An evening to remember
Last month, we gathered at a rooftop to conclude our Summer Social Hour season. It was a perfect evening of community, conversation, and design. We will be back with Autumn social hours in October. Stay tuned
It’s called style…
Three new t-shirts are now in our online shop — all designed by Chicago designers responding to the prompt of what does family mean to you.
ICYMI: Creating Francis Magazine
Our friend, Francis, discusses the making of his publication and takes us on a journey through every spread while sharing with us the analog process that drove his creative vision. You can purchase a copy of Francis, Issue 1, here.
CS²
In collaboration with Segura, our latest film is the result of a completely random and unplanned conversation between Christian Solorzano of the Chicago Graphic Design Club and Carlos Segura. Segura shares his archived portfolios he created before the internet and recaps the methods, reasons, thinking, and productions he used to promote his work and approach to visual storytelling. It’s an intimate and personal visit to key moments throughout Segura's career and an entirely unexpected and candid discovery.
This month
Saturday, September 7, 11 am - 6 pm
Location: Near Buckingham Fountain
We are excited to participate in the Design Museum of Chicago’s inaugural Flag Fest event. The Design Museum of Chicago is partnering with the Taste of Chicago to create a Flag Exhibition & Arts and Design Corridor. Similar to Field Day at Navy Pier, 75 artists and designers from Chicago will be showcased at a flag exhibition along Ida B. Wells Drive; there will be booths of organizations from around the city, including the CGDC, and family-friendly activities like bubble-blowing, face painting, juggling, and more. Come check out the inaugural event! The exact location is here
Thursday, September 12, 6-9pm
Location: Design B&B
Join us for a night of trivia with Design B&B. Whether you’re a design expert, a Chicago aficionado, or just someone who knows a lot about chickens, (we’ll explain later…) there’s a place for you here! Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Underscore
In August, host Christian Solorzano spoke with Sabine Lenz, founder of Paper Specs, and Valerie Craig, a Chicago-based designer and community organizer.
And say hello to…
Sean Fermoyle joined the Chicago Graphic Design Club in 2024 to give back to the graphic design community in Chicago (and at large). Having worked in the industry for nearly three decades with an emphasis on branding, he now focuses on mentoring and sharing his experiences so that others might benefit earlier in their careers. He is also focused on assisting the CGDC with business development and branding aspects so that it might be more cohesive, focused, and differentiated. He’s inspired by all things related to experimental type exploration, publishing, self-initiated projects, and knowing the rules so he can “break them.” Or, in more spiritual terms, evolve.
What drew you to the Chicago Graphic Design Club?
The CGDC has always been on my radar since its inception (as the CGD book club). As a young, energetic organization with a love for all things Chicago Design and beyond — given the opportunity to participate in such a great cause; I jumped at the chance to give back and contribute to our culture.
What is your involvement with the CGDC?
My involvement started as a fan really. Then to a contributor, now as a board member and advisor. It currently gives me so much more than I bring to it — an opportunity to mentor, share, continue learning, and be inspired. AND, I've made some new friends along the way!
Who/what are your inspirations?
My design inspirations are many and varied. However, the ones that haven't changed since I have been working are: Carlos Segura, Jennifer Sterling, and David Carson amongst many, many others.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I am currently rereading "ReWork" by the Basecamp crew — one of my favs in the creative business philosophy category. My music playlists are vast and super varied: from 90s WAXTRAX! industrial bands like RevCo, Ministry and early Meat Beat Manifesto. To classic house mixes by djs such as Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Diz, Dj Heather, etc. Throw in some ambient stuff by Brian Eno, Aphex Twin...and you have some insight into an average day in my musical playlist rotation.
What does community mean to you?
Community is everything. We do not live, work or exist in a vacuum: so to be able to engage, contribute to, and learn from our Chicago graphic design community is really a gift, and I value it immensely. I wish more people would understand that this organization is really "their platform" and they can get their thoughts, perspectives, and work out there by engaging with it. The benefits are invaluable to one's career and creative practices.
Around town…
Saturday & Sunday
Sept 7-8 • 10 am-6 pm
Printers Row Lit Fest
Friday, Sept 13
7 - 11 pm
25 Years of Some Odd Pilot
Saturday, Sept 14
10:30 am - 4 pm
Chicago Design Archive Film Screening
Wednesday, Sept 18
3-7:30 pm
Makers Market at Harold Washing Library
Thursday, Sept 26
Paper Specs Live (Use CGDC24 for a special discount)
Have news you would like us to share? Email us.