Designers INK - Text Only Version
About Us
Designers' INK is an organization run by design students at the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We realize that the classroom works great for teaching
the fundamentals and methods of graphic design, but that's actually only part
of the processes of becoming a professional designer.
Students need to get a feel for what the professional world of design is like
including the level of competition, professionalism, and attitude that exists
outside of the Haas Fine Arts building. So we try to get students involved by
bringing in guest speakers, arranging portfolio reviews, and taking field trips.
The Eau Claire area isn't exactly the epicenter for design in the midwest, but
we're lucky, however, that the epicenter is only about 90 miles west of here.
There are several opportunities to go to Minneapolis every year, but the two
major events are: Minneapolis School of Advertising (Brainco), and the AIGA
portfolio review. Brainco is great because it's a relaxed atmosphere where top
notch professionals genuinely want to help students like us. AIGA takes place
in the Spring, and it's serious business. Students from all over the midwest
come to have their portfolios reviewed by top professionals who don't care if
they hurt your feelings (this is good). Students usually come back from this
one with either an internship offer, or the realization that they need to turn
it up a notch... Bam!
Designer's INK also feels it's important to get students involved socially.
So we have some great social events like progressive dinners, and yes, the obligatory
pub crawl (one of the benefits of living in WI). We also feel that we need to
be involved with the University. One of the simple things we can do to satisfy
that need is to DESTROY the competition during Homecoming. We're proud to say
that we won the window painting competition this year and float building competition
for the past two years.
The Design Program at UW-Eau Claire is growing every year, and we feel we must
grow to meet the needs of the increasing number of students. We have a great
group of officers and members this year who know how to get things going and
have a great time. We always encourage younger students to get involved because
the sooner they do, the sooner they'll mature into design professionals. You
can join our organization at any time; just come to one of our meetings, express
your interest to one of the officers, give us a blood sample, and you're in.
(check out the EVENTS section for date and time of out next meeting).
Events
VOTE FOR NEW OFFICERS
This year we are going to hold our Designers' INK elections at the end of the
year so that we can get things rolling right away next fall. Elections will
be held at the beginning of May. Visit the CONTACT section of this website to
email Sarah Schwanz with your nominations for Designers' INK officers.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sometime during Finals Week
Locations to be announced
Contact
President - Sarah Schwanz - skswan@hotmail.com
Vice President - Kou Thao - thaokou@uwec.edu
Events Coordinator - Rachel Waddell - waddelrc@uwec.edu
Treasurer - Christine Klatt - klattc@uwec.edu
Secretary - Tina Lindquist - lindqutf@uwec.edu
Publicity - Courtney Kupsch - kupschcd@uwec.edu
Web Coordinator - Don Ross - rossde@uwec.edu