Taking the High Road in Your Design Career

Some of the most serious and pressing issues facing graphic designers are rarely discussed.

This, if only for a moment in time, was changed last Saturday at Flagler College in St, Augustine. Frank Martinez, Esq., principal and founder of The Martinez Group, PLCC, was gracious enough to take time out of his busy New York schedule to explain some of these issues to a packed house of over 100 attendees. In his lecture “Taking the High Road on your Creative Journey,” Frank defends the intellectual property rights of all types of creatives, including all of the major type foundries in the US as well as many graphic design studios and advertising agencies. He explained how, as designers, the moral dilemmas we are faced with can quickly become legal issues for not only us but more importantly, our clients.

Frank defends the intellectual property rights of all types of creatives.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour at the prestigious Markland House at Flagler College, which was beautifully decorated and equally as welcoming. Flagler College provided exquisite catering, a fine beer and wine selection and excellent service. Afterward, we walked over to the Student Center which was an architectural masterpiece of its own. Event organizer and AIGA Jacksonville Vice President, Karen Kurycki, kicked things off by introducing Mr. Frank Martinez, Esq. Frank spoke about a wide array of information and pointers for creatives at all levels of their career. He spoke about font licensing (in which he has written most of the dialogue), inspiration vs. stealing, copyrights, trademarks, limitations and exceptions to copyright laws.

As a relatively new owner of a small business, I found this speaker to be highly informative and a joy to listen to. The event was a fresh breath of unique programming content that addressed something many members have been asking about for a long time. Frank was even kind enough to join us for dinner at Cortesses Bistro in Historic St. Augustine for even more action-packed conversation and excellent food and drinks.

I’d recommend Frank as a speaker for any event in which the legalities of creative industry were a concern because attendees walked away with clear and concise information regarding intellectual property of every kind. When was the last time you paid $10 (free for students) for over two hours of legal consultation? I would like to thank Frank, Professor Luciana Gassett of Flagler College, AIGA Jacksonville (namely Karen Kurycki) and the attendees who had valuable questions and knowledge to add to the conversation!