Design LAB 

Design LAB: Learn and Become was conceived by AIGA Honolulu over a decade ago. Roughly 20 high school students from across the island are nominated by their teachers to participate in this fun but intensive weekend workshop.

The 2017 Design LAB was held on October 7 + 8 at Moanalua High School

From 8am to 3pm on both days, local design professionals serve as presenters and mentors, giving the students an overview of design basics in the form of short presentations, creative exercises, and ultimately the production of a simple design piece (like a poster or postcard) from concept to completion.

This year was our first time in the Moanalua High School design lab, and their facilities are impressive. 21 students from 5 local high schools (Moanalua, Mililani, Kalaheo, Campbell and Kaiser) participated in our fall workshop. They drew for themes and got to work on their compositions with help from mentor volunteers.

“This was a really wonderful experience and was worth sacrificing the weekend. I commend those designers for taking time out of their schedules just to teach us.” –Design LAB participant

 

Creative Professionals Address DOE Educators

On a related note – in August, several AIGA members joined with AAF members to speak at a DOE event for public high school educators about creative professions in Hawaii, including design, advertising and associated industries. The event filled a ballroom and helped teachers give better guidance to aspiring young creatives in their classrooms.

Panel of local creative professionals in the fields of design and advertising speak to DOE educators about how to guide students in their creative endeavors. August 2017.

“Thank you for an amazing day. Most resourceful and powerful pathways day I have been to in 13 yrs in the DOE. SO REVELANT. I will bring today directly into my classroom. My students say Mahalo!!!” –DOE Panel Event Attendee

 

Which of these fresh faced students will be our fellow professionals in a few years?

Call for Mentors!

Mentors have returned year after year to participate in this event that is a chance to meet and catch up with your fellow professional designers and help to inspire the next generation of designers in a weekend that ends up being an incredibly rewarding experience. If you are interested in mentoring in 2018 or learning more, please shoot an email to Chris Magpoc at designlab@aigahonolulu.org