Happy Birthday to us! Since we can’t safely celebrate in person as we’d hoped, we’re going to spend the next week telling our story and honoring those that made AIGA Orlando possible. It all began when Val Sloan and some other people in the Creative Club had an idea…

Most of the founders that will be telling their stories have AIGA shirts older than I’ve been a member. I started my service in 2017 on the Woman Lead team. I jumped face-first into eating and breathing the mission and vision of AIGA.
The Woman Lead program inspired me to start my own non-profit to encourage other women to become future creative leaders, and I will be eternally grateful to Anna McCambridge-Thomas
for recruiting me into that role.

In the next two years, I sat as Education Chair and was lucky to serve under Victor as his vice-president. Now, along with 20 other talented and scrappy board members, we’re building trust and connection in the city of Orlando.
Community and a sense of belonging are what I hope to foster now and for generations of members to come. Art and creativity have always been an Orlando bloodline. I like to think our program’s heart and soul supports expression and acceptance. From the first-year students learning the pen tool to self-taught, second career designers, we have something they can all
connect with, and that’s art.

I believe every member is unique, and we’re creating a space to bring their best self to our community. I’ll always be grateful for the board’s and our community’s support to continue to carry this torch because together, we can do amazing things.

Trinity Otero, — Current AIGA Orlando President

When Sarah Collins first contacted to be part of the AIGA Orlando board in 2011, I felt I was being called to the Majors. This was several years after Kristi Repstien Peters would tell me about the Creative Club and encourage me to get involved. I was an AIGA member before joining the board and attended several local events and even a national conference, but never thought of being a part of the board until Sarah’s call.

The first board meeting I attended was at the Imperial at Washburn Imports on Orange. I’ll admit, I was a bit starstruck to be part of that group. After all, my first board roster included Sarah, Patrick, Bernie, Jenny, Gilbert, Dionne, Cliffy, Jeff friggin’ Matz (!), and other incredible talents (subsequent boards have been just as incredible—we definitely have an amazing community). That was the first time I met a lot of people I would eventually call family, including Devon Hoernschemeyer, who would soon become President herself (and my partner-in-crime in so many AIGA adventures) and build a structure for the chapter that we still follow.

The subsequent 9 years on the board have been truly marvelous. They have let me serve as Co-Education Chair, Membership Director, Vice President, Co-President, President, and now President Emeritus. They have introduced me to so many wonderful people, not only locally, but across the nation, whom I now call friends. They have allowed me to meet so many of my creative heroes and find out they’re not only super talented but super generous! They have given me the opportunity to mentor, and then watch proudly as those whom I mentored become leaders and then turn around and mentor me (I’m looking at you, Reina and Tibby!). And they have allowed me to work with people who genuinely care for their communities and their future.

There have been many ups and downs, we’ve shed a lot of literal blood, sweat, and tears, and sometimes it feels like a second full-time job, but I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity Sarah gave me to be part of the AIGA Orlando board, for the people I have served with, and look forward to continued service.

Victor Davila -— AIGA Orlando President Emeritus

After graduating from college and working for several years, I missed being around other creatives. I originally joined Orlando’s Creative Club looking for people with similar interests –somewhere I could talk about the fonts on a menu or in movie credits! When the opportunity to grow our local group of creatives came up, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. 

My favorite memories of AIGA Orlando:

• Talking about AIGA at my wedding reception with Linda Hartmann, Tom Hope and Val Sloan on April 1, 2000.
• How much fun we always had at meetings. The initial set-up meeting was at The Globe in Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando and we sat there for hours. In the early days of the organization, I remember having board meetings at Magic Pencil Studios. 
• Meeting so many wonderful people through AIGA Orlando–people whom I have had the privilege to call friends over the last 20 years. Some of the original signers moved on to other cities, and went on to join other AIGA chapters. Ties to AIGA helped us jump into a ready-made community of like-minded people. 

Kristi Repstien Peters — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

So yea, AIGA came out of the ashes of the Creative Club of Orlando. Creative Club was a bit more inclusive in that it included copywriters and other creatives, but after many years membership and support were lacking and there were dwindling opportunities for creative folks to network and just “talk shop” in Orlando. A small group of us — Val Sloan, Kristi Repstien, Linda Hartmann (now my wife!) among them — started looking into getting an AIGA chapter here. We thought it would reinvigorate the Creative Club scene and allow us access to a national network and resources. We also did some outreach to more established designers in town. 

I seem to recall pitching it to Thomas Scott before a concert at the Social (I think it was Guided by Voices). He was very enthusiastic. Getting Jeff Matz and Paul Mastriani on board was important. There was a big vote among the remaining Creative Club members at a meeting held at the Kit Kat Club (I think this is Hooch now) and the change was approved. Then we went through the paperwork of dissolving Creative Club, incorporating AIGA, approving bylaws. There was a big debut at hotel downtown. Don’t recall much of the initial programming, though I did organize the first Spot show, held at the Science Center. Kinda crazy to think about now. 

