How do three of Chicago’s top designers brand their companies, their clients, and themselves as individuals? 

These questions serve as a catalyst for invaluable insight from industry professionals Jim Lienhart of Lienhart Design, Dian Sourelis of Creative Pitch, and Tim Padgett President and CEO of Pepper Group, and also as the foundation for this year’s student-conducted design conference, Spark 2009: Brand Me, sponsored by Visual Voltage, the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg’s student chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). 

Like years past, when featured themes included “All Connected,” “Collaboration,” and “Motivation,” and speakers were Firebelly Design, Chuck Anderson, Von Glitschka, Digital Kitchen, Rule 29, Good Night TV!, and Tanagram Partners, the annual Spark conference will once again create an opportunity for designers of all calibers, from student to professional, to interact, network, and learn about industry-related ideas from the distinguished individuals who know them best. 

We are also proud to announce that the winners from the 2009 Graphic Design and Scholarship Competition sponsored by the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg will be joining us as we delve deeper into the inner-workings of the design industry. A day-long design competition, Step One challenges young aspiring designers to create two posters and an invitation, all cohesive with a central theme. Juried by design professionals on the basis of originality, execution, cohesion across multiple pieces, professionalism, knowledge of the tools used, and design brief analysis, top designs will earn their winners impressive prizes, including scholarships to the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg, industry software, and of course, coveted bragging rights.

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

12PM - 5PM 

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The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg
1000 N. Plaza Dr. Suite #100

Schaumburg, IL 

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Register in advance and receive further details at www.visualvoltage.org