AIGA Minnesota

AIGA Minnesota is a Graphic Designers association that was founded in 1977. This organization was actually the first place to turn for inspiration, professional development, and excellence in design in Minnesota. Their mission is to advance design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force. They encourage the exchange of ideas and information among professionals involved in design and other related fields. Overall, they have mare than 70 chapters, Minnesota being one of them, and over 25,000 members around the US. They put on many different events and competitions throughout the year that members can take part of to gain experience while meeting new designers and learning new skills and experience. Their membership fees are a bit steep but it can get you into many events for free. The student membership is $50/year which isn't too bad if you are just starting out and want to explore what AIGA offers. The memberships can go up to $2,500/year which actually makes you a trustee of the organization as well.

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After you become a member, you can volunteer at the many different events that go on throughout the year. Volunteering for AIGA Minnesota gives back to the design community and supports your profession. It’s something you can feel good about. The chapter’s leadership of committee chairs and board members come directly from their cadre of volunteers. Local employers consistently report that they respond favorably to seeing chapter volunteer service on a resume. Having that on your design resume/portfolio offers an edge in the design world and can increase your chances in your job search. Currently, they have many positions open for Design Camp, Design Show, and Portfolio 1 on 1 as well as many others.

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Currently, AIGA is hosting Cocktails with Creatives where individuals can converse with many different designers at La Doña Cervecería, Minnesota’s first Latino-influenced beer company. Another event coming up is the Soloprenuers where they discuss the different tools needed to succeed in entrepreneurship. These are the points that will be covered in the February meeting.

• To do: how do you plan your day and what you want to accomplish?

• Digital or material: do you use apps on your phone or love your paper?

• All the details: how do you keep track of time, files, materials, money, clients, vendors and all the other moving parts of a business?

Some past events AIGA puts on that are interesting and definitely worth going to are Portfolio 1 on 1. This event is where students can go and meet with creative professionals in a mock interview style and help them improve their portfolio and interview techniques. I think that this is especially helpful if you are a student and looking for a job in the design industry. I know that I will definitely

attend this event in the near future and see what the professionals have to say about my work and ho I can improve it.