MeetUp.com

[Veronica Hdz]

I'm seriously considering creating a web/graphic design group on meetup.com. The only reason I hadn't was because it actually costs money to start a group, then I got this email today giving me 50% off. So that sounds like a good deal... now all I have to do is summon the courage and willpower to devote a day to meeting with other people and tear apart their designs. Because you see, I don't want a group that talks about how much their design means to them, I want a group that is honest, cruel and cold because that reflects the industry we work in.

Anyway... I guess now all I need is a final push from all the Fresno designers out there or a partner who would like to take this on with me. So if you're in Fresno, and you're into web, graphic, print, silk screen, or any other kind of digital design I want to hear from you. Nothing happens in Fresno until we make it happen. We could always starts another NING group and try/test it that way first. Who's with me? Any takers?

[Veronica Hdz]

Oh I see. Then I guess I just wanted it on a smaller, but much more frequent, scale.

[Layne Lev]

What you're describing is very similar to what goes on with Iron Designer. Everyone is given the exact same creative brief and are free to design whatever and however they want. The group meets up to view all the entries, discuss, and learn which one the client has chosen. We usually don't do a formal critique, though we did for the last one. The next one is in August, you should definitely participate.

[Veronica Hdz]

@layne: I'm not talking about creating a tiered group where a few person bare all and others give feedback. Or even a group for beginner/student designers where they can show work and get the thoughts of other experienced designers. I'm talking about a group where everyone is on the same level (in the sense that we would all be doing a quick and dirty design with the same goal) but with different results. It's competitive yes, but then you really see what each individual styles are, their approach and finally the groups' critique.

Example: let's say everyone has to design a postcard for 4th of July club event. Ideally, everyone comes up with something, we come together, view all work and discuss. That's it. Of course there will be visual divisions between veterans and newbies but the point (for me) is for all of us to exercise by doing the same thing. Like an aerobics class... everyone is doing the same movements but everyone sees different results.

Anyway...that's all over now.

[Layne Lev]

We've talked about setting up a portfolio review for student designers, which is something I would definitely be behind. That could easily be expanded to anyone who wanted to participate. We have several top notch designers in the FDA who would be more than willing to contribute their time to such a task.

Alternately, this website provides a perfect vehicle for receiving some instant feedback. Just post a project and ask for feedback. I'd probably follow that up with a post to the mailing list pointing people to it. People generally tend to try to be complimentary unless specifically asked for constructive criticism, I've found. Then they'll take the gloves off.

[Veronica Hdz]

I'm not suggesting we create a redundant group, Katrina pointed it out as being such but I think my presentation muddled my true intent. As pointed out before, creating a new group on MeetUp or Ning would be a repetitive action, so I am not proposing that we "do the same thing". What I am suggesting are exercises. That's the best way I can put it: something to keep our designs on the edge and our design sensibilities sharp. Like when you work out at the gym or practice any other kind of skill. Having some kind of design "assignment" might help some (like myself) considering that I have no client base here. Also it's a case of motivation, personally I find that when I make a commitment to something greater than myself I'm more inclined to do it. But also, I have the time to do these kinds of things since unemployment in Fresno is great and my industry has no need for me.
So, ok! Since this idea has not been acknowledge on any other network site I've posted it on AND since the only response I got (from here, FDA) was one more inclined to disagree with my proposition... I will assume this attempt to create a "design exercise group" officially over.

[Floyd Sanchez]

In my opinion, the more sustainable approach to doing that is to constantly be looking for clients that either through education or their existing adherence to proper business customs and practices appreciate an approach rooted in that. ....On an individual level as a service provider. It also happens to be the best way to become accustomed to rejection.

The cool thing in my opinion about the FDA is that through the participation of its members it's possible to reach out to the community through what we do, and it's not a burden of altruism. The load is distributed. The contribution doesn't seem as self-aggrandizing to outsiders. To me, as a professional, that stuff is important.

Also, if bad design is being pointed out on platforms like your link, why would we do the same thing?

[Veronica Hdz]

Oh you know, things like this. I'm not saying I'm a super awesome designer who knows it all and thinks everyone should do as I do. I'm saying just the opposite: let's not be elitist but tear ALL design apart and make it better.

[Floyd Sanchez]

What's bad design?

[Veronica Hdz]

Yes, I suspected that there would be cross over. If it's everyone that's already here then it's not a problem. The issue then becomes finding new blood and nipping bad design in the bud.

[Floyd Sanchez]

I am actually one of those people. I think meetup put me in that group by default when the FDA group dissolved.