Antonio Alcalá

Every year all across the country, AIGA chapters work hard to present invaluable, thought-provoking, one-of-a-kind events where connections are formed, knowledge is learned and inspiration is gained. Here are 21 (plus 4!) that made 2011 eventful.

Protesting, making posters, writing, performing, using social media—through methods both new and old, design activists speak out against extreme immigration policies and economic inequality.

Top stories this week: redesigns, Facebook’s IPO, IxDA People’s Choice Award, a dearth of critical discourse on design, Design Envy picks from Jonnie Hallman and more.

At Pentagram Julia Hoffmann designed for renowned clients including The Metropolitan Opera in New York. Then as art director for Crispin Porter + Bogusky, she worked for powerhouses like Burger King. Still, since joining MoMA in 2008, she believes that “in-house design studios are the future of successful branding.” In this interview, learn why.