I'm really excited about the turnout we had for the meeting tonight. We had about 30 people show interest in joining the club, which is great! Just to reiterate a few points we covered:
-Faculty Art Show tomorrow at 4pm. Be there!
-First Fridays trip on September 3rd. We'll organize a carpool system so everyone who's interested can go.
-We have more events planned throughout the year: Halloween Party, Christmas Cards, Valentine Cards, etc.
-Try to organize a design team to represent the club and work on jobs for the community from Mr. Babcock.
-A further discussion concerning dues for the national group will be held, probably during next meeting which will be Thursday, Sept. 9th at 4pm.
-We may alternate times for meetings between 4pm and 5pm. I'll keep you informed.
-You should register with Career Services on campus to be ready for the Career Fair in October. Also, check out LinkedIn. It's a site that's similar to Facebook without the daily updates or virtual aquariums.
-Also look into KC AIGA, PGSA, and SAC for other chances to participate. All of these have their own Facebook pages.
Thanks to everyone who showed up for the meeting! Let's make this a fun year!
Marie Aholt
President of UCM AIGA Student Chapter
New Semester, New Opportunities
I'd like to extend a greeting to all followers of the UCM AIGA Student Group. This new school year has come with new officers and new opportunities. So, let's get started.
Next week Wednesday (August 25th) will be our first meeting of the semester. The meeting will be held at 5 pm in the usual location: Grinstead 311. I plan to discuss optional social events and fundraisers for the club. I still plan to have the Holiday Greeting Cards as a fundraiser, but we may add Valentine's Day cards or design totes or... anything really. I'd also like to get a list together for people who want to attend First Fridays in Kansas City. For those of you unfamiliar with First Fridays, it is an opportunity for people to visit galleries FOR FREE in the Crossroads Art District. There will be entertainment and food stands. For more information, you can visit the Crossroads website.
A couple events to consider. The graphic design professors are hosting a meet and greet Thursday, August 26th from 11am to noon in Grinstead 311-309. This event is open to everyone from freshmen to super-seniors, but I encourage new students to make the time. Professor Babcock has promised treats, "like ice cream or something." You can ask questions about class schedules and electives or just hang out with your teachers. I know I'll be there!
Also, the Faculty Art Show in the Main Gallery is opening on the 26th as well. Refreshments and socializing is scheduled to start at 4 pm. The theme for the show is the human interest in defying gravity.
So welcome back, everyone. I hope you enjoyed your summers. Be sure to check us out on Facebook as well. Let's start this new year with enthusiasm and sugary treats!
-Marie Aholt
President of UCM AIGA Student Chapter
Next week Wednesday (August 25th) will be our first meeting of the semester. The meeting will be held at 5 pm in the usual location: Grinstead 311. I plan to discuss optional social events and fundraisers for the club. I still plan to have the Holiday Greeting Cards as a fundraiser, but we may add Valentine's Day cards or design totes or... anything really. I'd also like to get a list together for people who want to attend First Fridays in Kansas City. For those of you unfamiliar with First Fridays, it is an opportunity for people to visit galleries FOR FREE in the Crossroads Art District. There will be entertainment and food stands. For more information, you can visit the Crossroads website.
A couple events to consider. The graphic design professors are hosting a meet and greet Thursday, August 26th from 11am to noon in Grinstead 311-309. This event is open to everyone from freshmen to super-seniors, but I encourage new students to make the time. Professor Babcock has promised treats, "like ice cream or something." You can ask questions about class schedules and electives or just hang out with your teachers. I know I'll be there!
Also, the Faculty Art Show in the Main Gallery is opening on the 26th as well. Refreshments and socializing is scheduled to start at 4 pm. The theme for the show is the human interest in defying gravity.
So welcome back, everyone. I hope you enjoyed your summers. Be sure to check us out on Facebook as well. Let's start this new year with enthusiasm and sugary treats!
-Marie Aholt
President of UCM AIGA Student Chapter
A6 call for entries!
The new site for A6 just went live and contains all the information you need to know for the 6th annual competition and exhibitions for professionals and students. Deadline to enter in April 23rd! Check it out here
Portfolio Day review
Hey all, here's an interview of three students participating in the AIGA portfolio review. Pretty good insight/advice. Check it out.
Jessica's tips for getting that first job!
Hey everyone! Here is some information that Jessica Pine was gracious enough to share with us about what you can do to better market yourself and stand out to land that first job. We can talk about these tips at the next meeting and share other ideas with each other. Examples of Jessica's documents will be on the server in the AIGA folder. Check it out!
