Anchorage, AK – Michael Ardaiz of Mad Dog Graphx worked with Will Dowd of Anchorage Community Works (ACW) and Nora Gecan of the Bear Tooth/Moose’s Tooth to present AIGA Alaska’s 2016 Portfolio Review.
Portfolio Review was AIGA Alaska’s first official event after it formed six years ago. This year, the evening paired a dozen local design professionals with designers and students from the University of Alaska Anchorage, King Career Center (KCC), and more. One-on-one reviews provided insight and feedback on physical and digital portfolios, hiring practices, job interviews, and the market for designers in the near future.
AIGA Alaska’s 2016 Portfolio Review took place in April at Anchorage Community Works.
ACW hosted the event on April 14 at their Ship Creek locale. Will Dowd offered a demonstration of ACW’s letterpress, and attendees were invited to hand-press their own copy of the poster Will created for the event. Courtny Brooks, AIGA Alaska social media chair and in-house graphic designer for Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, presented a talk on using Behance to develop and distribute digital portfolios.
Students and designers received feedback on their portfolios from a dozen local design professionals.
Reviewers for the night included artist and illustrator Lucas Elliot; Mariajose Echeverria Stewart, partner at Yuit Communications; Brad Fleming, art director at Solstice Advertising; Lincoln Garrick, president at Solstice Advertising; Jontue Hollingsworth, owner/designer at Headron Collider; Cary King, co-owner/designer at Red Carrot Design; Michael Kirkpatrick, owner/designer at Screamin’ Yeti Designs; David Taylor, creative director at Element Agency and adjunct professor of graphic design at UAA; Ally Tomi, creative director at Walsh|Sheppard and adjunct professor of graphic design at UAA; Craig Updegrove, graphic designer for Bear Tooth/Moose’s Tooth; Monica Whitt, principal and senior creative designer at Thrively Digital; and Adele Wiejaczka, owner/designer at Live Large Design.
[L] Lincoln Garrick of Solstice Advertising (foreground, left) critiques work from a KCC student. [R] KCC student Demi Straughn shows off a page of her digital portfolio.
As always, the Review revealed some extraordinary local talent who could soon be working as graphic designers, web developers, artists, and illustrators (if they aren’t already). “I think it’s always inspiring to see other people’s work and help support them in their growth,” said Adele Wiejaczka, who is also membership director for AIGA Alaska. “I really hope to convert students to either get involved with ACW or AIGA, so they continue having community.”
[L] Will Dowd demonstrates the letterpress at ACW. [R] Courtny Brooks gives an overview of Behance as a digital portfolio tool.