Why pre-register?
Save up to an additional $100 off the early-registration fee, and up to $200 off the regular registration.
Be the first to select sessions when they become available.
Be the first to choose from the pre-conference and optional activities when the become available.
See registration deadlines at http://ucda.com/registration12.lasso
News and notes on the annual UCDA Design Conference: Creating Possibilities
October 12-15, 2013 (Louisville, Kentucky)
Monday, February 6, 2012
2012 Conference Site Announced
OLD + NEW. TRADITIONAL + REVOLUTIONARY. WORK + HOME. What exists in-between is where we flourish. It's where we find collaboration within our work environment, where print + digital projects are paired together, where our personal life meets our work life to find balance. Within this mélange is just the right blend of design + culture.
The 2012 UCDA Design Conference will bring together communication professionals from across Canada + the US (and beyond) to connect in Montreal, a city with it's own mix. European charm + North American energy along with bilingualism make Montreal the perfect place to explore working together across boundaries to converge with great panache.
See you in Montreal -- oo la la!
The 2012 UCDA Design Conference will bring together communication professionals from across Canada + the US (and beyond) to connect in Montreal, a city with it's own mix. European charm + North American energy along with bilingualism make Montreal the perfect place to explore working together across boundaries to converge with great panache.
See you in Montreal -- oo la la!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
UCDA Design Conference 2011: What to wear, what to eat!
Desert Apparel
The conference is just three weeks away, and it’s time to get packing! So... what should you wear?
Conference speaker Dion Zeuss, from ecoLingo, provided some great information and tips, and you can expect the temperatures to be in the 80s and 90s. Dion says Phoenix celebrates summer all year long, so t-shirts, shorts and sandals will definitely be appropriate. (You may need a sweater or light jacket for attending sessions in the air conditioning). Fashionistas, don’t worry about wearing white after labor day or fall colors, because everything goes in the desert!
The opening kick off party is outside and casual. The ground at Hidden Valley, the site of the party, has a pea gravel and sandy surface, and when I wore sandals there, I had to shake the sand and pebbles out, so be advised.
If you haven’t checked out the site for Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, take a look at all the amenities. There are lovely pools throughout, so bring swimwear if you want to take advantage of the water features. There's an onsite gym, and speaking of working out, the resort is located on the side of a mountain so a good hike around will also be good exercise.
Good eats
There are several onsite restaurants where you can get a decent meal at fairly reasonable prices, including a small gift shop for snacks and beverages. If you plan to rent a car, then Dion Zeuss suggests these choices:
AJs is an upscale grocery store with a cafe/coffee bar, deli, fromagerie, and a bistro (lunches and hot meals). There’s an AJ’s very near the Resort, located at 13226 N 7th St.
Also in the same direction, (heading North on 7th Street) then turning right (East) at the first light on Thunderbird, will take you across the State Road 51 and onto Cactus Road to Paradise Valley Mall where one can shop, eat, etc.
Probably the best collection of good restaurants in one stretch would be South of the resort on the Camelback Road corridor, which includes the Biltmore area. You can check out general restaurant info.
And then there is the Biltmore itself, it’s a great place for evening cocktails on the patio. But if you are looking for an elegant and upscale venue for dinner, consider the resort's Different Pointe of View, which features delicious food and wine with an incredible view of the valley.
If you want to get out and experience local, one-of-a-kind favorites, Dion suggests these establishments located in the Camelback/uptown Phoenix area. Click the links for more information:
LUX coffee bar
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Coffee Bar
La Grande La Orange cafe/grocery (super cute place to grab a bite, sit on the patio and peruse the gift shop).
La Grande La Orange Pizza
Postino Wine Cafe
Smeeks (A cute little sweet shop, and while you are at Smeeks, check out Frances Vintage next door)
Churn (artisan ice cream)
So there you have it... Leave the office behind and relax in shorts and summer gear, and sample some great cuisine. De-stressing will surely get your creative juices flowing. You'll return to work inspired and ready to put into practice the many things you’ve learned!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Creativity and Collaboration: Wil Heywood. Kevin Smith. Cindi Farmer
Hello everyone,
I hope that you have had a chance to read through these posts for insight on the speakers we have lined up for the 41st Annual UCDA Design Conference.
