Virtual Event
Happened
Sat, Apr 23rd - Sun, Apr 24th
Virtual Event

By attending an AIGA event, you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

Students, now is your chance to register

AIGA Minnesota is thrilled to be hosting our annual Portfolio 1-on-1 this year and we are bringing it to you virtually. Virtual is the new normal under current conditions. Join us moving onward.

As a student, before you start applying to jobs, get a gut-check from experienced creative professionals at Portfolio 1-on-1. This design-centric virtual conference will give you the opportunity to present your work, process, and designs virtually for constructive feedback and valuable connections. Maybe you will find your future employer and internship site as you extend your professional network.

The event is for students only, senior or junior academic standing. Registration opens the first week of March. Not a member, join today. By becoming a member you gain the opportunity to attend the event at a reduced price and take advantage of all the membership benefits year-round.

AIGA offers you deep personal connections with creative professionals in your community and across the nation. By joining AIGA, you are supporting a network of creative changemakers, problem solvers, and design industry leaders. Membership benefits:

  • Professional Development (Take advantage of member-exclusive discounts to events, leadership workshops, and the annual Design Conference. Benefit from national and local programming including popular chapter mentorship programs and portfolio reviews)
  • Showcase Your Work (Connect with your peers, build your reputation, and get seen by employers by updating your profile in the AIGA Designer Directory)
  • Leadership Opportunities (Develop your leadership skills by volunteering for your local chapter, serving on task forces and committees, and recommend nominees for our awards programs. Students can also explore the realm of design beyond the classroom and take on leadership roles by joining their on-campus AIGA Student Group)
  • Resources & Inspiration (Gain free access to all of our resources, including designer toolkits, legal guides, and sample legal contracts. Get inspired by viewing popular conference talks or exploring our vast archive of design collections going back to the 1920’s)
  • Savings & Discounts (Enjoy valuable savings and discounts on popular products and services from our partners. Receive member-exclusive discounts on AIGA resources and programming)
  • Job Opportunities (Benefit from access to complete job listings on AIGA Design Jobs and save up to $300 on job postings that will reach thousands of skilled AIGA designers)
By attending Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward embark on developing a network of professional contacts that will be valuable as you research the professional world where you will be seeking employment. Learn firsthand what potential employers might specifically require of newly graduated professionals, and get guidance on further perfecting your portfolio. Find out the pulse of the current design, digital, branding, advertising, and corporate trends and needs and potentially find your future mentor or even an employer. Registration is divided into two tiers:

Student AIGA Member Rate: $20
Student Non-member Rate: $90

Apply for a scholarship to attend

If you are a non-member student and would like to apply for an attendance scholarship, please do not register! Instead, please complete our scholarship application by Friday, March 25, 2022.

*Attendance Scholarships include an annual membership to AIGA Minnesota.

Congratulations to AIGA MN Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward Attendance Scholarship recipients:

  • Esther Stoy
  • Gabriella Klema.

Formatting of Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward

We are planning for an entirely virtual event on April 23rd and 24th. We will be hosting reviews via Zoom on April 23rd between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All students will be designated into breakout rooms during their sessions. Students are given 2–3 reviews.

A separate email will be sent (on April 20th, 2022) to participating students regarding their sessions, the workshops, virtual backgrounds, and socials. If you are registered and unable to access the links after receiving the e-mail, please contact [email protected].

 

Get ready for Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward Workshop—Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 from 6 p.m.

Find out how to prepare for Portfolio 1-o-n1 by getting perspectives from fellow students, reviewers, and educators. In this workshop, we will discuss best practices for preparing your portfolio and how to get the most out of Portfolio 1-on-1.

Event Schedule

Saturday, April 23, 2022 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ZOOM LINK

9–10 a.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #1)

  • Hosts: Danilo Bojic & Celi Monroe
  • Reviewers: Kayla Horn, Megan Drabandt, Melissa Kiefer, Brandon Lord, Trisha Rabalais, Andrew Horn, Ben Alpert
  • Students: Abbey K., Avery W., Daniel E., Abby T., Becca B., Elisia L., Alicia F., Cecilia K., Elizabeth M., Allison P., Chole V., Emma B., Amaya N., Christie L., Esther S., Annie T., Christopher D., Gabriella K., Arianna S., Damon C., Giselle F.

