Today I visited Creighton University to speak with a class that looks at the impact of the digital revolution/evolution on journalism, design, and computer science. Specifically to discuss the opportunity for cause marketing and design for social justice. I went through a host of our Action Backed projects and discussed working with organizations and activists, designing for a sustainability cause, how design is an obvious tool for social change, and what it’s like working as an independent designer today. Creighton students are always so welcoming. Great way to spend an early afternoon. Many thanks to Carol Zuegner for the invitation!
Speaking to Students
It’s always a good time. Whenever I’m asked I usually accept. To visit a class, to speak at a conference, or to offer an invite to Round and Round. In preparation for the upcoming Meet the Pros, over the next couple of weeks I’ll be posting some thoughts relating to my specific presentation regarding Independent Design. Why it’s tough, why it’s awesome, and why you need principles so you keep yourself on track. If you’re a student, or teach some students, and want to get together to talk design, independence, activism, collaboration, etc., feel free to hit me up.
Meet the Pros 2016
Students get to hang out with pros in this two-day event produced by AAF Omaha. For the soon-to-be design and advertising professionals to get inspired, challenged, impressed, and engaged with. I'll be a morning speaker talking about how Independent Design Is Hard But Awesome and why Principles Are Crucial To Doing the Work You Want. Should be a good time for all.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 8:45am
Scott Conference Center
Omaha, Nebraska
How to get a (modern) website
Omaha Creative Institute hosts an eight-week seminar called Artist INC. Started in Kansas City, the program is a great resource for Omaha artists looking to focus on professional development and business training. Myself and Jake Welchert presented a crash course on how to get a modern portfolio site up and running. From domains and hosting to platforms and CSS. Some philosophical ponderings on the meaning of an online presence as well as how to think about social media. All in all, a pretty good time sharing what we know about the modern web.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 7:30pm
Omaha Creative Institute, Artist INC
Design + Social Justice: Panel Discussion
Part of UNL’s Design + Social Justice Symposium, a panel discussion will take place with Emory Douglas, Billy X Jennings, Suzun Lucia Lamaina, and myself. It will be moderated by Patrick Jones, Associate Professor of History and Ethnic Studies (African and African American Studies Program). His initial setup for the discussion follows:
What is the relationship between design and social change? How does graphic design – and visual culture, communicate a message; create community; educate the people; uplift and empower; foster a sense of identity and pride; sway opinion; change hearts and minds; affect institutions of power; and, ultimately, play a role in creating meaningful and substantive social change? In short, what role(s) does (or can) design and the visual arts play in creating “a revolutionary culture” and “radical change?”
Panel Discussion
September 16, 2015 @ 5:30 PM
Love Library Auditorium
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Do Not Like This
At BarCamp 2015 on August 29th at The KANEKO I gave a 20-minute talk about the importance of knowing what you don’t like. A practical (and somewhat cathartic) guide to productivity (and maybe joy). When you have good reasons and know precisely why you don’t like something, it not only helps you focus priorities and manage your time better, but it helps you to know what you really love. Love being more profound and powerful than what you like. Very much a talk about not being neutral and not just passively liking everything you come into contact with. For the people out there who find beauty everywhere and something special in everything. When done well, it is okay to be vocal about what you don’t like, even if you’re only being vocal with yourself.
Special comment: This was not a talk for moody hipsters who think everything sucks, nothing is ever good enough, and shit on anything anyone creates because it’s what they do. I have no patience for that view of the world anymore.
Building your web portfolio
The Union for Contemporary Art hosts a variety of community events, workshops included. As an organization that supports local artists, they help provide resources and opportunities that may not be readily available. Their next workshop will be about building an artist’s online presence. Myself and Jake Welchert will deliver a crash course on getting a portfolio site up and running. From domains and hosting to platforms and CSS with some philosophical ponderings on the meaning of an online presence, it’s sure to be a good time.