We just sort of did it, making it up as we went. It was a LOT of work, but I’m proud it’s still going and inspiring the next gen of Orlando creatives.

Tom Hope — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

I think my memory of AIGA Orlando back then was how it came together so organically. Looking back the board consisted of a group of smart, talented and passionate people but we were not a group of seasoned board members. We formed and held events that added value to the creative landscape in Orlando and people from the community showed up, which not only reinforced what we were doing but allowed us to continue the journey.

Ryan Brandt — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

I would be a terrible witness at a courtroom trial. I don’t remember dates or details from last month, let alone 20 years ago. But let me say this: our AIGA chapter grew out of the Creative Club of Orlando which ended, not with a bang, but a whimper.

The Creative Club of Orlando—which was first called The One Club of Orlando until the lawyers representing The One Club of New York sent a cease and desist order and the name was changed—began as an alternative to the local Ad Fed which seemed to be predominately comprised of people in suits. All creatives, art directors, designers, illustrators, photographers and copywriters were included. At the kick-off ceremony those of us were involved in the evolution of the club wore name tags that said, “Hello. My name is Bob.” Everyone was told if they had any questions they could just “Ask Bob.”

The event featured an amazing video made by local talents and was followed, unfortunately, by some very bland speeches that almost lost the crowd. Despite that, people signed up in droves and we were on our way.

Over the next few years, The Creative Club struggled to establish itself, especially through our annual shows.  These shows were not judged by locals, but by nationally recognized industry stars whose mission was to judge us based upon a perceived national level of creativity. This did not always work as the year I was president I was on stage trying to explain to a room of 100+ people why the judges thought no one deserved a gold medal or Best of Show Award. That was a fun night.

My own work schedule kept me from being more involved at this point and I must admit I lost track of what was going on. However, there was a meeting called and the topic of discussion was a surprise to me: Can we go about changing The Creative Club of Orlando into a chapter of the AIGA.

I recall a few people, non-designers mostly, who were not pleased with this idea, but interest in The Creative Club appeared to be publicly waning, with a number of people returning to the Ad Fed or holding dual memberships. As the individuals who were presenting this idea spoke I could clearly see the writing on the wall and despite being one of the founding “Bobs” of The Creative Club, it didn’t seem to bother me.

I’m not sure who the presenters were that evening although I can guess that it was some of the usual suspects. People at the top tier of the creative community in Central Florida, many of whom—after two decades— still reside there. When the time came for public comments someone asked me—as an original “Bob”—what I thought. I’d love to tell you that I was erudite and sophisticated in my reply but sadly, it was me they were asking. I do recall expressing the general sentiment that while I would miss our little club, that becoming a chapter of the AIGA would benefit us in a myriad of ways, not the least of which was the scope and authority of belonging to a national—and highly respected—organization. Apparently a lot of other people in the room felt the same way.

I started teaching as an adjunct in the design program at Valencia College in 2012. Most of my classes over the years have been on Thursday nights, which coincides with a number of the AIGA meetings and events. (I’m not saying that the organization is doing this on purpose but…) I remain a dues paying member because I believe in the AIGA mission and the Orlando chapter has been actively fulfilling that mission since its creation. That is why I still support the chapter even if they won’t let me come to any of their meetings. (!) 

(AIGA Orlando board note: You are welcome any time, Kevin!)

I currently drive an aging Honda CRV. For years I would not place any stickers on it but now that it is old and rusty, who cares. I have the ubiquitous Apple icon, my Southern Poverty Law Center sticker (another worthwhile organization) as well as my Black Dog Salvage sticker and a Valencia Graphics and Interactive sticker. But the one that has been there since the car was new—almost the lifetime of our local chapter—is a window cling the proudly bears the letters “AIGA”. 

Kevin Boynton — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

I’m proud to have been a chapter petition signer to create the Chapter. I had been involved with Creative Club previously and was excited to transition our amazingly creative bunch of folks to become part of a national organization. The time we spent meeting and planning events, networking and having fun are great memories. I also remember stuffing and stamping a LOT of envelopes as we formed in a pre-digital world! 

One of my favorite memories of AIGA was the 2000? 2001? Decembership party, held at the Winter Park Farmers Market as a celebration of our members, in December, natch. Tom Hope, Kristi Repstien Peters and I put a lot of time into planning the event down to the flavors of cupcakes and table decor – a Warhol-inspired pop art aesthetic complete with silver Mylar tablecloths and kitschy centerpieces including soup-can vases. Looking back it probably planted the seed for me to return to school for interior design and consequently become an interior designer. But my memories of AIGA remain strong as do many friendships formed back then. Congrats for keeping the club robust and relevant!

