Mingei International Museum @ Balboa Park (basement level)
Thursday, April 24th from 6-8pm
Click here for the ticket link

Tickets:
AIGA Members – $15
General Admission – $20
Full Time Students – $5

Join AIGA San Diego Tijuana for Intrépido, our quarterly speaker series featuring fearless design leadership. The seventh installment of the series features an expansive visual presentation by Richard Danne with projects from his stellar new book: Shooting for the Stars, a six-decade celebration of timeless design. The book’s 248 colorful pages include successful programs and projects which have stood the test of time – for diverse clients like NASA to FIT; Paramount to AT&T; large budgets to small; all with strong concepts and enduring design solutions.

Each project is captioned with a date to appreciate the longevity of the design. Plus, many stories reveal how the projects evolved, some in surprising ways, like when Richard was stranded after a presentation in Saudi Arabia with a total lock-down of airspace. 

The schedule for this installment of Intrépido:

• 6:00 pm – Connect over light bites and drinks: reconnect with old friends and build new bonds with our vibrant community of like-minded people.  
• 6:30 pm – Be inspired by a master: experience the stories firsthand as Richard delves into the details behind his most celebrated work  
• 7:15 pm – Engage in thoughtful conversation: pose your most burning questions to learn more about Richard’s lifetime of dedication to visual communication. 
• 7:45 pm – Take home a signed copy of Stars: bring your own book or pre-purchase a copy when you register online. A limited number of books may be on hand at the event. 

Richard Danne’s work is a testament to the power of simplicity and clarity. His presence offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for our craft. We’re delighted to host this event at the Mingei, the perfect setting for an evening of inspiration and connection.

We look forward to sharing this memorable night with you! A special thank you to our sponsors: Visual Asylum, MiresBall, Design Innovation Institute, Miriello, and Studio Conover.

Click here for the ticket link

About Richard Danne

Richard Danne was born and raised in Oklahoma. After graduating from Oklahoma State University and attending UCLA’s Graduate School of Design, he and wife Barbara headed for New York City. He became a partner at Gips and Danne in 1964 and in 1973 established the acclaimed design firm, Danne & Blackburn (D&B), with Bruce Blackburn. When D&B dissolved in 1986, Richard launched Richard Danne & Associates, later DanneDesign. He and Barbara currently live in Napa, California. 

Richard’s work focuses on brand identity and communication design with emphasis on both words and visuals. His guiding principle, “create work that has beauty, simplicity, and permanence,” is evident in design programs for corporations, educational institutions, museums, medical centers, and government agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), now one of the world’s most recognized design programs, which received the US Presidential Award for Design Excellence and NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal. 

Richard is also well-respected for his contributions to design leadership. In 1974, he was invited to join the elite Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) and served as AGI/USA president for eight years. He was elected national president of AIGA in 1977 and later founding president of the New York chapter. In 2014, he received the prestigious AIGA Medal and was honored in 2018 with a Fellow award by AIGA San Francisco.   

Shooting for the Stars: Six Decades of Timeless Design celebrates Richard Danne’s illustrious career through colorful photographs of countless award-winning design programs, fascinating stories behind the work, and highlights of his service to the design community. Professionals, historians, educators, and students will enjoy and benefit from this book. 

As part of the IDC’24 festivities that took place in October, our community was thrilled to honor the recognition of two AIGA Fellow awards to Dave Conover and Susan Merritt. As the highest honor a local chapter can award, the AIGA Fellow program recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful, significant impact in the form of education, writing, leadership, as well as reputation and practice of design. Susan and Dave have been pillars in our region dating all the way back to the formation of the chapter. This recognition is well deserved and long overdue. A hearty congratulations to both!

AIGA San Diego Tijuana welcomed over 370 guests to the world premiere of the Graphis Designers for Peace International Poster Exhibition: United with Ukraine. The bi-national event kicked off on Wednesday, November 16th, with over 200 guests in attendance at UCSD Park & Market in downtown San Diego. Internationally acclaimed designers and exhibit artists Kit Hinrichs, Michael Pantuso, and Carmit Haller attended the opening night event to meet with guests and sign limited-edition merchandise. On Thursday, the exhibition premiered in Tijuana, Mexico at the iconic Casa de la Cultura Tijuana with Michael Pantuso in attendance. Proceeds from both events benefited humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine.

