Meet Kyle Larkin of AIGA Arizona in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Larkin

Kyle Larkin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The national AIGA organization was founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, but today, AIGA is known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.” AIGA Arizona was established in 1989 and is one of now 72 local chapters representing 25,000+ members throughout the United States.

Before AIGA AZ was chartered, there were several local organizations in the Phoenix area whose goals were to foster a community amongst those in the graphic arts – the Art Directors Club and PSCA (Phoenix Society of Communicating Artists) come to mind. All these organizations eventually blended together and became the new AIGA Phoenix (at the time).

Today, we identify the chapter as AIGA Arizona. The core of our board of directors is in Phoenix, with satellite boards in Tucson and Flagstaff.

The AIGA Arizona Executive Committee which are composed of:

Kyle Larkin, President
Amy Robinson Vice President
Kathy Morgan, Treasurer
Jenn Monroy, Chapter Manager
Joel Harris, Co-VP of Tucson
Julie Ray, Co-VP of Tucson

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
AIGA Arizona has grown significantly over the years. Along the way we’ve experienced common ups and downs for any volunteer-run community organization. Our membership levels have ebbed and flowed with the economy, and we’ve lost wonderful board members to busy lives and cross-country moves.

One big difference for our chapter has been the national organization’s recent restructuring of membership pricing to be more accessible. Emerging designers, students, and people who just feel an affinity for design and want to support it can now join for as little as $50 per year.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about AIGA Arizona – what should we know?
AIGA is the professional organization for design in Arizona. We provide resources and opportunities for designers across a wide variety of experience levels and specialties. From students and emerging designers, to seasoned design professionals with years of experience, we offer workshops for continuing education and design fundamentals, networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspiration.

Our board is made up of studio owners, in-house designers, freelancers, design educators, and communication specialists. We strive to increase the level of conversation about design within our profession and design awareness amongst those in our local community.

We host the largest design conference in Arizona each fall as part of our annual Phoenix Design Week which celebrates design and our local community.

AIGA Arizona also hosts CreatAthon, a 24 hour design marathon, where local designers, project managers, and web developers work with local non-profits to provide pro-bono design services.

We’re continuing to build relationships with other design related organizations in Phoenix as well. Last year we formed PMACC (Phoenix Marketing, Advertising, and Communication Collective), a joint venture with AAF PHX, AMA, AZIMA, BMA, and PRSA. PMACC will be hosting quarterly interdisciplinary events throughout the year.

AIGA Arizona also hosts Snaps (an in-house design showcase), annual portfolio reviews for students and emerging designers, and is currently co-developing an executive level training program with the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, funded by an AIGA Innovate Grant.

In the coming year we’re looking forward to building a calendar of wonderful recurring events, partnering with new non-profits for the next CreateAthon, building our catalog of resources for designers, and working on the new National AIGA Design for Democracy Initiative.

Any shootouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Since 1989, AIGA Arizona has been run by volunteers from our local design community. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of scores of amazing design leaders from the greater Phoenix area.

Pricing:

• Pricing info can be found here: https://www.aiga.org/join
• Contributing Member: $50/year
• Supporting Member: $150/year
• Sustaining Member: $250/year
• Leader: $500/year
• Trustee: $2,500/year

Contact Info:

• Address: AIGA Arizona
  3116 S. Mill Ave., Suite 499
  Tempe, AZ 85282
• Website: https://arizona.aiga.org/
• Email: president@arizona.aiga.org

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