Print partners with AIGA to promote design thinking

March 8, 2010 – AIGA, the professional association for design, and F+W Media’s Design Community, which includes the brands Print, HOW, and the I.D. Annual Design Review, have announced a major partnership called “Partners in Design Leadership.” The goal of this new partnership is to collaboratively advance the concept of design thinking, the relevance of design in problem solving and the leadership role designers play in our society. This shared mission of advocating for design relevance and leadership will take several forms. There will be a leadership presentation, an AIGA Resource Center and a special presentation by AIGA president Debbie Millman at the HOW Design Conference in June; a quarterly webcast series on the subject of design relevance and design leadership will begin in April; and a dedicated AIGA leadership educational section on the HOW and Print websites will debut in June. There will also be collaborative efforts at AIGA chapter level to further advance the mission of relevance and leadership within local design communities. “Our mission is to inspire, educate and inform designers, helping them to realize their talents and to advocate the value of design among the media, the business community, public agencies and the general public,” said Richard Grefé, Executive Director of AIGA. “By working in partnership with F+W Media’s Design Community, we will only further our goal to advance the design profession and communicate the value of design to audiences outside the profession.” Added Gary Lynch, Publisher and Editorial Director for the F+W Design Community, “AIGA, HOW and Print are powerful brands serving the global design community with a common objective—to serve the needs and best interests of that community. The ‘Partners in Design Leadership’ initiative enables us to use our collective resources to further this shared mission. Collaborating on programs, events, and resources for designers only benefits the community at large and will expand the role of design, today and in the future.” About AIGAAIGA, the professional association for design, stimulates thinking about design, demonstrates the value of design and empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers. AIGA’s mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design, and is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational institution. Today AIGA serves more than 20,000 members through 65 chapters and 200 student groups. About the F+W Media Design CommunityThe F+W Media Design Community features books, magazines, competitions and events focused on the art, business, and culture of graphic design. The Company’s award-winning brands include HOW, Print, the I.D. Annual Design Review, and its popular series of events which include the HOW Design Conference, the In-HOWse Designer Conference, and the Creative Freelancer Conference all taking place in Denver June 5-9, 2010.