“I was overwhelmed by the response from designers around the world to the heinous, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Putin and the Russian military. The visuals for many of the posters carried powerful, heartfelt concepts crafted around the brutality of the current crisis,” said jury chair, Kit Hinrichs of Studio Hinrichs.

“This unique binational exhibition shows the power of design raising a voice in a hard and hurtful event like the war in Ukraine, and demonstrates the strength of the San Diego Tijuana design communities,” says Arturo Elenes. Elenes serves on the AIGA SDTJ Board of Directors and is an Advisor to San Diego Design Week. “AIGA San Diego Tijuana is working to harness this enthusiasm and talent of dynamic and generous professionals both sides of the border.”

Reconnecting Two Vibrant Design Communities
San Diego and Tijuana designers have a rich history of cross-border collaboration and celebration, though formal efforts to connect have waned in recent years. The exhibition’s opening night successes in both locations prove that the love, support, and connection between creative professionals and our shared work span across borders today. Attendees to both events included healthy amounts of students and nationally acclaimed industry professionals alike from the San Diego and Tijuana regions—connecting young, upcoming, and seasoned designers together through a powerful cause for good.

UC San Diego’s Park & Market and Casa de la Cultura Tijuana recently announced that the public exhibition would be extended through January 2023.

LIMITED EDITION MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE FOR SALE

AIGA San Diego Tijuana released a limited edition collection of merchandise featuring artwork from the exhibition. Included among the pieces are an exhibit catalogue, notecards, select prints and apparel. Sales the from the exhibition benefit humanitarian aid for people of the Ukraine through Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen and International Relief Teams.

AIGA SDTJ fundraising partner TZilla has offered customizable T-shirts from the collection. Choose from several award-winning poster designs and personalize by selecting your preferred shirt color and adding a unique message to your shirt. Each shirt also comes with a QR code that allows family and friends to support the cause as well.

WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR PARTNERS

The international premiere of the Graphis Designers for Peace: United with Ukraine Exhibition was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsor community. AIGA SDTJ is grateful for the vision and generosity of A7D Creative Group + Printing, Neyenesche Printers, Once Upon a Frame, TZilla.com, UCSD Park & Market and XXIV Ayuntamiento de Tijuana / IMAC.

ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO TIJUANA

AIGA San Diego was established in 1987 as a chapter of AIGA, the Professional Association of Design. In 2022 the Chapter expanded to encompass both San Diego and Tijuana, in acknowledgement of the unique binational culture that has evolved between designers in the Southern California and Baja region. Founded in 1914, AIGA now comprises more than 70 chapters worldwide and exists to advocate for a greater understanding of the value of design and designers in government, business and media. AIGA SDTJ has distinguished itself beyond typical professional networking organizations as an action-oriented nonprofit focused on advocacy, community contribution and impact. This is reflected in nationally-recognized initiatives such as the annual Y Conference, the Urban Art Trail, Tweet Street Urban Park, the Soviet Poster Exhibition, Contact-o Binational Exhibition and more. The organization serves the San Diego Tijuana region as the voice of design leadership, and champions design as a powerful change agent essential to the greater good of the community. 

Learn more about AIGA San Diego and the benefits of membership.

Are you ready to get inspired? Save the date for the wee-y mini conference happening Friday, June 16th at UCSD Park & Market! Get ready to listen to some amazing guest speakers and connect with fellow creatives in the field. We can’t wait to see you there!

Visit the link for more info + to purchase your tickets today! 
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/aiga-sdtj-weey-design..

Visit the link for more info:
y-conference.com

ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO TIJUANA

Learn more about AIGA San Diego and the benefits of membership.

Over the course of nearly three decades, AIGA San Diego and has cultivated cross-cultural relationship among design professionals throughout San Diego, Tijuana and the greater Baja region. The AIGA San Diego board of directors recently voted to rename the organization to reflect the bi-national collaboration and membership from Tijuana and Baja. The motion was approved unanimously. AIGA San Diego Tijuana – or AIGA SDTJ – will be the nonprofit organization’s identity moving forward.

