The AIGA Santa Barbara Board of Directors act as representatives of the Central Coast’s creative professionals, both here in our community and to our colleagues in the wider region and nation. Our sincere thanks to all the board volunteers for giving their time and talents.
Extra special thanks to outgoing Marketing Director Irene Hoffman, outgoing Membership Director Malcolm Steward, and immediate past President Patty Devlin-Driskel. The AIGA SB board greatly appreciates the support we get from our membership, who elected a new, expanded board for 2015:
Keir DuBois
President
Designer & Developer, Oniracom
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I joined in 2011, and have been on the board since 2012 as Communications Director. 2015 is my first year as President.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
AIGA SB did a studio tour at BBM&D in Ventura while I was working there as a designer/developer, and I was hooked. For someone who was not a natural networker, AIGA events were and are a great way to get to know my fellow creatives.
- What type of work do you do?
I work at Oniracom, Santa Barbara’s premiere entertainment branding agency, splitting my time doing graphic design, web development, and copywriting.
- What inspires you?
Creative people of any stripe. For me, brilliant work in disciplines outside design—music, literature, photography, history, film—is just as inspiring as great design or fine art.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
I play bass guitar and write/record songs, so I love designing for music—album covers, websites, posters, anything! I’m also a map/geography nerd and I love baseball.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Definitely the community. I’ve met so many brilliant and talented people through AIGA. I’m one of those creative people that tends to live in my own little bubble while creating. It’s healthy to come up for air every once in a while and AIGA SB certainly offers that, connecting me to just about everyone in the design community both here and around the nation.
Bill Kienzel
Secretary
Typography Consultant
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I attended the initial chapter organizing meetings at Reds back in 2006; current membership goes back to circa 2008.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
I learned from design colleagues at the Santa Barbara Independent that a Santa Barbara AIGA chapter might be forming.
- What type of work do you do?
Specialty is type design and typography. I was in font design and technology for a quarter-century (Compugraphic, Information International, Xerox Corp.); taught typography at Otis/Parsons in L.A.; spent several years in print-publication design; and more recently was Typography Consultant (11+ years) at the Santa Barbara Independent, where I developed a series of best-practice tips for typography practitioners—in the 21st century, that’s designers and wordsmiths. (Uncertain about the proper use of hyphens vs. dashes, and quotemarks vs. apostrophes? Can’t settle on a font with just the right personality for your project? Wish you knew more about kerning and paragraph/character styles? I’m still available for consultations.)
- What inspires you?
Supporting design ideals (and finding that in others). The design process itself: studying out a problem then achieving an “aha” moment; integrating a project’s own natural feedback into the result.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
I’ve always loved working. These days, I’m finding nirvana moments in developing original font designs dreamed up during my font-industry years. Personal interests beyond design: exploring U.S. and Canadian wines, and the New Horizons probe now approaching Pluto.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Immersion within a community of folks who get excited about the same things you do. In design school, I reveled in the company of other creatives whose perspectives both informed and challenged my own precepts. I had a similar experience when I was teaching. Participating in a professional association is yet another way to sustain that connection with others who have chosen a life path like your own.
Patty Devlin-Driskel
Treasurer, Past President
Senior Art Director, Mark Oliver, Inc. & Adjunct Faculty, Brooks Institute
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
8 years. I am the immediate past president (2011-2014).
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
I attended a meeting and enjoyed finding a local group of creatives gathered to discuss design and design business topics. It was very appealing to be part of a community. And joining the board only added to that sense of community.
- What type of work do you do?
I am an art director for a firm that specializes in food and beverage packaging and branding. And I teach an occasional class at Brooks Institute, sharing my knowledge of packaging and navigating the business of design.
- What inspires you?
Smart thinking. Simple solutions that solve the design problem with clarity. And walking the hills, being out doors and seeing things up close.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Making things and making things happen. That is why I do what I do. I get a kick out of being involved with packages you see in the marketplace. I enjoy designing special cards and graphics for my family. And I love planning events and programming for AIGA.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
That ability to connect with others in the business, none of our jobs or careers are identical but we appreciate each other’s challenges and successes and share information. And this connection is not limited to Santa Barbara alone. Being part of a national organization, in a leadership role, has added to my professional growth in countless ways and the gratification of investing in my profession.
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I’ve been a member since 2010 and have served on the Board of Directors for most my of time with the organization.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
As a student I attended various AIGA events and the organization peaked my interest. I started to meet many new friends and various job opportunities started to come my way. I never looked back.
- What type of work do you do?
I am an in-house designer, marketing manager and graphic design instructor. I also do freelance illustration and lettering work.
- What inspires you?
Traveling, reading and perusing the internet!
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
I love to create. It probably sounds cliché, but it’s true. I get a deep sense of gratification from creating – whether it’s painting, cooking, or crafting.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
The people. I have life long friends through AIGA. Oh, and the jobs I have gotten don’t hurt either!
Tracy Sherwood
Marketing Director
Designer/Owner, tracysherwood.com
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I joined as a student in 2011, and rejoined as a professional member in 2013.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
I was invited to the AIGA Student Portfolio Day, as a then SBCC Graphic Design and Media Arts student, where I met Irene Hoffman. Irene kept me up to date on AIGA events, encouraging me to attend. It was also Irene who suggested that I rejoin AIGA.
- What type of work do you do?
I freelance, designing for both print and web for local small businesses and organizations. I’ve also started doing contract work for a local company that creates marketing apps for large hotel chains.
- What inspires you?
