Design Week
March 24-29, 2025
AIGA Flagler Design Week is a series of programs exploring design process, craft, and practice.
Our mission is to increase appreciation and awareness of design, showcase the talents of industry professionals, highlight our alumni's accomplishments, and provide a further understanding of the business side of design. The week closes with a day of design agency tours.
For details, visit the AIGA Flagler Student Group Design Week events listed on Saints Connect.
Unless otherwise specified, all events are co-curricular in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, Fla. 32084.
Design Week Events
Design Week Events
Cause Inspired
Josh Burton, Project and Branding Architect
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Adaptability is at the core of the graphic design industry. To create genuinely impactful work, we must become temporary experts in our clients’ industries, understanding their unique challenges and goals.
Designers are like Russian nesting dolls: our artistic identity forms the core, while each new project, client, and industry adds another layer, expanding our expertise and perspective. With experience working with a diverse range of industries as an in-house, agency, and freelance designer, I’ve gained insight into the unique demands of each setting. Join me as we explore the differences between design employment types, the evolving landscape of freelance work, and the essential skill of temporary expertise.
The Secret Sauce of Personal Style
Michael Slayton, Illustrator and Designer
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This talk will guide you through developing a personal illustration style inspired by your life experiences, interests, and creative journey. Learn how to blend influences, embrace individuality, and turn your story into a visual signature that separates your work. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your craft, this session will empower you to create illustrations that are unmistakably yours.
Graphic Design Program: Senior Panel
Flagler College Design Students
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a Graphic Design Senior Panel, where students can engage with experienced seniors to gain valuable insights into the program.
This interactive session allows you to ask questions about coursework, internships, portfolios, job searches, and personal experiences in the field. Seniors will share tips on time management, creative growth, and industry expectations, guiding you in navigating your journey. Whether you're curious about software, project critiques, or career paths, this panel is your chance to connect with those with firsthand experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from your peers!
Student to Studio: Building a Brand and a Career in Design
63 Visual, Patrick Carter, Designer and Illustrator
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This presentation shares Patrick Carter’s journey from student to professional designer, detailing the founding and operations of his graphic design studio, 63 Visual. Based in Jacksonville Beach, 63 Visual specializes in branding, print, and web user interface design. Patrick reflects on his background, career milestones, and the challenges of running a small design studio, including project management, sales, vendor coordination, and balancing creative work with business responsibilities.
Tailored for aspiring designers, the presentation offers five actionable tips for building a successful career in graphic design. His tips include: working hard, staying eager to learn, securing valuable internships, refining and maintaining a strong portfolio, and thoughtfully navigating freelance opportunities.
These insights aim to equip students with practical tools and mindset strategies to excel in the competitive creative industry.
The session concludes with a showcase of 63 Visual’s portfolio, featuring branding, logo, and print work for notable clients such as Wicked Barley, Tacolu, and Strings Sports Brewery. These real-world examples illustrate how strong design and thoughtful branding create lasting impact.
Engaging and informative, the presentation encourages students to embrace hard work, creativity, and adaptability as they chart their career paths in the design world. Patrick’s experiences, with actionable advice and inspiring work examples, make this a must-attend session for emerging creative talent.
The Art House
Underwater Sculpture and Raku Clay Pieces
Ann Labriola, Ceramics, Drawing, Creative Expression, Environmental Artist
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join Ann Labriola for an explorative experience with clay accompanied by a 17-minute short film about creating an underwater sculpture called “Stargazer: A Short Discussion.”
Pieces of cut-out clay will be presented to the students. On their trivets, the students will use their own significant and inspirational words that inspire them. The pieces will be fired afterward and returned to the students in three weeks, giving the students a permanent trivet to inspire them daily.
Jefferson Rall
Creative Director and Designer
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The foundation of good design is not art, aesthetics, or execution. It’s communication. Being a good communicator is what your design or advertising career will be built on, not typefaces, color palettes, or programs. Great solutions come from great communicators and problem solvers - and can be expressed with a Sharpie on a napkin. How do you become a great communicator? How you think can significantly affect how you perceive the world, a client’s problem, or even a senior manager’s urgent request.
Let's unlock the 16 tenets that can fuel your successful design career. With over 25+ years in advertising and design, I’ve packed away nuggets of universal truth that would typically take you decades to learn. Why not have these tools ready as you tackle the problems that keep marketing and branding professionals up at night? Start thinking like a 25-year veteran right now.
Journey as a Freelance Tattoo Artist
Nicki Guistine
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In this presentation, Nicki will share her journey as a tattoo artist—from where she started to where she is now. She will discuss the inspiration shaping her path and dive into her creative process.
Explore how to create a welcoming space for clients while caring for yourself. Understand the importance of managing burnout, setting realistic expectations, and doing the work without overextending. She will touch on being patient with the creative process and letting your creativity flow naturally without comparing yourself to others.
Plot Creative
Ellie Dawson, Experiential Graphic Designer
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plot Creative Studio is an experiential graphic design and creative studio based in Jacksonville. They specialize in transforming brands into story-driven experiences through environmental graphics, branded environments, interior branding, and experiential graphics.