When I started organizing this year’s event, I researched the topics from past surveys where members indicated what they'd like to learn about. Not surprisingly, at the top of the list were new technologies.We have planned programming to address everything from best practice and theory to the technical nuts and bolts of new technology. A second theme emerged from the surveys, which was basically, “how do we be creative, stay creative, and stimulate creativity” at a time when enonomic pressures have left many of us with smaller staffs and increased workloads?
Back in May, I highlighted our opening keynote, Bob Hambly of Hambley and Woolley. Bob will start the conference of with an inspiring speech on creativity. We have two more speakers that will also address this topic, Dr. Wil Heywood of Arizona State University, and Kevin Smith of Auburn University. And Cindi Farmer from ASU will tell how collaborating among designers resulted in a better photo-sharing solution.
Designers are uniquely qualified to help their institutions harness the power of creativity, technology and communication to prosper and grow, but sometimes we need a little help in how to convey our ideas, and how to collaborate with campus partners.
Dr. Wil Heywood comes highly recommended by ASU designers who have taken his course on creativity. He has an interesting background as a Clinical Psychologist, and at present his research and practice explores the role of team building, creative collaboration and mindfulness as it relates to design education and critical visual thinking.
Join Dr. Heywood for his session, “Creativity, Confidence & Collaboration.” This is a session for those who understand the need to bring more creativity, playfulness and flexibility into their work. The ability to respond creatively to new challenges is demanded by everyone, but making the switch from imitative and rule-bound behavior to creative innovation and flexibility requires a profound change in our attitudes about ourselves and our capabilities. Learn how this energy can be applied with confidence in your individual work and collaborative efforts with others.
Kevin Smith, an educator from Auburn University, will present his session, “IDEATION: Generating Idea Bubbles.” Ideation is the process of forming and relating ideas, and relating them to design which is the visual sum of these ideas. Tap into your creative juices and find out what idea generating methods are new, what methods have stood the test of time and which methods seem to work best.
In addition to teaching, Kevin also runs a small design studio, which, just like all of us, found themselves in the position of having to adapt to new technologies and online expectations. His session “Small Studio Transitions from Traditional Print Media to a Multimedia Studio,” will tell how, with limited resources, they were pressured to be more creative and resourceful in a multimedia environment. He will outline the studio’s path to become a successful multimedia studio, and the tips and tools he used to get there.
Our last speaker to be profiled is Cindi Farmer, from Arizona State University, who will present “Flickr Photo Management.” ASU struggled for years with how to manage and share a sprawling photo library at their large university. Several designers worked together to find a solution and decided the best solution for them was to use Flickr. She will share their experience, and talk about the models and processes that have worked for the community of designers at ASU. Come join the conversation.
The conference’s theme of “THRIVE” truly resonates with me. We all must do everything we can to stay on top, and the past few years for colleges and universities have been challenging to say the least. Armed with resources and knowledge, I do think that it is not only possible to survive the current crisis, but to evolve, grow and thrive.
Use what you learn in Phoenix, because you can be a great resource for your institution!
I hope that you have had a chance to read through these posts for insight on the speakers we have lined up for the 41st Annual UCDA Design Conference.
When I started organizing this year’s event, I researched the topics from past surveys where members indicated what they'd like to learn about. Not surprisingly, at the top of the list were new technologies.We have planned programming to address everything from best practice and theory to the technical nuts and bolts of new technology. A second theme emerged from the surveys, which was basically, “how do we be creative, stay creative, and stimulate creativity” at a time when enonomic pressures have left many of us with smaller staffs and increased workloads?
Back in May, I highlighted our opening keynote, Bob Hambly of Hambley and Woolley. Bob will start the conference of with an inspiring speech on creativity. We have two more speakers that will also address this topic, Dr. Wil Heywood of Arizona State University, and Kevin Smith of Auburn University. And Cindi Farmer from ASU will tell how collaborating among designers resulted in a better photo-sharing solution.
Designers are uniquely qualified to help their institutions harness the power of creativity, technology and communication to prosper and grow, but sometimes we need a little help in how to convey our ideas, and how to collaborate with campus partners.
Dr. Wil Heywood comes highly recommended by ASU designers who have taken his course on creativity. He has an interesting background as a Clinical Psychologist, and at present his research and practice explores the role of team building, creative collaboration and mindfulness as it relates to design education and critical visual thinking.
