Call for entries: The deadline for “Justified: AIGA Annual Design Competition” is March 31

AIGA is seeking examples of exemplary design across all disciplines—from identity systems to motion graphics—for “Justified: AIGA Annual Design Competition.” Entries are due March 31—click here for details on how to enter. An esteemed jury will review all submissions this spring and identify work from the past two years that is both aesthetically pleasing and effective at demonstrating the value of design. If selected, your work will be published on AIGA.org—gaining exposure for your firm while communicating the power of design to clients, students, peers and the public. more-justified »

Help “Get Out the Vote” in 2012

You can show the power of design by participating in AIGA’s voter-mobilization campaign for the general election, “Get Out the Vote 2012.” Create a nonpartisan poster or video to encourage voter turnout, and submit it online to be included in the AIGA gallery, which will be promoted to the broader public for downloading, sharing and posting this summer and fall. Download the design brief and templates to get started—submissions are due June 1. more-GOTV »

Design for Democracy releases new top 10 tips for election design

AIGA Design for Democracy continues its drive to improve clarity in election materials by advocating adherence to design guidelines derived from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission report: Effective Designs for the Administration of Federal Elections. In preparation for the 2012 election, the top 10 tips have been updated—share them with local officials. more-guidelines »

The AIGA Standard Agreement for Design Services is now part of docracy.com

To help you create and execute legal documents more easily, AIGA’s Standard Agreement for Design Services has been added to Docracy’s online collection of free legal contracts. Docracy’s mission is to make useful legal documents freely available to the public—taking the mystery and fear out of legal agreements and making them easier to find, customize and sign. more-contracts »

Take advantage of new features for member profiles on AIGA.org

Enhanced online profiles are now available to AIGA members—a great way to let others know who you are and to promote your work! Features include the ability to upload a headshot, add a bio and provide links to your website and LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Your enhanced AIGA.org member profile also syncs with your AIGA Member Gallery portfolio to show recent work. And when you contribute content to AIGA.org or participate in a conversation, your activities are automatically listed on your profile, making it easier than ever to share what you’ve been up to. Take advantage of these member-only features! more-profiles »

Celebrate and support design at “Bright Lights” next month

“Bright Lights,” AIGA’s annual celebration of design excellence, is just around the corner and will honor the extraordinary lives and works of AIGA Medalists Ralph Caplan, Elaine Lustig Cohen, Armin Hofmann and Robert Vogele. Join fellow designers in New York City to celebrate design greatness and support the AIGA Design Archives and Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships—individual tickets start at just $200. more-tickets »

Reminder: Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship applications due March 30

The deadline for 2012–2013 Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships is approaching fast—don’t miss it! These scholarships benefit minority and economically disadvantaged college students studying art and design in the United States, aiming to increase diversity in the creative professions and foster social and environmental responsibility. Students with financial need who can demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities are encouraged to apply. more-scholarship »

Apply by March 31 for the AIGA|Yale School of Management course

Advance your business knowledge at AIGA’s “Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders.” Alumni consistently rank the weeklong program at Yale School of Management as one of the most formative experiences of their careers. Learn how to be more persuasive and effective in creating change in business, nonprofit and public organizations at the highest levels—submit your application now! Tuition rates increase $1,000 after March 31. more-yale »

Take advantage of member discounts for HOW Design Live

AIGA members are eligible for an exclusive 10 percent discount on any of the HOW Design Live conferences taking place June 21–25 in Boston—the best price you’ll find anywhere. With specialized events for in-house, freelance and package designers, you won’t want to miss this week of hands-on training and insights! Log in to learn more and get the discount—and be sure to register before the March 30 early registration deadline to get the best price. more-discount »

Participate in the “Design Ethos” conference

Join designers, leaders and forward thinkers at the “Design Ethos” conference, hosted by the Savannah College of Art & Design this April, for conversations that will challenge you to reconsider your design vision. Presenting its first-ever “Do-ference,” attendees will collaborate with one another and local community leaders to work on a project over three days, affecting the lives of real people. Be sure to select AIGA Member when you register to receive the exclusive AIGA member discount. more-ethos »

Board ballot coming soon

Each year, AIGA welcomes new members to its national board of directors to serve three-year terms and to help shape the direction of the organization. For the term beginning July 1, a member-based nominating committee has reviewed more than 20 applications and will soon be recommending a slate of six nominees to professional-level members for ratification. Stay tuned!

2011 AIGA annual report now available

AIGA’s report of the year-in-review, including a brief analysis of how member dues are spent, has been published on AIGA.org; FY 2011 audited financial statements are also available. Activities during the past few economically-challenged years have been focused on building services and infrastructure so that the organization is poised for a period of growth; working capital has supplemented membership dues to continue to meet members’ needs and plan for the future. more-report »

“Case Study: Dell 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report”

By Dell Global Brand Creative Team
You find answers only when you ask important questions: That’s what this project reinforced to the Dell Global Creative Team, charged with presenting an honest and transparent account of Dell’s efforts to minimize the impact of technology on the environment and maximize human potential. more-dell »

“Snapshots of Etsy’s In-house Culture”

By Etsy Product Design
What does it take to support a community that sold more than $500 million in handmade and vintage products in 2011? Sixteen iPhone pics taken by the Etsy in-house design team capture the love for design and spirit of making that’s built into the company’s DNA and culture. more-etsy »

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 January and February issues of Communiqué online.

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