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Posts Tagged ‘chicago’
Unemployed in Chicago
1/25/2010 9:39 PM By Sharon PotschYou got laid off and what did you do?
Getting laid off can feel like a death sentence. It doesn't matter if you know another job is inevitable or just around the corner, you feel like you're done and things will never be the same. But what if getting laid off meant starting a new beginning?
We've all heard the saying of turning lemons in lemonade but check out a website for a film that documents ex-agency folks who've done just that. "Lemonade" is a film that documents the paths of those who were products of advertising agency staff slayings caused by the recent economic downtown that we're all too familiar with. Instead of grousing around and applying for the same ol' creative director jobs, the people featured in this film dusted off their boots and walked a path destined by their dreams. Intrigued? Check out this trailer. You can even upload your own war story.
Maybe it's not possible to chuck your resume out the window and open a yoga studio, but this film certainly will get your wheels turning. "Lemonade" is on tour with screenings across the country including Chicago on Tuesday, February 9, at 6:00 and 8:00 PM at the Chopin Theater in Wicker Park. We hope to see you at one of these free screenings. If anything it certainly is nice to relate to a film. Admission is free but you need to RSVP here for the 6:00 show and here for the 8:00 show. See you there!
Communication Arts Editor in Chicago
9/15/2009 11:46 AM By Sharon PotschPatrick Coyne, the editor and designer of Communication Arts, will be speaking in conjunction with the AIGA on Thursday, September 24. Patrick will discuss the innerworkings of this amazing publication and provide insight on how individuals are selected for features in the publication. What an opportunity! You can read more about this event (and register) here.
Naperville: The Naper Settlement
6/30/2009 4:41 PM By Catherine TNaperville, Illinois is home to a very unique piece of property called the Naper Settlement. If you are trying to come up with some traditional ideas for a Web design concept, spend the afternoon here with the costumed interpreters and you are sure to get some material that you can work with. The property has 30 historic buildings that are located on 13 acres, and visiting each of them makes you feel as though you have been transported back in time.
The buildings that are on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, a print shop and a Victorian mansion. There is also a fort, a schoolhouse and a chapel that you can visit to round out the imagery. After spending some time at the settlement, you can begin to get a feel for what life was like long ago. Look for things that are symbolic to represent the traditional American lifestyle–they are all around you here.
Chicago: Downtown Deco Tour
6/26/2009 4:40 PM By Catherine TArt Deco is a truly unique style, and if you are looking to find a way to incorporate it into a design, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's "Downtown Deco" tour is a must. Not only will it get you in touch with the history of this popular design style, but it will teach you details about the motifs and characteristics of Art Deco as well. Chicago is home to many buildings that exemplify the Deco look, including the Field Building, the Carbide and Carbon Building and the One LaSalle Street Building.
If you want to go out on your own and see the Deco buildings in the city, there are plenty of places to see. Some buildings you might want to view include the Palmolive Building, Mather Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the McGraw-Hill Building, all of which have the ornamentation and design that have come to represent Art Deco style. Classy, yet modern in its own way, this can be a great starting point for a totally new design concept.
Glencoe: Chicago Botanic Garden
5/13/2009 10:27 AM By Catherine TGlencoe, Illinois is home to the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you are looking for nature to inspire you in Web design, this may be one of the best places that you can go. If one area of the property isn't doing the trick, simply change your view–something here is sure to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing. Wander through the charming Rose Garden or take in the lovely structure of the English Walled Garden. There is truly something for everyone here. Patterns, color, and design can all be found outdoors.The Japanese garden gives off a very calm, organized vibe, while the Waterfall Garden points to the energy and action that can be seen in the natural world. There are 385 acres to explore, so chances are that you will find something that gives you a starting place are very good. Take a look at the map and decide which of the 23 display gardens you would like to visit, or simply set out and see what captures your attention.
Skokie: Unique Sculpture
5/6/2009 10:23 AM By Catherine TSkokie, Illinois is located approximately forty minutes from downtown Chicago and has a special area dedicated to various kinds of sculpture. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is home to over sixty interesting pieces, and if your client is looking for something out of the ordinary, the designs here can really help get you thinking outside the box. The subject matter of these statues is quite varied, but there are many abstract designs that can work well as a seed for ideas of your own. Bring a sketch pad or camera to capture the ones that you like so you can reflect on them later as well.
Admission into the park is free, and on its Website, you can download a self-guided tour packet that you can bring with you. The park runs for two miles and is divided into four different sections. Since it's on a long strip of land, you tend to come upon the statues one at a time, which can be wonderful for juxtaposing a variety of ideas and concepts. The statues can be a great help in terms of inspiring you to create a new logo or build a totally unique-looking page. Go when you have some time to enjoy these magnificent creations.
The Chicago Media Market
3/19/2009 9:48 AM By ArtisanChicago is one of the top three media markets in the United States, along with New York and Los Angeles. This means there are many opportunities for freelancers in creative and technical fields.
A Chicago graphic designer can find opportunities in many industries, including advertising, film, and media. The market also includes many agencies targeting African-Americans.
Ad agencies in the metro area bill about $17 billion a year. Leading ad agencies include DDB Chicago, Killian & Company, Leo Burnett, and Foote Cone & Belding.
Jumping on the CS4 Bandwagon
3/6/2009 6:40 AM By Sharon PotschIt seems like as soon as you get the purchase of one design program paid off another one comes down the pipeline. Most of the designers I meet are hip to CS3, but I hear only a few mention CS4. Have you made the jump? CreativePro.com has some interesting pros and cons about Photoshop CS4. MacWorld offers an always trustworthy review of Indesign CS4 if you’re wondering if you should make the jump.
Members of the Chicago Creative Coalition can join a members-only event for 5 bucks to learn about Adobe’s new product launch on Monday, March 9, at T.J. Hine Photography down on Justine in Chicago.
Chicago Designers
1/20/2009 9:46 AM By Catherine TBecause of its varied arts scene and strong advertising and media markets, Chicago is home to some of the most creative graphic designers around. Many of them find opportunities at some of the new businesses and design shops that flow out of the innovative universities in the area.
A few Chicago designers will sometimes get together and start their own design shops! If you have the skills, you can start out as a freelancer and end up wherever you want to be.
How can you connect with design opportunities? Start by creating the best portfolio you can. This may mean going back to school to grab a few more advertising-related classes or software skills — as well as building your network through your teachers and fellow students. Get your portfolio out to creative staffing agencies and small advertising and marketing shops, and make connections while you create great work.
Communication Arts Interactive Design Contest
11/12/2008 7:33 AM By Sharon PotschInteractive talent–are you going to go for it? Communication Arts announced their latest interactive design contest today. Artisan is proud to represent some of the best interface and online designers in Chicago, New York, LA, and San Francisco. We'd love to see some of you putting your work out there. You can read more about the design contest on Comm Arts' website.
