MSLK Helps to Organize a Spark/AIGA NY Green Event

Our design organization, Spark, and the AIGA/NY (Association of Professional Design, New York Chapter) are coming together to host the AIGA’s first series of green events for graphic design on April 6th, 2010. As the current President of Spark and Director of Outreach for the AIGA’s Center for Sustainable Design, I will be moderating the panel discussion on “How to Lead Clients Towards Being Green.” Aimed at principals of design firms and directors of new business, this conversation will dig into the sales process, and seeks to uncover practices that firms large and small can implement to lead even the most ecologically unaware clients towards more sustainable practices. Panelists include: Senior Research Fellow Don Carli from the nonprofit Institute for Sustainable Communication (ISC) will share some of the facts he has uncovered on the most economically viable, environmentally restorative and socially constructive uses of print and digital media available today. Cheryl Heller of Heller Communications originated the “Sappi Ideas that Matter” campaign, before the concept of doing good was even popular. She promises to share “unpopular” opinions on why as designers we should be less caught up in the rat race to make beautiful stuff. Instead, Cheryl urges that we encourage clients to create more effective forms of communication which may include actually doing less. A tough thing to do when designers are focused on landing the project at hand. Hugh Hough of the Green Team represents the largest firm on our panel and will inspire us with initiatives they have been constructing for clients such as Coca-Cola, Walmart and Jaguar. The Green Team has identified a new group of influencers they call the “Awakening Consumers” and we’ll dig into how they are leveraging this consumer as a influencer big brands want on their side. All in all it promises to be a lively and informative discussion that I can’t wait to share with you. Get your tickets today, as the event promises to sell out.

Tuesday, April 6th 2010

AIGA/NY & Spark present: How to Lead Clients Towards Being Green Where: Bumble and bumble, 3rd floor auditorium 415 West 13th St Between 9th Ave & Washington St | MAP Time: 6:30 pm time to chat; 7:00 pm discussion begins Cost: $12 for members (with your emailed discount code) $25 for non-members purchase tickets here