AIGA Boise Student Chapter

We have a new website!

2008-11-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

AIGA Boise State has recently launched a new website. We will no longer be posting to this blog, and in fact it probably won't even be up much longer.

If you have this page bookmarked, please update to our new URL:

aigabsu.org

Thanks!

Mix/Mentor Tonight

2008-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

That's right, tonight we have an opportunity to meet, mix and gain some valuable advice from some of the area's top graphic design professionals. There will be an opportunity at the end for a drawing, pairing students and professionals at random for a cup of coffee once a month. If you want to get in on that, you should do two things. First, send me an e-mail [stephennorell@gmail.com] to sign up, and second, bring some sort of self promotional piece (it can be anything you want) to hand out.

If you don't want to take part in the mentorship drawing, that's ok. You are still more than welcome to come hang out and see what the AIGA Boise State Group has to offer.

It's happening tonight in the FAB (free parking = win!) at around 6 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

Student/Professional Mixer

2008-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you may have heard, we are planning an event with the professional AIGA chapter. The purpose of the event is to connect student club members (or potential club members, you don't have to be a member to participate in this event, although it is encouraged) and professional members. How it works is, you (the students) will sign up to take part in the event (either by sending me an e-mail [stephennorell@gmail.com] with your name and contact info, or by signing one of the sign up sheets that will be posted around the Fine Arts Building) and the professionals who are interested in participating and becoming a "mentor" will also sign up with the professional chapter. Then, we will all get together on Wednesday, September 24 for a chance to meet each other, mingle, and so on. After that we will pair up students and professionals at random.

Basically, you and the professional will get a chance to meet up for a cup of coffee once a month throughout the semester and discuss whatever design-related topics you wish. It's a great opportunity to get a feel for what happens in the professional design world, as well as build some good contacts.

So once again, if you are interested, send me an e-mail or sign up on one of the sheets around the FAB.

New Semester

2008-09-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hello.

I hope everyone's semester is going well so far. All of us officers at AIGA are really excited for this upcoming semester. We have a really big professional/student mixer we will be announcing at our meeting this Wednesday (6 p.m. room 105 in the FAB). Yes, you heard it right, we have our first meeting tomorrow night at six.

This year it is very easy to become a member as AIGA has done it all online now. You don't even need to send them a bursar's receipt. It's instantaneous. Why join? Click here. Then attend our meeting for even more reasons.

Also, look for posters around the FAB announcing the event and thanks to Jodie for our first post of the semester.

http://www.thegraphicstudent.com

2008-09-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

I came across this while reading Armin Vitt's blog this morning, http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/005193.html

THE GRAPHIC STUDENT is a resource for design students. Whether you're studying graphics, fashion, architecture, or any other creative visual field, this is the place for you. A place to share work, speak your mind, and learn from one another. http://www.thegraphicstudent.com

of course, nothing is a better resource for students than each other, GO AIGA BSU!

Idaho recognized as 60th AIGA chapter

2008-05-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

There is now an Idaho chapter of the AIGA. Click here to read more. We are still working on getting the student group recognized by the AIGA, which will likely come near the beginning of next semester. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail any of the officers.

Create, I Mean cre-8

2008-04-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's a Portfolio Extravaganza! May's First Thursday, that is the 1st, at the Linen Building is the ever amazing student portfolio show. Everyone should stop by, it's a one night, single time event and should be a great time for all. They have Elliot Peter Earls coming to speak, who is a "good" designer, so come to hear him and stay for the art. This is just an announcement, so maybe we can get a more in depth preview latter.

Punch it!

2008-04-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

A little short notice, but in case you don't know, or as a reminder, our fellow Artists (they use a capital 'A') are having their hard earned BFA Thesis Exhibit this Friday, the 18th from 6-8. It should be a good one so make the opening if you can and let us know what you think.

It's Official

2008-04-09T06:33:00.001-07:00

Finally, after a month and a half, ASBSU has approved our constitution and granted us club status! This is the first of two steps to official "officialness." Now that BSU has given us the green light, we can proceed to make it official with the AIGA...which we will do very, very soon. We will have only one more meeting before the semester is over (April 20) and it is important that everyone have their checks/cash/cards ready, have filled out the AIGA paperwork, and have given us a stamped bursar's receipt showing that you are a student. Stop by the Registrar's office to pick up the last item. Us officers will be sending it all off very soon. Stay tuned for more details on the last meeting as well...

What do other Designers look like?

2008-03-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Click here to check out
The Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group!

In order to broaden your horizons, and let you know about other design events, the Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group is having a Meetup this Tuesday the 25th at 7pm at 8th Street Wine Company 405 South Eighth Street Restaurant /downstairs. So for those who are in town this spring break, and read this blog, see if you can make it. I don't know much more about them other than what's online. The members have a few BSU alum in the mix. So I'm going to check it out this time and post about what it was like, so stay tuned.

