A group of graphic design students are attempting to raise money in hopes to attend a design convention in Phoenix, Arizona in mid-October. These students are members of AIGA, which is a professional association for design and includes national accreditation with over 20,000 members and 66 chapters nationwide. The goal for the Southeastern chapter is to raise funds for the group by taking on design-based jobs.

“We’re basically trying to use our knowledge and skills that we’ve gained from our classes and outside of class to help students here with their design needs,” said Amanda Zell, a senior graphic design major and president of the resident AIGA student group. “Things like posters, business cards, invitations to things. Just whatever they need.”

Zell continued to mention that pricing for the designs would be dependent upon the clients.

“The costs will really depend on what they need, but we understand that they’re students,” said Zell.

With time falling short between now and the October convention, it seems unlikely that the group will earn enough money to make the trip in time. However, Zell remains hopeful that AIGA members will get the opportunity to expand upon their knowledge outside of the campus.

“If we can’t go to the convention in Arizona, we’re going to try to maybe take a trip to Chicago and look at some firms up there in November,” said Zell.

Another idea the AIGA has planned is a professional student portfolio review. It is an event that they attend every year in the spring and can be very insightful for both up-and-coming and established designers alike.

“This is really the big dog when it comes to AIGA,” said Zell. “It’s where AIGA members can meet with professional designers from New Orleans and national designers. They [will] all come to one location to specifically talk to students about their portfolios. You get to talk to like five to six designers, and they give you really helpful tips and it’s a great way to network. And that actually may be coming to Southeastern this year because it’s usually held in New Orleans. But we may be holding it here next semester, so that’s really the big thing. And it’s free if you’re a member of the AIGA.”

Students interested in joining AIGA can contact the group at [email protected]. The only requirement is to be a graphic design major. There is also a registration fee of $50 a year.

“It’s a nationally acclaimed organization, so it’s actually a really cheap price because once you get outside of Southeastern it’s like $250 a year,” said Zell. “If you join as a student you can still put it on your resume and say ‘I’m part of AIGA and I care about design.'”

AIGA meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the graphic design lab, East Stadium, Room 132.