Linda Hartmann – AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

More Founders

• Brian Minnich 
• Becky Wannamaker

Happy Birthday to us! Since we can’t safely celebrate in person as we’d hoped, we’re going to spend the next week telling our story and honoring those that made AIGA Orlando possible. It all began when Val Sloan and some other people in the Creative Club had an idea…

Happy birthday AIGA Orlando! When you were born, I was 23 years old which, looking back, is why I had the combination of energy and lack of awareness necessary to create something completely new from scratch. I didn’t do it alone, of course. Valerie Sloan, our first President, was a driving force who kept us motivated and inspired by the work of other chapters throughout the country. I vividly remember Thomas Scott advocating for an annual calendar that outlined the speakers, events and socials for recruiting. He was right because it worked. I also vividly remember during a planning retreat, brainstorming a conference that would last a full day and be a combination of workshops and speakers. It was going to be in January so we were kicking around the idea of “new year resolutions” and when Linda Hartman added the colon, Re:solutions, came to life. 

When a group of us traveled to Atlanta for the National AIGA Design Conference, Clement Mok (who was the national president at the time) suggested that graphics are just the center of impact for designers and that their influence ripples outward, ultimately changing systems and culture. Twenty years later, a lot has changed with our local AIGA chapter, but what Clement Mok said is still true, people working together – creatively – will always make a lasting impact.

Jenise Oberwetter, — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

Back in late 2002 early 2003, AIGA invited world renowned illustrator Luba Lukova for a lecture. The board was meeting with Luba before her presentation. For once in my life I was early to one of these meetings and had the honor to meet Luba before everyone else got there. After introductions she asked me what I did. I explained I was in the process of starting a new creative agency named SAY IT LOUD! She loved the name and the creative activist theme behind it. I asked if she would be interested in working together on a logo and she said as a matter of fact I am. Long story short, after she showed me 3 options we both selected our fav. 

That logo went on to win a One Show Gold Pencil Im logo design. Luba had no idea what a gold pencil was or how respected it is in our industry. I flew up to NYC for the ceremony and Luba and I got to walk up on stage together to receive the award. It doesn’t get any better than that. Forever grateful to AIGA for exposing creatives in central Florida to Luba and other international caliber talent.

Julio Lima, — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

AIGA was an abstract New York thing in my young days. I wanted to be involved but it seemed pointless from Florida. In 1999, I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference in Las Vegas and got pretty wound up about AIGA. Then I met Val Sloan in 2000 at a Creative Club of Orlando event and got caught in the whirlwind of the chapter start up. In case it hasn’t been stated elsewhere, Val was the reason the chapter happened. She knew what needed to be done.

I remember going to a lot of board meetings in those early days. And I remember being mostly a flop at securing sponsorships that first year. Some events happened despite that though. The second year I took the Vice President slot and Jenise was our very capable leader. She and I collaborated on a poster/mailer for the Paula Scher event. No pressure trying to create a poster to promote one of the greatest graphic designers ever. After that I arranged events for a few years. We found a great partner in the Orange County Regional History Center, who gave us a unique cheap event space. We brought in some amazing guests like Luba Lukova, Jeff Kleinsmith and Shawn Wolfe, and Haley Johnson.

In 2005 the chapter honored me with the AIGA Chapter Fellow award. I’m still humbled. Thank you Jenise and everyone else who made that happen.

Thomas Scott, — AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer, and AIGA Fellow

Way back in the old days (2001) when I first worked at Juicy Temples with Klaus Heesch we went to an AIGA social – my first ever – somewhere on Orange Ave if memory serves. I probably had a glass or two of wine and met great people and felt welcomed and comfortable on a special level. When it came time for announcements someone mentioned that the board was looking for members. I am a sucker for non-profit board work…at least I was back then. 

I jumped right in and never looked back.I think I started as Events Chair (or something similar) and ended my tenure as Chapter Pres. It was a great time in my life and put me smack in the middle of the design community which deeply enriched my life in myriad ways. Some of my fondest memories took place at Leadership Conferences (even when we missed our puddle jumper connection to Austin) and I’m grateful to have met Jenise, Val, Thomas, Jeff, Paul, Julio, Tom, and on and on. 

Congratulations, Orlando!

Kim Fox — AIGA Orlando Past President

As former AIGA President who served on the board for 11 years, I have many great memories of our creative association. Moving to Orlando without knowing a single soul, AIGA was a way for me to immediately meet many smart, kind and passionate people that continue to enrich my life to this day, 20 years later.

It started with Tom Hope urging me to help out with an event called SPOT at the Science Center. Through that experience and so many others since, I’ve been able to surround myself with a community that truly understands and appreciates design.

AIGA helped me become a better designer. A better public speaker. A better leader. I applied those lessons to my career and to my life.

