Design for Democracy

Design for Democracy is based on the premise that good design makes your choices clear. Join us in 2026 to help get out the vote in your community for crucial midterm elections.

Starting in 1998, AIGA’s oldest initiative has the mission to apply design tools and thinking to increase civic participation. By making interactions between the U.S. government and its citizens more understandable, efficient, and trustworthy, designers become more vocal citizens and make democracy sounder.

In 2026, we continue to advocate for civic engagement through voter education, registration, and access. We turn design skills and aspirations into tangible actions that can make a difference.

GOTV posters designed by AIGA members are available for printing and public distribution by all.

Email gotv@aiga.org to participate or head over to Design for Democracy on AIGA’s site.

Rachel Elnar is AIGA’s new President—designer, educator, and longtime community builder with over two decades of involvement in AIGA at the chapter and national level.

I’ve spent twenty-five years in this industry, and learned that none of us make it alone. Believe me, I’ve tried.

I have the group chats to prove it—the same handful of people who’ve shown up every time things got bad, like the time a client said something that gutted me, or that deadline that I missed when the power cut out mid-project, a very specific kind of rage I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

And the bigger one: watching my whole team get laid off, myself included, when the org that absorbed us decided the whole program I’d built didn’t need to exist. None of it made losing that job hurt less. But the people who supported me made it bearable. That’s the whole thing, really.

If you’re having a good year, I’m genuinely glad. Keep it going. If you’re not, and your team’s shrunk from six to two, or you flinch a little every time another “open to work” post appears in your feed, you were never meant to carry that alone. I’ve tried gritting my teeth and handling it myself. Mostly it just makes me tired and a little crabby at dinner.

Even a month into my presidency, I keep noticing the same pattern: people choosing each other on purpose. One new chapter board member joined right in the middle of his own job search, not despite it. Another came back after years away and told me: “I missed this too much to stay gone.” Nobody’s getting anything out of this except each other—the people who lead it, and the people who just show up because they need somewhere to be.

So here’s what I’m actually tending to this month: not a strategy, not an initiative, not yet. Right now, I want AIGA to feel like one of your group chats—the kind where someone notices you’ve gone quiet and actually texts back “you good?” instead of just wondering.

What’s one true thing about how this year has felt for you? Not the LinkedIn version, although I love LinkedIn. We’d love to know.

Till next month,
Rachel

Behind every happy hour meetup, Art Walk, remote-work campout, and Design Week is a group of people quietly (and not-so-quietly) making it happen. That’s the AIGA Colorado Springs Board — a mix of designers, creatives, and community-builders who are working to connect, support, and grow the local design scene.

They are a subgroup of the state-wide chapter that have been crushing it the past few years.

Their goal isn’t just “networking” (gross, we know). It’s building real relationships and a design community that people actually want to be part of. So, in that spirit, we thought it was time for a proper introduction. Here’s who’s steering the ship this year.

Meet Adam

Adam is a community builder and vintage enthusiast. He’s a wannabe fashion icon, classic car and motorcycle lover, and appreciator of the arts and inappropriate jokes. He’s the co-founder of Wolf & Key Marketing, The Wolf Den, and Boulder Street Moto. He serves on several boards and committees in the Pikes Peak region in an effort to make life about more than just working. His latest venture is the People of Colorado Springs Podcast, where he sits down with a local badass to chat over a drink.

Meet Colin

Colin began his design career way too late in life (he was 25). While he doesn’t have a design degree, the communication arts are in his blood as he holds a BA in Theater. He serves as creative director at Neon Pig, which he co-founded in 2018. Colin is primarily a brand & print designer, copywriter, and illustrator. He is married to Kristi, and no, she did not take his last name.

Meet Joseph

Joseph is an independent designer, educator, and host of the Students of Design podcast, and he cares deeply about helping creative communities grow. Before moving to Colorado, he worked as a Senior Designer at Dell and spent seven years teaching at Austin Community College. Now, he brings that same passion to AIGA Colorado Springs. Outside of design, he loves playing Skee-Ball, brutally difficult video games, and camping with his partner, Meg, and their dog, Renly Barkatheon.

Meet Jesse

Jesse is a stranger-to-none creative with a heart for people & passion for design. He’s an ACD at Marketing for Change, where he’s led breakthrough campaigns for the past 10 years. He’s also been freelancing even longer, focusing on branding, typography, and illustration. You can usually spot him in a crowd, either by his height, tattoos, or a hotdog in his hand.

Meet Drew

Drew is an independent brand designer working under the name Impossibly Awesome Design Co. When he’s not being distracted by well-designed store signage he just walked by or diving into the comments about the latest corporate rebrand, you’ll find him playing in a beach volleyball league, traveling, and hunting down that next great slice of pizza.

