I attended a meeting last week to discuss the feasibility of creating a Fresno chapter of the AIGA (graphic design association). Needless to say, the response did not match the organizer's expectations. It seemed that the main challenge was communicating the benefits of joining such an association.
I am not here to argue the pros and cons of starting an AIGA chapter in Fresno. I simply want to look at a bigger picture opportunity. One I think Fresno is more than ready to embrace (I too suffer from overly optimistic expectations).
The theme for Pecha Kucha Night, Fresno vol 1 was Everything Under the Sun (keep that in mind as you read this post).
How about building a strong design community?
History
Katrina Neufeld and some other cool graphic design peeps started the Fresno Design Alliance (FDA) a few years back. The thought was to increase the level of collaboration among graphic designers in the area. It worked. Not only did the quality of design improve (I have personally seen it), but the Alliance started referring work to other partners. You can do that when trust and confidence is built. Like most efforts, it was championed by a few dedicated folks and those leaders are tired.
Opportunity
Organizations like Creative Fresno and the Institute of Public Anthropology, events like Pecha Kucha Night, and efforts like Archop, have helped engage the creative community beyond the world of graphic design. The collective design quotient is starting to move in a positive direction. So now is the time to capitalize on the momentum.
What if the Fresno Design Alliance became just that...an Alliance...an Alliance of Design?
Hear me out (then express yourself via comments or hate mail).
The current leadership build the foundation. They are exhausted and deserve to refocus on their specific industry. I think Fresno (or the San Joaquin Valley is ready for an AIGA chapter). What if the Fresno Design Alliance covered several areas of design? Below is a list I created with a little help from my best friend, Google.
Areas of Design
Graphic Design
Architecture Design
Fashion Design
Organizational Design
Interior Design
Industrial Design
Consumption Design
Landscape Design
Set/Production Design
Anthropological Design
Visual Merchandising
Educational/Curriculum Design
Food Design
Furniture Design
Web Design
This list could be too expansive or too limiting. I think it actually makes for a manageable alliance. A person from each discipline can serve as a board member (if Fresno Design Alliance becomes a formal entity) or a steering committee member of the Alliance. This would ensure an equal voice in the Alliance. Each discipline would be self-managed and autonomous, but should buy-in to the overall Alliance mission.
Currently, the FDA holds educational/professional development events, social gatherings, and the very cool Iron Designer Challenge. These type of events or offerings can still be highlighted, but there are opportunities for cross-discipline activities as well.
Example: Mega-Iron Designer
In the current format graphic designers are given one hour to design an identity for a local non-profit organization. What if the mega version could involve a team of designers (one from each discipline) who are given one week to re-design a local non-profit. Can you imagine how cool that would be?
Cliff's Notes:
True Cross-Discipline Design Community
Clearinghouse of Design
Greater Collaboration Opportunity
Mega-Impact
What does the community think?
