Welcome to the Graph*c Content 2024 Conference!
Why Attend
- Inspiration: Hear from LA’s top design leaders and emerging talent.
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Networking: Connect with over 400 design professionals, agencies,
and students. - Showcase Local Talent: Discover new work, share your own, and engage with fresh perspectives.
- Career Growth: Learn practical skills in workshops and recruitment panels to advance your career.
- Support AIGA LA: Be part of something bigger—help support the design community and AIGA programming.
Schedule
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Main Stage
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Creative Cranium Stage
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Student Stage
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Workshops
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Networking
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Special Thanks to Our Silver Tier Sponsors
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors
Speakers
Paul Woods
It’s been a long-accepted, almost celebrated, fact of the creative industries that long hours, chaotic workflows and egotistical colleagues are just the price you pay to produce great work. The reality is that this type of toxic culture is actually the enemy of creativity, and with greater accountability and transparency in the industry — and more choice for young talent — than ever before, this unsustainable way of doing business is a ticking time bomb. In this talk, Paul Woods, best selling author and founder of creative consultancy Alice, shares insights on how to build creative culture, produce great work, and most importantly, not be an asshole.
Aspacia Kusulas
In a world increasingly driven by technology, the art of calligraphy stands at a fascinating crossroads, merging traditional craftsmanship with innovative digital tools. This presentation explores how calligraphy’s rich heritage continues to evolve, shaping its role in contemporary design. As traditional techniques adapt to AI and other advancements, the enduring human touch that defines handcrafted work remains invaluable. As technology continues to shape the creative landscape, the potential for calligraphy to redefine its presence and generate new meanings is immense. This discussion will delve into how calligraphy can adapt to various contexts, raise critical questions about its evolution, and inspire designers to embrace its rich heritage while exploring new possibilities.
Krislam Chin
Talk Description: Krislam Chin shares her journey of overcoming barriers and seizing opportunities by adopting a mindset of self-empowerment. Through personal stories and interactive discussions, she inspires emerging designers and professionals to take charge of their paths, make bold choices, and navigate challenges to achieve success on their own terms.
Andrew Hochradel
Join Andrew Hochradel as he does a deep dive into his process for making dream projects a reality. From pitch to launch, he’ll give you first hand insight on how to manifest the project and clients you could only imagine
You can email him at: ahochradel@adobe.com
Louise Sandhaus
What makes a career worthy of being recognized with an AIGA medal? We’ll journey through nearly 50 years in the graphic design profession with wit, wisdom, and lots of images. Along the way will be trade school, dreams of Mad Men advertising, grad school, Taco Bell, exhibition design that changed the game, award-winning books, and a crowd-sourced archive that turned design history inside out.
Dori Tunstall
The talk focuses on Dori’s observations of the design community in LA and the steps needed to help decolonize design so that it is part of a liberatory praxis of joy. The talk will address putting Indigenous first and how design's tech biases can be mitigated by an abolitionist and decolonial consciousness. These are not aspirations but practical design decisions made everyday. Dori will discuss this with Kimberly Morales Johnson (Gabrieleno/Tongva – San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians), the Tribal Secretary for the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians (2019-present) and a Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commissioner (2000-present). A PhD student at UC Davis, Kimberly has worked in the areas of Gabrieleno/Tongva museum displays, education, and health. Her PhD research focuses on Gabrieleno/Tongva storytelling and representation.
Shakeel Mohamed
This talk challenges the merits of awards and achievements in the design industry. I came to design as an outsider and became obsessed with a need for recognition for my work. I came to one of “the best” design schools, to take classes with some of “the best” professors, and even got to meet some of “the best” designers through AIGA. Very quickly, I learned my pursuit of being “the best” was actually doing more harm than good. Though competitiveness is often rewarded in this industry, it can lead to burnout, monotony, and an unfulfilling career. Based on my experiences from two years of graduate school and ongoing MFA thesis research, I will explore a new perspective on design careers. Together, we will examine how processes and people are just as important—if not more—than projects and prestige. In this talk, you will learn strategies to reframe your career goals by focusing on what’s uniquely important to you. You will have new strategies and language to redefine career success on your own terms. Plus, you’ll participate in a hands-on design workshop to visualize your new career outlook.
Tyler Pate
Explore how side projects ignite creativity, offer learning opportunities, and act as stepping stones to landing client work.
