Junior and senior-level design students and emerging design talent are invited to attend Flourish: The Emerging Designers Conference hosted by AIGA Mobile and Spring Hill College. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in portfolio reviews with area professionals during one-on-one mock interviews, receive important career tips at our Q&A panel discussion and hear from keynote speaker and award-winning Art Director/Designer Devon Hoernschemeyer. Whether their ambition is to join a firm or freelance, students will receive important career advice and valuable feedback on their work and start to build a professional network of peers and professionals. Full day conference attendees will be entered to win one of several door prizes including subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud, a Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet, a Sleek Portfolios Gift Card and an Alabama Art Supply Gift Card!
A limited number of half-day tickets will be made available at a significantly reduced rate for the Q&A panel and Keynote portions of the day only. Lunch, reviews, headshots and door prizes will not be provided for these ticket holders. Please register early to ensure your spot.
Full-Day Conference Schedule*
8:30am–9:30am: Registration, Continental Breakfast, Professional Headshots
9:30am–12:30pm: Portfolio Reviews
12:30pm–1:30pm: Lunch provided by Moe's Southwest Grill
1:30pm–2:30pm: Keynote with Devon Hoernschemeyer
2:30pm–2:45pm: Break
2:45pm–3:45pm: Q&A Panel
3:45pm: Closing Remarks
Half Day Schedule*
1:00pm–1:30pm: Registration
1:30pm–2:30pm: Keynote with Devon Hoernschemeyer
2:30pm–2:45pm: Break
2:45pm–3:45pm: Q&A Panel
3:45pm: Closing Remarks
*Schedule is subject to change
About Devon Hoernschemeyer
Devon Hoernschemeyer is an award-winning Art Director/Designer with an overactive imagination and outgoing social tendencies; she believes her passion for design and tenacious grit are gifts intended for the service of others. She spent a majority of her career investing her time and talents in nonprofit organizations before dabbling in healthcare marketing, conquering agency life, and now, currently, immersed in the sports entertainment industry as Senior Designer for The Golf Channel. In her spare time, Devon strives to create a thriving creative community in Orlando by serving on the board of the local chapter of AIGA. She'll answer to most names when called, but most just call her Devo.
Reviewers
Stephean Grimes, Mighty
Diana Nichols, University of South Alabama
Erin Graves, Graves Creative
Brian O’Neil, Lamar
Jenny Pelham, Gwin’s Commercial Printing
Tori Nelko , Columbia Southern Education Group
Brittany Armistead, Columbia Southern Education Group
Laura Wilson, Red Square
Courtney Smith, Hummingbird Ideas
Johnny Gwin, Hummingbird Ideas
Terry Edeker, Pixallure
Josh Holland, Gulf Coast Exploreum
Alec Lewis, Red Square
Courtney Crowe, Televox
Hansel Noriega, Hansel Noriega Design
Paul Moxen, Fameorshame Press
Melissa Potterbaum, Standard Furniture Mtg.
Nancy Hughes, Identity Graphics
Matthew Johnson, Imagen Brands
Tim Dozier, Hummingbird Ideas
Devon Hoernschemeyer, Golf Channel
Fred Norfleet, Davis, South, Barnette & Patrick
Hadley Binion, Hadley Binion Designs
Tasheka Arceneaux Sutton, BlacVoice Graphic Design Studio
Susan Matherne, Matherne Marketing
Joannah Seaborn, Infirmary Health
Panelists
Stephean Grimes, Mighty (Mobile)
Susan Matherne, Matherne Marketing (New Orleans)
Richard Doubleday, Lousiana State University (Baton Rouge)
Tasheka Arceneaux Sutton, Blac Voice Graphic Design Studio (New Orleans)
Cliff Manspeaker, Rollins College (Orlando)
Sponsors
We have to send a big shout out to our amazing and generous event sponsors:
FAQs
How many reviews will I receive?
You will meet with at least two and most likely three professionals during the portfolio reviews.
Can I choose my reviewers?
Unfortunately no, but every effort will be made to provide you with a well-rounded review experience.
Do I have to participate in the portfolio review?
No, a limited number of tickets are available for the Q&A panel and Keynote portions of the day only. Lunch will not be provided for these ticket holders.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
If you are an AIGA member (regardless of chapter,) please be prepared to provide us with your AIGA member ID or AIGA member number. If you are a student please be prepared to show your student ID. While this is a student and recent alumni focused event, we welcome recent graduates and professionals – just be aware that you may be reviewed by professionals younger or less experienced than yourself. However, we guarantee that we have carefully selected these reviewers for their passion, talent, and success.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Spring Hill College, Byrne Memorial Hall
Mobile, Alabama 36608
We recommend entering the University via the Old Shell Road entrance, near McGregor Avenue across from Carpe Diem Coffee House. Traveling East, from I-65 the entrance will be on your left. If you are traveling West, from McGregor Ave. the entrance will be on your right.
Upon entering the University take a left after the Guard House on to East Portier Lane. Byrne Hall will be at the parking lot on your right. It is a large, west-facing Brick building with columns that faces the soccer field. There will be signage as you enter the University directing you to the Hall.
How should I dress?
We recommend that students dress professionally as if they are attending an interview.
What should I bring?
Attendees should bring at least 4-6 projects for review. A maximum of 10 items is recommended. A printed portfolio book or binder or you may use a digital portfolio (iPad/tablet/laptop) is acceptable. Make sure that your digital portfolios are properly charged and that you bring a backup charger just in case. Portfolios mounted on boards are not recommended. Bringing copies of your resume and/or business cards is also a good idea.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
You can email Communications Director/Education Co-Sponsor Chair Megan Cary at web@mobile.aiga.org with any questions.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, we will have a list of attendees who have paid.
Can I pay at the door?
Possibly. We will put up a notice on our website should we reach capacity beforehand. Pricing for the full-day conference will increase to $50 for those who choose to pay at the door and not pre-register. We cannot guarantee availability.
I am from out of town, where can I stay?
We like the Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suite by Hilton at Providence Park
Is food provided?
There will be coffee and breakfast pastries during registration and lunch will be provided for those attending the full-day conference. Food is not included for Keynote/Q&A only ticket holders.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may request a refund until 48 hours before the event. After that period all sales are final.
Are educators allowed to attend?
Educators receive free entrance when accompanying students to the event. Please email web@mobile.aiga.org to let us know you are attending.
Graphics by Spring Hill College student Abbie Bacilla
