Board members
President
April Guzik
president@houston.aiga.org
At Keystone Resources, April works with clients in array of branding attributes. She designs websites, email marketing campaigns and collaborates on all branding campaigns, as well as specializing in executing a clients concept through all stages of print and web. She makes the complex simple, tailors clients messages, and makes brands resonate across multiple mediums.
Born and raised in Chicago, April graduated with a BFA in Advertising & Design and has lived in Houston since ‘06. She is passionate about her career as a graphic designer and always aware of the surrounding fluctuation of creative trends, from individual artists to events throughout Houston.
As the incoming president, April focuses on events and initiatives that specifically enhance the member experience and help our members feel involved in the Chapter. She believes that there is so much more to a being a designer than sitting behind a computer. Open to new ventures and listening to what members want out of AIGA Houston, she’s always available through any means of communication.
Membership Director
Robin Tooms
Savage
713.522.1555, Office
memberships@houston.aiga.org
At Savage, Robin works closely with clients to develop brand positioning, core messaging, marketing strategies and brand identities. She is dedicated to staying on the forefront of innovative technologies that enhance communication and business. Robin is also responsible for keeping internal operations running smoothly, especially in areas regarding human resources: managing, recruiting, training, mentoring and professional development.
As AIGA Houston's Membership Director, Robin keeps the Board focused on its objectives and drives all of the decisions which affect the Chapter. As a long-standing Board Member and AIGA Houston Board President, Robin is also knowledgeable on effective ways companies can partner or sponsor with AIGA Houston. Robin is on the National AIGA Board of Directors.
Membership Recruiting Chair
Sandra Craft
MD Anderson Cancer Center
memberquestions@houston.aiga.org
Sandra, is a graphic designer at MD Anderson Cancer Center, but loves the fine arts and as well as as the paper arts. I have a passion for creating items by hand. AIGA has had a great influence in my life, while networking with other art professionals has opened up a whole new world for me. The breadth of resources through AIGA are numerous and I would encourage each member as well as perspective members to began exploring them.
Design Week Director
Robin Parrish
Prism Design
713.871.8376, Office
designweek@houston.aiga.org
At Prism, Robin specializes in conceptualization and design of client brand communications from brand identities to marketing strategies and annual reports. She’s worked with many institutional and energy-focused clients and enjoys the process of seeing projects from the idea stage to final production. Robin graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design.
After 4 years as AIGA's programming director, Robin is transitioning into a new role as design week director. She is planning and overseeing the first ever Houston design week which will be held in November of 2012.
Communications Director
John Luu
Axiom
713.523.5711, Office
info@houston.aiga.org
At Axiom, John works with clients to develop product branding, advertising and integrated screen and print communication programs with an emphasis on creative solutions for energy-focused companies. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, he fuses marketing strategy with compelling creative to solve business problems and drive opportunities for clients worldwide. John graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications.
As AIGA Houston Communications Director, John oversees all communications of AIGA programs/events/issues relevant to our profession and works closely with the Programming Director to manage communication of the Chapter’s calendar.
Education Director
Andy Rich
713.385.5177, Cell
studentgroups@houston.aiga.org
education@houston.aiga.org
andyrichdesign@gmail.com
Andy is currently the Senior Designer for the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, where he art directs the college's two publications, The Cougar Engineer and the award-winning Parameters. In addition, Andy works with clients and local firms through his independent design consultancy, RICH (www.NowThatsRich.com) and is always on the lookout for his next great collaboration.
Andy received his BFA in Visual Communications from the Illinois Institute of Art, where he was President of his school's AIGA student group. As Education Director, Andy not only works to enhance the college experience for Houston's design students, but is also developing initiatives and programs to benefit our always-learning professional community. His mission is to connect and grow the local design community and improve the overall professional standards of the design discipline in our city.
Mentoring Program Chair
Dianne Sawyer
713-353-4127, Office
mentorprogram@houston.aiga.org
Dianne Sawyer is a Senior Career Services Advisor with The Art Institute of Houston. She assists college students and graduates in preparation for their launch into entry level jobs within the design and creative community. Additionally, she is a resource for local and statewide employers seeking creative talent. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from U of H and is a member of American Society of Training and Development and has been a member of AIGA Houston since 2005.
Dianne manages the AIGA Houston Mentoring Program, and assists both mentors and mentees with their needs.
Event Chair
Ashley Everett
256-335-3156
eventchair@houston.aiga.org
At Rice University, Ashley works in the Recreation Center designing graphics for dance events, fitness programs, intramural sports, and outdoor trips. Ashley moved to Houston after graduating from Auburn University with a BFA in graphic design and is excited to be a part of the Houston design community. As AIGA Houston Event Chair, Ashley works closely with the Programming Director by assisting with the planning and coordination of event logistics.
Design Advocacy Director
Tina McPherson
designadvocacy@houston.aiga.org
Tina McPherson is the Branch Supervisor of the William R. Jenkins Architecture & Art Library at the University of Houston and as a docent at the Blaffer Gallery. She resides in Houston, Texas. She is pursuing a graduate degree in Library and Information Science. She earned a B.A. in Art History from George Mason University and Graphic Communications from the Art Institute of Houston. She is interested in Librarianship, Architecture, Graphic Communications and Art. Tina enjoys finding common threads in these disciplines. Her art has been exhibited at Box 13 ArtSpace, Blaffer Gallery, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Lawndale Art Center, University of Houston, Adobe Headquarters, Art Institute of Houston and the Cannes Film Festival where a film on which she worked received an honorable mention in 2007. Tina's hobbies are traveling, reading, designing, and film. Her weakness is Cheesecake!
As Design Advocacy Director, Tina advances the understanding and value of design to the community as building relationships through community outreach in the business and non-profit markets. Educating the community of industry best practices, collaboration and sustainability ensures the AIGA mission, "to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force." Tina is excited bringing these charges to fruition.
Webmaster
Ben Guerra
MODERN WHOLE
713.364.9341, Office
webmaster@houston.aiga.org
Ben co-founded his company Modern Whole in 2008 and has been working full-time since August 2010. From back-end to front-end, he develops full websites meeting each clients' vision, creating bold and exciting new designs that capture the attention and imagination of thousands of online viewers.
Ben graduated from the Art Institute of Houston in 2003, and has since then worked for various companies around Houston such as dental, oil & gas and design companies. He has been an AIGA member since 2010 and now proudly serves as the AIGA Webmaster in November 2011.
Editor in Chief
Nurit Avni
nurit@houston.aiga.org
Nurit was born in Israel and raised in both Israel and Boston, Massachusetts. She began her design education in Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, Israel and graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. She works as an environmental graphic designer at HOK. Previous experience includes internships at Barbarian Group in Boston and Brand Extract in Houston as well as freelance work.
As Editor in Chief of the AIGA Houston Blog, her responsibility is to encourage a thoughtful and open design culture in Houston by providing a stage for local designers to share their knowledge and points of view.
Social Media Chair
Erica Bogdan
socialmedia@houston.aiga.org
Erica Bogdan is currently the Creative Services Designer at Schipul – The Web Marketing Company, where she designs websites, social media graphics and gives informational webinars on design-focused topics. As well, Erica is an illustrator on the side and sells her artwork at local craft sales, Etsy, and various other locations around Houston. Erica received her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at St. Edward’s University and was also in active member in the on-campus design group, Command G.
As the Social Media Chair, Erica hopes to increase membership and attendees to AIGA sponsored events through promotion and online interaction with fans and followers via social media platforms.
Search
- Copyright © 2012 AIGA Houston
- the professional association for design