This month our Member Spotlight shines on Ron Lewis!
A member since 1987, Ron has served as membership chair on the AIGA Philadelphia board and was a creative director and a senior creative at various ad agencies. Ron is currently self-employed, curious about everything, and knows the best ways to get through a rough day. Read more about Ron below.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your current job?
I’m currently self-employed doing a little bit of everything—design, creative direction, and strategy. Before that I was creative director and a senior creative at several ad agencies mostly specializing in pharmaceutical, business-to-business, and corporate advertising.

What do you geek out about?
I’m curious about everything. I seem to move from one shiny object to the next. Right now, I’m loving book cover designs, WPA posters, woodblock prints, and hand lettering. Next week, who knows?

Why design? What inspires you to do the work you do?
As long as I can remember, I was the kid who could draw—I’m a visual person. And, perhaps it’s because of the Irish in me, I love a good story. Design gives me a way to combine both to help craft a story. Good design has the power to create a meaningful connection.

Who helped get you here?
In high school I wanted to be an architect but came across a book on graphic design featuring works by Massimo Vignelli, Saul Bass, and Paul Rand. I was hooked. Since then, I’ve become a product of my opportunities. My journey has been, and continues to be, shaped by every project and person I’ve been involved with.

How long have you been an AIGA member? Why did you join?
I’ve been a member of AIGA Philadelphia since 1987 and served for several years as membership chair. I still don’t think my friends and family know exactly what I do as a profession so the AIGA community has always been important to me to share, to guide, to validate, and to inspire.

What do you enjoy most about the Philadelphia Chapter of AIGA?
I recently discovered and am enjoying the podcast series “Design Conversations.” I’ve always liked the variety of programs and outreach the chapter provides. But, most of all, I appreciate the community.

What gets you through a rough day?
As much as I still love what I do, there are occasional rough days. I get through them by not taking myself too seriously, giving myself permission to fail (within reason), keeping the bigger picture in sight, …and lots of chocolate.