- It will come as no surprise that I'm a big
proponent of involvement with AIGA or other
design organizations.
The basic and simplest reason is that you need
to be in it to win it.
Sitting alone in a kitchen, hoping the phone will ring
and your career will take off is not realistic.
In order to succeed you need to be involved
in the community.
I've heard the argument for years that AIGA or any
other design group is simply talking to itself.
You all just get in a room and congratulate yourselves.
Well, yes, that may be true, but it feels good to be
recognized by your peers and to give someone
else some help when they need it.
On the most pragmatic level, other designers are
a great resource for referrals.
I've found the community to be remarkably
generous and helpful.
Here's how it works.
I meet you at an AIGA event; we talk about your
ideas and goals.
The next time someone calls me and needs
a designer, I remember that I just met someone
who'd be perfect.
Involvement also provides credibility.
While it may not be the primary reason that
a client or design firm will hire you, it's an
important factor.
It shows leadership and a commitment
to the greater good.
And it doesn't hurt to have a position as a
chapter leader, judge for a competition, or
event organizer on your bio, website,
and mail signature.
On the less pragmatic side, design organizations
provide inspiration.
Sure you can find some great design online,
but there is something different when I hear
someone speak about his or her work in person.
When I began my career, I benefited enormously
sitting next to a well-known designer at dinner
after an AIGA event.
Hearing stories, getting to know someone I
admired, and eventually being able to call that
person for advice was invaluable.
Then there is the simple and important idea
of community.
From the time I could speak, my grandmother
repeatedly told me "A life without service
is not a life."
I followed that idea and have been involved
with the design community in many forms for my
entire career.
It's your profession.
If you want to guide its direction, you need
to be involved.
A good place to start is to volunteer for an
AIGA committee.
Contact your local chapter president, ask if you
can help at the next event.
Once there, take advantage of the situation
and make connections.
Everyone is there for the same reason, to be
inspired, network, and give back.
And everyone is shy.
So walk up and introduce yourself.
I've stood alone at many events when I was
the speaker because nobody would say hello.
And I didn't want to be the weird speaker that
accosted the guests.