Their collaborative process emphasizes thoughtful communication and purpose-driven decisions, ensuring each project resonates deeply with its intended audience. Plot Creative Studio serves various sectors, including hospitality, corporate commercial spaces, education, healthcare, and multifamily residential developments. Their work focuses on creating meaningful narratives that foster connection and a sense of belonging within various environments.
Shepherd Agency
Samantha Boyd, Graphic Designer
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
An honest conversation about the importance and challenges of embracing criticism, change, and growth in the Graphic Design industry and targeting the value of being open to feedback, breaking through creative barriers, and overcoming nervousness within various aspects of the field.
Small Caps Collective
Cassie Deogracia and Keith Lowe
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Small Caps Collective is a creative studio in Jacksonville, founded by award-winning designers Cassie Deogracia and Keith Lowe. Specializing in branding, illustration, and design, the studio draws inspiration from retro and mid-century aesthetics to craft timeless visuals.
Their passion project aims to blend the charm of classic design principles with contemporary applications, offering services that range from brand development to custom illustrations. Clients can expect a collaborative approach that infuses whimsy and nostalgia into modern design solutions.
From Resume to Reality: Interview Essentials
Career Development Center
11 a.m.-noon in the Career Development Center conference room
This workshop will equip job seekers with the critical skills to transition from a strong resume to a successful interview. Led by an experienced career development professional, this session will cover essential interview techniques, strategies for effective self-presentation, and tips to navigate the hiring process confidently.
Participants will gain insights into common interview pitfalls, craft compelling responses, and ways to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or career changer, this workshop will provide actionable guidance to help you secure your next opportunity.
Design & Arts Networking Fair
Hosted by the Career Development Center
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Bailey Lounge, Ringhaver Student Center
The Career Development Center Design & Arts Networking Fair is a targeted networking opportunity for companies to connect with our Art and Design majors and for employers to promote their full-time employment opportunities and internship positions.
Fors Marsh Agency Tour
1534 Oak St. Suite 201 Jacksonville, Fla. 32204
10-11 a.m. (Meet at the studio 15 minutes before the tour)
Discover the innovative world of Fors Marsh, a leader in behavioral and data science-driven solutions. During this exclusive studio tour, you'll see how their experts conduct cutting-edge research, design impactful strategies, and develop meaningful social change initiatives.
Explore their collaborative workspaces, learn about their groundbreaking projects, and engage with professionals shaping industries through evidence-based decision-making. Whether you are interested in research, marketing, or public policy, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a company dedicated to making a measurable impact.
Optional: Lunch
Location TBD
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Adjective and Co. Agency Tour
333 4th Ave N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla. 32250
2-3 p.m.
Step inside Adjective & Co., an award-winning branding and advertising agency known for its bold, “no-ego” approach to creative storytelling. On this exclusive studio tour, you'll experience firsthand how their team crafts disruptive, high-impact campaigns for top lifestyle brands. Explore their dynamic workspace, meet the creative minds behind their standout work, and gain insights into the strategy, design, and digital expertise that fuel their success.
Perfect for marketing enthusiasts, creatives, and brand builders looking to be inspired by top-tier, unapologetic advertising.
https://adjectiveandco.com
How to Join the Tours
- Students must RSVP on Saints Connect and attend an informational meeting in S7 at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26.
- For additional details, email Chris Smith at CSmith@flagler.edu.
David Schwen, AIGA Jacksonville Portfolio Review Guest Speaker
Virtual Event, Studio 7, Molly Wiley Art Building
7-8 p.m.
David Schwen is a Brooklyn-based creative director leading the Pepsi brand at PepsiCo. He drives innovative, multidisciplinary design solutions across packaging, branding, digital, and social.
Previously, he held key creative roles at agencies like Mono, Carmichael Lynch, and Fallon. He worked in-house at Target, developing visual storytelling and design systems for brands like Apple, Benjamin Moore, Tillamook, and Porsche. He later founded Dschwen Studio, delivering award-winning content for Fortune 500 brands like Coca-Cola, HP, and McDonald’s.
At PepsiCo, David has played a key role in Super Bowl Halftime Show campaigns, contributed to the Pepsi rebrand, and collaborated with icons like Shaq and Bad Bunny. A Cannes Lions and Clio award winner, he has spoken at 99U, AIGA, and the HOW Conference, and his work and insights have been featured in TIME Magazine and other leading publications. Passionate about design’s transformative power, he pushes creative boundaries to craft impactful, inspiring work.
AIGA Jacksonville Portfolio Review
Jacksonville University, Davis College of Business, Room 171
2800 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, Fla. 32211
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
AIGA Jacksonville invites you to attend the 36th Annual Student Portfolio Review! Design students or designers looking to refresh their portfolios are paired with local design professionals for feedback on their final portfolios or works-in-progress.
Visit https://jacksonville.aiga.org/upcoming-events/ to learn more and to register.
How To Attend
How to Attend
Join AIGA Flagler on Saints Connect for more details and to RSVP.
Contact Diana Lodi, Faculty Advisor for the AIGA Flagler College Chapter, for more information.
Follow us on Instagram: