Margo Chase Gallery Opening

Margo Chase famed typographer and founder of Chase Design Company will be giving a special lecture for industry professionals and students at her Gallery Opening on April 16, 2010 at The Art Institute of California- Orange County. The lecture will discuss the design process from research and inspiration through strategy, art direction, and design.

Margo has designed logos for many in the entertainment industry in Hollywood including Madonna, Cher, Prince, Bonnie Raitt and others. Her company has been involved in the "branding" of prestigious clients including The WB Television Network, Cartoon Network, Belkin, Chinese Laundry, CVS/pharmacy, Target, Mattel, Nike, Reebok, Procter&Gamble, Starbucks, Nestle, Virgin Records, and Warner Bros. Records. In a recent Graphic Design USA reader’s poll, Margo was one of only two designers to make the top ten in both “Most Influential Graphic Designers of the Era” and “Most Influential Graphic Designers Today”. Chase Design Group also was voted in the top ten “Most Influential Design Firms of the Era”. She was recently featured in the celebrated show “Women Designers in the USA, 1900-2000: Diversity and Difference” on exhibition in New York City and in 2009 was awarded the AIGA Fellow award.

Scholarship Competition Offers Over $550,000 in Tuition Scholarships

For the eighth consecutive year, The Art Institute of California – Orange County offers high school seniors the chance to compete for one of nine half-tuition scholarships valued at up to $47,000 for bachelor’s degree programs.

All students are required to submit a 250-word essay, résumé, letter of recommendation and a high school transcript. Detailed entry requirements can be found online at www.ocscholarship.com.

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 2, 2010 and winners will be announced, Saturday, May 8 at The Art Institute of California – Orange County’s third annual fashion, music and art festival – Rock the Runway.

Misty Gross named The Art Institute of California – Orange County first place winner in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition

On January 7, 2010 Misty Gross of Garden Grove was recently named The Art Institute of California – Orange County first place winner in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in the Fashion Design category. In addition to her $3,000 tuition scholarship, Gross now progresses to the national Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition. Her entry will be judged against other local winners from throughout North America for the competition's grand prize, a full tuition scholarship to an Art Institutes school, a VIP trip to New York City to attend runway shows during Fashion Week and meet staff at Seventeen Magazine.

The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion talent. For more information on this year's Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion.

Alex's Lemonade Charity Fundraiser

On February 5 & 6, 2010 The Art Institute of California – Orange County hosted a special fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The benefit took place at the school’s renowned 50 Forks Restaurant where notable Orange County chefs teamed up with student servers that hosted two evenings of incredible six-course feasts. Tickets where $50 per person with all proceeds benefitting the cause. A silent auction followed and we are proud to announce that we helped raise a over $4,500!!!

Debbie Millman pulls in huge crowds at The Art Institute of California-Orange County

On January 29, 2010 Debbie Millman, President of the Design division at Sterling Brands, New York, President of the National AIGA, author of four books, host of the radio show "Design Matters" on DesignObserver.com, the Chair of the new Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts, a contributing Editor at Print Magazine, a design blogger for Fast Company and an author on the design blog Brand New, spoke at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. The lecture was Why We Brand, Why We Buy and was an entertaining sociological, scientific and anthropological overview of why we buy and brand things. She spoke to a packed house of over 120 students and industry professionals. The AIGA AiOC Student Chapter and the AIGA OC Chapter, the professional association for design, also sponsored the event with the school.

Art & Copy FIlm Screening and Panel Discussion

Tonight students, industry and guests came out full force to watch the gripping documentary Art & Copy. Over 200 guests came to see the screening of the film about the advertising industry and listen to industry gurus.

Jimmy Greenway, producer of Art & Copy, Joseph Banuelos (Amorviejo Design), Jon Gothald (DGWB), Dan Wayland (Broadcom), Ron Leland (Reallife Branding) and Kathleen Kaiser (Pencilbox Studios) were apart of a panel discussion and Q & A about the advertising and creative industry.

Some advice given to Art Institute of California - Orange County students included, "take the job with the best company that will give you the most experience."

The Artists' Alphabet #1: The Great

A is for artist.

