Camp Firebelly Summary
by Dawn Hancock

Camp Firebelly started as a way to connect fresh talent with nonprofits in need. The collaborative environment offers 10 students and recent grads from around the country an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand what professional life is like through the socially responsible vision of Firebelly Design.

This year's experience brought students from all over to design and produce a website, screenprinted poster as well as wall and window graphics for Radio Arte, a youth-run, latino public radio station.

Camp was intense (but not actually in tents). The students met with the client, did hours of research, brainstormed ideas, presented a creative brief, moodboards and multiple design directions in the first 2 days alone! Along the way, the campers worked closely with the Firebelly crew, as well as other industry friends such as Rick Valicenti, Robert Zolna, Delicious Design League and more.

On eve of day two, the campers took a tour of The Post Family studio and did a quick letterpress workshop. They were also presented with a personal project, a Collab-o-rama, in which they were given the challenge of thinking outside the traditional design box, to create a collaborative more conceptual piece. Each student presented their ideas on the final evening of camp to a crowd of 20+ people. Amazing ideas were had by all.
Day 3 included a design presentation for Radio Arte and an evening at Someoddpilot with Chris who gave students another project which brought them back to his studio for a full day of cover art design for the band Hey Champ's record which is dropping in the fall on Lupe Fiasco's label.

Following a long, long night of design and an even longer day, the campers had to present their final designs for review. After a huge round of applause, they put on their fancy khaki scout sashes and headed out to the AIGA Annual Members Meeting where they got to mix and mingle with fellow AIGA Chicago members.

The final few days of camp were spent painting the interior space, building the website and screenprinting the posters. A lot of work to do, in only a few days. At times they weren't sure they were going to finish, but in the end, they pulled it off and Radio Arte LOVED their new brand experience. They even got them a Tres Leches cake from their favorite local bakery.