Meet Don

Don is the CEO of Upward Creatives, a nationwide creative agency specializing in brand identity, video, and photography. He is also the founder of BiZ Adventures, a community driven platform that highlights local businesses through storytelling and video interviews. Passionate about building community in Colorado, Don enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and son, exploring trails, throwing rocks, and helping keep nature clean.

Meet Katie

Katie is a graphic designer, illustrator, and muralist. She is the founder of AIGA COS’s Work from the Woods and loves to encourage others to get outside in any way they can. In her free time, you may find Katie downhill mountain biking, hiking, playing sand volleyball, or van-life-ing in the Colorado Wilderness. She has two fur-babies, Lil’ White and JuneBug.

Meet Kelly

Kelly brings years of experience in licensed toys and games, creating playful packaging and product art for brands like Nickelodeon, Disney Jr., Mattel, and Sanrio. She is a full-time, remote Design Manager at hand2mind, a Chicago-based educational product manufacturer, overseeing all digital and print creative for the Numberblocks brand. In her free time, Kelly loves spending time outdoors with her dog, Stanley, or curating the perfect music playlist for any occasion.

Meet Sophia

Sophia is a graphic designer and illustrator, and she’s lived in Colorado Springs for 13 years now. She loves creative work that allows her to combine her design and illustration skills — stuff like merch, branding, and posters of her favorite movies. Outside of work, she likes to draw, write stories, play video games, and go on hikes.

Meet Hector

Hector is a recent graduate from PPSC with a focus in multimedia graphic design. He specializes in branding, layout, and digital marketing, creating clean and impactful visuals. Outside of work, Hector enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog Moose and unwinding by scrolling through social media, collecting vinyl records, and playing Pokémon GO.

That’s Us

Ten different backgrounds, ten different design specialties, and one shared goal: making Colorado Springs a better place to be a creative. Whether it’s a podcast, a mural, a rebrand, or a campout in the woods, this board shows up for the local design community in ways that go way beyond a business card exchange.

Want to be part of it? Come say hi at the next event, follow along on Instagram @aigacos, or reach out about getting more involved. We’d love to meet you.

We invite you to be a part of our Coffee Talks series. In this Coffee Talk we’ll be focusing on the diverse world of creative professions. In this edition, we’ll delve into the exciting realms of graphic design, advertising, public relations, and other related fields. Come join the conversation, as we explore the various career opportunities, trends, and intricacies these industries have to offer. Don’t miss this chance to engage, learn, and be inspired!

2023 Student & Young Professional Portfolio Review

Join us for the 2023 Student & Young Professional Portfolio Review presented by AIGA Colorado Springs & AAF Colorado.

The slate is available for member review

AIGA Colorado is excited to announce the incoming board members for the 2022–23 session, beginning on June 1st, 2022. The nominating committee employed a volunteer panel of past presidents and advisory board members to interview each nominee before offering them their position. These volunteer leaders and chairs will be shaping the chapter during their term.

SLATE

New Board Member Volunteers

President
Daisy Corso

Vice President
Erik Cox

Treasurer
Ryan Keeney

Communications Director
Allison Heistand-Phelps

Content Chair
Jacki Peketz

Brand Chair
Heidi Landis

Web Chair
Hailey Jamieson

Elevate Chair
Roberto Muntoreanu

Advisory Board
Elysia Syriac

This slate is approved by the members with no action needed for a passing vote of acceptance. Discenters may contact the chapter with concerns, but only AIGA members may weigh in. This slate is officially passed by May 31, 2022.

Welcome board members! 

Continuing Board Member Volunteers

Community Relations VP
Kristi Bryden

Digital Experience Chair
Whitney Grimm

Mentorship & Education Director
Jim Reiman

Higher Education Chair
Shelby Huckaby

Awards Chair
Jay Hollick

Colorado Springs Director
Michelle Winchell

President Emeritus (interim)
Jess Moore

Advisory Board Leadership
Lisa Abendroth
Charles Carpenter
Marian Halliday
Kim Mallek
Dave Shelton
Amy Siegel
Helen Young

Welcome back board members! 

AIGA CO will share more on events, volunteering opportunities, and the direction of the chapter in early fall after the board has done their summer planning.

A Special Thank You 

Exiting Board Member Volunteers

Treasurer
Elanor Harris

Mentorship & Education Director
Miranda Ziegler

Branding Chair
Grace Hebert

Boulder Director
Michael Signorella

Interim Leadership
Jess Moore
Victoria Adams-Kotsch
Helen Young
Charles Carpenter

And to you, too! Thank you for being a part of the design community of Colorado with your continuing membership in AIGA Colorado.

