Design Talks

Join us for Design Talks, a series of virtual events where we will discuss work culture, the playfulness of experimentation, and the future of design. There are three events in this series, each featuring a different design studio. All are welcome and make sure you come with questions!

Looking to network? Join the Zoom call 15 minutes early for networking and breakout rooms! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Design Talks:

WSDIA (we should do it all) from Brooklyn, New York
Jonathan Jackson
Wednesday, March 31 
Networking: 3:45 pm – 4 pm
Event: 4 pm – 5 pm

WSDIA is a contemporary design studio that translates client needs into dynamic, visual systems that can be presented at multiple scales. These solutions take the form of branding, spatial, environmental, interactive, or print projects. They oscillate between accomplished commercial clients, established public institutions, social impact initiatives, and the unconventional or boutique — preserving their dynamic nature and avoiding a singular area of expertise or client type. This provides an edge that they apply to all challenges, as different industries are constantly overlapping and inspiring one another.

→ Register for Design Talks 3/31 ←

Archie Boston Graphic Design from Los Angeles, California
Archie Boston
Wednesday, April 14

Networking: 6:15 pm – 6:30 pm

Event: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

He was a pioneer in challenging the racism of the 1960’s and 70’s through his designs, attitude and for his blatant self-deprecation and humor as an African American.

After graduation, he worked in various advertising and design firms before forming Boston & Boston with his older brother, Bradford. It was here that they created provocative pieces showcasing their race, as well as creativity, in pieces such as “Catch a Nigger by The Toe,” and by selecting the Jim Crow typeface for their logotype. For the majority of his career, however, Boston was an educator. He landed a position as full-time lecturer in the art department at California State University, Long Beach before creating their design department and eventually becoming head of the visual communications design program. There, he influenced countless young designers, inspiring them through his encouragement and standard for excellence.

His irreverent attitude toward race in his designs and lasting legacy through his time as an educator make Archie Boston one of the most prolific African American graphic designers of our time.

Content: Glen Ford Laughton

→ Register for Design Talks 4/14 ←

Headcase Design from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Paul Kepple
Wednesday, April 21
Networking: 6:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Event: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Headcase Design specializes in publishing and Illustration. They have worked on elaborate tie-in books for the hit Broadway shows Wicked, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, as well as for HBO’s hit shows including Deadwood, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones. Headcase Design has been recognized by AIGA’s 365 and 50 Books/50 Covers, American Illustration, Communication Arts, Graphics and Print.

→ Register for Design Talks 4/21 ←

Firebelly from Chicago, Illinois
Will Miller & Dean Sweetnich
Wednesday, April 28
Networking: 6:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Event: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Firebelly is a socially conscious creative studio specializing in strategic design. GOOD DESIGN FOR GOOD REASON.™ They’re a tight-knit team of optimists who believe in each other and their clients’ causes.

→ Register for Design Talks 4/28 ←

These events are pay what you wish with 100% of the proceeds distributed to the AIGA Scholarship Fund. The AIGA Philadelphia Scholarship Fund is an annual scholarship program that will support local design students by awarding financial assistance to pursue their education. Learn more.

Sponsored by Rutgers University-Camden
Graphics courtesy of Sheridan Waterfall

By aigaphiladelphia
Published March 18, 2021