Engage. No, it isn’t just a command from Jean-Luc. It is the theme for AIGA’s 2010 Leadership Retreat. This has been my first experience in design working with such a large group. I was placed in the Screen and Press group. Together as a group we created press releases, web banners, a website, screen savers, gallery hop copy, and a student run blog just to name a few. My work focused on creating the screen savers, a dvd presentational screen (for use in the visitor’s hotel TVs), generating five blog posts, copy for a local gallery hop e-blast, and a guide card for Coolidge Park.
The entire process through the semester was trying but satisfying. Working with a client was something I had done before at a previous job. So some of the changes and updates did not surprise me as it did for some of my other classmates. Still, trying to implement our vision for the retreat brand along side the client’s vision is sometimes difficult. The whole experience this semester taught me many things. One is to always have a backup plan if you are experimenting with new programs. Another is to always try your best at persuading a client to trust the designer’s judgement, but also understand that in the end its the client who makes the final say. Third, meet your deadlines. Period.
After the class submitted its final PDF presentation to AIGA it was exciting to see all these small pieces become part of a greater whole. I now look forward to seeing everyone’s work being implemented at the retreat!
