Senior students in AIGA taught underclassmen the importance of specific talents. Each spring, seniors in Harding's chapter of the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA) presented their artistic specialties in various demonstrations for their peers. Carlie Tacker, graphic design alumna and former vice president of AIGA, said the demonstration series included resume building, internship and career preparation tips, book binding, illustration, packaging and photography. Tacker said the AIGA officer team was very motivated to improve the organization and the demonstrations. "We were always trying to figure out what we could do to not only get good grades but actually teach people things," Tacker said. "That was what we were really focusing on." Madi Foster, senior graphic design major and social media manager for AIGA during the 2017-18 school year, said the organization's members were mostly art and design students, but students from any major were welcome to join. Foster said throughout the year, the club tried to involve a wide variety of students on campus by hosting events like a coffee day, selling hand-designed Valentine's Day cards in the Student Center and inviting students to attend the senior demonstrations. Foster said AIGA helped her become closer with her classmates, taught her how to work effectively in a group setting and provided an outlet for reaching younger students interested in graphic design. "It brought me closer with a lot of people in my class," Foster said. "We were, like, close-ish to begin with because we've been in classes together for four years, but being in that environment where we had to have a certain order to things made us work together better." AIGA was a professional organization for all types of design. Associate Professor of Arc and Design Stacy Gibson, sponsor for AIGA, said she enjoyed connecting students with design professionals and giving chem opportunities to grow their talents. Gibson said the demonstrations were planned and executed by students, which provided a great way for them to grow in leadership and presentation skills for their future careers. Underclassmen connected with upperclassmen within their major and created interest about AIGA, according to Gibson. "In our particular club, versus, like, a social club, the faculty involved and the students involved both love graphic design, and, then, we get to leave the classroom and go do fun things," Gibson said. story by Sarah Brister 255 | ART
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