Nolan Havig
An introduction to various artificial intelligence (AI) tools and how they can help aide designers. This will be a short live demo that takes a brand/product from ideation to a full draft. The goal is to help the design community understand how to use these tools/how to adapt their workflow to include them.
Shijia (Bella) Luo
This talk will explore how visual designers can transcend the limitations of traditional tools and roles to become visionary creators of immersive experiences. Drawing from Shijia’s experience in leading an AR/VR storytelling exhibition, I’ll discuss how designers can act as curators of cross-disciplinary tools—blending technology, design, and storytelling to create innovative, future-proof solutions. The session will focus on: How visual designers can embrace emerging technologies (AR/VR, AI, 3D printing) to craft multi-sensory and immersive experiences. The evolving role of the designer as a collaborator, curator, and visionary who bridges the gap between disciplines. Practical insights on how to future-proof design practices by thinking beyond traditional tools and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Workshops
Creative Growth Through Hands-On Learning
At AIGA LA, we believe in the power of learning together and supporting one another as a creative community. That’s why we’ve curated a series of engaging workshops led by talented designers from our local scene. From hand lettering to printmaking and motion graphics, these hands-on sessions are designed to inspire, teach, and elevate your craft—whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro. Join us to explore new techniques, connect with fellow creatives, and take home your unique creations!
We know that artists and creatives all love the opportunity to learn together, and to lift each other up! Naturally, this felt like the right platform to host workshops. We will explore lettering, printmaking, and more in workshops hosted by designers in our own local community.
*Note that payment for each workshop will be collected at the door.
Exquisite Corpse Relief Printmaking
with
$15 2:00-4:00PM Workshop Studio
Jennifer Chen
(Upstairs)
Basics of Hand Lettering
with
Natalie Brown
$15
4:00-6:00PM
Workshop Studio
(Upstairs)
Crafting Creative Recipes
with
$15 6:00-8:00PM Workshop Studio
Oskar Mendez
(Upstairs)
Movie Posters
with
Paul “Zeet” Zaieter
$15
8:00-10:00PM
Workshop Studio
(Upstairs)
What you'll learn
Find creative inspiration through the surrealist art game Exquisite Corpse in this hands-on printmaking workshop. Learn how to carve your own relief plate and collaborate with other participants to produce unique, unexpected prints. All materials are supplied, and by the end, you’ll take home your own piece of this collective artwork. Perfect for beginners and those looking to explore the subconscious.
About Jennifer
Jennifer is an artist and educator specializing in printmaking and drawing. Her work explores the intersection of art and ecology through the lens of cultural history, often focusing on ornamental flora and urban arboreal environments.
Using a combination of photography, design software, and drawing she creates images and color separations for her prints, developing matrices on metal, wood, and plastics through both traditional techniques and new technologies, such as laser engraving and CNC machines.
She has taught at CSU Long Beach, La Sierra University in Riverside, CA, and Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA where she is currently the head of their printmaking department. Jennifer is also an active member of the Los Angeles Printmaking Society, an organization that is dedicated to public awareness and education of printmaking.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation in hand lettering and a beautifully designed thank you card to showcase your new skills.
About Natalie
Natalie is the hand-lettering artist behind Threeologie.
Threeologie is a design and illustration studio, as well as a resource for creatives trying to turn their passion into a full-time gig.
As an illustrator and graphic designer, Natalie has the worked with clients around the world, including Disney, Adobe, Trader Joe’s, and more.
Her work spans a variety of projects from brand illustrations to custom lettering designs. She’ll teach you how to leverage lettering as a business and how to reach your full potential as an artist.
In this vibrant and interactive workshop, designers will explore the art of crafting unique creative recipes!
We’ll dive into the playful world of digital collage and motion graphics, using the metaphor of a farmers market to gather our “ingredients” for design.
Participants will learn how to create illustration systems, delve into abstract and random shapes, and discover the essentials of motion graphics. We’ll mix design principles with fun, hands-on activities to ensure everyone leaves with a fresh perspective and a toolbox full of creative techniques.
About Oskar
Oskar Mendez is a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the illustration and creative industry. Having commenced his journey at Disney, he gained valuable skills in bringing vibrant worlds and unforgettable characters to life. His expertise spans teaching, storyboarding, character design, and animating explainer videos. With a foundation in classical training, Oskar is proficient in drawing from life and utilizing traditional media such as acrylics and oil paint. Embracing imperfections and experimenting with tools, collage, and abstraction are integral to his creative process. By integrating classic illustration and design principles with modern technology, he crafts engaging stories that stand the test of time.
