Senior Show

Last Thursday was my senior design show, and marked the end of my college career. The past few weeks have been especially chaotic getting everything finished, but I can say I was extremely proud not only of my own final portfolio, but of everyone in my very talented class. It was wonderful to be able to share with family and friends what we all have been working towards this entire year. I can't wait to see what amazing things we will all do next! 

Photos by Max Mikulecky, Senior Show Branding Led by Anthony Schmiedeler

A10 Jurors Panel

Wow, last night was inspiring. I attended AIGA KC's A10 Jurors Panel featuring Lost Type co-founder Riley Cran,  Nessim Higson of IAAH,  Kelly Stevens of Seven Creative, handletterer and chalk artist Dana Tanamachi, and Katherine Walker who recently joined the Google Brand Studio. It was amazing to hear each of them speak. Here are a few insights from the evening: 

Seek out mentorship. 

Find your angle. 

Balance work and personal projects. 

Make something every day. 

Community and design intersect. 

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Overall, it was a wonderful panel.  Thanks again, AIGA KC! 

Reimagining Brands with David Mikula

Last night I attended an AIGA KC event Behind the Beard: Reimagining Brands with David Mikula. He describes himself as an avant gardener, inventor, and mischief-maker living in New York City. A creative director at Redscout New York, he led us through the journey that is his impressive career. One phrase that stuck out to me was the idea that inspiration can be paralyzing. Yet, I can't say I wasn't inspired last night, thanks David and AIGA KC! Below are few images and a video from when David worked at Digital Kitchen, it's fun stuff take a look:

Madrid

I can't believe it, but today was my last day in Spain! Madrid did not disappoint. We started our morning by walking to the Plaza Mayor. After arriving we were given free time to explore, shop and eat. There were street performers, one of which especially caught my attention (see below). Our final part of the tour was visiting the Palacio Real, a huge palace begun in 1738 on the site of the Madrid Alcazar which burned to the ground in 1734. We walked through a few of 2000 rooms, which were quite elaborate. The evening concluded with another concert at the church of San Millan y San Cayetano located in the San La Latina neighborhood of Madrid. It was a moving concert which took place after the Mass during which the choir sang as well. Our trip concluded with a late group dinner and an erie walk home because of the protest that was occurring that day throughout the city. It has been a wonderful week and I could not have asked for a more meaningful spring break trip! 

El Escorial & Segovia

After a restful night's sleep in Madrid, this morning we headed towards Segovia. Along the way we stopped at El Escorial, a massive monastery-palace commissioned by Philip II. We had a guided tour of the Royal Apartments and saw the Pantheon of the Kings where the mortal remains of all the Spanish monarchs from the time of Emperor Charles V are laid to rest. There were beautiful gardens surrounding the palace and I would have loved to explore them if time had allowed. We then got back on the bus and headed to Segovia. Immediately upon arrival we could see an impressive Roman Aqueduct which was built nearly 2,000 years ago. It was truly impressive. We then had time to wander through the city and eat a leisurely lunch. After spending some time shopping, the choir again sang in front of the aqueduct. I can't believe that tomorrow day of the trip!