A is for alphabet.

A is for “The Artists’ Alphabet #1: The Great Recession”.

This project brings together eight artists to explore the theme of the Great Recession using the structure of an alphabet.

The idea is simple: each of the participating artists creates a piece of art for a letter in the alphabet. All 26 pieces are then combined into a book. The concept for this initial project is "The Great Recession" - responses, strategies, concerns, and thoughts related to the current economic meltdown. Anything from hope to panic to pragmatic advice to feelings of hope and liberation.
The group exhibition features the actual artworks created for the book, as well as the published book project.

Opening Reception:
Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Project_210
2888 East Walnut St. #10
Pasadena, CA 91107
Map & Directions

Show Dates: 11-05-09 through 11-28-09
Gallery Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, and by appointment
Phone: 323-225-2229

Additional Information:
Check out the book.
Project_210: www.project210.org
Powder Room Projects: www.powderroomprojects.com
This is the inaugural project for Powder Room Projects, established in Spring 2009 by D. Jean Hester as an accessible, flexible, small-scale, intimate, and sustainable creative base that will encourage collaboration and exchange amongst artists.

About Project_210
Project_210 works to increase the visibility of accomplished artists through dynamic exhibitions of their work and by providing fertile community interaction–with each other and the general public. Giving attention to the diverse cross-section of artists working today, Project_210 maintains a philosophy of inclusion: with no limits placed on media. Artists with very divergent practices have the opportunity to exhibit their work, while the community benefits through attending talks, workshops, and presentations related to the exhibitions. Project_210 is a collaboration of artists Quinton Bemiller and Chuck Feesago.
Gallery hours are 12pm – 5pm Thursday through Saturday or by appointment.

Project_210
2888 East Walnut St. #10
Pasadena, CA 91107
323-225-2229

Mike Tracy Exhibits his Art @ Brewery ArtWalk

Mike Tracy, Media Arts & Animation instructor at The Art Institute of California – Orange County will be showing is artwork at Brewery ArtWalk on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25. Be sure to stop by and check out his artwork.

Surfrider Foundation Selects Graphic Design Student’s Work as 25th Anniversary Logo

When Jeremy Godinez walked into his Design Team I class last fall, he had no idea that one of his designs would be seen on t-shirts and sweatshirts and sold all over the world.

The Surfrider Foundation partnered with the class through The Art Institute of California – Orange County Community Arts Resource Exchange program (CARE). Through CARE, students are paired with nonprofit clients to provide pro bono design services and gain real world experience. Students were asked to design a logo for Surfrider’s 25th anniversary.

“When I saw that there was a chance to design the Surfrider Foundation logo, I knew that was the project I wanted to land,” said Jeremy. “Surfrider liked the initial concept I pitched and then I spent 13 weeks refining it.”

Jeremy had to compete against his fellow classmates for the chance to design the logo. This type of healthy competition is designed to replicate the real world experience of preparing a proposal to win a new client.

“Nothing feels better than knowing your design is appreciated, especially when it is being sold as a limited edition apparel and print graphic,” said Jeremy, who graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in Spring 2009. “This assignment was the key reason I landed the job I have today and the experience of seeing my work published for the very first time is something I’ll never forget.”

Students, if you’ve had a great experience with the clients you’ve worked with in Design Team I or Design Team II, please contact Tricia Cook at tcook@aii.edu to share your story.

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for pro bono design work can learn more about the CARE program here.

Graphic Design Students Donate Their Time and Talent

Art Institute of California – Orange County Graphic Design Students gave up a few hours of their weekend on September 26-27 to help get kids excited about science by helping them make their own skateboard.

The nonprofit organization that developed this program is CreateASkate and the event was part of South Coast Plaza’s annual Festival of Children celebration which takes place every weekend in September.

Over 100 elementary school children signed up to decorate a skateboard and the Graphic Design students were there to provide tips on color combinations or just to help fill in a pattern.

Check out footage of the Graphic Design students decorating their own boards or visit our Facebook fan page to see more photos.