I love clever thinking, whether in any field of design, comedy, writing, or conversation. I also enjoy learning about history, knowing how things or situations came into being, and how we as people came to have the beliefs we have.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
My ‘go to’ activity is to design, particularly logos and jewelry, which both have to present an idea in a succinct format. Design as an activity is very convenient, as you can do it anywhere, no (physical) tools required! And then, later, when tools are available, I can work to see those designs unfold before my eyes.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Being part of AIGA SB has exposed me to parts of the design world I may not otherwise have seen. Networking with other creatives is inspiring because I get exposed to other ways of seeing things, which helps me expand my approach to my own projects.
Jennifer McHugh
Education Director
Assistant Director, Casa Dolores
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I have been following AIGA New York for years primarily as a resource for research in history of graphic design, and officially joined AIGA in January 2014.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
Joined the local chapter as a newcomer, and out of interest in pre-digital printing techniques and machines as cultural heritage and symbolism in typography.
- What type of work do you do?
Museum by day (Casa Dolores is the Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico), graphic nut by night.
- What inspires you?
Colors and shapes.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Only one? Impossible to answer.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
The cool people.
David Cowan
Sustainability Director
Owner/Creative Director, Cowan Communication Arts, Inc. & Editorial Director, AIGA Living Principles
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I have been an AIGA member on and off for many moons.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
I attended interesting AIGA SB events.
- What type of work do you do?
Branding and integrated communications with a focus on projects and programs that benefit society and the environment.
- What inspires you?
Art. Music. Nature. Critters. People. Storytellers. Humor.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Playing guitar in the yard with a steamy mug of dark roast and my Black Lab Oliver by my side.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Talented members and inspiring programs.
Tom Hinkle
Sponsorship Director
Senior Account Executive, V3 Corporation
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
About a decade.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
10 years ago, Thomas Moriatis and I got together and put some effort together to start the AIGA Santa Barbara chapter.
- What type of work do you do?
Always been involved in Commercial Printing, mainly Sales, Marketing.
- What inspires you?
Working with designers and developing creative print projects. Witnessing art turn into reality.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Creatively, I can’t wait for Saturday to open my garage. I like working with my hands, building things, anything. Personally, traveling with my girls: wife, daughters and dog.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Aside from Santa Barbara being the coolest place on earth, AIGA pulls designers together – friends and new friends.
Melanie Bélanger
Membership Director
Marketing Communication Specialist & Graphic Designer, Santa Barbara City College
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
Just over a year.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
I was recruited by Tom Hinkle, my wonderful V3 print representative.
- What type of work do you do?
My job goal at SBCC is to recruit prospective students to attend SBCC through designing print collateral, social media and web.
- What inspires you?
People. Ocean. Mountains. Family. Food. The Happy-go-lucky attitude of a dog. Most importantly, my Mom.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
I love hiking with my dog, painting, sewing and all crafts. Stepping away from the computer and getting my hands dirty.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
Meeting new people and getting energy from like-minded creatives.
Rachell Newburn
Board Liaison – San Luis Obispo
Marketing Manager, Collaboration Business Consulting
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I have been a member of AIGA since 2008. Then, as a design student, I understood the importance of advancing design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. Now as a creative professional, I have the pleasure of working with some of the most creative thinkers in the 805 – influencing, inspiring, and encouraging through creative design and strategic marketing.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
While being an active AIGA member for several years, when I relocated back to San Luis Obispo I wanted to connect with other creative minds in the 805 community.
- What type of work do you do?
As the Marketing Manager for Collaboration Business Consulting, and a Marketing Consultant to our clients, I leverage my background in results-based marketing, graphic design, and management to contribute to the overall effort of creative problem solving. On the average day, you’ll find me: participating in client meetings, creating proposals, putting together budgets and break evens, summarizing employee interviews, conducting research, disseminating blogs, editing videos, strategizing the next newsletter topic, reevaluating systems, providing support to project managers and lead consultants, and enjoying the company of my co-workers.
- What inspires you?
Everything truly inspires me, but what inspires me the most are people. Their success stories, meaningful friends, overcome hardships, cheerful laughs, silly giggles, and what makes them tick.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Living in San Luis Obispo, my favorite things to do include most activities outside: cycling, running, hiking, beaching, wine tasting, etc.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
The coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB is being part of a community that understands your creative side and “speaks your language.”
Nicki Gauthier
Digital Marketing Committee Chair
Instructor, University of California, Santa Barbara Extension
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
This is my first year as a member of AIGA, however I have attended multiple events and I have been a long time fan and friend of AIGA!
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
My good friend Jennie Jacobs started inviting me to events.
- What type of work do you do?
I support businesses by providing marketing strategy, web analytics review, creative direction, training, and applying social media and search optimization methods. I also teach the Art and Science of Web Analytics at UCSB Extension.
- What inspires you?
I am inspired by everyday life, people watching, live music, oh and this instagram account is pretty inspiring:
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is ride my bike to the beach with my family.
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
I am looking forward to creating and connecting with local artists and professionals in the industry.
Gen Matsui
Social Media Contributor
Graphic Designer, Casa Dorinda
- How long have you been a member of AIGA?
I joined in December 2014.
- How did you get involved with AIGA SB?
Irene Hoffman, the previous AIGA SB Marketing Director, recommended I take part in helping out AIGA SB. Sounded like a perfect way to meet more creatives so I joined!
- What type of work do you do?
I’m a graphic designer working in Montecito, CA. I love working on anything from websites to print design.
- What inspires you?
My friends and my surrounding inspire me the most. I also visit tons and tons of websites where I find amazing work to be inspired by.
- What’s your favorite thing to do?
Being in the ocean as much as possible!
- What is the coolest thing about being involved with AIGA SB?
I just joined, but I’m sure I’ll be meeting heaps of great, creative people.
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By Keir DuBois
Published January 1, 2015
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