the economy is tough right now, some people don't seem to appreciate the job they have or ... umm seem to not realize that just about anyone can see your facebook or twitter posts. A word to the wise: Keep the personal stuff personal and don't post anything that could come back and haunt you.

Here are a few examples:via: http://applicant.com/how-to-lose-a-job-via-facebook-in-140-characaters-or-less/

A recent tweet by one would-be Cisco employee proves that when it comes to placing a permanent black mark on your resume via the Internet, Twitter is now the tool of choice. To illustrate, here’s the tweet the now Web-infamous "theconnor" shared with the world:

"Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”

It wasn’t long before Tim Levad, a "channel partner advocate" for Cisco Alert, shared this open response: "Who is the hiring manager. I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web."
via: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/

via: http://www.resumebear.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/10/30-ways-to-loose-a-job-on-twitter/

So even if you might want to "burn" your boss, you should realize that you look like a fool and are potentially burning bridges that could get you your next job!

AIGA Aquent Salary Survey

2009-08-04T14:23:00.006-05:00

Take a look at the Aquent Salary Survey from AIGA: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/salary-survey

It lists the salaries and benefits for various jobs in various locations.

"An entry-level designer is one to two years out of school and requires mentoring in all aspects of design conception and implementation." Based on the survey, the salary is pretty much the same for entry-level designers no matter where you are in the US. The average in Minneapolis is $33,000.

Check out the other locations and job titles... who knows you may find a new calling to be an art director or a copywriter.

You can also fill in the boxes at Design Salaries to find your idea situation.

enjoy

Studio On Fire :: What you missed...

2009-07-31T14:26:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, Lindsey and I went to Minneapolis for a Studio On Fire workshop. If you've ever sat by me in class you know just how obsessed I am about letterpress printing and Studio on Fire is the cream of the crop. This event sold out in 2 hours which is just to prove that you should never hesitate to sign up for an event!

We met tons of great students and professionals there.
Below is Lisa Valley's post about the Studio on Fire workshop:

Imagine how thrilled I was to go on a letterpress tour last night! Not only do I love the impression of design into a soft cotton sheet but I love watching machines make magic! Plus, I got to run not one, but TWO presses! (Okay, so I simply ran a single sheet of coasters through two presses in a highly supervised environment.) It was fun and hands on.

Letterpress printed materials make you want to reach out, touch and run your fingers over the indented surface. It doesn’t get much better than this, folks!

::photo courtesy of Lisa Valley::

Studio On Fire began with Benjamin Levitz printing in his basement. After spending 40 hours a week at a design job and an additional 40 hours a week at Studio On Fire, he realized it was time to go all-in to the letterpress world. Studio On Fire is ten years going strong.

Studio on Fire is more than just an awesome printer. They also offer full design services. And they have their own line of cards! Check out Studio On Fire’s website and blog.

more photos of the event on flickr

Make/Think: AIGA Design Conference

2009-07-23T20:13:00.006-05:00

Join us in Memphis this October!

“Make/Think,” the 2009 AIGA Design Conference, will explore the dual roles of designers as makers of beautiful things and strategic problem solvers. Join us in Memphis to celebrate design excellence, reinforce friendships and connections and stimulate thinking about the critical issues that surround design practice.

Find your mojo in Memphis this October with a stellar group of main stage speakers, dozens of specialized affinity sessions, roundtables with design luminaries, the excitement of “Command X: Season 2,” hands-on activities, workshops, studio tours and plenty of networking.

Don’t miss out on “Make/Think.” Register now!

Cocktails with Creatives :: August

2009-07-23T14:19:00.005-05:00

Mark your calendar, you don't want to miss this Cocktails with Creatives!

Thursday, August 6, 2009 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tiger Sushi 2
2841 Lyndale Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Each month AIGA Minnesota hosts a mixer event at various venues around the Twin Cities. This event is a great networking and social opportunity so bring your business cards and your ideas! Members and non-members alike are welcome.

e-mail or comment if you plan on attending.