Calling on Creatives: Shape AIGA Colorado for the next two years

Nominations are now open to join the board of directors and chairs

Be part of building the Colorado chapter of AIGA for 2022–23. We’re seeking to fill key roles to move us—out of COVID, out of our shells, and into a new mindset. Nominate yourself or someone you admire for a board position and help shape the design industry in our community. AIGA offers professional development, hands-on learning, leadership training, career advocacy, networking and social connections. This is your opportunity to do something bigger than yourself, meet people with shared values, make lifelong friendships, and meet designers across the country.

Read through the open board positions: do you see yourself or your bestie in one of these descriptions? Apply by April 30, 2022 — it takes only 5–10 minutes to complete, but your board experience will last a lifetime. Most Director roles require 5 hours a week and chair roles are by the project. We welcome creatives, designers and people from outside the industry too.

Open Board Positions

President

Executive
June 2022–May 2024

You have opinions. Lots of them. You’ve got the experience to back them up and are comfortable sharing your point of view to start a group conversation. You have a vision for how the design community can be served and supported through the local AIGA chapter. You’re a natural collaborator and can lead the board to embrace a clear vision for the chapter. You’re an awesome delegator and have realistic expectations about how much can actually get done. You’re happy to roll up your sleeves and get into the weeds, then climb back out to steer the ship. Most of all, you’re passionate about design and its role in the world.

This is a special opportunity that will change the way you think about your career and connect you to designers across the nation. You lead the monthly Board meeting and attend one AIGA National presidents’ call per month. Expect to spend 5–10 hours a week, participate in the annual National leadership conference, and attend as many local events as possible to get the most out of your leadership experience.APPLY HERE

Vice President

Executive
June 2022–May 2024

You work in tandem with the President to guide the chapter and step in for them when needed. You’re a great communicator and can help brainstorm problem solving with the President, Directors and Chairs. Your ideas are backed up with strategy and a plan of action. You’re calm and composed, passionate and optimistic, and thrive working with a team. You’re a no-drama llama, focusing everyone on the purpose and tasks in front of them. You work with the Treasurer and create the Annual Report showing the chapter’s yearly accomplishments and financial health. You also direct Nominations, coordinate with the Community Relations Team and assist with the Awards process. You lead and jump in to help out wherever you can.

You attend the monthly Board meeting and coordinate with the Directors. Expect to spend 5+ hours a week, participate in the annual National leadership conference, and attend as many local events as possible to get the most out of your leadership experience.

APPLY HERE

Treasurer

Executive
June 2022–May 2024

Your left and right brain are BFFs. You often find yourself thinking “that could really use a spreadsheet” in meetings. You might even be a QuickBooks fan. You relish growing the chapter by tracking the membership dues payments from National, pay the chapter’s bills, monitor insurance, investments, and nonprofit status, and work with the accountant to file taxes. You assist the President and VP with planning budgets for large events and funding partnerships. You assist Directors and Chairs to formulate budgets for events and initiatives, making sure every aspect is covered. Best of all, you issue the checks to the Scholarship and ProGrant recipients, money that impacts their studies and careers.

Expect to spend a few hours a week on chapter management, and create monthly statements to present at the Board meeting.

APPLY HERE

Relationships Director

Community Relations

You enjoy the challenge to identify and engage potential sponsors and partners for local chapter events and initiatives. You see design fitting into the community in numerous ways and thus have a knack for networking and keep mental notes about companies that would fit with an event or activity the board conjures up. You also see community events that AIGA CO would be a great partner for, to gain relationships and exposure for the chapter. You’re supported by the Community Relations Director, work closely with the Membership Chair, Programming Director, and satellite cities (CoSprgs) to aid in getting events funded whenever possible. You create a sponsorship package that’s easy to implement and promote. Most of all you revel in the process of relaying the benefits of supporting design and our organization.

APPLY HERE

Membership Chair

Community Relations

Your motto is “the more the merrier.” You love meeting new people and preaching the design gospel. You use a strategic, well-planned campaign or a personal one-on-one to convert friends to members, either way, numbers are up. AIGA is a membership-based organization and this position is dedicated to being an ambassador for the chapter. You would help to run an annual membership drive with the Relationship Director, host one fall and one spring membership event, and communicate the benefits of being a member at our events while working with your local team. You attend one Team meeting per month with updated membership data to share.

