When Your Logo Morphs Into An Animal and Other Graphic Identity Horror Stories
10:45 a.m. - Noon

Most of us know what it’s like to try to rein in renegade imagery on campus, from a proliferation of logos to simple good taste in publications. In this session, Auburn University communicators talk about how they did it, from logo creation and generating campus support and compliance to, externally, how trademark licensing can really pay off. And, yes, there are a few horror stories, so those with weak stomachs are duly cautioned.

Presenters: Camille Barkley, Deedie Dowdle
Location: White Oak Room

Back to Basics
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

The Grid, The Rag, and Everything in Between: Looking for some sizzle, but all you can muster is fizzle? Try it “old school.” If a great layout begins with a great foundation, go back to basics and learn how you can put the spin back into your designs. This session will discuss how to use the grid and how to break it. We will discuss good rag, tips for choosing typefaces and how to get the most from your page layouts.

Presenter: Trisha Dubina
Location: White Oak Room

Design in Public Spaces: Transforming Place
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Are all spaces inherently places? Place-making denotes the construction of a public space to enhance its placeness, its genius loci, through site-specific contributions. In some cases, its significance is invisible and needs to be brought to the surface: history lies in the residue, the structures that remain; narrative exists in the situations and events that have occurred; geography is underserved. The graphic designer is likely to enter the place-making team after the landscape architects, engineers, urban planners, artists and architects have laid the groundwork. Often our role consists of way-finding; the design of sign systems to help pedestrians and vehicles navigate through spaces. Other examples exist that extend the graphic designer’s contribution to shape place. Through case studies, this presentation will explore potential methodologies for site based work.

Presenter: Cheryl Beckett
Location: White Oak Room

LSU’s Think Unique: Using Market Research to Redesign your Recruiting Publications
9 – 10:15 a.m.

In the fall of 2006, Louisiana State University’s Office of Public Affairs embarked on the recreation of their undergraduate recruiting and admissions campaign. After a year of research, planning, and implementation, the University introduced a creative campaign that positions LSU in a new way. How did Public Affairs come to the conclusion that its message and “look” should be modified? How did market research play a big role in how and what the creative campaign should look like? And ultimately, has the campaign changed how high-achieving prospective students perceive the University? Join Robin Kistler, Marketing Director for the LSU Office of Public Affairs, as she uncovers the market research and lessons learned in the trenches of recruiting publication design.

Presenter: Robin Kistler
Location: White Oak Room

How Writing Affects the Design Process
10:45 a.m. - Noon

As a process, writing and graphic design can merge into a powerful creative tool. How does active writing and visual mapping affect the graphic design process? What does it mean to allow one’s themes to remain ambiguous in both writing and graphic design until late in the process of creation? Is this merely a selfish act? Does this require copious amounts of reflection time? Is this a method of creating that can be practiced on smaller time scales? Does the idea of a clear vision now find itself vestigial? Or has the designer/writer process become a novel means to getting at new connections? 

Presenter: Ray Ogar
Location: White Oak Room

Ideas Are Everywhere
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

You’re low on creative energy, time and budget. What do you do? Art Director Tracy Sterling Bristol shares her tips and tricks on resourceful and creative problem solving that will make your publications job more fun and rewarding.

Presenter: Tracy Sterling Bristol
Location: White Oak Room

Getting it Right - Best Practices
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What makes a communications piece stand out among the clutter? Take a look at some of the innovative and winning creative pieces that some of you did and most of us wish we had done.

Presenter: Tracy Sterling Bristol
Location: White Oak Room