In October, AIGA partnered with The Creative Group (TCG) to create AIGA INitiative, a national program that supports the in-house design community. AIGA and TCG recognize that more than half of professional designers in the U.S. are employed full time by corporations and organizations. Because of this, it’s important for design organizations such as AIGA to increase programming for this niche.

Led by in-house designer and expert Andy Epstein, INitiative will provide knowledge and tools to help in-house designers make a greater impact at their companies, evolve professionally and connect with a broader network of peers. Over the next year, AIGA will focus on this large segment of the creative community by providing e-newsletters, a new AIGA.org in-house landing page, online videos, chapter events and regional mini conferences. INitiative will deliver inspiration, advice and insights from leaders of the in-house sector via online channels and in-person events.

What will happen in Jax?

On a local level, AIGA Jacksonville will be bringing you programming to tie into this growing INitiative by providing monthly blog postings and lunch meet-ups starting in 2012.

“We are very excited to roll out our new in-house programming agenda,” said Karen Kurycki, AIGA Jacksonville president. “We have recognized that this is a huge need within our design community. I have full confidence that Meredith Fordham Hughes, our new in-house programming chair, will do a great job.”

I will be your in-house AIGA Jacksonville guide. We will be bringing you new opportunities to network, learn and refresh your creativity with designers who share similar interests and work experiences. Now is the time to reach out to your in-house peers and invite them to join us on our INitiative journey. Stay tuned for local INitiative programing in 2012!

 ~Meredith Fordham Hughes, in-house programming chair