Junior and senior-level design students and emerging design talent are invited to attend the third annual Flourish: Emerging Designers Conference hosted by AIGA Mobile and the University of South Alabama Visual Arts Department. 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 Jordan Wong (WONGFACE), a Cleveland-based designer, illustrator, and artist. 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 tickets to the Creative South Conference, a Wacom Tablet, and a portfolio from Sleek Portfolios. 

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 Goldfingers
1:30pm–2:30pm: Keynote with Jordan Wong
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 Jordan Wong
2:30pm–2:45pm: Break
2:45pm–3:45pm: Q&A Panel 
3:45pm: Closing Remarks

*Schedule is subject to change

Directions To Flourish Event (Student Center)

Enter the University via USA South Drive (the entrance closest to Old Shell Rd.) Upon entering the University from South Drive, take a right on Campus Drive to access the parking areas for the student center. There will be signs and volunteers to help direct you to parking areas.

About Jordan Wong

Jordan Wong (WONGFACE) is a graphic designer, illustrator, and artist living in Cleveland, Ohio. He works closely with those who have needs in branding, print design, illustration, and social media. He is originally from Pittsburgh and studied at California University of Pennsylvania, receiving two bachelors degrees in Graphic Design and Marketing. Since moving to Cleveland in 2015, Jordan has started his own business, shown artwork throughout the city, became AIGA Cleveland’s Community Outreach Director and assumed the role of design partner at the art organization SPACES. From minimal, abstract sentiments to more illustrative designs, he draws inspiration from his experiences as an Asian American and his nostalgic love for cartoons, comics, and video games.

Visit Jordan Wong: www.wongface.com

Reviewers

• Veronique Zayas, HatchMark Studio 
• Namrata Advani, Lamar Graphics
• Jordan Wong, WongFace
• Lauren McAnally, Crown Products
• Brittany Davis, Standard Furniture
• Joannah Seaborn, Infirmary Health
• Jordan Kabalka, Red Square 
• Terry Edeker, Pixallure
• Stephean Grimes, Mighty
• Amanda Pritchard, University of Mobile
• Jason Frostholm, Hargrove 
• Sabrina McLaughlin, University of West Florida
• Hansel Noriega, Hansel Noriega Design
• Gin Mathers, PMT Publishing
• Stacy Wellborn, Wellborn Ideas
• Tim Dozier, Hummingbird Creative
• Melissa Potterbaum, Standard Furniture
• Diana Nichols, University of South Alabama
• Brittany Armistead, Columbia Southern University
• Katie Vogtner, Denny Manufacturing
• Hadley Binion, Hadley Binion Designs
• Tori Nelko, Columbia Southern University
• Fred Norfleet, Davis South Barnette & Patrick
• Eric Oliver, Future Design Group
• Matthew Huett, Gulf Coast Grafix
• Trisha Koger, Televox 

Panelists

• Eric Oliver, Future Design Group 
• Veronique Zayas, HatchMark Studio 
• Jordan Kabalka, Red Square
• Suzanne Sarver, RetroSupply Co. 
• Gin Mathers, PMT Publishing

Sponsors

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

• Jakprints: The Official Print Sponsor of Flourish

• Goldfingers

• Sleek Portfolios

• Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Company
  

• Creative South Conference
  

• Wacom
  
  
• Bellum Magazine
  
  
• Design Recharge

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. 

Where is the event located?

University of South Alabama (Student Center Ballroom)
350 Campus Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608

There will be signage as you enter the University directing you to the Student Center. 

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 1pm. 

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 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.