Local designers converge on Willow International for fast-paced competition
Iron Designer Live Challenge brings local design professionals and students to Willow International for a good cause
A man and woman, in silhouette, carried sketchpads and samurai swords. But don’t worry: it was just the logo of the Iron Designer Live competition, held on May 13 at the Willow International Center. The participating graphic designers, five professionals and three students, didn’t appear quite as imposing as their logo counterparts.
Willow International design student, Matt Jayne, competes in the Iron Designer Live Challenge
“We are very grateful to SCCCD for hosting the event in their wonderful facility.”–Victor Ramayrat
Volunteer Marketing Director
Fresno Arts Council
The Iron Designer Challenge is an ongoing project of the Fresno Design Alliance (FDA), a nonprofit organization established to promote quality graphic design locally. Each competition brings together Fresno-area designers to create a logo for a previously undisclosed local nonprofit group. The time allowed is limited and the pressure is high. These competitions are typically held entirely online. But for May’s Iron Designer Live event, the FDA changed the format. This challenge was live, with an audience. All competitors were in the same room, and, rather than the standard three days to create the logo, they had just one hour.
The Design Lab at Willow International offered an ideal solution for the event. With the support of SCCCD, the pieces came together. The center provided facilities and support, as well as a few participants. “We were thrilled to be able to team with the administration and faculty at Willow International for our first-ever Iron Designer Live event,” said Layne Lev, FDA member and coordinator of the event. “Their state-of-the-art graphic design lab provided the perfect setting. The participation and support from the students was also gratifying.”
Iron Designer Live winning logo designed by Katrina Neufeld of Neu Design
Willow International design students Darryl Dote, Matt Jayne and Tyler Nagayama went “toe-to-toe with five of the most seasoned design professionals in the Central Valley, and they held their ground very well,” Lev said.
Dote explains from a student’s point of view. “It was kind of intimidating at first,” he said. “In the end, though, I think it was a good experience for all, and a nice affirmation that the things we are learning in the classroom are training us for real world experience.”
The beneficiary of the event was the Fresno Arts Council, which—after one hour—was presented with the winning logo designed by Katrina Neufeld of Neu Design. The Fresno Arts Council was “very grateful for the opportunity to work with the Fresno Design Alliance design community,” said Victor Ramayrat, the Council’s volunteer marketing director. “Iron Designer Live was a great event to be a part of. We are very grateful to SCCCD for hosting the event in their wonderful facility.” The logo will be presented to the board at an upcoming Council meeting.
Iron Designer Live showcased the mutual benefits of community colleges collaborating with the greater community. “It was a great success,” Lev said. “We look forward to returning to the Willow International Center for next year’s event.”
Companion post:
Iron Designer Live – Video
Video compilation of the Iron Designer Live competition, held on May 13 at the Willow International Center.
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