From Jessica:
1. Brand yourself.
I cannot stress how important it is about branding yourself and created a unified identity. I know they make you do it at your senior show.. but make a logo - as simple as possible - that you LOVE. put this on everything--- resume, card, site, book, what have you. Make everything consistent - even if it means making everything the same size, rounded corners, colors, whatever. But keep it clean and simple, and LEGIBLE. This lets people know you understand consistency
2. Get a web site.
People like to see things at their convenience, quickly. If you do not know how to build a scratch site for your portfolio.. figure it out. Know html.. Graphic designers that know web design experience are in high demand. Don't let it scare you, there are tons of helpful books out there for it.
Also if you absolutely do not want to go that route there are TONS of free (and flash related) portfolio web sites out there that can be very flexible.
3. Create a folder for the owner/employer.
Get a nice cover folder for CHEAP at office max.
Make a unified set -
resume,
cover letter,
CD of your portfolio PDF,
business card,
recommendation cards (are a huge plus) and
small SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK.
Give this to them either during or after the interview for them to keep.
Also print all your things on nice paper.
it is best to hand these out by hand but to save time it is nice to mail them in an envelope and call back in 5 days or so to see if they have received it.
4. At the interview:
Eye contact is important.
Small talk is important. It makes everybody feel comfortable.
Don't just let them slide through your book. Explain the problems in each project - and your solution would be your design. Make them feel like they are hiring you for a good reason- to make their company better. To offer them your wonderful skills.
MAKE A SPECIAL THANK YOU CARD. attach it on a magnet or something hand crafted as a plus.
I attached an example of my thank you card.
If you forget to hand it to them in person like I did EMAIL IT shortly after the interview.
5. If they give you a special project assignment during the interview process:
I was asked to do a logo for a kidney research company. Don't do "just a logo" .. go all the way. Make a PDF presentation. Define the problems, research, sketches, ideas... Conclude with solutions. This will make you stand out and it will let people know that you take things seriously.
6. When looking for a job - you should e-mail: your portfolio PDF, website, resume, and possibly a cover letter, and your logo. Mention "I feel that I would benefit your company with my skills..."
7. Don't limit yourself to design firms. Think about publication - magazine - newspaper places to start out too.
8. It stands out to someone if you are very quick on replying to a phone call or e-mail. Mention that you are flexible (if you really are) Also make an Image signature of your business card or information on your e-mail . google it it's easy to do.
I attached a PDF of all of my branding - to give an idea about simplicity and consistency
I hope this helps! Good luck this semester!
From Jessica:
1. Brand yourself.
I cannot stress how important it is about branding yourself and created a unified identity. I know they make you do it at your senior show.. but make a logo - as simple as possible - that you LOVE. put this on everything--- resume, card, site, book, what have you. Make everything consistent - even if it means making everything the same size, rounded corners, colors, whatever. But keep it clean and simple, and LEGIBLE. This lets people know you understand consistency
2. Get a web site.
People like to see things at their convenience, quickly. If you do not know how to build a scratch site for your portfolio.. figure it out. Know html.. Graphic designers that know web design experience are in high demand. Don't let it scare you, there are tons of helpful books out there for it.
Also if you absolutely do not want to go that route there are TONS of free (and flash related) portfolio web sites out there that can be very flexible.
3. Create a folder for the owner/employer.
Get a nice cover folder for CHEAP at office max.
Make a unified set -
resume,
cover letter,
CD of your portfolio PDF,
business card,
recommendation cards (are a huge plus) and
small SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK.
Give this to them either during or after the interview for them to keep.
Also print all your things on nice paper.
it is best to hand these out by hand but to save time it is nice to mail them in an envelope and call back in 5 days or so to see if they have received it.
4. At the interview:
Eye contact is important.
Small talk is important. It makes everybody feel comfortable.
Don't just let them slide through your book. Explain the problems in each project - and your solution would be your design. Make them feel like they are hiring you for a good reason- to make their company better. To offer them your wonderful skills.
MAKE A SPECIAL THANK YOU CARD. attach it on a magnet or something hand crafted as a plus.
I attached an example of my thank you card.
If you forget to hand it to them in person like I did EMAIL IT shortly after the interview.
5. If they give you a special project assignment during the interview process:
I was asked to do a logo for a kidney research company. Don't do "just a logo" .. go all the way. Make a PDF presentation. Define the problems, research, sketches, ideas... Conclude with solutions. This will make you stand out and it will let people know that you take things seriously.
6. When looking for a job - you should e-mail: your portfolio PDF, website, resume, and possibly a cover letter, and your logo. Mention "I feel that I would benefit your company with my skills..."
7. Don't limit yourself to design firms. Think about publication - magazine - newspaper places to start out too.
8. It stands out to someone if you are very quick on replying to a phone call or e-mail. Mention that you are flexible (if you really are) Also make an Image signature of your business card or information on your e-mail . google it it's easy to do.
I attached a PDF of all of my branding - to give an idea about simplicity and consistency
I hope this helps! Good luck this semester!