Sarah Collins — AIGA Orlando Past President

In Memoriam: Lynne Lilly

Lynne Marie (Wollam) Lilly, 55, passed away in Orlando, Fla. Friday, June 12, 2015.

Lynne graduated from Moline High School, Moline, Ill., in 1978. She graduated in 1982 from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, with a BS degree in business administration.

Lynne worked at Lockheed Martin Aerospace, Orlando, Fla. She went back to school at Valencia College and earned a degree in graphic design.

Lynne is survived by her mother, Mrs. Norman E. Wollam, brother John, of Orlando, sister Mary Grimms of Lake Mary, Fla., two nieces Laren and Kristen Grimms of Lake Mary, Fla. Lynne was preceded in death by her father, Norman E. Wollam in 2000.

On a personal note: Lynne and I attended Valencia College together and became friends during that time. She was sweet and soft spoken; a friend to everyone and a person with a big heart. We had reconnected here on Facebook probably a year or so before her death. I was quite surprised and saddened when I learned that she passed away after an illness. 

RIP Lynne

Written by: Becky Wannamaker

In Memoriam: Christopher Schmitt

Christopher Richard Schmitt, 45, died April 9, 2020, at home in Austin, TX. At 6’7”, he was the tallest person in his immediate family, much to his older brother’s chagrin. He considered it a “win” to get someone to laugh, and he won many times. He accomplished getting his family members to laugh until they cried, or telling a joke, right as someone was taking a drink to have it coming out of their nose from laughter (so embarrassing, and, yet, so hilarious).

Christopher was loveable, humble, kind, and generous. He loved his girlfriend and their shared family. He loved doing whatever his family would be doing from watching Florida State sports, to visiting each other, to playing card and board games (Tripoley was a family favorite), to hanging out, to visiting family favorites such as Disney World or the beach, or having new adventures with them around the country. He was the best Uncle to his nephews and nieces. He would find out what the kids would want for their birthdays or Christmas and spoil them rotten. If he didn’t have a gift idea, he would research for the perfect gift for them. His new baby gifts were on point.

Christopher loved learning. He loved science fiction, including Doctor Who, Classic Star Wars, and Star Trek. He loved wearing his Chewbacca costume at different events, where he would happily have his picture taken with other science fiction fans. He always had a good story to share from wearing that costume. He was an expert in Web design, authoring many books on the subject, and loved how the internet could help people. Most of all, he wanted any one that came into contact with him to be comfortable and at ease. He was an incredible human being all the way around.

Christopher was born February 24, 1975, in Tallahassee, FL. He was the son of Richard and Meg Schmitt. He graduated from Leon High School in 1993. He earned an Undergraduate Degree from Florida State University in Fine Arts with emphasis in Graphic Design. He also earned a Master’s Degree from Florida State University in Communication for Interactive and New Communication Technologies and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from FSU’s College of Communication. Christopher authored many books on web design, most notably the “CSS Cookbook” for O’Reilly Publishing. He produced and led the NonBreaking Space Show podcast, which discussed web design and related issues. Through his company, Heatvision, he hosted web-related professional conferences around the world, improved the accessibility and structure of his clients’ websites, and advocated for a more inclusive Web.

Christopher is preceded in death by his mother, Meg Schmitt; his grandparents, Elizabeth and Karl Schmitt, and Inez and Harry Young; and his uncle, Daniel Schmitt.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Arianne Stiles, and her two sons, Julien and Gabe. His father and stepmother, Richard and Sara Schmitt of Cartersville, GA; two brothers, Paul (Teri) Schmitt of Merrimack, NH, and David (Margot) Schmitt of Oviedo, FL; sister, Tiffany (Brian) Gokey of Cartersville, GA; two stepsisters, Melissa Hurst of Austin, TX, and Jessica Alvarez of Tampa, FL. He is also survived by his 13 nephews and nieces, Nick, Elisabeth, Matthew, Mary, Michael, and Cecilia Schmitt; Ryan, Megan, and Meredith Schmitt; Gianna, Lillian, Robert, and Natalie Gokey.

Please visit www.christopher.org or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Schmitt for more information about Christopher and his accomplishments.

Christopher Richard Schmitt, — February 24, 1975 – April 9, 2020

In Memoriam: Christopher Schmitt

As a print designer, the web world was so very foreign to me in 1999. So I thought it was bold of Christopher — this tall, skinny bespectacled kid from the mystical land of pixels — to head down a path which at the time was dominated by print advertising and design creatives. Obviously, Christopher knew where the profession was headed. 

I knew Christopher was a big deal, but I didn’t realize how big. I knew he co-authored some books. Some years later I found out that he was a heavy-hitter, with deep roots in the establishment of Web design standards and CSS. Christopher continued to author and contribute to multiple books, and later co-founded national, prominent conferences. All the while, remaining the same incredibly humble, somewhat geeky and very likable guy. 