APPLY HERE

Communications Director

Communications

You’re a smooth operator. You create a strategy for the voice of AIGA CO, working closely with your team to execute on your perfectly planned promotions. Your number one job is to get the word out about programs and events. But your real job is to make sure it’s all going smoothly, monitoring the event calendar, checking in with your Comms team, plus Programming and Education Directors frequently to make certain all their efforts are being seen on the web, in social media and consistent emails. You identify bottlenecks and assist Chairs with scheduling challenges. You attend one monthly Board meeting and lead one Team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Content Chair

Communications

Designers love to talk, but often need help finding just the right words. This is where you come in. You write just right — refining ideas into something that makes a connection (and is grammatically correct). You review submitted content for accuracy, provide editing and strategic direction, and craft communications to connect with members through event web posts, email promotions and social media (in tandem with our social media chairs). You are integral in producing content that moves through our multi-channel messaging. Everyone on the Board is grateful for your mad skills. You attend one Team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Web & Email Chair

Communications

You’re a pro at the back end of any website and make sure AIGA CO events are posted and set up the Eventbrite registrations. Using copy and imagery developed by your Team members, you create emails in MailChimp approximately bi-weekly (frequency depends on event promotions). You coordinate with AIGA National on updates to their platform that impact the local chapter website and report any concerns or functionality issues to them. You add functionality to help grow and manage the emailing list, and update or remove outdated information to keep the site current. You attend one Team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Programming Director

Programming

You have ideas. Too many of them! But the beauty of more is more is lots of choices. You guide and oversee a team of dynamic and focused Chairs to develop the seasons’ programming for professional development, inspirational speakers, and how-to topics. You evaluate event topics with your Chairs with big-picture chapter goals in mind that appeal to members in all stages of their careers. You check in with Chairs on budgets and schedules, facilitate promotional support with the Communications Team to promote the event. You coordinate with the Relationship Director for sponsorships and the Membership Chair for volunteers for events. You attend one monthly Board meeting and lead one Team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Programming Chair — Virtual Events

Programming

You are a pro Zoomer who can run a chat and livestream on Facebook all while drinking your Americano without missing a beat. You work with the programming team to create events for members and then execute the virtual offerings. You coordinate with the guest presenter on timing and visuals, do a run through to test everything, and record the event as it happens. You attend one team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Programming Chair — In Person Events

Programming

You’ve been more than ready to get back out into circulation and pull other designers out from under their rocks. You work with the programming team to create events for members and then execute the in-person offerings. You find venues for the events, negotiate contracts and set up dates. You coordinate with the Programming Director and Treasurer on budgets and the sponsorship director for funding. You attend one team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Mentorship Director

Education

You’re a builder and love a good collaboration. You run the mentorship programs in tandem with the Education Director in the Mentorship & Education Team. You pair pros with students on a variety of levels and interactions. You reach out to K-12 area schools to show kids opportunities in creative careers and get aspiring designers involved in AIGA. You also work with college students pairing them with professionals to create win-win mentorships. You attend the monthly Board meeting and co-run one team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Elevate Chair

Education

You enjoy working with people and creating connections. As the Elevate Chair, you’ll pair professional mentors with students to work on a project that builds both design skills and a portfolio piece. You work with the Directors to plan the schedule, recruit participants and keep the program running smoothly. Time commitment varies based on the program schedule. You attend one Team meeting per month.

APPLY HERE

Student Chapters Chair

Education

You are the liaison between student chapter leaders and the Board. You check in with groups regularly, promote board-initiated student events and opportunities (like the Scholarship), and offer advice assistance with planning and budgets. You coach leaders to create proposals to ask for board funding for special projects.

APPLY HERE

Awards Chair

Education

You have the pleasure of rewarding our students and professional members with a chance to fund their education or a special project / training. The annual awards are two Scholarships equaling $2000 ($1500 & $500) and a Professional Grant of $1500. You work with the Comm team to promote the awards and ask for submissions, manage the applications and board review, and award the check to the happy recipient.

APPLY HERE

As designers, it is our duty to attempt to understand and solve problems impacting individuals and systems. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. Black lives matter.

We have to acknowledge and embrace the fact that design lives within a system. And the system isn’t broken. It was built this way. Systemic change can only happen if the system is dismantled and redesigned.

The design community is small, but we are part of a much larger community. And right now our communities are rightfully angry, tired, and saddened by the brutality that continues in our country. We are urging our design community to come together to support the individuals, organizations, and movements already working tirelessly for reform and societal change.

We don’t have the reach or the impact of the ACLU or NAACP but we are here to support and listen to the voices of you, our community.

If you are able, donate to @aclu_socal, @naacp, and @mnfreedomfund. Visit the Antiracism Project, Black Lives Matter, and the Black Vision Collective

Design is a discipline of compassion and of listening and of acknowledging personal bias to solve problems. Our response should reflect that. Tomorrow, we will start with small, defined actions and audit ourselves as we move forward.

