INform, the newsletter for in-house creatives

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Welcome to the Summer issue of INform! This quarterly newsletter is part of AIGA’s INitative, a program AIGA developed with The Creative Group to help in-house design
teams thrive.

	INterview: Mark McGuinness Author and design management consultant Mark McGuinness discusses the role of the design team leader, outlining the skills team leaders need to succeed and dissecting some of the biggest challenges they face. For current and prospective in-house team managers, Mark provides shrewd suggestions on how to lead—and inspire—by example. Read the interview »
	INterview: Bob Calvano In the final installment of a three-part conversation, Bob Calvano, director of Merck’s Global Creative Studios, offers practical advice for the in-house team faced with an all-too-common issue—being perceived as a service provider rather than a strategic partner. Breaking down the assignment, enhancing team communication and establishing accountability are just a few of the solutions he proposes. Read the interview »
	An in-house summer reading list Looking for a great read this summer? Whether you’re in the office or out by the pool, be sure to check out these five engaging books—all selected with the in-house designer in mind. Refine your communication skills, hone your ability to leverage cultural trends and learn to navigate corporate settings to effect real change. See the list »
	The heart of deadlines: A new contract for in-house relationships For an in-house designer, what is the secret to securing great relationships with clients? Business coach Rena DeLevie proposes a four-point contract for establishing and maintaining a productive alliance, outlining simple yet surprisingly effective strategies that designers can adopt and implement on a daily basis. Read the article »
	Driving design innovation in-house In part two of this article, veteran in-house design manager Andy Epstein continues to explore the link between in-house designers and research scientists. Applying technology innovator Bell Labs’ remarkable business practices to the in-house context, he argues that time, autonomy and a balance between theory and implementation are key ingredients for success and innovation—in-house. Read the article »
	VIDEO: Design for social innovation At last year’s “Pivot: AIGA Design Conference,” Mary McBride presented an inspired model for strategic design thinking and practice—“Triple Bottom Line by Design”—that encourages designers to become strategists and co-creators, and to evolve their practices to better meet the needs of business, markets and society. Watch the video »
	VIDEO: In-the-House 2 AIGA New York’s popular event—showcasing the best of in-house design—recently featured a lively panel with creatives from MTV, Google Creative Labs and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. Learn what makes these brands and their in-house teams thrive in this panel moderated by Debbie Millman, president of the design group at Sterling Brands and former AIGA national president. Watch the panel »
	FROM THE ARCHIVES: The ins and outs of working in-house Being part of a design department has its pros and cons. In this compelling assessment, Johanna Björk weighs the positives—including health insurance, technical support and name recognition—against potential negatives, such as cubicles and conformity. Read the article »
	Upcoming chapter INitiative events On August 20, AIGA Dallas Fort Worth presents INitiative Part 1, a panel discussion with local in-house designers. On August 24, AIGA Minnesota presents The INtrapreneurial Workshop, an intensive workshop for in-house leaders. And on September 12, AIGA Atlanta presents The Creative Team of the Future with TCG Executive Director Donna Farrugia. Visit the calendar »
	Create a rockin’ resume How attention-grabbing is your resume? Today’s employers often receive resumes from hundreds of job applicants, and they spend an average of two minutes reviewing each one, according to research by TCG. The more eye-catching your application materials, the better your chance of landing an interview. Check out these tips for developing an impressive resume.

The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of highly skilled interactive, design and marketing professionals with a variety of firms on a project and full-time basis. Online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and TCG’s award-winning career magazine can be found at creativegroup.com.

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