Empower ASU Designers: Exploring the Portland Design Scene

AIGA is a national organization that advocates for the integration of quality design across a wide variety of professional industries. The national chapter is comprised of design professionals, educators, students, and enthusiasts– all with the common goal of innovating the way we interact with the world around us. We at the AIGA chapter at Arizona State University do our part by connecting student designers to a wider network of invaluable resources. One of the ways we do this is by hosting an annual trip to a city voted on by the student body and exploring and networking with the local design community. The spring break trip gives students insight into professional design environments and provides opportunity to set up internships for the following summer. Past students have visited cities such as Seattle, New York, and London, but the tradition was disrupted in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Now, in our second year of reviving this tradition, we seek your support to elevate the trip to its maximum potential. Your contribution will empower us to provide students with a transformative experience, enabling them to connect, learn, and thrive beyond the classroom.

Our goals for this trip include: 

Fostering networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth. We’re committed to creating avenues for students to connect and learn from established design professionals– potentially leading to internships and mentorships.

Engaging in experiences to apply classroom lessons in real-world scenarios.

Practical application of classroom lessons is crucial. This goal ensures that students can bridge the gap between theory and practice. With collaboration being a crucial part of the design process, this trip will emphasize team-building activities to strengthen the bond among AIGA at ASU students.

Providing exposure to diverse design styles and the design community of Portland.

Communicating effectively requires a sensitivity to a multitude of perspectives. Exposing students to the culture of a new city and its unique design needs and solutions will provide a broader understanding of the diverse factors influencing design decisions and the ways in which creative solutions can address challenges in various contexts.

In order to turn these goals into reality and ensure the success of our students, we need your support. Your contribution will empower us to provide a transformative experience for our students in Portland. From covering transportation and accommodation costs to facilitating industry visits and cultural activities, your generosity will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these aspiring designers. Join us in making a lasting impact on the next generation of design leaders.