About 5 years ago, he hired my instrumental prog rock band to perform at a conference after-party. I thought maybe he did that because we were cheap. During our set, I noticed Christopher off to the side, drinking a cold beer, watching us with a smile on his face and genuinely enjoying the music. 

Cheers, Christopher. I’ll miss you.

Written by: Thuan Nyugen

In Memoriam: Christopher Schmitt

This year, we lost one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have ever known: Christopher Schmitt. Christopher was a friend to everyone. He had an infectious laugh, and a unique sense of humor that was often based on keen observations of the ordinary that changed your perspective in small, but meaningful ways. He was almost always the tallest person in the room, but had a way of making everyone feel big, exemplified by his extraordinary ability to pivot for any audience. For me, this was shown when he was able to listen and chat with my 9 year old son about Pokémon Go and then turn back to our “grown up” conversation—which could have been anything from movies, or one of his books, or new clients, or reminiscing about conferences we had worked on together—seamlessly. He was smart, talented, and humble, which might be rare. He loved to educate. He wrote, he spoke, he was on panels, and taught classes. He loved Ari and her boys. And U2. He wouldn’t let you forget he loved U2.

There is a hole in the creative community, and his presence will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rest well, dear one.

Written by: Kristi Repstien Peters

Happy Birthday to us! Since we can’t safely celebrate in person as we’d hoped, we’re going to spend the next week telling our story and honoring those that made AIGA Orlando possible. It all began when Val Sloan and some other people in the Creative Club had an idea…

My favorite memory of AIGA Orlando is… all of the energy and buzz that developed as we found all of the people to sign our charter and the charter signing party. the board had temporary tattoos and we all wore jackets (some leather motorcycle jackets) and unveiled our chapter logo tattoos by disrobing. We had a dessert theme that night. It was at the hotel downtown by lake Eola. It really was an amazing night of celebration.

I joined AIGA Orlando because… I was an AIGA member prior to moving back to Orlando when there was the Creative Club of Orlando. Without the history of the Creative Club and the hard work from all of those folks who started that club as an alternative to AdFed we may not have AIGA Orlando at the time or in the same capacity. It was a head start to be able to have a chapter with a history, a bank account, and other aspects to kickstart unlike other chapters that start from scratch. I had to move away from Orlando because of taking a job out of state.

I’m proud to be an AIGA Orlando Member because…I’ll say I’m proud to be the charter president because it was an amazing opportunity that other people looked towards me with my experience and knowledge in AIGA to assist in the process of moving from Creative Club to AIGA. It is truly an honor to have had that privilege. I miss those days. I miss all the fun we had. I miss the collaborations and the excitement. I’m grateful that the chapter is still alive and about to celebrate 20 years – that’s just amazing and crazy how time has flown by.

Val Sloan, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer and charter president

I started out with the Creative Club in 1999, because it was a great way to get to know people in lots of different creative fields. When I heard that we were going to be forming our own AIGA chapter, I was excited to get involved. I’m proud that I could be one of the signers of our chapter petition. I started out as the Social Chairperson, organizing monthly social gatherings.

I would like to have a lot of great stories to tell about the year AIGA Orlando started, but the truth is, that time is a bit of a blur for me because I was diagnosed with cancer part of the way through the first year. While I had to resign from my position to focus on my health, everyone was so warm and supportive.

I’m happy to be healthy now and to still be in touch with some of those lovely and talented people, all these years later. And I’m very happy that AIGA Orlando is still going strong. I hope it’s a foundation for the creative development as well as the friendships of lots of Orlando creatives!

Marci Brinker, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

Some of you may remember that AIGA Orlando’s predecessor was the Creative Club of Orlando — an ad club focused on promoting great creative advertising and design. By 1999, most of Orlando’s top creatives were active members; the club held its 9th annual awards show, and I was installed as the new president. The following year as president took me well out of my comfort zone. I had to learn superhuman networking skills to get a roomful of introverts to behave like extroverts. The Creative Club enjoyed high involvement and maintained a strong local presence. However, we didn’t want just to maintain, we wanted to grow.

As leaders, we’re tasked to look ahead — not just to the next year, but also to the next 10, 15 or 20 years. Many board members shared the vision that it was time for greater impact and a wider connection beyond the local community. We believed becoming an AIGA chapter would help us reach that next level.

 AIGA National had an established network, government advocacy, professional best practices guidelines, a biannual conference, and a prestigious awards program. The multiple local/regional chapters allowed for local programming like mentorships, community service, design history/education, jobs bank and more. Fortunately, other members had experience with other local chapters as students. So, it was an easy sell to establish the charter AIGA Orlando.

Thuan Nguyen, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

I don’t have any specific memory, but as I think about my time organizing initial web efforts for AIGA Orlando, I do remember some general things. The web was still pretty new and it was great to be able to bring my knowledge of the new medium to help promote the new AIGA chapter.

