Matthew Bacon, President

Director of Brand Expression, Motiv

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 1998.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I worked at a 2-person firm. The other person was the AIGA Chapter president. So my volunteering, it was her fault.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To be a part of creating a vibrant, inviting, energetic design community.

What type of work do you do?
I'm director of brand expression at Motiv. We combine consumer insight, branding, and product design. My job is to get out of the way and let good ideas come to life.

Who is your alter-ego?
A cross between Simon and Paula: I can deliver the straight talk but try to leave people feeling on top of the world.

What inspires you?
Everything and everyone. As I look at it, it's really my responsibility to find inspiration in whatever happens to present itself in any given moment.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being connected to a network of people who are bringing about a more public understanding of design and it's contribution to the world we live in.

Tracy Swyst, Vice President of Operations

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
15 years

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
The very first BoNE Show in 1995.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
Exciting, effective, and efficient leadership for our design community.

What type of work do you do?
Project Management for design programs of all types.

Who is your alter-ego?
Julia Child; a chef!...a spy!?...who really knows. But she lived in France for years and, had her own TV show, and got to have cocktails on the job. What's not to love!

What inspires you? (Perhaps some insight into the picture?)
That SPARK of the right idea. You can practically hear it!

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
The incredibly smart and interesting people that I get to meet.

Matthew Budelman, Vice President of Engagement

Graphic & Web Designer, Classic Graphx

E-mail:

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
AIGA was the only way I could connect and befriend local designers and get the professional support I needed to become a better designer.

What type of work do you do?
Graphic Designer by day, music producer by night, but I do anything creative I can get my hands on.

Who is your alter ego?
MATMAN! Kind of like Batman, minus the cool outfit, fighting crime, and the whole millionaire thing.

What inspires you? Collaboration.

Jodi Vautrin, Vice President of Emerging Ideas and Events

Principal & Design Director, Jodi Vautrin Design

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
2001

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I needed something career-fulfilling outside of my job at the time. I knew two great people who did great things on the board who convinced me of the benefit of being involved, so I dove in about 4 years ago.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To push the boundaries of what we offer in programming and to embrace the evolving definition of “design(er)”. And perhaps help nudge people outside of their comfort zones a little. That's where the good stuff happens. (Don't quote me on that line – I think someone else said it, but I Iike it.)

What type of work do you do?
My work focuses mostly on user interface design, interactive media and brand experience design.

Who is your alter-ego?
Sometimes Debbie Harry. Sometimes Ray Eames. It works, trust me.

What inspires you?
Room for improvement and blank slates.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Having a one-stop place to go to for content, inspiration and professional advocacy. I love how AIGA never stands still. It's becoming more and more of a hub every year.

Jeremy Perkins, VP of Strategy + Director of Social Media

Art Director, iFactory

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 1999.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I attended our chapter's Membership Roundtable in 2005. At the end, I signed up to help with the web site. A year later, I stepped onto the board.

What type of work do you do?
I've been an interactive designer my entire career. Most of my projects these days involve higher education and publishing.

Who is your alter-ego?
The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Now you see him, now you don't, he always knows what's going on, and he's immune from pressure.

What inspires you?
Good conversation, quiet contemplation, loud music, and soft colors.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Having direct access to the most talented design leaders, and being able to speak with them as peers.

Jason Stevens, Secretary

Electrical Engineer, NSTAR
Founder, The Say Something Poster Project

E-mail:

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Destiny! Actually I now know that I was born to be involved in design but unfortunately didn't discover it until after college. I found AIGA by chance and practically begged them to let me volunteer. At that time it was for the 2009 BoNE Show.

What type of work do you do?
It depends on the time of day. By day I work for an engineering office creating construction drawings - lines and circles, no color! By night, I find every opportunity to collaborate with graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, interactive designers, exhibit designers and an occasionally brummer.

Who is your alter ego?
Richard Branson, for many reasons. Ask me why the next time you see me.

What inspires you?
Random acts of kindness.

Elizabeth Brenke, Event Coordinator

Senior Designer, Phillips Design Group

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2003.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
A few designers and I had the desire to get together with other creatives in the local community to simply meet and mingle. I contact the chapter President at the time, Suzanne McKenzie, and asked her if such an outlet existed. Her response was something to the tune of, "No, but you can start one". Thanks Suz!

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To support the design community. To participate in meaningful dialogue. To ignite innovative thinking. To connect with other creatives. To get inspired!

What type of work do you do?
I develop captivating visual brand experiences through intelligent strategy and design. My focus is on branding, print and web to create meaningful experiences that satisfy and delight consumers (and myself).