“AIGA San Diego and designers in Tijuana have fostered cross border relations for more than 25 years,” says AIGA Board Member and Chair of Cross Border Relations Máximo Escobedo. “Many fruitful collaborations have evolved from this connection, and these shape our regional design community. This expansion is a natural next step in recognizing and celebrating our unique cross-cultural impact.”

The announcement aligns with preparations for World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024. San Diego and Tijuana is the first binational and U.S. designation to be selected for the honor, which shines a global spotlight on the many contributions of the region’s rich design community.

AIGA San Diego Tijuana Chapter President MaeLin Levine is passionate about the importance and longevity of the alliance.

“AIGA presents both design communities with tremendous opportunities and value,” says Levine. “We are committed to thinking outside of the box to maximize every opportunity to combine forces. The energy that the Baja design community brings is undeniable and invigorating. We envision a new model of cross-cultural intersection that benefits everyone.“

Without question the effort is gaining momentum on both sides of the border. Arturo Elenes is a Tijuana-based designer. Elenes is also an AIGA San Diego Tijuana Board Member, Advisor to San Diego Design Week and Co-Founder of Enigma Creative.

“This acknowledges the powerful relationship the design communities from San Diego and Tijuana have established through the years,” Elenes says in regard to the Board’s decision. “We already have cross-border and multicultural conversations, collaborations and friendship, this is a step in providing a solid framework that can foster opportunities for years to come.”

ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO TIJUANA

AIGA San Diego was established in 1987 as a chapter of AIGA, the Professional Association of Design. In 2022 the Chapter expanded to encompass both San Diego and Tijuana, in acknowledgement of the unique binational culture that has evolved between designers in the Southern California and Baja region. Founded in 1914, AIGA now comprises more than 70 chapters worldwide and exists to advocate for a greater understanding of the value of design and designers in government, business and media. AIGA SDTJ has distinguished itself beyond typical professional networking organizations as an action-oriented nonprofit focused on advocacy, community contribution and impact. This is reflected in nationally-recognized initiatives such as the annual Y Conference, the Urban Art Trail, Tweet Street Urban Park, the Soviet Poster Exhibition, Contact-o Binational Exhibition and more. The organization serves the San Diego Tijuana region as the voice of design leadership, and champions design as a powerful change agent essential to the greater good of the community. 

Learn more about AIGA San Diego and the benefits of membership.

AIGA’s new speaker series, Intrépido, brought the fire at the Mingei Museum, spotlighting fearless design leadership. At 95 attendees, the event was sold out. Rafael López lit up the room with engaging conversation, offering personal insights about his bold approach to boundless creativity. Breaking down borders and lifting us up, Rafael’s passion unites and inspires.

Future installations of the quarterly series will feature Don Hollis, founder of Hollis Brand Culture, creative director, designer and artist Michele Aranda and author and SDSU Professor Emeritus Susan Merritt to name a few. 

The events are underwritten in part by the  AIGA Advisory Fund. Our thanks to the following generous contributions of Ron Miriello, Lilia and Bennett Peji, Don Hollis, MaeLin and Amy Levine, John Ball, Candice and Rafael López, Dave and Celia Conover, and Susan Merritt.

Photo Credits: Steve Simpson http://www.stephensimpsonphoto.com

Your Input Helps Shape the Future of Design Education in California Public Schools

San Diego design leaders MaeLin Levine, Sean Bacon and Min Choi are serving on a statewide advisory board that connects AIGA chapters throughout California with the California Department of Education. Together this team is tasked with reimagining the curriculum standards for Design Education within California public schools and community colleges.

“Raising student awareness helps young creatives contextualize the diverse opportunities that exist in design,” says MaeLin Levine, President of AIGA San Diego. “A statewide curriculum will help more students connect the dots to the next steps that help them move toward that goal.”

The advisory group is led by Sam Cabrera, President of AIGA LA, and Allison Frenzel, head of the California Department of Education’s Arts, Media  & Entertainment Sector (CDE-AME). The group members include AIGA chapter leaders, design leaders, educators, administrators and researchers from across California and beyond.
 
