Graphic artists sketch out plans for professional chapter

Professionals of nearly every stripe from architects to saleswomen can attend industry specific meetings that keep them up to date. However, graphic artists and designers have had none. Until now.

Creatives Jeff Pickett and Derek Vogel plan to start a Reno/Tahoe Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

"It raises public awareness of the importance of design as a strategic business tool," says Pickett, Reno-based vice president of the DuPuis Group, a branding and design firm with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and Germany. "It creates a community where they can share ideas."

But why can't designers just meet up at the advertising club meetings?

That could be enough of a venue if all they wanted to do was network, says Pickett, who allows that much of design ends up in advertising. But designers want to talk about specifics such as trends in color, or typography.

And, adds the former board member of the Los Angeles chapter of the AIGA, the Los Angeles and San Francisco chapters will act as big brothers to the Tahoe/Reno chapter.

Is Reno ready to run with the big dogs in design?

"With the growth in Reno during the past 10 years, there's a burgeoning design group here," says Vogel, art director at Ding Communications in Reno. Artists were contacted via e-mails to the membership lists of the American Marketing Association and the Advertising Association of Northern Nevada. "I've just been getting phenomenal response," he says.

Before Reno can charter a chapter, it will need 20 firm members. Meetings may eschew the typical lunch at a casino for cocktails in the evening because designers tend to be night people, says Pickett. Programs will likely include panel discussions, exhibits, and showcases.

People are very excited that this is finally happening," he says. "They've been yearning for this to happen."

For information, call Jeff Pickett at 849-3376.