Detroit InDesign User Group

Meeting Notes Archive

Thursday, September 14, 2006

The September meeting was held at Macomb Community College, with 130 attendees. Thanks to the Media & Communication Arts Department faculty at Macomb, who sponsored the food and drinks, and especially Yosy Marquez and Kris Small, who arranged the meeting space. There were pens from Behrmann Printing and pads of paper from University Lithoprinters available to jot down tips given throughout the evening.

Brian Sauriol, Department Chair of the Media & Communication Arts Department, opened the meeting by welcoming all and describing the program at Macomb. He then introduced chapter representative Donna Gniewek, who stated that there are currently more than 200 registered members in the group. She encouraged guests to register on the website to become members. A representative from local group SEMAFX extended an invitation to attend their upcoming meeting.

A presentation of the calendar design challenge submissions was given and Marilyn Bealafeld from University Lithoprinters was on hand to announce Linda Bickel as the winner. Linda will have her calendar printed and also receive a copy of InDesign® CS2. Marilyn promised some copies of the printed piece for our next meeting. All submitted designs were superb, and feedback is that we should have another challenge in the future. Thanks to ULitho for sponsoring our first challenge!

Donna introduced Mike Treppa, Director of The Park, the internal studio at JWT Detroit. He gave an overview of the studio and promoted the local chapter of AIGA. Michele Silvestri, Partner-Senior Designer, showcased some of the group's work/campaigns. We were in awe and inspired. Tim McCaffrey, Partner-Senior Design Producer, took us behind the scenes to show how InDesign was used in the projects. He explained that the proper user of layers can help alleviate printing problems, and that guides are very useful in designing — very useful tips!

Local InDesign guru Chita Hunter then took center stage and presented tips on guides, including some fun hidden secrets.

The much anticipated raffle was held, and included prizes such as books, a Total Training DVD, and software. Our thanks to the following sponsors for providing the raffle prizes:

Total Training
www.totaltraining.com

Adobe Press
www.adobe.com/adobebooks

Peachpit Press
www.peachpit.com

Adobe Systems
www.adobe.com

Some comments from the meeting:

"As a freelance designer, I don't get to see a lot of agency work. This was a good meeting for me to keep up on what is going on. Thanks."

"This was awesome! A great balance of training and presenting."

"Enjoyed the JWT presentation. Nice to see the thought process for campaigns with multiple pieces."

From Michele Silvestri (presenter): "I enjoyed presenting and was very pleased at the turnout. Chita's guides presentation was great! I learned a few good tricks I didn't know."

Thanks to those who assisted at the meeting. We are still in need of a recording secretary. If you are interested in getting involved, send us an email. Don't forget to support our sponsors.

Donna Gniewek
Detroit IDUG Chapter Rep

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