Greetings, true believers! Design Sidekicks has returned!
On November 4th, 2016 AIGA Jacksonville will be partnering with multiple local designers, advertising agencies and print shops to bring you Design Sidekicks! This designer shadowing event allows junior and senior level design students the opportunity to experience the world of professional graphic design directly.
Here's how it works:
Each student will spend two sessions (a morning session and an afternoon session) with the professional design organization of their choice. Work alongside art directors, designers, and copywriters for a real-life experience outside of a school setting. Learn more about possible internships, ask questions, and network. Then join us afterward for a talk from acclaimed Australian designer Ram Castillo on the topic "How to Get a Mentor as A Designer, Guaranteed!"
Space is limited!
There are only a limited number of spots for highly motivated design students across Florida and South Georgia. You are encouraged to spend each session in a new location to get the most out of your experience!
Participating Agencies
63 Visual (aka Patrick Carter Design)
Patrick Carter is best known for his bold and impactful branding and chill demeanor. He is a fixture of the Jacksonville design community! (located at the beach, so allow plenty of travel time)
What to Bring: Laptop, sketchbook, and a notepad for notes.
Available spots: 2 Sidekicks (morning only)
Anton West
Anton West is a newer agency that packs a lot of power in advertising, branding, PR, media planning and strategy.
What to Bring: Working portfolio.
Available spots: 1 Sidekick per session
Beson 4 Media Group
Beson 4 Media Group is a full-service design and marketing shop. For years they've been doing work such as publication, web design, branding, packaging and marketing campaigns.
What to Bring: Portfolio and a notebook. A laptop with Adobe programs installed would be great, but not a requirement.
Available spots: 1 Sidekick per session
Brunet-Garcia
Brunet-Garcia is a design and marketing agency known for a bold visual style. They've worked with everyone from local businesses to large scale government accounts.
What to Bring: N/A
Available spots: 2 Sidekicks per session
DiscoverTec
This web technologies company has been in business almost 25 years and specializes in UX & UI design, custom development, cloud development and more.
What to Bring: A writing utensil and available portfolio work.
Available spots: 2 Sidekicks per session
Karen Kurycki
Karen Kurycki is a staple in Jacksonville because of her versatile design prowess and signature watercolor illustration style. She rocks!
What to Bring: Laptops/portfolios, whatever format it is in at the moment.
Available spots: 4 Sidekicks per session
Red Fin Group
Red Fin Group is a mid-sized professional web design and marketing firm that is known for bringing loads of creativity to interactive media.
What to Bring: Bring portfolios (or work you are prepping for a portfolio). NOTE: MUST LOVE DOGS!
Available spots: 2 Sidekicks (afternoon only)
Tiger Lily Media
The team at Tiger Lily are well known for being masters of motion graphics and other video-based media.
What to Bring: Sketchbook for notes or doodling, portfolios are welcome, but not required.
Available spots: 1 Sidekick per session
Wingard Creative
A business built by locals, this is a small but powerful design and marketing agency that can do it all: brand, print, web and even more.
What to Bring: A writing utensil and notebook/paper.
Available spots: 4 Sidekicks per session
Requirements & Signup
-Each ticket costs $25 and entitles you to the following:
- A morning session at the professional organization of your choice (space permitting)
- An afternoon session at the professional organization of your choice (space permitting)
- FREE ENTRY to hear Ram Castillo's presentation "How to Get a Mentor as a Designer, Guaranteed!" as well as a copy of his book.
-To attend you must be a junior or senior level student in graphic design or a related field.
-Reserve your spots and view participating agencies on our ONLINE REGISTRATION
-There are only 1-3 spots in each session listed, so act quickly so that you can work with the agencies that most interest you!
-Each professional entity will be running their day of Sidekicks differently, and may include a portfolio critique or work to perform, and so on. It is a good idea to have some work to show and your laptop with you on the event day.
-You do not have to be an AIGA Member to participate.
Schedule of Events
9AM–9:30AM — Student Orientation
Students gather with AIGA representatives for a brief orientation and breakfast. @TBD
10AM–12PM — Session 1
Students begin their day with SESSION 1 of 2.
12PM–1:30PM — Lunch and travel time
Students will be given time to travel between companies, eat and gear up for the next session.
1:30PM–3:30PM — Session 2
Students arrive at their second agency of choice for SESSION 1 of 2.
5PM–6:30PM — Social Mixer
All of the students and agency participants alike are invited meet with us to mingle and decompress after a long but exciting day of teaching, learning and side-kicking. @The lobby of MOCA Jacksonville
6:30PM–9PM — "How to Get a Design Mentor, Guaranteed!" with Ram Castillo
All Sidekicks are welcomed to enjoy this fantastic talk from Ram Castillo and receive a free copy of his book! @The presentation hall at MOCA Jacksonville
If you have any questions please contact us at programming@jacksonville.aiga.org.