Culinary Arts Instructor Donates His Skills in the Annual Signature Chefs Auction

On Thursday, October 15, Chef Corey Vuu will be one of the featured guests at the Orange County March of Dimes annual Signature Chefs Auction. Chef Vuu, a Culinary Arts instructor at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, will prepare two signature dishes. Guests can enter the auction for the chance to have Chef Vuu cook for them at their homes.

Check out the March of Dimes Web site for more information.

Media Arts & Animation Alumnus Returns to Help Students with Their Portfolios

Not every student who graduates from The Art Institute of California – Orange County dreams of coming back to teach, but many alumni are open to stopping by occasionally to share a few words of wisdom with current students.

During summer quarter, Felix Urquiza, who graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation in 2007, hosted a lighting workshop for current Media Arts & Animation and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics students.

Felix works as a 3D visual effects artist at Hydraulx, the visual effects studio that has worked on such films as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wolverine and the soon to be released 2012.

After showing the students a demo of the studio’s work, Felix spent a few hours walking the students through several rendering and lighting techniques. He also took the time to look over individual student work and offer pointers.

Workshops like these offer alumni a chance to give back to the school, and current students get to see what they can accomplish after graduation. Alumni interested in contributing to a workshop are encouraged to get in touch with their academic program director.

What to Wear Fashion Workshop Featured in OC Register Style Blog

Candice Shih from the Orange County Register came to The Art Institute of California - Orange County for the What to Wear fashion workshop on Wednesday, September 30. She wrote a great post on some of the tips the designers and stylist shared. Check out her blog, Style Binge, for more photos from the event and other great fashion news.

Fashion Academic Director Featured on Fox 11 News

Fashion Design And Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director Mary Ann Gale was featured on the Fox 11 10 o'clock news on Wednesday, October 7. The interview was filmed at The Art Institute of California - Orange County sewing lab. She shared tips on how to shop for clothes that will last.

Graphic Design Students Featured on KTLA

Allie MacKay from the KTLA morning show stopped by The Art Institute of California - Orange County to talk about an event for CreateASkate that our Graphic Design students were volunteering at. Special thanks to our students from AiGA who were with us by 4:30 a.m. that morning and still had the energy to be creative and decorate skateboards.

Graphic Design Students
Katie Williams
Mark Edwards
Jessie Arvizu
Anthony Vallejos
Larry Gonzalez
Joey Lopez

Three different segments aired. Click on the times below to watch all of them.
7 a.m.
6 a.m.
5 a.m.

Advertising and Graphic Design Students Visited by Saatchi & Saatchi Creative Director

On August 26, Art Institute of California – Orange County Advertising and Graphic Design students had the opportunity to meet award-winning Saatchi & Saatchi creative director, Andrew Christou. Christou’s most recent work includes the Toyota Prius campaign that can be seen in print, television, the internet and outdoors.

“I was so intrigued with the concept and execution of the Prius ad campaign that I had to find out who was responsible for its creation and how ideas like this evolve,” said Advertising and Graphic Design Academic Director Catherine Stickel. “I reached out to Andrew and he was happy to come share his expertise with our students.”

Chistou spent several hours with the students discussing his career in advertising, the clients he has worked with, and what it takes to make it in the industry. He also showed samples of work he had done with clients like Pepsi, Nike, Coca Cola and Reebok.

During the Q&A segment, he eagerly fielded questions from the students. Here are some highlights:
· It takes commitment and passion for the creative process to make it in advertising.
· Having an understanding of the importance of branding and a compelling story behind a campaign helps the consumer to connect with the product/company.

“I can’t wait to see what Andrew and his team come up with next," Stickel said. "The students and I will be happy to welcome him back next year.”

Alumni Success: Ryan DePaola

Associate of Science – Graphic Design
Spring 2009
Art Director – Focustribe Studios

“Give me a venue for creativity and I will knock your socks off.”

It’s this type of confidence that helped Graphic Design alumnus Ryan DePaola land the title of art director at Focustribe Studios.

“My work set me apart from my classmates but so did my networking, “ Ryan said. “I told everyone I met that I was a ‘creative designer’ and not an ‘in the box’ designer.”

Ryan met Focustribe Studios at the Portfolio Show and his interview went so well that they hired him on the spot.

