#aigaretreat

I had the absolute honor to represent Kansas City’s AIGA chapter at the annual board retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this past weekend. I know I haven’t blogged in quite some time but I wanted to jot down some thoughts before I procrastinate to the point of forgetfulness. That, and I still have that post-retreat buzz that I just have to scream it from the rooftops (read: blog).

There is no doubt in my mind that I picked the right career path. Though I feel like I would be a good fit in other occupations and at my most frustrating moments, weight-in on the possibility of changing, I would not have it any other way.

This past weekend, I was pushed out of my introverted comfort zone and into a world of passionate, lively, excited, designerdiest group of people. And though I could’ve been more social and more outgoing, I still have that fleeting-lighter-than-air feeling inside that makes me SO proud to be a designer and so proud to be from Kansas City. The few connections I’ve made and the keynote speakers, breakout sessions and seeing how all the other chapters are doing all across the country make me realize that I really am part of something very special.

I come from a family of nurses, office-types, engineers and lawyers. I am the first one from my family to go into graphic design. With this, there are many challenges, one of which is just to explain what I even do. But I do not mind explaining and educating those who do not know because I am so proud and I am ready to spread the word.

In Philly, I was in company of one of the most well-known designers in the industry. Men and women who have created relevant and meaningful change through making beautiful and thoughtful design. Men and women who had to hear a lot “no”s before they heard “yes.” In an industry where a lot of critique is subjective, we all learn the importance of not taking things personally and set aside differences to achieve the mutual goal of creating something for good.

Words can not express how humbled and honored I am to be part of this amazing community. AIGA is a purely a volunteer-driven organization and to think we are approaching our centennial celebration is truly an exciting feeling. I feel like I can go on for days but as my colleagues so eloquently put it, “I’ve sipped the kool-aid and there’s no turning back.”

2014: 100 years of AIGA. AIGA Kansas City’s 25th anniversary. 10th Annual Awards show in KC.

Let’s do this.