Join Dr. Heywood for his session, “Creativity, Confidence & Collaboration.” This is a session for those who understand the need to bring more creativity, playfulness and flexibility into their work. The ability to respond creatively to new challenges is demanded by everyone, but making the switch from imitative and rule-bound behavior to creative innovation and flexibility requires a profound change in our attitudes about ourselves and our capabilities. Learn how this energy can be applied with confidence in your individual work and collaborative efforts with others.
Kevin Smith, an educator from Auburn University, will present his session, “IDEATION: Generating Idea Bubbles.” Ideation is the process of forming and relating ideas, and relating them to design which is the visual sum of these ideas. Tap into your creative juices and find out what idea generating methods are new, what methods have stood the test of time and which methods seem to work best.
In addition to teaching, Kevin also runs a small design studio, which, just like all of us, found themselves in the position of having to adapt to new technologies and online expectations. His session “Small Studio Transitions from Traditional Print Media to a Multimedia Studio,” will tell how, with limited resources, they were pressured to be more creative and resourceful in a multimedia environment. He will outline the studio’s path to become a successful multimedia studio, and the tips and tools he used to get there.
Our last speaker to be profiled is Cindi Farmer, from Arizona State University, who will present “Flickr Photo Management.” ASU struggled for years with how to manage and share a sprawling photo library at their large university. Several designers worked together to find a solution and decided the best solution for them was to use Flickr. She will share their experience, and talk about the models and processes that have worked for the community of designers at ASU. Come join the conversation.
The conference’s theme of “THRIVE” truly resonates with me. We all must do everything we can to stay on top, and the past few years for colleges and universities have been challenging to say the least. Armed with resources and knowledge, I do think that it is not only possible to survive the current crisis, but to evolve, grow and thrive.
Use what you learn in Phoenix, because you can be a great resource for your institution!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Featured School: Northern Arizona University. Susan Kirtland
Inspiring Online Insight
Continuing with our theme of “Thrive,” we have some great presentations on online practices that will help keep you on the cutting edge to help you reach your audience...
For our featured school presentation, join Sandra Kowalski and Trey McCallie from Northern Arizona University for their presentation, “Elevating the Digital Experience.” NAU recently undertook the gargantuan task of revamping their entire system, taking 300 web sites that were under performing, to make them into something that helped them achieve their mission and strategic roles. Sandra Kowalski leads the University Marketing and Printing Services departments at Northern Arizona University, and Trey McCallie is the university’s web master. They’ll show you how the team conducted research and changed management strategies that influenced the design, photography and content creation, resulting in a more relevant, revitalized web presence.
Susan Kirtland, of Propeller Communications, will present “What Your Visual Messaging Really Says About You.” She is a nationally recognized expert in strategic marketing and positioning. Susan will demonstrate how a more powerful approach to brand positioning includes the identification and use of accurate visual cues that will trigger the desired perceptions you want for your college or university. Through the use of actual case studies, she will explore the five elements of successful visual messaging. Learn the important role graphic design plays in your institution’s brand positioning and how it directly impacts target audience perceptions.
Another key aspect to success is your website’s usability. Susan presents “Do-It-Yourself: Testing Your Website’s Usability.” Learn how to use in-house resources to test your institution’s website for effectiveness and ease of use. Topics include how to assemble a concise questionnaire to achieve optimal feedback, how to conduct the testing on your campus and how to use the data to determine the appropriate refinements to make a positive impact.
Continuing with our theme of “Thrive,” we have some great presentations on online practices that will help keep you on the cutting edge to help you reach your audience...
For our featured school presentation, join Sandra Kowalski and Trey McCallie from Northern Arizona University for their presentation, “Elevating the Digital Experience.” NAU recently undertook the gargantuan task of revamping their entire system, taking 300 web sites that were under performing, to make them into something that helped them achieve their mission and strategic roles. Sandra Kowalski leads the University Marketing and Printing Services departments at Northern Arizona University, and Trey McCallie is the university’s web master. They’ll show you how the team conducted research and changed management strategies that influenced the design, photography and content creation, resulting in a more relevant, revitalized web presence.
