vVhile many organizations brought color and variety to campus, members of the Harding chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts added a literal splash of artist1y to the student body. AIGA, the first noted professional design organization, included designers and design advocates from a variety ofbackgrounds and training levels. Harding's AIGA student group was a subgroup of 70 chapters nationwide. According to the organization's website, its primary goal was to encourage a greater understanding of the importance and impact of design. During the fall semester of 2015, Harding AIGA members took a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit several working professionals in the graphic design field. Visiting three different design studios gave students opportunities to see a variety of potential work atmospheres. Stacy Gibson, an associate professor of art and the coordinator of graphic design, served as the faculty advisor of Harding's AIGA student group. She said the group trip not only broadened students' knowledge of the design world, but improved connections between students in the depa1tment. "This trip encourages them to put together their portfolio, put together their resume and to talk about it in front of professionals," Gibson said. ''I'm so glad we had so many freshmen go, because they're trying to fully understand the major and see what graphic design is all about." In addition to real-world exposure, the trip provided a chance for the juniors and seniors to receive a personal portfolio review. Harding alumni worked at each design studio the students visited, which created an environment where constructive feedback could be shared. Paige Martin, a junior graphic design major, participated in the AIGA student trip to Nashville. She found touring different studios and receiving portfolio critiques from industry professionals both encouraging and inspiring. "By having professionals look at my work now while I am still learning as a designer, I can better understand areas that I am strong in and areas that I need to focus on improving," Martin said. Tori Strother, a senior graphic design major, served as the president of the Harding AIGA chapter for the 2015-2016 school year. She said being involved in AIGA served as an exciting reminder as to why she chose the graphic design field. "There are a lot of cool dudes in AIGA, and the group churns out more and more design content each year," Strother said. "So it's really almost a pride thing. It makes you proud to be a graphic designer because there are so many others out there that want to advance the field and take it to crazy places." By Libhic Turner Alumni Seun Willioms lours a qroup of students ciround the graphic desiyn a9ency DVI, Seigentlw/e,· in Nashuillc, Tennessee on Sept. 19. Studt'nt members c~{lhc American Institute o_{Graphic Arts hacl the chonce to meet with alumni and received a portfolio rei•iew from pro.fessionuls. I Photos courtesy of Stacy Gibson
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