“The Graphic Design program gave me the tools I needed to be successful,” Ryan said. “It helped me understand the difference between strong and weak design.”

On any given day, Ryan could be designing work for a children’s hospital or for a mixed martial arts company. The variety helps him keep his edge as a designer.

“From the moment I get in the office until I leave, my plate is full of design,” Ryan said. His advice to students: “Don’t be lazy. If you give everything you’ve got, you’ll come out on top.”

Alumni Success: Lauren Mohns

Bachelor of Science – Interior Design
September 2007
Interior Designer – Westgroup Designs

What was once Lauren Mohn’s least favorite subject is now her specialty. Lauren works as an interior designer at Westgroup Designs where she is considered the expert at space planning.

“Space planning is like working on a puzzle,” Lauren said. “It is challenging at times but so rewarding when you can make it work in an efficient yet creatively designed matter.”

Lauren felt that the Interior Design program at The Art Institute of California – Orange County has helped her be successful by giving her a solid foundation on which to continue to build her skill set.

“There is no way that school can prepare you 100% for the real world but my program gave me a little taste of everything I might encounter in my career,” Lauren said. “So far I haven’t had to do anything that I hadn’t at least heard about, but I am still learning from the experts I work with everyday.”

Even though Lauren is still learning all she can, Westgroup recognized her talent when she presented at the graduate portfolio show.

“My portfolio gave a strong sense of my design style and it happened to match theirs,” Lauren said. “It’s hard for an employer to look at your projects individually to determine if you are a right fit for them but they can get a feel for your sense of style by the overall presentation.”

Aside from developing technical skills, Lauren also learned the importance of completing internships while still in school. She said her internship helped her appreciate the skills she was learning in class because it became clear how they applied to the real world.

“My internship helped me realize what direction I wanted to take with my design career,” Lauren said. “I enjoyed residential design but realized that commercial design experience makes it easier to move from one firm to another.”

Alumni Success: Damon Martinez

Bachelor of Science – Media Arts & Animation
Winter 2008
Dimensionalist – In-Three

Media Arts & Animation alumnus Damon Martinez was meeting with his Career Services advisor when a lead came through with In-Three, a company that specializes in transforming 2-D films into 3-D. After he interviewed, In-Three offered Damon a job on a trial basis and eventually a full-time job.

“The Media Arts & Animation program taught me how film works but my demo reel showed them what I could do with images,” Damon said. “One of my scenes showed several images that had to be cut, color corrected and manipulated in a way that still blended together. It’s very similar to the type of work I do now.”

As a dimensionalist and occluded surface reconstruction painter, Damon corrects mistakes in the frames and puts back elements that were taken out during the earlier part of the editing process. He relies on the skills he learned in school to get the job done: frame rates, pixilation and image manipulation.

His favorite project is still in the works so he can’t talk about it yet, but he had this advice to share with students, “People may try to talk you out your passion but if you are dedicated to your niche, you can find a way to get paid for it.”

Fashion Experts Share Tips on Enhancing Personal Style and Smart Shopping

The What to Wear Workshop hosted by The Art Institute of California – Orange County is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

Just because budgets are tighter doesn’t mean a well-stocked closet and enviable wardrobe are out of reach. On Wednesday, September 30, The Art Institute of California – Orange County Fashion program presents the What to Wear workshop. Fashion experts will share tips on transforming runway-inspired styles into wearable looks and how to shop for figure-flattering styles while staying within a budget.

“People often wonder how to achieve a look they’ve seen in a magazine at a price they can manage,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management academic director. “We wanted to offer the community a chance to take advantage of the industry resources we’re able to share with our Fashion students.”

The What to Wear Workshop will be lead by stylist Adria Heath and designers Eva Franco and Ari Sheuhmelian. The three panelists have each trained internationally and both designers’ clothing can be found in the US and abroad.

Advanced registration is recommended, as space is limited. Check-in for the What to Wear Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and the workshop runs from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. There is no cost to attend. For more information on the panel or to RSVP, please visit aifashiontalks.com.

Media Contacts
Tricia Cook at tcook@aii.edu or 714.338.1303
Veronica Orozco at vorozco@aii.edu or 714.830.0221