Happy Holidays
This is our last newsletter of 2023, and what a year it has been. We shared many fun and enlightening moments. So join us as we take a quick trip back to reflect on this year’s memories.
Events
We got around Chicago and learned, showed our work, and talked design with and at some of our favorite studios in the city. In case you missed it or are new here, we started the year with a tour of the Illinois Institute of Design and got some behind-the-scenes insight into the process of their new branding and their beautiful space.
Next, we hosted our first art exhibition along with the cross-disciplinary design studio MNML. We toured their studio and learned about their unique holistic approach to problem-solving through graphic and industrial design. That was followed by an art exhibition of local artists interpreting what the idea of Chicago’s Tomorrow, Today means to them. See more here ›
A confrontational topic for many this year was artificial intelligence. We teamed up with One Design Company to host a panel with experts to explore AI’s negative and positive applications, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and dive deep into ethics, creativity, agency, intelligence, and more. And we are proud to say that One Design’s branding for the event was recently selected as one of STA 100’s pieces.
We are also very grateful that our friend Carlos Segura invited us into his home and studio for an afternoon of storytelling, design, and conversation.
We were also honored to participate in the Design Museum of Chicago’s inaugural Field Day at Navy Pier. The event brought together thousands of Chicagoans to celebrate our environment, culture, and outdoor public spaces through a design lens.
Wrapping up our events for 2023 was a tour of the Chicago design studio Firebelly. We learned about Firebelly’s approach to projects and their unique creative process.
Speakers
We heard from a handful of speakers from around the country this year.
This year, we met with Mitch Goldstein, a designer, artist, author, and educator, Michael Ellsworth, and talked about the release of his new book. Co-founder and Principal of the design studio Civilization spoke with us about methods for starting and operating a small design studio and how graphic design can be used to promote collective action. Finally, Catherine Bianca, who runs Process Process Process, discussed designing a modular, multi-channel visual language centering global consultants, PhD students, graphic design, and AI to define the anatomy of design methods found in everyday infrastructures.
Getting Social
Sometimes, we need to let loose and have some fun. We hosted two social gatherings this year. We met at the lake to chat and enjoy the day together. Then we got together to let off some steam bowling at the Diversey Bowl.
In early October, we discovered the hidden layers of Chicago’s iconic landmarks with a unique walking tour aimed to shift your perspective. Led by CGDC member John Robert Hatherly, this experience is inspired by the “finding tools” and pedagogy of Sister Corita Kent, encouraging us all to “see anew.”
Books
Did you know the Chicago Graphic Design Club began as a book club? We still hold to our humble beginnings by hosting virtual book discussions throughout the year. This year, we delved into the pages of 2 books and the issues of Emigre. Despite the
Our discussions are welcoming, insightful, and casual.
Underscore
We released 23 episodes of our podcast Underscore this year. There have been so many great conversations; more will come in 2024. Listen here ›
Mu Radio
And for your listening pleasure, this year, we launched a new program called Mu Radio, built for and with our community. The program exists as music slots where designers share curated playlists of the music they enjoy. Want to join?
You can listen to the latest mixes here.
And finally… we launched an online shop
Thanks to everybody so far who has been purchasing our merch from our shop. These make great gifts for your design friends and professors (hint!) All proceeds from sales will go towards funding our programming and upcoming publication. Thank you for all your support 🤗.
But we aren’t anything without YOU.
So let us know what programming you want to see in 2024. Our mission continues to be community-centered while fostering a positive culture within graphic design theory, craft, and practice, and we do this by listening to what our community needs and is most interested in.
Thanks for traveling down memory lane with us. Your participation and support are what keep us going and fill our hearts. So here’s to you, our community. ❤️
Here’s to a healthy and enlightened new year!