What is a designer?

The role of the designer is ever changing—from web, interior, industrial to graphic—we are constantly challenged to solve new problems. Our most recent SPEAKS event, in partnership with Miami University, brought new light to what it means to be a great designer (thanks to Silas Munro). First, we gathered to celebrate the work of students in our mentoring program through a gallery show at the Art Academy. The work was incredible, and the competition tough, but after voting concluded we selected one winner. Mary Beth Brackmann, an Art Academy student, won first prize which included a one year membership to Skillshare! After the gallery show, snacks and some delicious craft beer, we headed upstairs to hear from our speaker Silas Munro.

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Silas is a design nomad—his life and practice have straddled many disciplines and geographic places. He operates poly:mode a studio that reflects the mutable and overlapping nature of his work as an artist, editor, designer, maker, researcher, teacher and writer (silasmunro.com or @siborg81). Silas shared his wisdom and inspiration with a crowd of professionals, students and aspiring designers. To sum it up, take this moving quote from his talk:

“The designer is a facilitator for the community. Partly through listening, partly through making.”

-Silas Munro

We loved Silas’ outlook on solving large scale design problems that positively impact the community. Even more than that, we loved the discussion that took place after! Bringing creative minds together is a powerful thing.

Silas and RyanAt AIGA Cincinnati, we believe in bringing creativity into the community and were inspired by Silas to continue forward with our mission. One of our recent collaborative community initiatives is wrapping up, Design for Good. While we’re sad to say goodbye to the non-profits we’ve been working with, we’re ready to take on new challenges in our backyard.

 

How can you help? Join us for our next Liquid Courage + Design for Good celebration on Thursday, March 26, 2015. We’ll be celebrating our work in the community with designers, volunteers, non-profits and community members at Myrtle’s from 5:30-8:00pm. We’re looking forward to talking about the next steps for Cincinnati . . .

See you soon!

By aigacincinnati
Published March 16, 2015
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