APRIL 17–25
AIGA 2015 SSDX: Seattle Student Design Exchange
#ssdx15
The Seattle Student Design Exchange (SSDX) is AIGA Seattle’s first annual 360° experience for student and emerging designers. Experience a full week of panel discussions, workshops, studio talks, portfolio reviews, and an After Party!
SSDX is not exclusive to the Pacific Northwest and anyone from the student and emerging designer community who wishes to attend is welcome to do so.
When you buy your pass you get access to all events and will select from one of four studio talks and one of four workshop. Those who purchase the Backstage Pass will be able to extend their experience by adding an additional studio talk and workshop. Backstage pass holders will also benefit further enjoying dinner with our JumpStart panelist, VIP Seating at JumpStart, and a personalized portfolio review during Reality Check.
Want to be apart of SSDX history? Submit a poster design for AIGA's Design for Good on the topic of Food. Download the project brief for details. We will professionally print the top designs to be displayed at the closing After Party for everyone to vote on. The winning designer will win a year subscription to Skill Share, $1000 value. Click here to download the poster template.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Reality Check // Seattle Pacific University
Art Center 3 West Cremona Seattle, WA 98119
http://spu.edu/depts/viscom/
Reality Check is an event designed to provide students and newcomers to the field of design an opportunity to receive constructive portfolio feedback from experienced design professionals. Reality Check is the time for students to show their work and ideas to some of the best art directors and designers in the Pacific Northwest. All that is needed to participate is a portfolio and a resume.
Reality Check is a lot like musical chairs, but with portfolios. Every 15 minutes students will rotate to another one of our volunteer professional designers to present their portfolio, make connections, network, and receive feedback.
Sessions
The event is split into two 90-minute sessions. Individual reviews will be limited to seven minutes. Each session is limited to 60 participants.
Session 1 8:30AM–10:30AM
8:30AM: Check-in and orientation
9:00AM: Reviews begin, ending promptly at 10:30AM
Session 2 10:30AM–12:30AM
10:30AM: Check-in and orientation
11:00AM: Reviews begin, ending promptly at 12:30PM
Is this a Job Fair?
No. The goal of this event is to practice networking and tell your story rather than getting hired. Shake hands, listen intently, inquire thoughtfully, and position yourself professionally. But keep in mind the professionals you meet could potentially be your Art Director one day!
What should you bring?
A portfolio and professional resume—they don’t have to be perfect, just bring your best work and be prepared to talk about your thought process! Dress to impress. Treat this as you world a real job interview, business casual recommended. Come with an open mind. Reality Check is all about learning. The professionals we’ve invited are signing on to be your ally—they’ll shed light on the basic principles and ideas you should consider in creating a more powerful design portfolio.
Event Essentials
- 7–12 pieces maximum of your best design work (development stages are welcomed and encouraged)
- Bring thumbnails and sketches for at least two pieces to show your process
- You may present interactive work on your personal laptop or mobile device (remember to charge your battery! And prepare for not having internet access)
- For time-saving purposes, screen-shots of files are acceptable
- Bring copies of a traditional resume
