Check out our fall issue of the Brand Report for the scoop on what we talked about in Happy Half-Hours, upcoming professional development opportunities, a call to participate in the VCN member survey, some tips and tricks, and a look at our featured Communicator of the Quarter.
Notes from Happy Half-Hours
September Happy Half-Hour: Jonathan Egan, Sheldon Museum of Art
Jonathan Egan, Graphic Designer and Media Content Specialist from the Sheldon Museum of Art joined us for September’s happy half-hour. His presentation included his reworking of the Sheldon’s visual identity, in which he gave the museum a much-needed singular visual presence. He also discussed the strategy involved in designing materials that aid the art viewer. Jonathan emphasized the importance of the brand’s single typeface doing the work and avoiding overpowering the artwork on display. Jonathan helps provide an excellent experience for anyone who visits the Sheldon and we were happy to have him present his work.
Announcements
Reminder: Take the VCN Member Survey
Your voice matters...it's time to sound off! We want to hear how we can best support you as a visual communicator this academic year.
Take the Brief Survey
Free Virtual Adobe MAX Conference, Oct. 18-20
Adobe is hosting their annual Adobe MAX conference, October 18-20. This year it will be held virtually and is free to those with a Creative Cloud account! There will be 350+ sessions discussing everything from how to use their software, to creative techniques, to thought leadership. Register and set your schedule and keep us updated on Teams on what you are learning! Then join us on November XX at our next co-working half-hour to chat about what sessions you attended.
Register for Adobe MAX
Award Shows: Get Recognized For Your Best Work
We all know you've been doing great work in visual communications at UNL, but are you aware that you can be recognized for that work as well? There are several ways to be recognized in the visual communication, design and marketing industries. Organizations such as the University & College Designers Association has several categories of awards one could enter. The American Marketing Association has a local chapter as well as the Public Relations Society of America with its regional district. Nebraska has its local American Advertising Federation chapter as well. There are several other organizations in higher-ed and beyond that accept award submissions from University units, such as CASE and its Circle of Excellence Awards. Check with your unit to see if you have budget to enter awards and let us know once you win so we can celebrate with you!
Tips, Tricks & Resources
Learn How to Use Figma
Adobe recently announced that it is acquiring Figma, which means that sooner or later, Adobe XD will no longer be Adobe's primary UX/UI Design tool. Figma has a set of very thorough lessons that you can go through at your own pace. Learn more about how to use Figma and get a head start in the transition.
Figma Design ResourcesCommunicator of the Quarter
Justin L. Gibson
Raise your hand if you’ve recently written about yourself in the third person! One of multiple Justin Gibsons in the vicinity, this one works for the College of Arts and Sciences where he creates digital and print graphics as design associate. Most of Justin’s spare time is consumed by tennis leagues and his cross stitch small business sprouted during the pandemic.
(portrait by previously featured photographer Loren Rye)
Years at UNL
6
Specializations:
Graphic design plus some Instagram and iPhoneography
Q & A
Recent inspo
Well Woven rug shopping
Visual communication pet peeve
Hyphenation domination
Current obsession
Personality tests and an ongoing Heartstopper obsession
Favorite food
Picture it: coffee and coconut lime cheesecake
Best advice
“We have two ears and one mouth, and we should use them proportionally.” —Susan Cain