Susan Kirtland, of Propeller Communications, will present “What Your Visual Messaging Really Says About You.” She is a nationally recognized expert in strategic marketing and positioning. Susan will demonstrate how a more powerful approach to brand positioning includes the identification and use of accurate visual cues that will trigger the desired perceptions you want for your college or university. Through the use of actual case studies, she will explore the five elements of successful visual messaging. Learn the important role graphic design plays in your institution’s brand positioning and how it directly impacts target audience perceptions.
Another key aspect to success is your website’s usability. Susan presents “Do-It-Yourself: Testing Your Website’s Usability.” Learn how to use in-house resources to test your institution’s website for effectiveness and ease of use. Topics include how to assemble a concise questionnaire to achieve optimal feedback, how to conduct the testing on your campus and how to use the data to determine the appropriate refinements to make a positive impact.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Means for Great Magazines
Schedule change: Domenica Genovese and Brenda Foster from Greatest Creative Factor, a firm that specializes in marketing for education, will present two sessions to replace Marc Oxborrow’s sessions scheduled for Monday, October 17.
The new programming should give designers who are searching for quality content on magazine design something that will not only be extremely helpful, but also inspiring. This programming provides The Means for Great Magazines...
So, alumni magazine designers and editors, what are your issues with your magazine? Too little time? Too much copy? Too little budget? Too many cooks? Join Domenica Genovese, partner and creative director at GCF, for her session, “Having Issues?” This presentation will focus on ways to make great magazines in spite of the obstacles you may face. Topics include designing a flexible grid, beginning with great covers, creating memorable feature stories, using contrast, pace, and rhythm, and more. Domenica will encourage you to participate in the discussion with your own thoughts, observations, and success stories.
We’re all on this speeding train known as “technology,” and it’s becoming a clear expectation to have your magazine available online...
Do you ever wonder how your online magazine compares to others? Are you interested in ways to make your magazine more compelling? Should you keep or kill the print version of your magazine? Brenda Foster, partner at GCF, explores these questions and more in her presentation, “100 College Online Magazines.” She shares results of a survey she led last year, where survey participants from 100 online college magazines answered 24 questions in five categories—the landing page, marketing, design, navigation, and technology. This data was analyzed and supported by interviews with alumni magazine editors who spoke about their specific challenges and successes. The presentation will reveal the do’s and don’ts and best practices for creating and launching a great online publication.
I’m excited about this great new programming. See you in just 4 weeks!
The new programming should give designers who are searching for quality content on magazine design something that will not only be extremely helpful, but also inspiring. This programming provides The Means for Great Magazines...
So, alumni magazine designers and editors, what are your issues with your magazine? Too little time? Too much copy? Too little budget? Too many cooks? Join Domenica Genovese, partner and creative director at GCF, for her session, “Having Issues?” This presentation will focus on ways to make great magazines in spite of the obstacles you may face. Topics include designing a flexible grid, beginning with great covers, creating memorable feature stories, using contrast, pace, and rhythm, and more. Domenica will encourage you to participate in the discussion with your own thoughts, observations, and success stories.
We’re all on this speeding train known as “technology,” and it’s becoming a clear expectation to have your magazine available online...
Do you ever wonder how your online magazine compares to others? Are you interested in ways to make your magazine more compelling? Should you keep or kill the print version of your magazine? Brenda Foster, partner at GCF, explores these questions and more in her presentation, “100 College Online Magazines.” She shares results of a survey she led last year, where survey participants from 100 online college magazines answered 24 questions in five categories—the landing page, marketing, design, navigation, and technology. This data was analyzed and supported by interviews with alumni magazine editors who spoke about their specific challenges and successes. The presentation will reveal the do’s and don’ts and best practices for creating and launching a great online publication.
I’m excited about this great new programming. See you in just 4 weeks!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Elizabeth Scarborough. Aisling Kelliher. Lauren Candito
In today’s economic environment, designers must work smarter than ever in order to thrive. This might mean using research and data to your best advantage, or finding new ways to connect with your audience. The trio of speakers showcased here can give you that smarter edge...
Working smarter with research data
Elizabeth Scarborough will present a general session, “Bridging the Gap: Building Design Strategy on Marketing Research Data.” An engaging speaker who is an industry leader, Elizabeth promises to prove, once and for all, that data geeks and graphic designers can live together in harmony!
More and more, colleges and universities are conducting comprehensive, multi-audience marketing research in order to establish a brand positioning strategy. And once the positioning strategy is established, a creative concept needs to be developed to bring that brand to life. But, how do you really bridge the gap between research and creative? How can data lead to design?