The goal of the advisory board is to create more access and equity in design education throughout California public schools and build new pathways into the design industry, in the form of apprenticeship programs and entry-level roles.
 
Key issues the advisory group will explore include:

• How to most effectively raise student awareness of design career paths
• Developing Design Curriculum for High School students
• Helping students prepare for design careers with portfolio building in mind while still in high school
• Identifying today’s most relevant aspects of design and anticipating what skills will be in demand in the future 

If you are interested in ongoing involvement in support of early design education, consider volunteering with AIGA San Diego’s LINK program. Created to provide free online art and design workshops for high school students, the program serves students between the ages of 14-19. Focused on making design career pathways accessible for all, LINK also helps students secure scholarships that open doors to college and countless professional design opportunities. Learn more by emailing the program director at link@sandiego.aiga.org.

ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO

AIGA San Diego was established in 1987 as a chapter of AIGA, the Professional Association of Design. Founded in 1914, AIGA now comprises more than 70 chapters worldwide and exists to advocate for a greater understanding of the value of design and designers in government, business and media. AIGA San Diego has distinguished itself beyond typical professional networking organizations through community contribution and impact, as reflected in the creation of the nationally-recognized initiatives such as the annual Y Conference, the Urban Art Trail, Tweet Street urban park, the Soviet Poster Exhibition, Contacto/o Binational Exhibition and more. The organization serves the San Diego/Tijuana region as the voice of design leadership, and champions design as a powerful change agent essential to the greater good of the community. 

Learn more about AIGA San Diego and the benefits of membership.

Every two years, the World Design Organization (WDO) recognizes cities around the world for effective use of design to drive economic, social, cultural and environmental development via the designation of the World Design Capital (WDC). Past cities include Lille Metropole, Mexico City, Taipei, Cape Town, Helsinki, Seoul, Torino and most recently Valencia.

San Diego – Tijuana was recently designated as the 2024 World Design Capital. The award is a milestone, and represents both the first bi-national designation as well as the first inclusion of a U.S. city in the celebrated title.

Area leaders see the San Diego – Tijuana region as two independent yet deeply connected cities with histories, cultures, resources and challenges that are at once shared and distinctive. These facets uniquely position the 2024 event as a model for recovery and revitalization.

For AIGA San Diego, preparation for the landmark event is already well underway. The chapter has shifted into active planning mode and is looking to the future.

“Hosting the 2024 World Design Capital in San Diego – Tijuana is such an exciting opportunity for us,” says San Diego Chapter President and AIGA Fellow, MaeLin Levine. “Our cross-disciplinary, bi-national design community is diverse and accomplished. Our hope is to elevate awareness in the global community of how design is a catalyst of change for good in ways that unite people and enrich life.”

International design leader and AIGA Fellow Ron Miriello is guiding concept development of an AIGA signature exhibition that will launch in 2024 in conjunction with the World Design Capital. WORK|PLAY Designs that Define a Region will celebrate the region’s untold history of design and innovation. The curated collection intends to draw out how the unique synthesis of work and play has led to numerous innovations in a broad cross-section of industries.

“We’ve developed a selection criteria that reflects the open-minded, playful culture that has emerged in San Diego – Tijuana as result of work-play integration,” Miriello says. “In my experience, this hallmark is uncommon in the global community. We see it as an essential and defining characteristic of our regional design community. Visitors and residents alike will find the experience eye-opening and inspirational. The breakthrough thinking and innovation that flies under the radar in our region is simply extraordinary.”

WORK|PLAY will reflect and engage a variety of design voices and organizations from throughout our region. Each exhibition inclusion will represent a breakthrough or advancement in category, featuring objects, products, technologies and services in all arenas. The emphasis will focus on design as a universal and shared process.

AIGA San Diego plans to expand all 2024 chapter initiatives in response to the opportunities and themes incorporated in the World Design Capital. Included among them are the 2024 Y-Conference, the PROJECTING FUTURES and BOWHAUS exhibits, expansion of the K-12th grade LINK program and a design-centered career fair and showcase.

CROSS-BORDER PARTNERSHIP TO HOST BINATIONAL PANEL AT Y25 IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2024 WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL

Over the course of almost three decades, AIGA San Diego has cultivated a vibrant partnership and cross-cultural community among design professionals throughout Tijuana, greater Baja and San Diego.