10–11 a.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #2)

  • Hosts: Danilo Bojic & Celi Monroe
  • Reviewers: Kayla Horn, Megan Drabandt, Melissa Kiefer, Brandon Lord, Joe Cecere, Andrew Horn, Ben Alpert, Brad Nord, Trisha Rabalais, Nate Eul, Eric Dallmann
  • Students: Henry H., May H., Xin H., Isabelle S., Megan M., Yitong W., Jordan W., Molly D., Abbey K., Josiah H., Monica J., Abby T., Kennedy P., Morgan S., Alicia F., Kenneth T., Nicole G., Allison P., Laura W., Shalom P., Amaya N., Lauren I., Sofia W., Annie T., Lydia V., Vincent C., Arianna S., Makenna M., Wah P., Avery W., Maxyne F., Wyatt R., Becca B.

11–11:30 a.m.: Workshop 1: How to Discuss Your Design Work & Targeted Portfolios

  • Hosts: Danilo Bojic & May Hayes
  • Panelists: Jodi Eckes, Joel Schierloh & Amanda Smith

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #3)

  • Hosts: Celi Monroe & Joe Printy
  • Reviewers: Kayla Horn, Andrew Horn, Ben Alpert, Joe Cecere, Brad Norr, Cheryl Miller, Nate Eul, Eric Dallmann
  • Students: Cecilia K., Emma B., Kennedy P., Chole V., Esther S., Laura W., Christie L., Gabriella K., Kenneth T., Christopher D., Giselle F., Lauren I., Damon C., Henry H., Lydia V., Daniel E., Isabelle S., Makenna M., Elisia L., Jordan W., Maxyne F., Elizabeth M., Josiah H., May H.

12:30–1 p.m.: Break

1–2 p.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #4)

  • Hosts: Joe Printy & Danilo Bojic
  • Reviewers: Ludvik Herrera, Joe Cecere, Monica Little, Eric Dallmann, Megan Junius, Brent Larson
  • Students: Vincent C., Shalom P., Xin H., Molly D., Sofia W., Yitong W., Monica J., Megan M., May H., Morgan S., Wah P., Lydia V., Nicole G., Wyatt R., Kennedy P., Abbey K., Isabelle S., Maxyne F.

2–2:30 p.m.: Break

2:30–3 p.m.: Workshop 2: Emerging forms of Networking & Informational Interviews

  • Hosts: Danilo Bojic & May Hayes
  • Panelists: Ellen Opacich, Shahbaz Shah & Amanda Smith

3–4 p.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #5)

  • Hosts: Joe Printy & May Hayes
  • Reviewers: Kevin Kinley, Ludvik Herrera, Monica Little, Megan Junius, Brent Larson
  • Students: Kenneth T., Makenna M., Alicia F., Abby T., Yitong W., Monica J., Emma B., Jordan W., Annie T., Laura W., Elizabeth M., Henry H., Megan M., Allison P., Vincent V.

4–5 p.m.: Portfolio Review (Session #6)

  • Hosts: Celi Monroe & May Hayes
  • Reviewers: Kevin Kinley, Monica Little, Brent Larson
  • Students: Molly D., Cecilia K., Giselle F., Morgan S., Lauren I., Avery W., Daniel E., Becca B., Chole V.

Sunday, April 24, 2022 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. ZOOM LINK

9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Judging Results (internal by Education Committee & AIGA MN Fellows)

10–11 a.m.: Faculty Forum (hosted by Danilo Bojic, AIGA MN Director of Education)
Educators register here.

12–12:30 p.m.: Break

12:30–1:30 p.m.: Announce Scholarship Recipients & Review

  • AIGA MN Fellow’s Scholarship ($1,500.00) announced by Monica Little
  • Elizabeth Maunu, Concordia University St. Paul
  • Little & Co. Scholarship ($1,200.00) announced by Monica Little
  • Kenneth Tham, Winona State University
  • AIGA MN Student Leadership Scholarship ($500.00) by Monica Little
  • May Hayes, Winona State University

Closing Remarks & Special Announcement

  • Closing remarks by Danilo Bojic, AIGA MN Director of Education
  • Special announcement by Matt Lowe, AIGA MN Director of Communications
    New mentorship program—Mind to Mind.

