One of the most exciting parts of the AIGA design conference Next was the Command X event, sponsored by Atlanta-based Neenah Papers. Portfolio Center was proud to have one of our students chosen as a participant. Scott Gundersen had the rare opportunity to present work in front of over 2000 professionals, and he did a great job representing us. Today, I’m turning the blog over to him, so that he can give his own account of the occasion (thanks to Stu Alden whose photography made the memories at the conf. These pixs are his work from the conf. His work is great and he is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet). But, first a quick note to say what a great conference and a ‘tip of the hat to Executive Director Ric Grefé and his staff and to the Colorado Chapter (kudos to you on the Inaugural Green Salon… and the how-to session on green design and sustainability) for all their hard work and for hosting this most inspirational event (Colorado, because of your event I have now found a site to check out my own carbon footprint- pop!tech’s carbon initiative. Next was just an amazing conference and a fabulous opportunity to pick up a bit of new knowledge, meet some amazing people, and exchange commonalities, and to renew a lot of friendships from across the world… and, now Scott, as promised:

I just got back from the AIGA Next conference in Denver. In addition to seeing a plethora of remarkable designers speak, I had the rare opportunity to participate in a new event called command X—a live graphic design reality show.

Seven contestants were selected prior to the conference starting. I was stunned and excited to receive the email that I was one of those selected from over a hundred portfolios submitted for the contest. As a matter of fact, I had stayed up all night working on a project for school the night before—this was quite the wake up email. The whole process was very well organized. We received emails from AIGA on a weekly basis with scheduling details. The brief for the first assignment came 12 days before the conference started. In this assignment we had exactly one week to redesign the logo for the Denver Broncos.

On the opening night of the conference, the seven of us who were selected to participate were all on the main stage in front of over 2000 people. The show was emceed by Michael Bierut and judged by Emily Oberman, Bonnie Siegler, Noreen Morioka, and Brian Collins. Each one of us stood up and explained the concept of our logos and defended the questions asked by the judges. As the first half ended, the judges deliberated, and we waited.

Enter the contestants and the Judges for the second half of the show. The judges carefully described the strengths and weaknesses of the logos in typical reality show fashion. They extended their gratitude to everyone on stage and handed the piece of paper with their decision to Michael Bierut. He cracked a few jokes before personally announcing the “Deletions” of the first two contestants. Unfortunately I did not make it to the next round.

In our final quarter at PC we are assigned Grad advisors. A week before I left for the conference one advisor asked us to write an “I am” statement. In part of my statement I wrote, “I find passion in activities that keep me humble. Design, fine art, traveling, and playing guitar are among the many.” I am considering adding Command X to the list. Being deleted the first night, in front of that crowd, was certainly a humbling experience.

All was not lost, however. It was a privilege to be on stage with the other contestants. They are all extraordinarily talented and personable. Additionally, I almost cannot believe the judges put themselves in that situation, because they were four of the nicest, most genuine and compassionate people I met at the conference. On top of it all, Michael Beirut was amazingly encouraging to all of us. I am grateful to have met each person involved.

The whole conference was a learning experience I will never forget.

Scott Gundersen 10-16-07

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