If you’re looking for ways to educate yourself on being anti-racist, there are resources available.

AIGA Colorado is here to support and to listen, we have a lot of work to do. We stand in solidarity with our Black community.

Stay healthy, stay safe,
AIGA Colorado Board

Colorado Creatives Series

In support of #AIGAatHome, we have launched the Colorado Creatives Series, an opportunity to celebrate and showcase local creatives in our area. Our Colorado Creatives will share a little about their creative process, some of their most worthwhile investments, current reading lists and more. Enjoy!

Name

Joe Horton

Pronouns

He, Him, His

Where can we find you?

• Instagram: @bohldfeys
• www.bohldfeys.com
• www.linkedin.com/in/bohldfeys

How have you adapted your creative process during this time?

Adapting to the current COVID-19 pandemic has been a little tricky. Typically, my process is much more collaborative, assisting the creative team at Circuit Media and having open discussions and critiques. But since in-person interaction is limited, there are a lot more Zoom meetings and phone calls to talk through ideas and develop strategies. Not my ideal, but you gotta do what you got to do!

What are you reading, listening to, or watching right now?

Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., Khruangbin, and some oldies like Earth Wind and Fire, Nina Simone, and The Chambers Brothers. Podcasts are also on constant rotation with Creative Pep Talk, 99% Invisible and Being Freelance on the top of that list. 

What is one piece of advice you can offer to other designers right now?

It’s a good time to take inventory of skills you want to build or update your portfolio. Try starting every day off with a creative routine. A lot of us are lacking structure right now, so setting aside time to do things that get your brain going or make you feel motivated might help you push through. If you find yourself in a rut, maybe read something that’s been on your list for a while or create some tactile art. Try to get creative and experiment!

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

For me, failure is just a part of being a creative. Failure means that you are pushing yourself, and if you aren’t failing, you aren’t growing. It’s all a part of the process. Here’s a good example: I had a few pro bono clients last summer I was hoping to help while also building my portfolio and refining my client communication and engagement process. It was kind of a disaster. So I tightened up those processes so that I can safeguard my time and effort and still serve the client well and deliver on quality. 

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

This is a great question. In the last five years I have learned to be more assertive in my personal and professional life. I feel like there are generally two types of creatives, overly confident ones and ones who tend to get overshadowed. Throughout my career, I have fallen into the latter category, and it has taken a lot of growth to build that confidence in myself. Now that I have a better grasp of that part of me, my ability to execute on an idea or concept has greatly improved.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on a couple of internal marketing initiatives for Circuit Media and a branding project for a freelance client specializing in urban food gardens, homestead design and installation. 

Colorado Creatives Series

In support of #AIGAatHome, we have launched the Colorado Creatives Series, an opportunity to celebrate and showcase local creatives in our area. Our Colorado Creatives will share a little about their creative process, some of their most worthwhile investments, current reading lists and more. Enjoy!

Name

Peggy Des Jardines

Pronouns

She, Her, Hers

Where can we find you?

• @stickandpeg
• Website: www.stickandpeg.com
• Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/stickandpeg

How have you adapted your creative process during this time?

My creative practice has taken over my life (more so than usual) during the pandemic. Without any deadlines or any other commitments, it’s been very interesting to see the natural flow of my creative energy, how it waxes and wanes throughout the course or a day or week. It can feel chaotic, so I’ve learned to impose some new boundaries, such as “no art days” where I don’t allow myself to make anything so I don’t exhaust myself. I’ve also started having “finishing weeks,” where I just finish projects all week and don’t allow myself to start anything new. I am particularly fond of that–it’s so interesting to see how the finishing mindset seeps into the rest of my life. 

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

Finding spiritual practices and concepts that I align with and that can naturally merge with my daily routines has hugely improved my life. Meditation, ritual, mindfulness, and intuitive practices have become self-care basics for me, and are also a huge focus of my creative work. 

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?

I have a set of what I call “transition activities” that I do when I start to feel stuck or too wound up to focus, like exercise, go for a walk, make myself a meal, take a shower, meditate, do something fun like make a silly drawing or dance. Exercise usually works best, but sometimes I just have to know when to stop for the day. I fully believe in the importance of taking breaks and resting.

What are you currently working on?

So many things! Prints, dyeing fabric, quilts large and small, garments, papermaking, drawings, paintings, tattoo flash, recipes. I have plans to do several murals over the summer. I have been doing a lot of exploring and experimenting; I’m grateful to have had the space to move in many directions at once.