AIGA MN Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward Reviwers

Kayla Horn Art Director Mammoth Creative Co.
Kevin Kinley Senior Art Director Target
Megan Drabandt Brand Design Principal 3M
Melissa Kiefer Digital Art Director Target
Andrew Horn Senior Designer Humdinger & Sons
Brandon Lord Senior Designer Capsule
Ben Alpert Senior Designer Ultra Creative
Ludvik Herrera Design + UX Principal Nupolitan
Joe Cecere President and CCO Little
Monica Little Founder and Chair Little
Brad Norr Designer Brad Norr Design
Trisha Rabalais Associate Professor Nicholls State University
Cheryl Miller VP Creative Diretor Treat & Company
Nate Eul Senior Art Director Martin Williams
Eric Dallmann Creative Director, Partner Adaptive Studios
Megan Junius President & Creative Director Eight Moon

Workshop 1: 11–11:30 a.m. | Saturday, April 23rd

How to Discuss Your Design Work & Targeted Portfolios | Join the presentations by our estimated speakers and take part in the discussion to follow.

Panelists: Jodi Eckes, Joel Schierloh & Amanda Smith.

Potential Topics covered—Discussing Design Work

  • Tips for talking about your creative work
  • Designing a presentation structure that supports your narrative
  • How to be engaging, while still being clear and interesting
  • Talking about a project concept and message vs technical aspects – what should they focus on?
  • How to manage your presentation time
  • How to show your personality & leave an impact
  • The importance of a follow-up (thank you letter, email, etc.).

Potential Topics covered —Targeted Portfolios

  • The difference between a general portfolio and a targeted portfolio
  • How would you suggest students go about creating a targeted portfolio based on a job description
  • A variety of work vs projects that show a specific skill (branding, UX, etc)
  • The optimal number of works to be included.
Jodi Eckes

P1-on-1 Panelist Jodi Eckes.

Jodi Eckes

After honing her skills with acclaimed agencies and some of the world’s biggest brands, Jodi set out with a vision in 2008 and created DRIVE. For more than a decade now, she’s been redefining what’s possible for clients in the education, healthcare, finance, retail, non-profit and medical device industries. 

As a seasoned strategist, acclaimed creative director, and accomplished designer, Jodi’s work has been recognized both nationally and internationally by the industry’s top organizations including GRAPHIS, AIGA, PRINT, HOW, Graphic Design USA, The Davey Awards and featured in popular design and branding books. In addition, Jodi was recently a judge for the American Marketing Association’s 2021-22 Collegiate Case Competition sponsored by Amazon — a national competition recognizing the nation’s top marketing students. 

Passionate about giving back to the design community, Jodi is a longstanding member and former board member of AIGA Minnesota, as well as a frequent portfolio reviewer for AIGA MN’s notable Portfolio 1-on-1. She’s also a proud community sponsor of MPLS MadWomen, a three-time MPLS MadWomen mentor, member of American Marketing Association (AMA) and current co-chair of First Friday Women (Twin Cities marketing/communications networking group). 

Jodi lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two boys. When she’s not busy building brands, you can find her with her camera capturing action shots at her kids’ games and binge-watching a strangely eclectic range of TV shows. 

Contact info:

[email protected]   |   drivebrandagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/drivebrandagency

 

Joel Schierloh

P1on1 Pannelist Joel Schierloh.

Joel Schierloh

Designer hailing from the plains of Oklahoma that specializes in conceptual visual identity systems and consumer packaging. For the past 10+ years I’ve been focusing on building brands (small and large) and helping them communicate their story. I’ve been with The Stable for the past 4 years and before that I worked independently, running a strategic design consultancy focusing on building CPG brands. 

Contact info:
joelowenschierloh.com

 

 

 

 

Amanda Smith

P1-on-1 panelist Amanda Smith.

Amanda Smith

With over 12+ years’ experience in user experience design, I specialize in communications as acting liaison between business, design, and technology, UX research, building Design Systems, reviewing design and code, qualitative and quantitative user testing, product execution, and accessibility (A11y). I’m highly organized, creative, and have additional experience in project negotiation, DesignOps, and strategic planning. During my career, I have been an excelling in front-end, production-ready code, Design System management, inclusive and accessible design, A/B testing, design thinking and prioritizing methodologies, user flows paired with high-fidelity mock-ups, design communication and education, brand identity, interactive media, social media, print and web design, and a performing UX expert for Agile Scrum Teams.

Contact info:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaraesmith

Workshop 2 : 2:30–3 p.m. | Saturday, April 23rd

Emerging forms of Networking & Informational Interviews | Join the presentations by our estimated speakers and take part in the discussion to follow.

Panelists: Shahbaz Shah, Amanda Smith & Ellen Opacich

Potential Topics covered —Emerging Forms of Networking

  • How has the pandemic affected your personal form of networking & how have you adapted?
  • What do you think is the current state of networking (remote, hybrid, in-person)
  • How to connect with people virtually
  • How does your digital presence affect your ability to network?
  • How to spark real conversation while networking. 

