"FocusOnDESIGN (formerly OBD/DC) - provides designers of diverse backgrounds a forum
for professional development, economic empowerment and social accountability."

Since 2003 FocusOnDESIGN has drawn design practitioners, educators,
students and people in related professions from cities across the U.S. and
several countries to hear presentations on topics ranging from best business
practices and new technology to the social and anthropological aspects of
design.

News and Events

Designers for the Twenty First Century, (Designers421) launched at Neocon® in Chicago

Highlights: This expanding network is comprised of leaders in design practice and education who are dedicated to building professional and community relationships and activities that support the interests of, and connections to, designers of color. Come and learn how you can get involved and benefit!
Speakers: Eric Anderson, President IDSA, other leaders in design practice and education.

Black Design Network attendees, June 2009
at NeoCon east Chicago - D421 Launch Event

Watch for REALITY CHECK November, 2009 Portfolio workshop and Review hosted by FocusOnDESIGN, in partnership with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts, Bowie State University. It will be an exciting event led by Associate Professor, Tewodross Melchishua, with a lot of support from the professional design community. Stay tuned for more information.
 April 18, 2009 the Spring Reality Check event was held. Here are some highlights:                             
Scholarship: Stephanie Burgess won the raffle, Stephen Stevenson won first prize for the best portfolio and $150.00 was donated to Bowie's new scholarship program.
Presenters: Jake Cheney, AIGA DC, Patrick Harrington, RTCRM, Julian Kiganda, vibrantdesigngroup.com, Marcus Johnson, three Keys Music, Fred Cannon, BMI Music, Kurt Merriweather, Discovery Communications and Julian Haffner, the Ricahaffner.
Reviewers: Design professionals - Lorenzo Wilkins, Myron Smith, Hadiya Williams, Tony Teat, Rahsaan Wlliams, Rodney Williams, Meshella Johnson, Carlise Smith, Genji Sampson, Alex Bostic, Rod Dennis, Angela Dyson, and George Tuggle
Overview: A unique design workshop and portfolio review with a focus on careers in art, visual communication, design motion graphics/animation, multimedia, film, tv production and music. High School and College Students were invited to attend. Their portfolios were reviewed. There were refreshments a scholarship presentation, and more.
Thanks to Bowie State University's VCDMA, Art & DFPA faculty, staff, students, and the design professionals and FOD members that assisted with this program.

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair Attendee Registration for the NeoCon® East Show October 2009 Baltimore Chuck Harrison, Industrial Designer and 2008 recipient of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement, spoke at a Special Event at NeoCon® in Chicago, Sponsored by Herman Miller. "Change by Design: A new Paradigm for Designers" Highlights: From the designerʼs mind to reality we conceive of environments, communications and products that essentially shape the world we live in. Chuck Harrison, industrial designer & educator will provide insight into how designers can impact change in the 21st century. The first Black design executive to work for a major corporation, Harrison improved the quality of life of millions through the breadth and innovation of his designs for more than three decades. Chuck introduced Joi Roberts, President of Designers421. Joi encouraged everyone to attend the Launch events for Designers fr the Twenty First Century held on Wednesday,Jjune 17 . A book signing of his insightful memoir, A Lifeʼs Design, followed Chuck's presentation.Charles (Chuck) Harrison Read Chuck's Interview with The Smithsonian Read article: Intelligent Design Vincent Paglione, Assoc. Dean UIC College of Arch & Arts, Oscar Alba, AIA, president of Arquitectos and Edward Torrez, AIA, principal BauerLatoza Studio were speakers at the FocusOnDESIGNAssociation Forum at NeoCon®in Chicago, ARQUITECTOS: Power of Design, Culture & Community Highlights: Arquitectos (the Society of Hispanic Professional Architects) is an example that defines the role of the architect/ designer and commitment to the design profession, education and the community. Hear the inspiration behind, innovative approach to and value of participatory methods they employ in developing partnerships across countries and design disciplines with industry and community leaders.                         Ed Torrez            Vincent Paglione         Oscar Alba   LINKS Be a part of the virtual network everyone is talking about go to designers421.org to sign-up now!

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