Always Summer Community Design Recap

So opening night has come and gone and the 2009 AIGA Jacksonville Membership Drive was a fantastic success. With nearly 50 submissions in total, the gallery like setting provided by The Jacksonville Landing was the perfect atmosphere for some seasonal socializing among graphic design professionals. The atmosphere of Always Summer, as it was deemed, was set by creative lighting, stunning live entertainment, cold local beverages, and delicious organic foods.

Music was key to this AIGA Jax bash, as the playlist was generated and compiled by local designers’ selections. Each poster entry was paired to a favorite summer song and designed to its likeness (or loose interpretation in some cases). The DJ booth was alive with energy featuring Joey Marchy of urbanjacksonville.info and DJ Squints (Dennis Eusibio) of Thought and Theory. Not only did they seamlessly play all of the songs from the posters and an incredible display of their own tastes and talents, but also managed to VJ a visual show of summer themed delights.

If the sights and sounds of Always Summer Poster Show + Mix Tape weren’t thrilling enough, the food and drink were sure to win you over. With local Bold City Brewery favorite “Duke’s Brown Cold Nosed Ale” running the show, guests also had a selection of wines, soft drinks and more available. Native Sun Natural Foods Store provided delicious and healthy black bean and chicken quesadillas and multiple varieties of their famous wraps including a vegetarian selection. When combined these refreshments pleased even the savviest critics: design, art, food or otherwise.

As an interactive touch to the event, attendees were encouraged to vote for their favorite poster to take the acclaimed Jax Choice design award.

Designers faced off for the chance at 3 price packs containing many books, posters from Dog and Pony and one from yours truly, design goodies, and creatively packaged in summer beach and pool gear, which always comes in handy ’round these parts.

It’s no surprise that 1st prize went to vector illustration and poster design master Levi Ratliff of Halftone Def Studios, 2nd prize went to Brittany Norris and 3rd place to Ben Windsor. It’s also worth mentioning that AIGA Jacksonville President Varick Rosete initially took both 2nd and 3rd prize, but nobly forfeited his winnings to the next two participants with the highest votes. There were so many excellent poster designs and it was a very tight race making us lucky to be able to narrow it down to 3 with the help of out guests.

AIGA Jacksonville was pleased to see so many new and old faces at the event. It was truly an eclectic mix of creatives (and creative lovers alike). Be sure to join us for Art Walk on October 7 for an encore presentation of the event. We would like to thank graphic designers and attendees for making it such a fantastic time and encourage you to join us more often!

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