Elizabeth will present powerful case studies to illustrate how colleges and universities on the cutting-edge of higher education marketing have drawn creative concepts directly from market intelligence. She’ ll highlight the research findings and then walk through the creative concepts that spawned from lively discussions!
In addition to clocking more cell-phone hours in airports and rental cars than George Clooney in Up in the Air, Elizabeth Scarborough is CEO and Partner of SimpsonScarborough, and is a nationally recognized expert in the use of research to drive marketing and branding efforts, with 18 years of experience in providing strategic solutions to colleges and universities.
Working smarter with an emotional connection
Telling stories is a fundamental element of what makes us human. It is also a highly intuitive way in which we make sense of our everyday lives. From the earliest cave drawings to Polaroids, blogs and tweets, we have always used a rich variety of media and technologies to represent and understand our lived experiences. Join Aisling Kelliher, media systems designer from Arizona State University, for her session, “Mediated Storytelling: Telling Something to Someone about Something.” An expert in her field, Aisling will explain how today’s social media platforms, mobile applications and hybrid physical/digital environments present rich opportunities for creating new forms of storytelling experiences. Join her as she demonstrates how to design, build and evaluate engaging mediated storytelling platforms.
Working smarter with social media
Lauren Candito from Social Media Solutions offers two sessions that will help you reach your audience using today’s tools and practices. Her first session, “Game Changers: How Educational Institutions are Using Social Media,” explores the advent of new technologies, such as the internet and mobile, which have given rise to an inter-coupling of relationships across vast numbers of digital social networks. The speed at which these communications take place, their lack of geographic or social boundaries, and their ability to convey complex information and synthesize millions of viewpoints into easily digestible formats is unprecedented in the history of man. Higher education has not been immune to these changes, and our traditional educational systems find themselves buffeted by social media and the various technologies that it rides upon. Learn how higher education institutions can leverage social media to your advantage.
Lauren will also present “How Today’s Students Use Social Media.” Today’s college students use social media (i.e., Facebook, Myspace, Twitter), cell phones, blogs, and instant messaging at higher rates than people from other generations.Yet faculty members generally lag behind students in their use of technology. While some embrace it, most faculty have negative views of newer technologies, believing that technology use hurts students academically and socially. Nevertheless, research shows that students utilize newer technologies that are beneficial to them. Recent research has shown that students who use Facebook at high rates have more positive educational outcomes. And the use of blogs, cell phones, and instant messaging have all been shown to promote student academic and psychosocial development. Learn the trends so that you can “talk the language” of your key audience and communicate effectively!
Check back soon to learn how your online presence can be the best it can be. Sandra Kowalski and Trey McCallie from Northern Arizona University recently revamped their entire online system and will share insights and lessons learned from their experiences. Susan Kirtland, of Propeller Communications, with present two sessions about what your visual messaging says about you, and how to to a self-audit of your website’s usability.
Working smarter with research data
Elizabeth Scarborough will present a general session, “Bridging the Gap: Building Design Strategy on Marketing Research Data.” An engaging speaker who is an industry leader, Elizabeth promises to prove, once and for all, that data geeks and graphic designers can live together in harmony!
More and more, colleges and universities are conducting comprehensive, multi-audience marketing research in order to establish a brand positioning strategy. And once the positioning strategy is established, a creative concept needs to be developed to bring that brand to life. But, how do you really bridge the gap between research and creative? How can data lead to design?
Elizabeth will present powerful case studies to illustrate how colleges and universities on the cutting-edge of higher education marketing have drawn creative concepts directly from market intelligence. She’ ll highlight the research findings and then walk through the creative concepts that spawned from lively discussions!
In addition to clocking more cell-phone hours in airports and rental cars than George Clooney in Up in the Air, Elizabeth Scarborough is CEO and Partner of SimpsonScarborough, and is a nationally recognized expert in the use of research to drive marketing and branding efforts, with 18 years of experience in providing strategic solutions to colleges and universities.