“The ongoing relationship adds valuable depth and dimension to our design community,” says Máximo Escobedo, who serves on the AIGA San Diego Board of Directors as Vice President and Chair of Cross-Border Relations. “Since our first event in 1997, Contact/o has evolved as a defining initiative within our region – setting us apart nationally and internationally.”

The panel discussion will be moderated by Escobedo during the upcoming Y Conference (Y25). 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the Y Conference, which takes place September 20-21st at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines.

“We’re bringing together a panel of cross-border design innovators and thought leaders for the panel, which also commemorates the 25th anniversary of Contact/o,” says Máximo. “We’ll spotlight the unique and enduring bicultural design foundation of our region, and examine some of the challenges we face as we look to the future.”

The intent of AIGA San Diego is to spotlight the rich outcomes and opportunities brought about by Contact/o. This ongoing commitment illuminates the value of cross-cultural collaboration in tangible ways that positively impact local communities and beyond.

As San Diego/Tijuana looks ahead to hosting the first ever binational World Design Capital in 2024, it was only natural that Contacto/o would emerge as a timely vital voice within the year-long focus. The upcoming panel discussion is a key step in contextualizing the fruitful cross-border partnerships that have become a hallmark of our region.

“We’ve always sought to lead the way toward a new era of meaningful and sustainable collaboration,” Escobedo says. “Our rich cross-border relationships speak for themselves and have fostered a lasting legacy that will shape our region well beyond 2024.”

Additional details about the event will be available in coming months. At present, confirmed panelists include:

MODERATOR

• Máximo Escobedo—  Vice President / Cross-Border AIGA San Diego, Principal Maximo Creative Communications, Instructor & Advisor UC San Diego Extended Studies, Contact/o lead 

TIJUANA PANELISTS

• Johanna Mora – Founder & Director, Esquina Norte, Contact/o contributor
• Arturo Elenes – AIGA San Diego board member, Partner, Enigma Creative
• Isabel Salinas Gutierrez, PhD – Graphic Design Director, Researcher, Author, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California

SAN DIEGO PANELISTS

• MaeLin Levine –  President, AIGA San Diego, World Design Capital Bid Chair, Partner Visual Asylum, Contact/o contributor
• Rafael López – Illustrator, Muralist, Contact/o contributor
• Susan Merritt – Educator, Design Researcher/Writer, Board of Advisors for SD Design Week, AIGA SD Advisory Board, Contact/o contributor

In the meantime, members interested in participating in the ongoing development of Contact/o should contact Máximo Escobedo directly at me@maximoinc.com

ABOUT CONTACT/O

Contact/o was established in 1997 as a key initiative of AIGA San Diego in partnership with creative professionals from Tijuana and Baja, California. Over nearly three decades, Contact/o has encompassed exhibitions, design showcases, panel discussions and social events, fostering countless rich, collaborative relationships between design professionals on both sides of the Southern California / Mexico border.

ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO

AIGA San Diego was established in 1987 as a chapter of AIGA, the Professional Association of Design. Founded in 1914, AIGA now comprises more than 70 chapters worldwide and exists to advocate for a greater understanding of the value of design and designers in government, business and media. AIGA San Diego has distinguished itself beyond typical professional networking organizations through community contribution and impact, as reflected in the creation of the nationally-recognized initiatives such as the annual Y Conference, the Urban Art Trail, Tweet Street Urban Park, the Soviet Poster Exhibition, Contact/o Binational Initiative and more. The organization serves the San Diego/Tijuana region as the voice of design leadership, and champions design as a powerful change agent essential to the greater good of the community. Learn more about AIGA San Diego and the benefits of membership.

Here, we don’t ask why. We ask why not. Dare to dream. Embrace the absurd. Delve into the world of IMAGINATION.

The 25th AIGA San Diego Y Design Conference brings together innovators, designers, and doers to inspire ideas and fuel the imagination. What if your budget had no bounds? What if the wildest ideas were on the table? At the Y Conference, everything is fair game.

Join us Tuesday and Wednesday, September 20-21 for the 25th annual Y Conference.