Celebrate the four newest AIGA Medalists at “Bright Lights”

AIGA will honor the extraordinary life and work of four AIGA Medalists this year: Ralph Caplan, influential design advocate and writer; Elaine Lustig Cohen, pioneering graphic designer and curator; Armin Hofmann, legendary Swiss graphic designer and educator; and Robert Vogele, groundbreaking design entrepreneur and mentor. Each will be presented with the prestigious AIGA Medal on April 19 in New York City at “Bright Lights: The AIGA Awards.” In addition to being a memorable party, “Bright Lights” will support the legacy of AIGA and vital initiatives. Individual tickets start at just $200 but seating is limited! more-tickets »

Design leaders optimistic about business in 2012

AIGA’s Design Leaders Confidence Index began to rise again in the most recent quarter. The index rose from 86.63 to 100.71 in the fourth quarter of 2011, higher than all but four quarters since AIGA began monitoring confidence in April 2005. Responses to the most recent survey show a strong bounce of optimism among leading designers. more-index »

Enter “Justified: AIGA Design Competition” by March 31

2012 marks the next evolution in design competitions: AIGA is conducting a single competition this year—“Justified”—seeking examples of great design that show the role of a designer in a project and the effectiveness of design in meeting client expectations. All types of design projects are accepted; the biggest change from previous years’ competitions is that you do not need to send physical objects to enter—images and a short narrative of effectiveness are all that’s required. The jury’s selections will continue to build an archive of case studies demonstrating the critical role of the designer. more-justified »

Continuing the legacy of “50 Books/50 Covers”

AIGA is partnering with Design Observer and Designers & Books to continue the legacy of the “50 Books/50 Covers” competition in honoring book and book cover design excellence. Design Observer and Designers & Books will conduct the competition and selections will be published in the AIGA Design Archives online. A call for entries will be announced this spring and selections will be announced this fall. Stay tuned!

Register now for the 2012 “Gain” conference

Make plans now to join design, nonprofit, social innovation and business leaders at “Gain: AIGA Design for Social Value Conference” in San Francisco this October. Learn from innovators in a variety of industries as they demonstrate the broadening role design plays in institutional strategy, leadership, processes, services, products and messaging—and how the creative attributes of designers provide special advantages to tackling socially relevant projects and enhancing the human experience. Register early and save—rates increase $150 after June 6! more-gain »

Apply for AIGA’s executive education course by March 31

Advance your business knowledge in one intensive week this July at AIGA’s “Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders” course at the Yale School of Management. Immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere that stimulates teamwork and collaboration using case studies, lectures and hands-on activities. Each day will focus on a different topic—including negotiations, competitive strategy, operations, customer value, and law and management—to prepare senior-level creative professionals for C-level conversations. Submit your application now and save! Tuition rates increase $1,000 after March 31. more-yale »

Attend “Drive: AIGA San Diego Y Design Conference”

For each of us, the drive to be a designer is something different. Once you figure out what motivates you, you’ll be able to inspire those around you and create amazing things. Find your drive at the 17th annual AIGA San Diego Y Design Conference, held March 30–31 at the University of San Diego. Put yourself in the driver’s seat with two days of amazing speakers and hands-on Thinkshops featuring some of the best creatives out there. more-register »

Call for proposals: AIGA Design Education Conference 2012

The boundaries of higher education have become increasingly fluid as professors, students and curricula move between different regions of the world, creating culturally complex design projects, research and institutions. The Design Educators Conference this December in Hawaii provides international design educators the opportunity to present successful examples of such “transnational” projects and programs—proposals are due February 15. Visit the conference website for details on the call for proposals. more-education »

Learn about neuromarketing in an Aquent | AMA webinar

Leaders in marketing and advertising are talking about the newest application of brain and behavioral research: neuromarketing. In Aquent’s latest webinar, “Marketing to your Customer’s Brain,” Brainfluence author Roger Dooley demonstrates how big an impact neuromarketing can have on crafting memorable brand impressions. Aquent is offering AIGA members access to this webinar to learn how imagery and fonts allow designers to market directly and effectively by understanding how the brain works. more-webinar »

“Running Out of Running Time”

By Ralph Caplan
Anyone who has performed before an audience knows the wisdom of the dictum, “Always leave them wanting more.” As Ralph Caplan observes, that requires the sensitivity to know when is enough and the discipline to stop there. more-caplan »

“Case Study: Asset Promise Campaign”

By Richard Hollant
Working closely with the Middletown Youth Services Bureau, co:lab designed solutions to bring data about what kids needs to succeed into the community. more-hollant »

“What role do design competitions play?”

By Richard Grefé
Through member surveys, conversations with stakeholders and conference sessions, AIGA has been examining the role of annual design competitions. AIGA Executive Director Ric Grefé explains the thinking behind new programs and competition structures. more-grefé »

Take advantage of member benefits

Did you know that your AIGA membership gets you discounts on great brands like Adobe, Apple, FedEx, lynda.com, Shutterstock and more? Learn about these and many other benefits offered exclusively to members.

Catch up on the latest news

Missed the last issue of this newsletter? You can still read the December and January issues of Communiqué online.

About Communiqué