Working smarter with an emotional connection
Telling stories is a fundamental element of what makes us human. It is also a highly intuitive way in which we make sense of our everyday lives. From the earliest cave drawings to Polaroids, blogs and tweets, we have always used a rich variety of media and technologies to represent and understand our lived experiences. Join Aisling Kelliher, media systems designer from Arizona State University, for her session, “Mediated Storytelling: Telling Something to Someone about Something.” An expert in her field, Aisling will explain how today’s social media platforms, mobile applications and hybrid physical/digital environments present rich opportunities for creating new forms of storytelling experiences. Join her as she demonstrates how to design, build and evaluate engaging mediated storytelling platforms.
Working smarter with social media
Lauren Candito from Social Media Solutions offers two sessions that will help you reach your audience using today’s tools and practices. Her first session, “Game Changers: How Educational Institutions are Using Social Media,” explores the advent of new technologies, such as the internet and mobile, which have given rise to an inter-coupling of relationships across vast numbers of digital social networks. The speed at which these communications take place, their lack of geographic or social boundaries, and their ability to convey complex information and synthesize millions of viewpoints into easily digestible formats is unprecedented in the history of man. Higher education has not been immune to these changes, and our traditional educational systems find themselves buffeted by social media and the various technologies that it rides upon. Learn how higher education institutions can leverage social media to your advantage.
Lauren will also present “How Today’s Students Use Social Media.” Today’s college students use social media (i.e., Facebook, Myspace, Twitter), cell phones, blogs, and instant messaging at higher rates than people from other generations.Yet faculty members generally lag behind students in their use of technology. While some embrace it, most faculty have negative views of newer technologies, believing that technology use hurts students academically and socially. Nevertheless, research shows that students utilize newer technologies that are beneficial to them. Recent research has shown that students who use Facebook at high rates have more positive educational outcomes. And the use of blogs, cell phones, and instant messaging have all been shown to promote student academic and psychosocial development. Learn the trends so that you can “talk the language” of your key audience and communicate effectively!
Check back soon to learn how your online presence can be the best it can be. Sandra Kowalski and Trey McCallie from Northern Arizona University recently revamped their entire online system and will share insights and lessons learned from their experiences. Susan Kirtland, of Propeller Communications, with present two sessions about what your visual messaging says about you, and how to to a self-audit of your website’s usability.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Photography Workshop. Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich & Matteo Federico Bologna.
Photography Workshop
Now that you’re coming to Phoenix, be sure to check out the photography workshop that precedes the conference on Saturday— “Create an Effective Mood.” We’re trying something different this year by offering this programming before the conference so that you can add this on with minimal additional expense. If you have always wanted to try one of UCDA’s photography workshops, here’s your chance!
You know those clients, the ones that say, “I know what I want when I see it?” Working with such a vague direction can require unnecessary work and endless revisions. This workshop will show you how to start a conversation about the visual direction of a project before you fully invest in a design. Using a digital camera, you will explore the pre-conditions to design and learn how digital mood boards can creatively kick start the design process. With your visual tools, evoke feelings or tones that will engage the client early in the design process, improving communication and creating work flow efficiencies.
Exercises will help you “get out of your own way” as you explore color, light and texture and refresh your approach to your own work. This workshop is for all levels of digital camera experience, and you supply your own camera, computer, etc.
This workshop actually begins online on Monday, October 3. You will have several photographic assignments on your campus and/or surrounding areas and online discussions, culminating in the half-day workshop in Phoenix with presenters Richard Jividen and Jody Zamirowski.
Fee $75. Includes online program starting October 3 and boxed lunch. Pre-registration required and space is limited to 25 participants.
Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich
Matteo Federico Bologna
The art of typography is a powerful form of communication. For instance, have you ever noticed posters in a different language that are so striking even though you can’t read them? Now imagine if you could read them, only to discover they are advertisements for something different than you thought, or something that you find offensive. You might not like it as much, but the visual power still drew you in.
Since English is the second language for Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich and Matteo Federico Bologna, they say in their refined accent ... ‘hummm, like ahhhh, rrrreading is rrreally overrated.’ What is their solution? They communicate with type. And boy, do they! They are masters of typographical illustrations, and their inspired work with type garners international praise. Matteo is principal at his design studio Mucca Design, with a focus on branding for big and small corporations, including Victoria Secret and Rizzoli. Roberto is president and receptionist of his own design studio, deVicq, that specializes in restaurant and publication design. Come and try to understand what the hell they are talking about with their general session, “English for me is Greek.”
