Flourish: Emerging Designers Conference

Junior and senior-level design students and emerging design talent are invited to attend the fourth annual Flourish: Emerging Designers Conference hosted by AIGA Mobile and the University of Mobile Visual Arts Department. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in portfolio reviews with area professionals during one-on-one mock interviews, an Adobe Workshop on building your online portfolio, and hear from keynote speaker Britt Davis, Senior Graphic Designer for AMB Sports + Entertainment (comprised of the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Atlanta United FC). 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. 

A limited number of half-day tickets will be made available at a 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*

8:00am–9:0am: Registration, Coffee and Snacks, Professional Headshots
9:00am–11:30am: Portfolio Reviews
11:30am–12:30pm: Lunch 
12:30pm–1:30pm: Keynote and Q&A with Britt Davis
1:30pm–4:20pm: Adobe Workshop: Building Your Online Brand with Brian Wood

4:20pm: Closing Remarks

 Half Day Schedule*

12:00pm–12:30pm: Registration
12:30pm–1:30pm: Keynote and Q&A with Britt Davis
1:30pm–4:20pm: Adobe Workshop: Building Your Online Brand with Brian Wood

4:20pm: Closing Remarks

*Schedule is subject to change 


About Britt Davis

Britt Davis

Britt Davis' passion for sports, sports heritage and history, and brand activation has shaped a rewarding career in sports design. As Senior Graphic Designer for AMB Sports + Entertainment (comprised of the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Atlanta United FC), she has worked on a number of projects, from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium logo and surface graphics to the Super Bowl LI event creative. 

Before joining the AMBS+E team, Britt worked as a graphic designer for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and freelanced as Creative Director for {BE}Creative, a collaborative design studio. She has provided creative solutions in product design, print design, user interface design, identity design and illustration for a wide range of clients, including: ESPN, SB Nation, NASCAR, Muggsy Bogues, Boston College, North Carolina State University and Viacom.

Britt holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from North Carolina State University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design, where she presented her thesis entitled Nostalgia in Sports Design

In addition to design education and practice, Britt actively seeks ways to give back to her community. She has presented creative talks at Creative South, TopCon, NFL Creative Summit, Major Level Connect, and Black Wall Street Homecoming. As an Atlanta United Foundation board member, she explores ways to make soccer accessible to children throughout Georgia.

Born and raised in the artsy city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Britt has always influenced by the arts. She indulges in rocking cool sneakers, collecting action figures, promoting arts education, rooting for Team Marvel, and live tweeting her favorite shows (@BrittDavis704).


Reviewers

1. Britt Davis (AMB Sports + Entertainment) 

2. Melissa Potterbaum (Standard Furniture)

3. Lauren McAnally (University of South Alabama) 

4. Gin Mathers (PMG Publishing)

5. Katie Vogtner (Columbia Southern University)

6. Brittany Davis (Standard Furniture)

7. Stephean Grimes (Mighty)

8. Veronique Zayas (Hatchmark)

9. RT Herwig (Lewis Communications)

10. Amanda Pritchard (University of Mobile)

11. Fred Norfleet 

12. Varduhi Karapetyan (Blue Fish)

13. Nancy Hughes (Identity Graphics)

14. Patrick Reid (Red Square)

15. Brittany Armistead (Columbia Southern University)

16. Diana Nichols (University of South Alabama)

17. Jason Frostholm (Hargrove/Feasting on Design)


Sponsors

We have to send a big shout out to our amazing and generous event sponsors:

  • Adobe

  • Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Company

  • Red Square Agency

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 afternoon Keynote and events 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. 

Where is the event located?

University of Mobile (Ram Hall)
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, Alabama 36613

There will be signage as you enter the University directing you to Ram 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 President Megan Cary at mcary@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. Half day tickets will be available at the door with registration beginning at 12pm

I am from out of town, where can I stay? 

We like the Fairfield Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express in Saraland. Approximately 3 minutes from campus. 

Is food provided? 

There will be water, coffee and breakfast snacks during registration and lunch will be provided for those attending the full-day conference. Food is not included for half-day 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 mcary@mobile.aiga.org to let us know you are attending. 



When & Where
Sat, Feb 23, 2019 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST
University of Mobile
Ram Hall
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613