My background was mostly in tech and code, so I felt pretty honored to be included in a group of such creative and talented people. Over and over I was impressed by the number of creative people who were in the Orlando area and how versatile the creative work was. I often thought we were doing something really useful because there were so many creative people in the area but at the time there was a limited sense of a “design community” for Orlando, and starting the AIGA chapter was one way for us to bring all of these creative people together. It was a great experience and I still feel fortunate to have been a part of it.

Gary Ritzenthaler, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer

Usually when someone asks me to reflect on a particular time in my life, they’re eager to know what I’m proud of. How has it shaped me? What have I learned?

So when I was invited to share something about AIGA Orlando’s origins, I had to pause. ‘Proud’ isn’t quite the word that comes to mind. ‘Curious’ is in there. ‘Naive’ rings a bell. ‘Hopeful’ is a worthy candidate.

Because the truth is that I really had no clue what I was after. The idea wasn’t mine, I know that for sure. But I was eager to go along with it. And it turned out to be pretty good.

But that’s the thing about looking back on our past. It’s tempting to be nostalgic, to romanticize, to carefully curate and tell a good story. The reality? We wanted to try something together. And we got creative. And a hard-working group of young professionals—as they often do—made something new.

I loved my time with AIGA. I met fascinating people and appreciated our differences. And I truly felt part of a democratic organization that put people before projects—that was striving to be inclusive decades before diversity entered every mission statement.

But like many endeavors, it could have just faded away. The fact that it hasn’t is a testament to something else—not looking backward, but not quite looking forward either. Perhaps like the best creative moments, it was just about being in the present, being connected and open to possibility. And maybe that’s what sustains AIGA today: imagining what can be, while not losing sight of what is right in front of us.

Ben Goodman, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer
Principal, Ben Goodman Creative

I spent 10+ years helping build and grow the Creative Club of Orlando (formerly the One Club of Orlando). So, naturally, I was a little taken aback when I first heard there was a move to shutter CCO and start an AIGA chapter in Orlando. But, after hearing from Thomas Scott’s pitch, I was sold. I had been putting a lot of effort into this organization to help raise the standard of creative work being in Orlando and becoming part of AIGA offered more resources to do just that: programs, exhibitions, publications, access to creatives, networking, and more.

I stayed active on the board of AIGA Orlando for many of its 20 years including being the chapter president for a few of those years. I’ve travelled for AIGA meetings and conferences to Miami, Pittsburgh, New York (and probably some places I’ve forgotten). I’ve met some amazing people across the country. We brought design rockstars to Orlando come speak to our creative community. There were countless socials where we ate, drank, drew, commiserated, and networked. But the best part, for me, was getting to know so many amazing people that work in our local creative community. Professionals and students alike. I’ve made some life-long friends through AIGA. Maybe some enemies, too.

There are moments when being part of AIGA really made me feel like I was making a difference. Even if it was in very small ways. I remember one of mentorship proteges telling me how uninspired she had been. Even a little depressed and unsure about her career choice. But, we had chatted about design, studied some work together, talked about typography and where inspiration comes from, etc. I gave her a couple of books to read. She—almost embarrassed—said she spent most of her spring break reading and getting inspired again rather than partying like most college kids were doing. That was a really inspiring moment to know I made a difference for someone. 

We worked hard and I think we did a lot of great things during my tenure on the board, but one thing we were criticized for was being too ‘clique-y’ or exclusive. I never understood that. I always thought we strove to be open and welcoming. I was probably too close and couldn’t see it. Maybe the gestures for inclusivity weren’t overt enough. Maybe it’s just the nature of introverted creative minds. I don’t know for sure. But, the next generation of the board, led by Devon Hoernshemeyer and Victor Davila, started the ‘community meeting’ model after hearing a presentation from the AIGA Raleigh chapter. That model expanded membership and made our chapter more inclusive. Kudos for making that move.

AIGA Orlando also provided me with a true career highlight by making me an AIGA Fellow. And I’m beyond honored to be the second fellow named in our chapter after my good friend, Thomas Scott, had been named a few years back.

Good luck to the next generation of board members. Keep pushing to make this chapter and this organization better, more inclusive, more educational, and more inspiring.

Jeff Matz, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer,
Past President, and AIGA Fellow

As a former social chair for AIGA Orlando, one of my fondest memories was the Halloween Social that both artist Kim Foxbury (also a social chair) and I created. With paint, glue and tons of talent, members turned plain paper lunch bags into pieces of art. Each bag was then filled with candy donated by everyone who attended. (I’ll never forget when large boxes of candy were delivered care of Disney and designer Thomas Scott!) We delivered the candy filled bags to Ronald McDonald House and New Hope for Kids. A great example of unity, community and creativity, all for a good cause.

