Restoring creativity

AIGA unites graphic students

This year, the Liberty University graphic arts community is coming together to bring creativity and experience to the students of the Department of Studio & Digital Arts (SADA).

Professor Sandra Slayton, who said she desires to give students more opportunity and experiences for their future in graphic design, founded the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA) club.

“AIGA, the professional association for design, is committed to advancing design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force,” according to the AIGA website.

Meredith Long, current president of the Liberty AIGA club, said she is passionate about equipping students with opportunities that will build their future through the various events that she and other board members have planned
this year.

“As president, my first and most important duty is to serve as a strong Christian artist who gives full credit to God through my talents, designs and artwork,” Long said. “I think it is good to take this leadership role seriously through my beliefs, work ethic and desire to design, but have fun at the same time.”

AIGA hosted a game night Sept. 19 in order to reach out to students who love design and to build an audience. Students enjoyed a night of games, food, socializing and learning what AIGA has to offer.

Another meeting was held Sept. 26, featuring a guest speaker from the professional Richmond chapter of AIGA, Hilda LeStrange. She spoke to students about transitioning into the real world as designers.

“This year, my goal is to bring the graphic arts community together,” Long said. “I want designers to enjoy their time at Liberty through hands-on experiences and by learning from other designers, especially through their peers. There is so much knowledge at this university, we should take advantage of learning through the people around us and build connections with them.”

AIGA has held competitions for non-profit organizations in the past, which included the making and designing of business cards, logos, letterheads and T-shirt designs.

Currently, AIGA is hosting “The Ultimate T-shirt Contest,” where students can design a T-shirt for SADA.

“This shirt is very important to SADA students,” Long said. “Throughout my college career at Liberty, I have heard student after student talk about how we are the Arts Department, and we need a department T-shirt. This competition will bring our department together through studio art and digital arts with
our creativity.”

Students will first submit their designs in October, where the SADA Department will choose their top five designs. These designs will go through revisions where a final design will be chosen, printed, and sold for students and faculty to buy.

Other events that will be held this year include a pumpkin carving contest, a typography contest, a poster design contest and an ornament decorating Christmas party.

AIGA meetings and competitions are free for all students to attend or participate. Joining AIGA allows students job and internship opportunities, free portfolio reviews and discount Adobe products.

Students interested in joining or learning more about AIGA can visit aiga.org or their Facebook page aiga.liberty.