A Creative Path for Uncertain Times
By Lisa Sarkees

Doom. Gloom. Budget Cuts, Layoffs. Recession. These are common words and phrases we hear all around us these days. Most everyone would agree that we are in for some uncertain days ahead.

But as designers, great problem solvers and facilitators of creative thinking, we should find these “tight times” as an opportunity for us to expand and spread our creative energy in ways we may not have previously considered. To start, all we need is to find a little self-motivation. Of course, it’s not always easy to find that spark to get you going, and take you from words to actions.

Creative guru Edward de Bono offers a simple place to start. He finds that, "One very important aspect of motivation is the willingness to stop and to look at things that no one else has bothered to look at. This simple process of focusing on things that are normally taken for granted is a powerful source of creativity."

As you open to a new page this year, consider taking a more attentive look at the things directly surrounding you. Open your eyes to what is happening in your daily life--at home, at work and in the local design community as a whole. Take time to get out and explore your world, and get involved. Maybe that means volunteering, becoming a mentor, or simply starting a new creative project based on your daily findings. You just might be surprised at the wealth of inspiration you can find in your own backyard.

And just as you are starting to build your library of new inspirations and generating your newly found creative energy, plan on attending the 14th annual Y Design Conference. Listen, learn and spark ideas with nationally recognized leaders in design and business as they share their insight and energy as creative thinkers and leaders in this changing economic landscape.

While what happens in the economy is generally out of our control, investing extra time and energy in our own creativity can serve as a recipe to keep our creative and professional options open. And that can help us weather whatever lies ahead.

A Look Back at Y13
By Andrew Salituri

From the recycled stage set to the selection of organic apples served at lunch, Y-Conference 13 was an in-depth look at design and sustainability, and a new spin on AIGA San Diego’s annual design conference.

The challenge was complex: how could we become better stewards of the earth--to our clients, to the community, and to ourselves? With an amazing cast of designers, writers, thinkers, and innovators, Y13 sought answers to this perplexing question.

To begin the 3-day foray into everything "green", moderator Susan Szenasy, Metropolis magazine’s editor-in-chief kicked off the conference with a look into sustainable architecture projects around the country and kept a lively discussion throughout.

The next day’s speakers tackled everything from the ideology of consumption to a look at sustainable projects ranging from developments in the Pacific Rim to a small organic cotton farm here in the U.S. Janet Kubler of Biomimicry Guild argued that sustainable design might begin by designers looking to create a “conscious emulation of nature’s genius.” Proving her point, Robert Noble of Envision Solar showed his "solar tree" and eCor products.

Saturday's group of speakers carried the momentum, with talks about how "designing backwards" can lead to innovation in packaging and print work. Attendees broke out into Thinkshops, most surrounding the idea of sustainability in design. By lunchtime, participants donned decorated tote bags and recycled rubber wallets, while others left brainstorming ways of modifying our existing and green building techniques.

Did Y13 answer the complex question it set out to answer? Well, one thing was for sure: every attendee left the conference with a thought-provoking conversation or a new "green" idea to implement. We think the "Seeds of Change" may have sprouted.

A Portfolio of Possibilities

Get more eyes on your design. AIGA San Diego features work from dozens of area designers in our Member Directory, a vital resource for local designers seeking work, and people and businesses seeking designers. The AIGA San Diego homepage always displays the most recently created or updated portfolios. To get started, create your online portfolio on the AIGA national site. Once finished, you'll be asked if you'd like to display your portfolio, which will automatically link to the AIGA San Diego site. It's simple and it's free. To add your portfolio go to: http://www.aigadesignjobs.org/login/login.asp

Speak AIGA San Diego's Language

Looking for your 15 minutes of fame? Submit an original design for the Lorem Ipsum banner and have your work seen by more than 300 AIGA San Diego members.   If you're interested in submitting a design, send an e-mail with "Banner Submission" in the subject line to david.fried@miresball.com.   Submission requirements: - Banners submitted must be a 550 x 100 pixel JPEG or GIF. - No animation or Flash; only JPEG or GIF will be accepted. File size must be less than 20k. - In the body of the email, include your name or your firm's name and a link we can use to credit you. - You may use any photos, illustrations, or other legal images you'd like. - Banners cannot promote a design firm, designer, or any other organization. - You must use the "Lorem Ipsum" title and "We speak your language" subhead. - We encourage submissions that creatively represent our local design community. - Lorem ipsum preferably uses a capital "L" and lowercase "i." - Submit as many ideas as you want. - You must be a current AIGA member.

Click on the event name for more information.

Spirits Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 The W Hotel 421 W. B St., San Diego, CA 92101 6 - 8 pm

Y14 Energy
Thursday, March 26, 2009 Power Your Creativity Powerful. Persuasive. Problem-solving. That's creative energy—that's you—and that's Y14. Listen, learn, and spark ideas with nationally recognized leaders—the lightning rods of design and business—all converging at one conference. The most important natural resource the world needs right now is creative energy: the force that develops ideas, discovers solutions and pushes business forward. During times of dramatic change, creative thinkers have always seized the opportunity to design the future, and now it's your moment to shine. Inject a shot of adrenaline to your life and your work at Y14. Be inspired! Feel empowered! Get energized! Register Now!

Click on the event name for more information.

Visit aigasandiego.com to learn how to get involved in chapter events and activities.

LINK Program
Inspire young artists with your unique design talent by volunteering as a workshop instructor. Contact Tony Battiato, LINK Chair, at tony@asdesign.biz

We Want You
AIGA San Diego is always on the lookout for individuals to help keep the chapter moving forward. If you are interested in volunteering with AIGA, please email us. info@aigasandiego.com

Save Even More On Everything Adobe
Now through March 2, AIGA members can receive 20 percent off Adobe products. That’s an additional 5 percent over the standard 15 percent discount extended to all AIGA members. Discounts are limited to one order of up to $10,000 per calendar year. For more details, visit www.aiga.org/adobe-discounts

AIGA San Diego is a chapter of the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of visual communication and graphic design.

For more information, email AIGA San Diego at info@aigasandiego.com or visit online at www.aigasandiego.org.