What inspires you?
Inspiration is everywhere, once you know how to see it, and I have a thirst for solving puzzles.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being part of a national organization of like-minded creatives who are dedicated to creating solutions that make a real difference – and, getting to say I know these incredible people and hang out with them after work.

Michael Estabrook, Co-Director of Community Engagement

Art Director, BrandEquity

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Not very long, but I've been lurking for quite a while.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Our paths crossed while I was volunteering with Youth Design Boston.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To be inspired and help to inspire others.

What type of work do you do?
Naming, visual identity and brand strategy at BrandEquity.

Who is your alter-ego?
Alvy Singer

What inspires you?
People who are passionate and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. I'd like to be one of those people someday.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Getting to meet lots of great people.

Jillfrances Gray, Co-Director of Community Engagement

Principal, JFG

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 1993, right from the get go in college.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Wanting to be involved.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To be able to collaborate and interact with other passionate, smart and talented designers. To be able to share and learn form others.

What type of work do you do?
I am the principal of jfg visual communications + creative goodness, a multidisciplinary design firm.

What inspires you?
Everything. I am like a ten year old…everyday.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Witnessing and interacting with all the talent and personalities that do the same thing I do. Yet, each of us do it a bit differently. Same problems, just many many different avenues for a solution. There in lies the inspiration…

Diane Hardy, Treasurer

President, Creative Business Services

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2005.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I was recruited by the 2005 AIGA BoNE Show chair. I work as an outsourced controller for creative firms – the connection for me to be Treasurer of AIGA Boston was an easy one to make.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To be part of a cohesive organization and help that organization manage their funds to best serve the chapter and its members.

What type of work do you do?
I own and operate a business that provides outsourced financial management services for small creative companies.

Who is your alter-ego?
Daisy… she’s a free spirit, lover of all dogs and works hard to get it right every day.

What inspires you?
Beautiful images, cool ideas, straight lines, crazy shapes, rich colors and a well-organized sock drawer.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being around people who chose to be creative(s) and are following their dreams. No one here considers what they do a “job” but, instead it’s who they are! Love that!!

Justin Hattingh, Director of Emerging Ideas

Senior Designer, Tank
www.cultivatecreative.com

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2009.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Portfolio reviews and then The BoNE Show 2009.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
I want people to come to AIGA.org and Boston.AIGA.org and find a real sense of community here. The site ought to be a great place to visit on a daily basis for all the available resources—be it approved vendors to smashing streams of inspiration.

What type of work do you do?
I studied formal graphic design but ended up in primarily interactive design. I work across many project types including brand & identity, web and mobile experiences, and interactive web applications. A lot of that fantastic digital stuff. I’m also on the adjunct faculty at MassArt where I teach interactive design.

Who is your alter-ego?
A young Sean Connery. Who doesn’t like a man in a great suit with an Aston Martin.

What inspires you?
Books…especially the pretty ones with pictures.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being a part of a great community of designers, who care enough about the details to create great and inspirational.

Sydney Janey, Co-Director of Professional Development

Designer, SJ Design

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2006.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I was in typography class at MassArt and my professor suggested volunteering with AIGA as a great way to meet other creative professionals in Boston.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
Inspire more creativity, communication and learning through professional development.

What type of work do you do?
I’m principal designer/owner of SJ Design. A design studio that focuses on identity/brand, print and web design.

What inspires you?
Passion, Process & Creativity.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being an active member in a community of creative professionals.

Rachel Kern, Director of Volunteers

Freelance Designer, George P. Johnson

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2011.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
My recent move to this fantastic city of Boston and my need to surround myself with enthusiastic, creative, hard-working folk!

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
I really look forward to helping events run as smoothly as possible through my own efforts as well as Boston’s eager volunteers. I also can’t wait to share my creative inspirations and resources (wherever they come from!).

What type of work do you do?
Currently I’m a freelance 2D graphic designer at George P. Johnson. I also freelance a little in my spare time – I love to illustrate!

Who is your alter-ego?
Anne of Green Gables – she is the perfect combination of strength, intellect, whit, and dignity with just enough vulnerability to remain humble.

What inspires you?
True passion – whether it be for art, music, literature or math – as long as someone loves what they’re creating (or solving, or discovering, etc) and it shows..I’m all about it.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being connected to a network of people who are bringing about a more public understanding of design and it's contribution to the world we live in WOW, I couldn’t have said it better :)

Joe Morris, Director of Interactive Strategy

Graphic + Interactive Design Director, Joem Design & People Did It

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
I was a student member before the dotBomb and a professional member since 2006.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Sarah Wilkins invited me to an AFTA. Then I realized it was a volunteer night. Fate perhaps?