In this workshop I’ll show you how to construct a teaser movie poster from provided assets with tricks and techniques used by the professionals. We will cover world building and creating atmosphere through light logic, shading value, and color grading.
About "ZEET"
Paul ‘ZEET’ Zeaiter has been an international art director / digital artist in the entertainment industry for over 20 years across the music, film, gaming, advertising, packaging and merchandising industries. He has created some of entertainment’s most iconic visual identities including official movie posters for films and TV such as The Batman, Star Wars, Andor, Spider-Man, Godzilla, King Kong, Dune, Pirates of the Caribbean, Aquaman, Ant-Man and many others – along with various game covers for Star Wars, WWE2K, Injustice and more. Brands he has worked on include: Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, DC, Warner Bros., The Simpsons, HBO, Netflix, Paramount, Universal, Sony ATV, EA, 2K and Snoop Dogg.
Event Map
The Main Stage
Hear from LA’s iconic designers and industry leaders as they share their journeys, challenges, and creative insights, offering a look into the future of design.
The Student Stage
Discover presentations from emerging designers and a keynote from Krislam Chin. Plus, don’t miss the recruitment panel featuring our gold sponsor, Adobe, and insights from industry leaders.
The Creative Stage
An opportunity for agencies and designers to share their process, pitches that landed, and some of the most critical experiences that have shaped their career in design.
Parking & Transportation
Venue Address:
beTRUE Studio
7225 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(Event Entrance on Pointsettia St)
Street parking is available near the venue.
Public transportation is highly recommended (venue is 15-min walk from Hollywood/Highland metro station
Take rideshare for ease and convenience.
Participate
We’re excited to welcome a diverse community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and volunteers to participate in this year’s AIGA LA Design Conference! Whether you’re looking to sponsor the event, showcase your products, serve up delicious food, or lend a hand behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. Below, you’ll find all the ways to get involved and the forms you need to apply.
F.A.Q.'s
General Events Questions
What are the dates and times of the conference?
The AIGA LA conference will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00PM to 10:00PM, with various sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the day.
Where is the conference being held?
The conference will take place at beTRUE Los Angeles, located at 7225 Sunset Blvd ,Los Angeles, CA 90046 (Event Entrance on Pointsettia St).
How can I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets online through our Eventbrite link. Early-bird pricing is available until Monday, September 30, 2024, so be sure to register early!
Can I purchase tickets at the front door?
We will sell up to 50 tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis for $150 per ticket.
Is there a deadline to register?
Yes, registration closes on November 1st, or earlier if we reach capacity. We recommend securing your spot as soon as possible.
What’s included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes access to all sessions, panels, activations, vendor and artist alley areas, and networking events. Workshops will be an additional charge ($12 each).
Are there discounted tickets for students or AIGA members?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for students ($45) and AIGA members ($95). Be sure to have your student ID or AIGA membership number when registering; we may double-check this at the door, so keep it handy!
What are the transportation and parking options?
There is plenty of street parking available near the venue. The venue has also reported no previous issues with parking at Ralph’s across the street.
We encourage using public transportation or rideshare services. The venue is a 15-minute walk from the Hollywood/Highland Metro stop.
Will food be provided, or are there food trucks?
Food trucks will be available outside of the venue with food for purchase throughout the day, offering a variety of options. We also encourage you to check out the local eateries near the venue.
What’s the cancellation or refund policy?
Refunds can be requested through Eventbrite and are available up to 7 days before the event (Saturday, November 9, 2024). Please note that Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable. If a refund request is not submitted within the allotted time, your ticket fee will be considered a donation to AIGA Los Angeles.
Is the conference open to non-designers?
Absolutely! While the conference is centered around design, anyone with a creative interest is welcome to attend.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes! We have structured networking sessions as well as casual meetups throughout the day, so there will be plenty of chances to connect with fellow attendees. We will also have dedicated networking programming for students.
Artist Questions (Artist Alley)
How can I apply to showcase my work in the Artist Alley?
To apply for a spot in the Artist Alley, please fill out our application form, which can be found on our website. You’ll need to provide some basic information, examples of your work, and a brief statement about what you intend to showcase.
What are the qualifications for artists to participate?