Matteo and Roberto will also present a breakout session, “Typographical Survivor.” If you didn’t have the chance to experience their session in San Diego in 2005, you won’t want to miss this in Phoenix. Imagine this—you have no budget, the computer has hiccups, and the artwork was provided by the (air quote) gifted (air quote) three-year-old daughter of your client. Enter Typography to save the day! In this session, you'll explore the versatility of creating type from thin air.
Now that you’re coming to Phoenix, be sure to check out the photography workshop that precedes the conference on Saturday— “Create an Effective Mood.” We’re trying something different this year by offering this programming before the conference so that you can add this on with minimal additional expense. If you have always wanted to try one of UCDA’s photography workshops, here’s your chance!
You know those clients, the ones that say, “I know what I want when I see it?” Working with such a vague direction can require unnecessary work and endless revisions. This workshop will show you how to start a conversation about the visual direction of a project before you fully invest in a design. Using a digital camera, you will explore the pre-conditions to design and learn how digital mood boards can creatively kick start the design process. With your visual tools, evoke feelings or tones that will engage the client early in the design process, improving communication and creating work flow efficiencies.
Exercises will help you “get out of your own way” as you explore color, light and texture and refresh your approach to your own work. This workshop is for all levels of digital camera experience, and you supply your own camera, computer, etc.
This workshop actually begins online on Monday, October 3. You will have several photographic assignments on your campus and/or surrounding areas and online discussions, culminating in the half-day workshop in Phoenix with presenters Richard Jividen and Jody Zamirowski.
Fee $75. Includes online program starting October 3 and boxed lunch. Pre-registration required and space is limited to 25 participants.
Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich
Matteo Federico Bologna
The art of typography is a powerful form of communication. For instance, have you ever noticed posters in a different language that are so striking even though you can’t read them? Now imagine if you could read them, only to discover they are advertisements for something different than you thought, or something that you find offensive. You might not like it as much, but the visual power still drew you in.
Since English is the second language for Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich and Matteo Federico Bologna, they say in their refined accent ... ‘hummm, like ahhhh, rrrreading is rrreally overrated.’ What is their solution? They communicate with type. And boy, do they! They are masters of typographical illustrations, and their inspired work with type garners international praise. Matteo is principal at his design studio Mucca Design, with a focus on branding for big and small corporations, including Victoria Secret and Rizzoli. Roberto is president and receptionist of his own design studio, deVicq, that specializes in restaurant and publication design. Come and try to understand what the hell they are talking about with their general session, “English for me is Greek.”
Matteo and Roberto will also present a breakout session, “Typographical Survivor.” If you didn’t have the chance to experience their session in San Diego in 2005, you won’t want to miss this in Phoenix. Imagine this—you have no budget, the computer has hiccups, and the artwork was provided by the (air quote) gifted (air quote) three-year-old daughter of your client. Enter Typography to save the day! In this session, you'll explore the versatility of creating type from thin air.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Lois Ellen Frank. Dion Zeuss. Trish Witzkowski.
Krider Prize for Creativity: Lois Ellen Frank
The winner of the Krider Prize for Creativity this year is Lois Ellen Frank. Lois has successfully navigated the worlds of photography, advertising design and publishing. Most recently, she embarked into uncharted territory, pursuing a doctorate in anthropology and creating Red Mesa Cuisine with its mission to promote Native American, local and sustainably sourced foods.
Monday, October 17 at noon, this remarkable chef will present a presentation on photography and Native American and indigenous foods with a lunch that she personally designed for UCDA. The menu consists of Corn Soup, Stuffed Quail with Strawberry Sauce and Flourless Chocolate Torte. The use of unusual and quality ingredients promise that this will be a unique and memorable culinary experience. Be sure to register early as seating is limited, and there is a fee for this event.
Lois has just published a must-have cookbook featuring this work, Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations, and copies will be available at the conference. Be sure to check out both of these websites: Lois Photography and Red Mesa Cuisine .
Created in 2009 by the UCDA Foundation, the Krider Prize for Creativity honors creativity wherever it may be found. Recognizing that designers draw their inspiration and influences from a broad range of fields and experiences, the Krider Prize provides access for UCDA members to a variety of creative people and organizations.
Dion Zeuss
On the subject of sustainability, many of us are wondering, “now that I’m using FSC and recycled paper, and I've reduced my print as much as possible ... what’s next? Dion Zeuss is on board to present “Why Sustainable Design is Smart Design.”