Sagmeister in Idaho

2008-03-12T22:11:00.001-07:00

So I've had some requests to put a bit on here on the Sagmeister road trip I took a week or so ago...He spoke up at the U of I and it was really everything I could have hoped for. He has a pretty amazing humility when he talks and lets you interrupt him to ask questions (in a crowd of 200).

His primary focus was on having a message to your design which is an interesting way to go about design since generally we're trying to sell something. His new book is focused on trying to say something important with the tools he knows how to use. He also teaches a class in New York where they have 3 projects: help a small (5) group of people via design, help a larger (500) group of people you've heard about, and help everyone. Seems like an interesting semester. He's also launched a new site: thingsihavelearnedinmylife. Anyone can upload work onto it and so far, most of it is imitative of Sagmeister and the sayings are a tad bit cheesy, but it's a really cool way to share work that's personal. Anyway, I got the book and it's pretty sweet...the trip was completely worth it.

What font size is too big for the Be A Design Group

2008-03-10T22:43:00.001-07:00

Answer, 36 Point. The too large for life personalities Nate Voss and Dovovan Berry are taking their podcast to the next level (or Tube), another podcast. And website. Nate and Dovovan are familiar as the designer celebs that came to Boise for the senior show and did a podcast here. We also get thanked in the final show, as well as remembered for misspelling Dovovan's name on the first podcast of 36 point. If you liked the BADcast of the later episodes, you should like 36 point. It's good to know that Nate and Donovan are pursuing their passion for design, talking about design and mountain dew. I am still trying to find some regular design haunts on the internet and it seems like this new site should be given the once over by those with similar searches. Like anything, the more community that is built, the better it becomes, so post a comment or two representing Boise and let's show the design world that Boy-Zee represents.

2008-02-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Sagmeister is coming to the U of I this monday...

Sagmeister's Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far

2008-02-20T21:13:00.001-08:00

Stefan Sagmeister has just released a new book, Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far. I "appropriated" a quote from Amazon about the book:

"This book began as a list designer Stefan Sagmeister made in his diary under the title Things I have learned in my life so far, which includes statements such as "Worrying solves nothing" and "Trying to look good limits my life." The list reveals something that is profoundly true: Although human beings have been pursuing happiness for countless generations, it is not so easily achieved. And we need constant reminders to keep us on the right path.

"With the support of his clients, Sagmeister transformed these sentences into typographic works, from billboards in France to sign-toting inflatable monkeys on the streets of Scotland. Accompanied by essays from design historian Steven Heller, Guggenheim chief curator Nancy Spector, and UK psychologist Daniel Nettle, as well as Sagmeister's own words, the series is revealed as a complex blend of personal revelation, art, and design--an eclectic mix of visual audacity and sound advice.

"This book consists of 15 unbound signatures in a laser-cut slipcase. Shuffling the sequence of the signatures will produce 15 different covers."

It sounds like an really cool idea for a book and, let's face it, it's Sagmeister so it's gonna kick some serious arse. Mine should be on it's way in a few days.

Paul Carew and a Cat

2008-02-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

This is a speaker you do not want to miss. Paul Carew is coming to BSU this Friday, 6:30 pm in the Brink Room at the SUB. Check out his website and then show him some love this Friday by attending. Seriously, we're all pretty excited that he's coming.

J-Woo Represent

2008-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

If you aren't aware of the design podcast Be A Design Group's BAD cast then you haven't been to any recent student senior shows, or talked to Jennifer Wood or Stephanie Bacon (and you are just lame). The two hosts of the cast came to Boise and during their time here recorded a cast with our very own prof's Stephanie and Jennifer, or as you should call her from now on "J-Woo." So if you don't subscribe, you should. If you just want a the download that's ok too, but definitely check it out.

The Perks of Joining

2008-01-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

We're back for another semester and the club is going to be running full-time very soon. Why become a member? First, read AIGA's official benefits page and if that doesn't convince you continue reading below.

It's too early for concrete details about a lot of the activities but as of now we have Paul Carew set to speak to the group in February on topics such as the design history of Boise and how to get a job. We have several other activities planned which we hope to unveil shortly.

As for last year, we were only running for a month or so and in that brief time we had the opportunity to coordinate with the professional design community in Boise. They presented Helvetica the movie at the Flicks and they let us design the ticket stub. (see above)

To summarize, in our incredibly brief past we've already done actual design work for the professional community. This year we're looking to expand with guest speakers, more opportunities to participate in graphic design at the professional level, and, if we can find them, conferences to attend. This all adds up to the primary goal of being part of a community of graphic designers, illustrators, and artists looking to take themselves to the next level. I look forward to seeing you all.

