By Chantelle Emery
On the journey toward a successful career in design, students need to immerse themselves fully into design culture. Without having to go far, you can connect with people within your discipline and always be in the know.
The SCAD student group of AIGA, the professional association for design, is a place for you to grow as a designer.
According to president Ramona Todoca, a fourth year graphic design major from Romania, “this is a place to ignite dialogue about design, where opinions are shared and get you outside of the design bubble.”
This organization is essentially a passport to a professional career. Here you can connect, inspire and be motivated by this community of designers. One of its main purposes is to lay the foundation, preparing their members for success in their future endeavors.
There are many benefits for you as a budding designer since the national organization sets rules for professional practice, organizes conferences and allows you to post your portfolio to their website.
“Every designer who is serious about their career should join,” urged Todoca.
As a member, you are able to participate in activities pertaining to sustainability, the Democracy Council, the National Center for Design and various exhibitions.
A harmonious balance between both theoretical and practical aspects is covered in biweekly meetings, ranging from discussions on internship experiences to bookbinding, and everything in between.
There have been many great opportunities available for students involved with this organization, including an annual spring portfolio review at the AIGA chapter in Jacksonville, Fla. Earlier this year, the group of five students had their portfolios critiqued by 30 professors from the University of Florida, practicing professionals, as well as seniors and juniors from the university.
Upholding to the goals from the past, Todoca explained, “the SCAD student AIGA [group] looks toward creating a strong community of graphic designers, committed to their profession and chosen path.”
Todoca continued: “I am looking at abiding by the theme of ‘C’s’ for change: community, commitment, connections.”
If you are a member of the student group, there is a discounted membership for the National AIGA Organization. This national membership gives you access to the AIGA job board, portfolio uploads, conferences and various memberships.
Currently, the student AIGA group doesn’t have any ongoing projects with SCAD or the Savannah community, however, they are looking for an opportunity to reach out and help the with non-profit organizations or any other groups that need help with design.
In the past, there hasn’t been much collaboration with other SCAD organizations, but this year Todoca hopes to foster some of this, with illustrators, printmakers and those from the bookbinding club.
At their next meeting, they will be screen-printing t-shirts, designed by one of the members of the organization. If you’d like to get involved, get educated and get connected, there’s a place for you at the SCAD student AIGA group.
If you would like more information, attend their biweekly meetings on Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Poetter Hall, room 101. You can also contact them directly via aigascad@gmail.com, follow them on Facebook or visit their blog.
For more details on the National AIGA organization visit their website
Editor’s Note: This article has been revised October 8. 2010 to reflect the following changes: Ramona Todoca’s home country was incorrectly identified.
AIGA at SCAD is a student group, not a student chapter.