Paul Mastriani, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer
Principal | Designer, Lure Design

My AIGA journey began with a lack of connection to my creative community. In school, we had regular assignments, critiques, and a few professors who were helpful, but there was no help with the process of finding an ideal internship, much less any assistance with job placement. There was no GDSA at my Alma mater, like there is now, and I felt I was on an island once I graduated from the University of Central Florida. The absence of support, mentorship, and creative community was with me until I found out about AIGA Jacksonville. I actually did the commute from Orlando up to Jax to attend an event or two, but that wasn’t sustainable.

One day, a woman contacted me about needing one more signature on a petition to form an Orlando chapter of AIGA. We met, I joined 19 other signers, et voila, a new chapter was born! Even so, it was years before I felt the true sense of community I do now. I attribute that to the adage, “You reap what you sow.”

Becoming involved in AIGA Orlando’s board changed everything for me in a very positive way. The role of Women Lead Initiative Director allowed me not simply to develop programming that engaged our members, but allowed me a platform to offer non-AIGA members to have the focus and present their points of expertise. Thoughtful collaboration among creative professionals and students with people outside of our various occupations is crucial to improving our understanding and approach to better serve the people, and to evolve together. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Anna McCambridge-Thomas, AIGA Orlando chapter petition signer,
current AIGA Orlando Women Lead Initiative Director

AIGA Orlando is sponsoring Fusion Fest this year by offering in-kind design services by highlighting different regions around the world! If you would like to work with us and create designs, we’d love to hear from you!

Application Deadline has passed

Must have an online portfolio
2+ years of experience
Able to volunteer 10 hours

Are you interested in playing an active role in the design community? Do you enjoy being a part of AIGA, and want to play a bigger role in Orlando’s chapter? Join the AIGA Orlando board!

Our chapter’s programming year runs from August 2018 to June 2019 and there are exciting plans in the works for it. However, to make even greater things happen for our community we need the help of talented individuals like you, from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.

Benefits of being on the board.

Serving on the AIGA Orlando board is the perfect way to be hands on with the planning and strategic direction of our chapter. If there’s a speaker, workshop, or specific type of content you’d like to see offered in Orlando, being a part of the board is THE best way to make that happen. It’s also a fun way to connect with local and nationally recognized designers, and make connections with other local organizations. Beyond that, your time on the board will help you grow professionally in leadership, and in other ways, you may not have the opportunity to explore in your daily profession.

Requirements to Board Members

Board positions are open to anyone, as long as you are able to meet the following requirements:

• Maintain an active AIGA membership at the Supporting Level or higher (throughout the duration of your term)
• Be an active member of the Orlando creative community
• Able to serve a two-year term, in most cases
• Have ~3+ hours per week to dedicate to the position (this is flexible depending on time of year)
• Attend monthly board meetings and community meetings (~4 hours per month)
• Attend 80% of all other AIGA Orlando events
• Willingness to help spread the word about AIGA Orlando events and projects through word-of-mouth and personal social media accounts

Apply Now

Applications for joining the board are being accepted now to July 20, 2018. When the application period has ended all submissions will be reviewed and voted on by the AIGA Orlando Board of Directors. Applicants will be informed of next steps before July 28, 2018, and all those accepted will need to attend a mandatory board retreat Saturday, August 4, 2018 for training and planning. Please plan accordingly if you’re applying.

Applications are now closed

I used to drive by a church on regular trips to my parents’ house. A cute little cottage, modest, with muted blue siding, crisp white edging and accents. An oval sign, machine cut from ridged wood, stood out front, painted to match the facade and reading its name: “Logos.”

I thought it was a design shop with a very literal name. I nearly sent them my portfolio. Rather, their Google listing showed them as a church. I was glad I had not sent my work. This would have looked silly.

What do logos have to do with church then? Well, what does Logos have to do with logos?

Logos to a churchgoer is a singular system of rational argument – logic – to validate the existence of a greater being. Logos, in its literal translation from Greek, means “word.”

As in, “In the beginning was the Word …” … this Word, is Logos.

In secular usage, Logos is still logic to articulate an argument, in linear reason and through evidence.

Logo as a designer knows the word, seems outright something totally different; a distinct mark, type arrangement, or combination of both, as the core of a recognizable brand for any group or organization. The word logo as we use it is abbreviated from 1 of 2 words: logotype or logogram.

A logotype is how it reads; a type treatment logo, formed historically from one unique plate rather than a combination of type pieces. A logogram rather, is an image that forms to express a word. Logograms have been used throughout history. Egyptian Hieroglyphs are logograms, as are some Chinese characters, or cuneiform marks of the ancient Sumerians.

Most emojis are logograms.

At first look, they seem to be homonyms of sorts: 2 words which sound the same though have different meanings. The curious relationship between these two words, Logos and logos, is that homonyms have different roots. Logos and logos share a common root.