We welcome artists of all kinds—whether you’re an illustrator, designer, printmaker, or craftsperson. We do prioritize artists who align with AIGA’s mission to celebrate creativity and design. Preference will be given to those with a professional or semi-professional body of work, a cohesive style, and original content. All applications will be reviewed, and selections will be made based on quality, uniqueness, and relevance to the audience.
Is there a fee to participate in the Artist Alley?
Yes, there is a fee to cover the cost of your table and promotion during the event. The fee for participating artists is $85 for a standard table. This fee helps us provide the space and resources to ensure a great experience for both artists and attendees. We also offer discounted rates for AIGA members, so please be sure to indicate your membership status on the application.
What size space will artists be given to display their work?
Each artist will be given a standard 6′ x 2.5′ table (approximately – table size may vary), along with two chairs. There will also be some limited space behind the table for a small banner or signage. We encourage artists to creatively use this space to best showcase their work while keeping within the provided dimensions.
Are there any restrictions on the type of art I can showcase or sell?
The Artist Alley is a family-friendly environment, so all artwork should be suitable for general audiences. We do not allow explicit content, hate speech, or anything that could be considered offensive. Additionally, all art must be original—fan art is allowed, but artists must ensure that their work respects copyright and intellectual property laws. Please no AI-image generated work. If you have specific questions about whether a piece is acceptable, feel free to reach out before the event.
Will there be opportunities to collaborate with other artists during the event?
Yes, definitely! The conference is designed to foster a community atmosphere, and there will be plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with fellow artists. We’ll be hosting a few dedicated networking sessions and mixers where artists can connect and share ideas. Additionally, some panels and workshops are specifically focused on collaboration in the creative process, making it a great chance to find like-minded individuals to work with. Feel free to take advantage of these moments to start new projects or partnerships.
What are the setup and teardown times for artists?
Artists can begin setting up their tables starting at 11am on the day of the event. We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to organize your display comfortably before the doors open to attendees. Teardown will begin shortly after the event ends, at 10pm and we ask that all artists have their spaces cleared by 10pm. We’ll have staff available to help with directions and any questions during both setup and teardown.
Will artists have access to Wi-Fi and power outlets?
Yes, Wi-Fi will be available for artists during the event, and we’ll provide the login information when you check-in.
If you need electricity, please indicate it in your application so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. We also suggest bringing an extension cord and a power strip if possible, as access points may be shared.
Are promotional materials for my work provided or do I need to bring my own?
Artists are responsible for bringing their own promotional materials, such as business cards, banners, and signage. We encourage you to create an eye-catching display that represents your style and work. However, your participation will be promoted in our official conference materials, such as the website, social media channels, and event program. This helps draw attention to your booth, but anything for the table itself should be provided by you.
For more information or questions on Vendors/Artist Alley applications, feel free to contact:
Amanda Powell
Director of Programming
apowell@aigala.org
Sponsor Questions
For more information or questions on Sponsorships, feel free to contact:
Alexis Caban,
Development Director
acaban@losangeles.aiga.org
Vendor Questions
Please email Amanda Powell. Programming Director.
What are the requirements for vendors?Vendors are asked to submit an image of their booth, disclose what they will be selling, and pay a $150 fee in advance of the November 1 registration deadline.
What are the vendor fees, and what’s included?For $150, vendors get event access for the full day and an indoor room with a table where they can sell up their products and offerings. If a vendor needs to step away for a restroom or meal break, a volunteer will be provided to staff their booth temporarily.
Is there a deadline for vendor applications?Yes, November 1, 2024.
What kind of products or services can I sell as a vendor?We are open to your ideas, however keep in mind that this is a creative conference for graphic designers and we would prefer to stay on topic.
Are there restrictions on booth sizes or setup?The space will be provided, as will a table.
What will the vendor area look like, and where will it be located?Please email Amanda Powell if interested in these details.
What are the load-in and load-out times for vendors?Vendors will be asked to load in by 1pm and load out by 11pm. The conference ends at 10-pm.
Will electricity and Wi-Fi be available for vendors?Yes.
Can I share a booth with another vendor?Yes.
Volunteer Questions
For more information or questions on Volunteering, feel free to contact:
Jasmine Najarro or Ghazal Foroutan,
Co-Directors of Membership
jnajarro@losangeles.aiga.org,
gforoutan@losangeles.aiga.org
