So, what do you want to do?
The AIGA student conference moved its program to the
Sam Fox School of Visual Arts at Washington University this year. Featured presenters included Andy Mangold (Friends of
the Web), Rick Valicenti (Thirst) and Wesley Hoffman (Treehouse Workshop).
The speakers were inspiring and worth seeing but the focus of this annual event is the portfolio review in which professionals
agree to visit with students as they present their work. Ostensibly this is a
rehearsal for the real world scenarios they might encounter as they enter the
workforce.
The students are remarkable. The 20 minute sessions
are too short to have a quality interview but plenty of time to create an
impression. I had the pleasure of visiting with Maria Wei (UMSL), Ariel
Biggerstaff (UMSL), Jamie Spencer (Maryville), Jordan Kilz (Missouri State) and
Jorge Villagas (Lindenwood). “So what
do you want to do?” is the question I encourage each to consider as they begin
their career journey. Clearly they are talented, motivated, tech savvy and
smart enough to take this important step in preparing for the big bad world out
there.
Maria spent two months in China with special needs
children via Children’s Hope International. Ariel showed poise and laughed when
I told her that people would remember her jet black hair and forearm rose tattoo
– if not her tasteful nose ring. Jamie
was zeroing in on a magazine design and photography orientation. Her dream job
would be with National Geographic but she and her twin sister are kicking
around start up business ideas. Jordan is well on her way with nearly a
yearlong internship at Noble Communications (Springfield, MO) under her belt. Jorge is a
soccer player from Venezuela who blew out a knee. He knows that his career
challenge includes the added hurdle of considering a path to U.S. Citizenship.
Ben Kiel, the AIGA education chair was not shy about
standing on tabletops at the Walker Basement where the portfolio reviews were
staged. The unfinished ceilings had a way of amplifying ambient sound.
Nevertheless, he was heard. It was Ben who orchestrated the reviewers for whom
he launched a round of applause. Kelcey Towell, the primary event manager, was instrumental making this year's AIGA conference a success. On behalf of all of us, AIGA Saint Louis – you too deserve
a hearty round of applause. Bravo!
Walker Basement at Washington University - AIGA portfolio review
Andy Mangold at the Steinberg Auditorium
Rick Valicenti
Wesley Hoffman for Treehouse
