AIGA.com

What, beyond mastering the skills of your chosen profession, is the most important thing you can do while in school and after to improve your chances to succeed in design? Networking, networking, and more networking.  AIGA.com will help you do that and a whole lot more.

AIGA, or the American Institute of Graphic Arts, was founded in 1914 and offers design companies, freelancers and students a place to gather and share their work along with offering tips for succeeding in the design world.

There’s so much information of value available on this site, like articles written by members who happen to be some of the industries most well know authors, that it’s impossible to list it all but here are some of the highlights:

• The Ideas For link gives food for thought to students, educators and businesses. In its easy to read writing style, the site offers tips on developing your portfolio to theorizing design.
• The Need a Designer? link allows a browser to search the member directory, review portfolio’s, or post a job. All of these links are valuable in the way in which they can give student ideas in the presentation of their own portfolio, search for designers in their area or review the skill sets employers are looking for in potential employees.

• The Gallery link offers examples of outstanding contemporary design that are accompanied by the artist’s motivation and steps in executing the work. In addition, the link also provides information in multiple media formats including podcasts that cover design issues as well as interviews with some of the fields most influential designers like Stefan Sagemeister.

Much of what is offered on this site is free but unlimited access is dependant upon becoming a member, AIGA is offering a $75 membership to current students (compared to $275 for a professional). What WWD does for fashion majors AIGA does for design so why not join today?

Reviewed by Library staff member – Brian Seguin – S.F.

Creative, The Magazine of Promotion and Marketing is a concise, easy to use magazine with company and category listings of display fixtures, merchandising accessories, fabric banners, brochure holders and much more. The December/January 2006 issue features the Illustrated Guide to Point Of Purchase (P.O.P.) Exhibits and Promotion. A handy How to Use This Issue section is very helpful for locating a wide range of point-of-purchase sales displays.

Another interesting feature of Creative is the Promotion Audit section. This section is a current survey of P.O.P. programs in retail stores. It’s basically a review of recent display concepts major stores are using. Marketing Trends is all about new directions in marketing campaigns. For example, in this issue a paragraph is devoted to Starbucks’ addition of the “Hear Music” concept. Creative World is a listing of new ideas and products for the creative buyer.

Creative has a lot to offer in the world of promotion and marketing. Published bi-monthly, it is useful for students and professionals. Visit www.creativemag.com for their online offerings.

Reviewed by Library staff member - Cynthia Aaron

Interior Design Inspirations published by design, architecture and photography book publisher Daab is, according to the reviewers at online superstore giant Amazon, “...a reflection of our time and of cultural changes in our society” (retrieved March 23, 2006, http:…amazon.com). This 700+ page book provides page after page of “inspiration” for interior designers looking for a unique way in which to create a room which evokes both the personality of its owner as well as the ambience of the space. Each chapter is a feast for the eyes and serves as a springboard for ideas.

The book is divided into nine sections – Entrances & Hallways, Kitchens, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Home Offices, Terraces, and Garages. An introduction precedes the many pages of sumptuous photographs that follow and provides readers with an overview of the room under design consideration, its function, and what inspired the designers in their final outcome. The photographs are plentiful and often provide multiple views of the same room. The result is a compilation of room designs each with well-appointed details which emphasize both the project and the beautiful surroundings.

Readers of Daab’s newest addition to their roster of design titles would be advised to take care and pause while browsing its folios. There is much to take in, absorb, and translate into one’s work. Whether looking for inspiration or just passing the time, Interior Design Inspirations will provide hours of thoughtful consideration and ideas.

Reviewed by Library staff member – Lucy Bellamy