Blog

A Discussion with Monina Velarde, Winner of AIGA's Command X

This post is a part of our weekly series of articles and interviews focusing on current issues in today's design industry. Be sure to check back often so you can read the latest from our chapter.

Monina Velarde is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) with a double major in graphic design and art history. Velarde was highly involved in KCAI's AIGA student group serving as co-director of communications and was awarded Kansas City's AIGA Student Scholarship. While in Kansas City, she had the pleasure of interning as a graphic designer at Hammerpress Letterpress + Design Studio; Barkley, Inc.; and most recently at Hallmark Cards, Inc. She loves every aspect of graphic design and has a special interest in typography. She currently resides in Wheaton, Illinois. Below, Monina shares with our readers her first-hand experience competing in and winning this year's Command X competition at Make/Think.





Last week, I was lucky and fortunate enough to attend AIGA's Make/Think Conference in Memphis, TN. I was a contestant at Command X- a graphic design "reality show"  where a group of 7 young designers were given a series of design challenges. The design solutions were then presented to four judges (Bonnie Siegler, Chip Kidd, Paul Sahre and various guest judges), and to an audience of 1,500 conference attendees. The first assignment was to redesign the Graceland logo, the second was to redesign the Captain Crunch cereal box and the final challenge was to design a piece that makes a statement about Civil Rights. Each night, two contestants were eliminated from the competition.

 
The projects assigned to us were quite challenging due to the time constraint (we had one week to complete the first assignment and less than 24 hours for the last two). I quickly realized that there was little time for multiple concept explorations or design iterations. Having to complete a project in such a short amount of time forced me to trust my instincts and feel confident that I was going in the right direction. I really looked forward to seeing my fellow Command X contestant's design solutions. Their talent and poise on stage was truly humbling and inspiring to watch.


The most challenging project for me was the final one- to design a piece that makes a statement about Civil Rights. It's such an important issue for me and I knew it's a significant and historic issue to the city of Memphis. Getting the opportunity to go to the Civil Rights Museum inspired me to create my design solution- an on online community where people can upload images and statements that describes what civil rights means to them. After the conference, people came up to me saying how they were touched by my presentation. I think that was the most fulfilling and gratifying part of the whole conference- knowing that even for a little bit, I was able to affect and move someone with my design.



The whole experience, to say the least, was amazing and surreal. I was able to meet and converse with my design heroes and  share the stage with 6 incredibly talented young designers. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to present my design solutions in front of the judges. Getting their feedback on my work was an invaluable experience.


A week ago, I wasn't so sure if Command X was something I could take on. Before arriving at the conference the thought of having to present my work in front of a large audience of designers and an esteemed group of judges terrified me. Despite that fear, I think that's what attracted me to Command X. I knew it would be challenging, intense and the pressure would be high, but I wanted to see if it was something I could undertake. After going through the Command X experience, I now have more confidence in what I can do. I know that anything is really possible.



I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement. Also, a big thanks to all of my professors and mentors at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)- I couldn't have done this without knowing what I've learned from you.

Thank you to www.makethink.withgelatobaby.com. Photos courtesy of Wheat Wurtzburger.

>Lorraine Reinsch, Social Networking Chair

Posted by Kansas in Event Recap, Interview Series, Local Talent, News  |  October 20, 2009