How long should design assignments last?

2008-01-23T20:18:00.001-08:00

Answer at Be A Design Group.

In case you haven't heard the host's of the podcast and blog authors of Be A Design Group, Donovan Beery and Nate Voss, came and spoke in Boise at the Senior Portfolio show last semester. They mention the visit in their podcast 49.5, complete with photo's from the blue.

In one of their posts, Live Design/Blog: I Fail to Design A Chip Kidd Poster for N00bz, takes us through the creative process. One of the biggest questions I had as a student was how to approach the creative process. While professors always talk about teaching the "creative process" I don't remember any good lessons on it. It seemed as though they always seemed to talk around the process instead of delving into it, or, heaven forbid, showing us how they work creatively. I get really frustrated from projects dragging on too long, especially in the beginning phases. I would rather get on with it. Especially in the upper classes, where you assume people know what a thumbnail is, what benefit does scribbling in a little box 100 times do. The only bigger waste of time is looking at other peoples 100 scribbles. Sketching is a very important part of the creative process, and thumbnails are great ways to create visual notes to concepts and ideas, but not the best way to communicate them. Ideas can be talked about. If you can't verbalize your idea, you don't have one. I think the best way to learn and perfect the way you work creatively is by working creatively. Put even simpler, to work. That's why Nate Voss had it right by setting a time limit (even if he didn't make it) of 4 hours, not 4 weeks. I would rather do a 4 hour project that I analyze for 4 weeks, than work 4 weeks on a 4 hour project.

Blogs You Should Read (besides this one)

2008-01-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you that are new to the blogosphere, or even seasoned veterans here are a couple of great design related blogs. I'll include them in the links, but I'll go into some detail about what they are.

The Design Journals,

Graphic design has always been the bastard child of art criticism, and especially with the dissolution of Emigre, it has become difficult to find printed design journals giving interesting, insightful and relevant design criticism. I've found the best place are the online magazines, blogs and company websites.

AIGA - the big person (gender is not p.c.) on campus, they have great articles by great designers talking about great things.

Speak Up - I find this site a little more approachable, with great articles frequently quoted elsewhere. They seem to be the design blog/journal standard.

Design Observer - I always mean to read more of this blog than I do. I is a very insightful and interesting site.

The Design Blogs,

It seems like a lot of blogs mine the internet for interesting stuff, put some links next to commentary and expect people to read it. So I try and do what's expected of me and here are a few of my favorites.

Be A Design Group - Mostly a podcast, the blog also has interesting posts that are design directed and has a very interesting voice. So listen to the podcast, read the blog and look forward to a guest appearance by your favorite BSU professors.

Pica and Pixel - My favorite new blog, it always has really interesting and concise post, I have it on my reader and always end up clicking over to read more and follow it. I think I is a great up and coming blog.

Other Blogs,

Ze Frank - it has a blog attached to it, but is just a really cool site that deserves checking out. He became more famous with his "the Show" project, which has a best of podcast that is worth subscribing to, if that's the kind of thing your into.

These are a few of the RSS's I feed out of; check them out, post about what you thought and what other blogs/sites you are inspired by.

Winter Break Extravaganza

2008-01-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

It's been settled. We are going to meet up for a winter break rendezvous at Donnie Mac's this coming Tuesday the 8th for dinner and general hanging out purposes. Donnie Mac's is in the Linen District downtown and we're gonna be there at 6:45 pm. If you don't know how to find Donnie Mac's we are meeting up at the REC Center on campus at 6:30 and then going. It's going to be fun and their food is tasty. (Cheap beer too!) See you all down there.

Winter Break

2007-12-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

We're planning on a sweet get together event on Tuesday, Jan. 8th. The day is going to start out with a trip to Bogus Basin and then we'll head down the mountain back into Boise for a tbd event that night. Keep checkin back as we finalize the details of time, place, costs involved, etc...

Helvetica

2007-12-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

We are going to see the new Helvetica movie (not this Tuesday) but this next Tuesday the 11th. It's at the Flicks but we are going to meet up ahead of time to vote on the constitution and then drive over. Apparently it costs money, one would assume, but we will let you know once we here back from the AIGA Idaho group.

Another Meeting

2007-11-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Things are getting rolling and we are very close to being official. We have another meeting this Tuesday at 630 pm. the plan for now is to meet at the same place as the last meeting (the fireplace in the SUB--first floor) but i'll post if it changes.

FRESH NEW KITTENS

2007-11-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

The new poster is up in the classrooms of the FAB (Fine Arts Building). Check out the kittens and then check out the group.

Next Meeting

2007-11-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

We are having another official meeting...

November 13th, 6:30 pm, at the fireplace in the SUB.

It'll be rad!