HomeGrown, Part 2

Since Josh put the pressure on me to post more on this event (ha ha, just kidding Josh), here some of my thoughts and pics from the event.

We (the AIGA KC board) have had this "homegrown" idea in mind for some time. Our Programming Chair, Anne-Marie, finally gave the idea wings, and worked her magic to make it fly (forgive the cheesy comparison, but that is what it felt like when it finally came together). The timing seemed right for this idea when we learned some surprising statics from and recent U.S. Census data study. Kansas City currently ranks 6th in the nation for over all concentration of Graphic Designers. We are also 8th in overall concentration of Visual Artists, and 3rd in the nation for overall concentration of Architects. Now these are stats that need to be celebrated!

This first edition of HomeGrown was set up as a dialogue (as just mentioned) between two small, local design firms who have received national recognition and awards for their work. These firms could have chosen to put their roots in any city, but selected KC as their place to start, to thrive, and to grow, maybe not in size, but in stature. Future HomeGrown evens will include Studio Tours and more Dialogues. The next HomeGrown is set for mid-December, and will be a studio tour of Barkley, a KC-based ad agency.

And now, without further ado, the photo-recap of HomeGrown: Hammerpress + Design Ranch.

Limited Edition posters designed for the event.

A crowd begins to gather at Rush Wade 2 Studio, who graciously donated their space for the event.

Lindsay L., creator and owner of Fresher than Fresh sold tasty homemade (and all natural) frozen treats.

A big crowd gathers to participate in the Design Ranch & Hammerpress dialogue.

The dialogue begins with Ingred Sidie (not pictured) presenting Design Ranch's portfolio while Michelle Sonderegger (left, Design Ranch), Erin Mills (middle, the dialogue moderator), and Brady Vest (right, Hammerpress) discuss.
Special thanks to Lorraine R. of LorraineDesign for the photos. [Note: Lo just started on the AIGA KC board as our new Event Photographer. All of her AIGA KC event photos can be seen on Flickr].

KC HomeGrown

Tonight, AIGA held an event at Rush Wade Photography showcasing some of Kansas City's own. Known nationally for their impact on the design community came Brady Vest from Hammerpress, and Ingred Sidie and Michelle Sonderegger of Design Ranch. The greatest impact to me was the sheer honesty and willingness to share how they really felt. There was an unexpected contrast between Brady, who still believes in a very "indie" outlook on his business (even with the significant growth of this company in the last few years), and Ingred and Michelle's corporate dealings with fun high-profile companies like Buckle and HR Block. What both companies definitely had in common was they clearly have a love for this city, and would only like to see the best things come from it. Each of them from the Midwest, they all seem eager to "expand the bubble" of the "truly" great things happening here.
Over all, it was an inspiring talk from three totally rad people, especially for the younger designers in the audience; sharing some of their triumphs and pitfalls of being in the "big-times". Not to mention "Fresher than Fresh" brought snow cones! This could be the first of many in this series so keep an ear out, it could well be worth your time.

I'm sure Erin would like to add a little more about this event (and maybe some pictures, if you are lucky), so stay tuned.

-Josh