Dion is the Creative Director of ecoLingo, a Phoenix design firm that specializes in sustainable design, and she is passionate about what they do. Her award-winning studio is dedicated to green design, blending design ecology, style, and sustainability. And out of thousands of submissions and only 230 design firms selected, two of ecoLingo’s projects were showcased in The Big Book of Green Design.
In her presentation, she explains that smart design thinking conserves resources, energy and money. Explore how to rethink your design role, gain tips to “work smarter” (what changes can you make in just your office that could make a difference?) and gather inspiration from samples of world changing design solutions from around the globe.
Trish Witkowski
Think you know all there is to know about designing brochures? Trish Witkowski, Chief Folding Fanatic at the Fold Factory is about to reveal more about folds than you ever thought possible with her session, “Escape the Tri-fold Funk.”
Ever seen a twist fold, a snake fold, a reveal folder, an angled roll fold, a swinger fold or a bidirectional accordion? Trish will share her passion for all things folded. Learn how to leverage the folded sheet to communicate your message and get results that will maximize the success of your projects. Explore exciting new solutions and learn from the industry’s leading expert in creative folding solutions for print.
Be sure to check out the Fold Factory website which is full of helpful videos and tutorials. There’s something for everyone at all stages of a design career.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
It's in the Mail!
By now, you should have received the 41st Annual UCDA Design Conference brochure!
You’ve seen the lineup of great speakers and subjects, and you really want to attend this conference. How do you convince your boss? Professional development is an investment that pays back, and here are a few points for the argument:
1. You’ll connect with the design community to build a successful network of higher education experts, learn from others in your industry and share ideas so you can face challenges with the right knowledge and support. UCDA is the only organization geared specifically for designers working in higher education.
2. Learn hard-hitting instruction from our stellar lineup of speakers. From lessons learned, you will know how to:
• Transition traditional media to mobile (including iPad, social and web)
• Find out how to use market data to influence decision makers and build design strategy
• Learn the importance of good content and rich storytelling
• Get up to speed on video training and techniques
• Learn to effectively collaborate with colleagues
• Recharge your creative batteries
4. Gain inspiration from the award-winning work in the UCDA Design show. Come away with fresh insight and ideas to create appealing communications that work.
5. Visit vendors at the UCDA Resource center to learn about new products that will enhance your work and production capabilities.
How will you THRIVE?
The past few years have been challenging to say the least. The truth is, it is not only possible to survive the current economic crises, but to also evolve, grow and THRIVE. Institutions that use design thinking can increase the significance of their brand, compete more effectively for students and resources and enhance their reputation. It will not be the smartest or the strongest that survive the arid landscape, but the ones most adaptable to change. Come to Phoenix for the 41st Annual UCDA Design Conference, and take new thinking back to your institution. THRIVE.
You’ve seen the lineup of great speakers and subjects, and you really want to attend this conference. How do you convince your boss? Professional development is an investment that pays back, and here are a few points for the argument:
1. You’ll connect with the design community to build a successful network of higher education experts, learn from others in your industry and share ideas so you can face challenges with the right knowledge and support. UCDA is the only organization geared specifically for designers working in higher education.
2. Learn hard-hitting instruction from our stellar lineup of speakers. From lessons learned, you will know how to:
• Transition traditional media to mobile (including iPad, social and web)
• Find out how to use market data to influence decision makers and build design strategy
• Learn the importance of good content and rich storytelling
• Get up to speed on video training and techniques
• Learn to effectively collaborate with colleagues
• Recharge your creative batteries
4. Gain inspiration from the award-winning work in the UCDA Design show. Come away with fresh insight and ideas to create appealing communications that work.
5. Visit vendors at the UCDA Resource center to learn about new products that will enhance your work and production capabilities.
How will you THRIVE?
The past few years have been challenging to say the least. The truth is, it is not only possible to survive the current economic crises, but to also evolve, grow and THRIVE. Institutions that use design thinking can increase the significance of their brand, compete more effectively for students and resources and enhance their reputation. It will not be the smartest or the strongest that survive the arid landscape, but the ones most adaptable to change. Come to Phoenix for the 41st Annual UCDA Design Conference, and take new thinking back to your institution. THRIVE.
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