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
I want people to come to AIGA.org and Boston.AIGA.org and find a real sense of community here. The site ought to be a great place to visit on a daily basis for all the available resources—be it approved vendors to smashing streams of inspiration.

What type of work do you do?
I am a design director for People Did It. My primary role is interactive design, design strategy and usability experience.

Who is your alter-ego?
A goal-scoring, midfield futboller.

What inspires you?
Flipboard and a cup of coffee

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being around like-minded professionals who are passionate about this thing we do and just putting themselves out there. Love it.

Chiranit Prateepasen, Co-Director of Professional Development

Senior Designer, Continuum

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Since 2005.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I started to volunteer after I attended Professional Development events and was inspired to get involved.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
As Professional Development Director, I hope to bring events that demonstrate the value of design and teach skills and strategies necessary to deliver that value.

What type of work do you do?
Experience Design and Service Design. As a designer, I work with a multi-disciplinary team to solve problems and improve people's experiences with brands, products, and services.

What inspires you?
People watching. I love seeing what people do and how they interact with things.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being involved with the design community and learning from other designers.

George Restrepo, AIGAgency Director

Rest Design & Em Square Design

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
Officially, again since 2010. Before then, off and on since 2000.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
At my first job, my boss was the chapter president. We helped the chapter out a lot then and it sparked my interest in the AIGA from there on out.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To make a difference in the Boston design community by engaging members and non-members to participate in contributing to the chapter.

What type of work do you do?
I'm a designer / art director mainly dealing in publication design, identity / branding, and entertainment packaging and promotions.

Who is your alter-ego?
David Hasselhoff from the Night Rider days. Kit is the only one who understands me…

What inspires you?
Music, photography, typography, sketching, and other people’s enthusiasm.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being connected to a network of like-minded people, spreading the awareness of the importance of design.

Jason Rubin, Director of Communications

Senior Writer, Libretto
www.dovenestedtowers.blogspot.com

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
I'm in that nebulous area between toddler and preschooler.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
I like designers. They dress funny.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
I want to encourage people to start pronouncing AIGA as "Ayeega."

What type of work do you do?
Being that I am a writer, I generally do written work.

Who is your alter-ego?
The Thing, from the Fantastic Four. The real me would never go out without a shirt all the time.

What inspires you?
I don't know where inspiration comes from, or where it goes. I just try to grab it when it comes a-callin'.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
I get to put on a black t-shirt, mess up my hair, and pretend I'm a designer.

Heather Shaw, Co-Director of Education

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design, Curry College
www.heathershawdesign.com

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
On-and-off for 16 years. More "on" for the past 3.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
Since 2004 I have volunteered my time and design efforts for the Annual Student Portfolio Review. That event connected me to the board as Education Director in 2006.

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To broaden our audience and continually stretch the boundaries of what we call "design".

What type of work do you do?
I am assistant professor in graphic design at Curry College. I also freelance, both web and print.

Who is your alter-ego?
Chaka Khan with a dash of Nigella Lawson. Good soul + great food!

What inspires you?
My students. And difficult projects – I often learn new things via the process of working through a difficult task.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
Being surrounded by people who like Chaka Khan as much as I do.

Sarah Smith, Co-Director of Education

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
I’ve been following the AIGA since undergrad, but my official “paid” membership started in 2005.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
A colleague/mentor/friend influenced me to participate as a volunteer for the Annual Student Portfolio Review 2010. Then we had the Matthew Carter Fellows Award event, Summer 2010, and I was hooked. Who wouldn’t want to work with such awesome professionals?

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To broaden our audience and continually stretch the boundaries of what we call "design".

What type of work do you do?
I work in higher education developing course materials using instructional design principles and suitable media, by implementing practical, user-friendly teaching tools, and by offering related training and support.

Who is your alter-ego?
Wonder Woman, who can deflect bullets faster than you can shoot.

What inspires you?
Learning! If I don’t know something I want to. Then I want to make it interactive.

Sarah Wilkins, Director of Membership

Senior Business Development Manager, Onward Search

E-mail:

How long have you been an AIGA member?
July 2009.

What got you started volunteering with AIGA?
A phone call!

What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
To grow the number of volunteers we have and convert them to becoming members!

What type of work do you do?
Recruiter for creative professionals.

Who is your alter-ego?
Seeing as I am the love-child of Kathy Griffin and Dennis Leary – that's the ego I default to?

What inspires you?
Creativity. Too obvious? How about Tacos.

What is the coolest thing about being an AIGA member?
The buffet.