Letters are set in type to form a word. The word gram, as in telegram, pictogram, Instagram – at its base means to draw or to write, as in drawing a diagram, or using proper grammar, or programming code.

The use of Logos as a style of church discourse, or as secular discourse, or representation by any designer or brand, is a nuanced version of the same idea. They’re not homonyms at all – they’re actually the same concept, on distinct sides of the same spectrum, designed to lean anyone in the direction of the presenter’s position, through a combination of word(s) and images.

That sign, reading “Logos” outside the Church of Logos, is a logo. It’s the church’s earnest, outward attempt to bring me in to their Logos. Who knows if I’ll stop in next time I drive by, portfolio in hand.

About the author
Kevin is one-half of Peach Key (peachkey.co), a husband-and-wife design / communications agency based in Lake County. In addition to client work, sometimes he writes about opportunities in miscommunication.

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of AIGA Orlando.

For the month of September 2017, CreativeLive, the world’s leading creative education platform, will offer AIGA members free access to the online course “A Brand Called You” with Debbie Millman.

What: A month-long self-branding course offering
When: September 1–30, 2017
Who: Available FREE to all member levels during September (a $79 value)
How: A promo code will be revealed to members upon login at aiga.org/creativelive-discount beginning September 1!

More info in the workroom!

We were excited to celebrate the culmination of our 2017 Mentorship Program at the SPOT Showcase on April 22nd at Feeding Children Everywhere. At this month’s community meeting, we invited the winners from the showcase to share the creative processes behind their work. Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to all of the judges, volunteers, and board members who made this year’s showcase yet another success! Check out photos from the showcase below!

Our Winners:
Taylor Alt, Lure Design, Inc. Fresh Eye award. (Mentor: Clark Orr)

The City of Orlando recently announced an initiative to redesign our city’s flag. Our local creative community immediately engaged in a discussion on the ethics of an open call for submissions as part of the design process.

Opinions are divided. Is the process of submitting sketched design ideas speculative work? Pro bono work? Or something else entirely?

In fact, even Paula Scher has reason to design for free sometimes.

As advocates for the design profession, AIGA holds a position on speculative work aimed to protect our industry’s creative endeavors. Our chapter believes there could be a better flag design process—a way that upholds a spirit of community collaboration, does not diminish the value of the Orlando’s creative community, and will result in a flag design that makes us all proud of our beautiful and creative city. Below is an open letter to the city.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual designer to assess this call for submissions—its parameters, impact, fine print, etc., and decide for themselves if it is something they feel comfortable contributing to.

Dear City of Orlando Office of Communications and Neighborhood Relations,

It’s exciting to see that the design of a new flag for Orlando has become a priority. An updated flag can be a  powerful symbol of the unique beauty and diversity of the city and its residents. As co-president of the Orlando chapter of the AIGA, the nation’s largest and oldest professional association for design, I speak on behalf of all 200+ local members, our national office and our broader creative community when I express our enthusiasm for the effort to approach the design process as one of collaboration and inclusion. However, we are concerned with the negative impact the current process may have on the Orlando creative community—the very community you hope to engage and celebrate in this effort.

Competitions that ask artists and designers to contribute their talent, time and rights of ownership without payment—and with only a hope that their work will be selected—are against standards of professional practice. AIGA strongly opposes work solicited in this manner.

As designers and artists we are visual problem-solvers and critical thinkers who make our living by selling our time. The work we do is labor intensive—it requires research, thinking, experimentation and execution. When an organization requests creative work and the right to own it without compensation for the creator’s efforts, this activity promotes disrespect towards artists and designers broadly, and perpetuates a misunderstanding of the value of effective design.

Imagine for a moment this process applied to another respected profession. What if the City were to solicit dozens of attorneys to write free briefs with only the possibility they would be compensated for their time?

This is an excellent opportunity for our local government to advocate for best practices that protect and promote the Orlando creative community. In addition, this can help assure that AIGA, our members, and the larger creative community can support and assist in the success of our city’s new flag design.

We believe there is a better way! For example:

1. Allow the entire Orlando community to be part of the process by distributing a survey for written ideas that could include symbols, colors and more.
2. Seek a written proposal from designers and artists that have carefully reviewed the survey results. This proposal would be supported by examples of the artist’s preexisting work.
3. Select and engage a designer who would earn reasonable compensation.

This would be an ethical and fair-minded process—one that respects the creative profession and craft, includes wide collaboration, assures professional guidance and is much more likely to lead to a successful design.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. AIGA believes that designers and artists should be compensated fairly for their ideas and work, and that when creatives are properly engaged this helps uphold the value of their industry and craft. Please feel free to contact me or my associates as we are more than happy to discuss these important matters.

Sincerely,

Devon Hoernschemeyer | Co-President, AIGA Orlando