Sussner Design Co. Lecture

Today I had the opportunity to gather with other members from Art Directors Association of Iowa for their 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-off and presentation from Sussner Design Co. Not only was the chili cook-off a great way to start the night (as there were several different samples that we got to taste and judge), but it was also an excellent opportunity to network and meet other designers from across Iowa. I was able to get to know a few students from University of Northern Iowa. We were able to discuss our collegiate experiences, our current projects and helpful tips about how to prepare for life after graduation. I also met a few designers from Meredith Corporation, who share my love for publication design. I asked them about their jobs and they shared with me how they got to where they are today. All in all, I feel that this was an excellent way to learn more about the field of design and the direction in which things are headed within my immediate community.

After the Chili Cook off, I listened to a presentation by Derek Sussner of Minneapolis who spoke about his work and company, Sussner design Co. Derek shared his experiences in starting the studio, which now houses 4 designers and has become one of the most respected firms in the ultra-competitive design community of Minneapolis.

Derek also spoke about his experiences working on projects for a range of clients, including ballpark signage for the Arizona Diamondbacks, environmental graphics for Target Commercial Interiors, a series of posters for Evel Knievel and much more. Here are his 5 tips for working with clients:

1. Make it meaningful – Always be honest and authentic in your work and relations.

2. Understand your audience – Who they are, what they believe in and what they do for fun.

3. Never pretend to know something that you actually know nothing about.

4. Make it appropriate.

5. Give it the “cool factor” – use your design sensibility to make it interesting and unique.

Overall, I left this presentation feeling refreshed and inspired. Learn more about Derek’s firm and check out their portfolio by visiting www.sussner.com.

39th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition: Call for Entries

This is the fourth and final year that I will have had the opportunity to submit my work to Drake University’s Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. I have been fortunate enough to have my work selected for the show each year that I have been a student and was honored with a second place award in drawing my sophomore year. I believe that submission to exhibitions is important in my development as a designer, as it is a way that I can be actively involved in and share my ideas with my design community.

Today, I submitted three projects that I developed during the past academic year through my courses at Drake. In the past, I have only ever submitted work from my fine arts courses, such as prints and drawings. This year, however, all of the works that I submitted are graphic design pieces. The show will open with a reception and awards ceremony on Sunday, March 7^th at 11:00 a.m.