Potential Topics covered —Informational Interviews

  • What is an informational interview & why should people seek them out
  • Who to ask for an informational interview & how you can find them
  • The best way to reach out to people whom you would like to conduct an informational interview with 
  • How to prepare for an informational interview
  • What to do afterward.
Shahbaz Shah

P1on1 Panelist Shahbaz Shah.

Shahbaz Shah 

Shahbaz Shah is an Integrator & Relationship Developer at Media Garcia. He’s a master communicator, connector, and people cultivator. Shahbaz listens for the unsaid and takes a stand for what will make a difference in their business.

In his pursuit of building relationships and empowering people, Shahbaz helps all business owners harness the power of HubSpot tools for lead generation, customer acquisition, customer engagement, and developing their competitive advantage. When clients work with Shahbaz, they can expect to get to the root of their operational and marketing challenges and build solutions that will empower them to grow their businesses long-term. Where there was ambiguity, they work with Shahbaz to find clarity. Where there was disorder, they find direction.

As a Landmark Introduction Leader, Shahbaz supports and empowers people to redefine what’s possible in their lives through self-discovery. A resident of St. Paul’s Old Rondo neighborhood (Summit-University), he enjoys watching movies and playing video games with his wife Valerie and son Kobi. Shahbaz earned his bachelor of arts degree in organizational communication from Metropolitan State University in 2015.

Ready to thrive? Shahbaz is an incredible educator and mentor for growing businesses. He’s passionate about helping people and provides value and knowledge to everyone. Schedule a call with Shahbaz to discover how we can help you get to where you’re going.

Contact info:
https://www.mediagarcia.com  |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedshahbazshah  |  Media Garcia | LinkedIn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShahMGConcierge  |  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediagarcia  |  https://www.shahbazshah.net 

 

Ellen Opacich

P1-on-1 panelist Ellen Opacich.

Ellen Opacich:

Ellen is an Art Director at Carmichael Lynch. Specializing in illustration and social media campaigns, she has worked with brands like 76 and Celestial Seasonings. Outside of work, you can catch her at any Grateful Dead-related show or hanging out with her dog, Phoebe.

Contact info:
Website: https://www.ellenroseo.com  |  IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenroseo/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenopacich/

 

 

 

 

Amanda Smith

P1-on-1 panelist Amanda Smith.

Amanda Smith

With over 12+ years’ experience in user experience design, I specialize in communications as acting liaison between business, design, and technology, UX research, building Design Systems, reviewing design and code, qualitative and quantitative user testing, product execution, and accessibility (A11y). I’m highly organized, creative, and have additional experience in project negotiation, DesignOps, and strategic planning. During my career, I have been an excelling in front-end, production-ready code, Design System management, inclusive and accessible design, A/B testing, design thinking and prioritizing methodologies, user flows paired with high-fidelity mock-ups, design communication and education, brand identity, interactive media, social media, print and web design, and a performing UX expert for Agile Scrum Teams.

Contact info:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaraesmith

 

 

Support Future Designers

Want to make an impact?

Make a donation towards:

  • AIGA MN Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward Attendance Sponsorship[closed as of April 1st]
    [please consider a minimum donation of $70]
  • AIGA MN Portfolio 1-on-1 2022: Onward Tuition Scholarship.
    [please consider a minimum donation of $100]

Thank you to Sussner Design Company for this year's event branding.

Sussner Design Company is dedicated to creating thoughtful, effective and impactful solutions that help companies clarify their message, move their brand forward and break out of the crowd. SDCo is proud to be a member of AIGA Minnesota and the Twin Cities creative community. Connect with Sussner on FacebookLinkedin and Instagram.

Contact Leadership

Danilo Bojic
Danilo Bojic
Director of Education
As a native Serbian, born and raised in Belgrade, Danilo has earned his BFA in Graphic Communications and BA in Art History from the University of Houston in 2009. In 2012 Danilo had successfully defended his thesis and holds an MFA Degree in Graphic Communications from the University of Houston.

Danilo engages the questions of enticing shifts in perception in design education and the influence of contemporary society and culture on our visual cognition in his research practice. His goal is to visually investigate the ability to communicate in different formats and create different levels of cognition through perception, acceleration, and construction of messages that raise consciousness, sensitivity, and conviction.


In his teaching practice, Danilo is committed to transforming the traditional design curriculum to expand the level of understanding of core and advance theoretical principles while utilizing historical and contemporary knowledge to enhance the learning experience. Danilo currently teaches design at Winona State University in Minnesota, USA.