Video Summary: Sean Adams

Sean Adams, a direct descendant of John Adams, is a wildly successful figure in the world of graphic design.  Sean is the executive director of the Graphic Design program at ArtCenter and the national president of AIGA, the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design.  He is the founder of Burning Settlers Cabin studio in Los Angeles and was also a founding partner of AdamsMorioka, Inc.

Sean has so much knowledge and expertise in the design field and shares it in a fun, accessible way.  I enjoyed hearing his perspective on generating design ideas -- steal from others, listen to your client, write things down and don't be afraid to shake it up and do the WRONG thing. 

Sean also had helpful tips on creating a portfolio and seeking employment, emphasizing the importance of networking and getting involved in the community.  I appreciated his encouragement to do anything and learn everything about design, since so many designers in today's competitive job market are multi-talented.

Lastly, Sean stressed the significance of design history and learning about the art and artists of the past (and present).  He leaves us with the question, "Where do YOU fall in the course of design history?"

Video Summary: Margo Chase

Margo Chase is a Los Angeles-based graphic designer with years of experience in many different aspects of the design field.  She initially started working in the music business designing album covers for major artists including Madonna, Cher and Paula Abdul.  Margo's mother was a calligrapher, and her signature gothic design style is influenced by the heavy, bold typeface of calligraphy.  She has developed several gothic style fonts and often uses traditional calligraphy hand tools and Japanese brushes in her work.  Margo is perhaps best known for designing the movie poster for Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Margo founded her own successful design firm in the mid-eighties, Chase Design Group, and has since branched out to offer branding, packaging, interior design and more.  The Chase Design Group office is currently located in an old renovated warehouse in the Silverlake neighborhood of LA.  The open space, graffiti covered walls and library loft filled with vintage art books make it an ideal place to work and create. 

Margo Chase serves as an inspiration for designers everywhere, with her unique style, extensive experience and versatility within the design world. 

Rhythm | Balance

Point | Line | Plane

100 Iterations

100 Iterations | EYE