Omega Molecule

We’ve had an amazing group of visiting artists at ArtCenter Graphic Design and HMCT this term. It’s one of the positive by-products of our long-term prisoner at home year. Rather than dealing with travel, timing, and the resources needed to bring a speaker to Pasadena, we can Zoom them in from anywhere. I’ve done several of these for other schools, AIGA chapters, and conferences this year also. I miss meeting people but am so thankful to not be at LAX weekly.

Of course, each speaker is wildly inspiring. And, maybe it’s a window into my issues, but I found myself thinking, “Why didn’t I take that path? It looks so adventurous and fun.” But, like any presentation, we are left with only the incredible work, not the Sturm und Drang of the day-to-day life and birth of the work. Thank the goddess, that would make for a deeply depressing presentation. And it’s hard enough to keep everyone focused on the positive (sorry, I’m corny and believe that stuff).

Each year, I design the posters for the series. This year, in the midst of wild uncertainty, I cleaned up the world and let graphic design create a small moment of order in the chaos. Interestingly, many of our visiting artists embraced the discord and allowed their work to reflect it. I am so in awe of this ability. Even my attempt at disharmony for the Shields Foundation seems structured. One must accept one’s limitations and accept oneself.

 
Sean Adams

Sean Adams is the Dean of Visual Art and Communication at ArtCenter, founder of Burning Settlers Cabin studio, and on-screen author for LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com He is the only two term AIGA national president in AIGA’s 100 year history. In 2014, Adams was awarded the AIGA Medal, the highest honor in the profession. He is an AIGA Fellow, and Aspen Design Fellow. He has been recognized by every major competition and publication including; How, Print, Step, Communication Arts, Graphis, AIGA, The Type Directors Club, The British Art Director’s Club, and the Art Director’s Club. Adams has been exhibited often, including a solo exhibition at The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Adams is an author of multiple magazine columns, and several best-selling books. He has been cited as one of the forty most important people shaping design internationally, and one of the top ten influential designers in the United States. Previously, Adams was a founding partner at AdamsMorioka, whose clients included The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Disney, Mohawk Fine Papers, The Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Richard Meier & Partners, Sundance, and the University of Southern California.

www.burningsettlerscabin.com
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Lost in the Stars