VCFA is a sponsor of this year’s State of Black Design Conference (there will be VCFA swag in the conference bags for attendees). The conference will be held this week (in-person and virtually, on March 15 and 16) in Nashville at Tennessee State University’s Art and Design Department. From UX to industrial design, graphic design to fashion design, every discipline brings a unique perspective and skillset to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your design journey, there’s something for everyone at this conference. Join us in celebrating the beauty of design diversity and discovering how each discipline enriches the creative landscape.
Our very own Aldrena Hicks (GD ’16) will be at the conference. Besides serving as VCFA’s Creative Director, Aldrena is a maker, designer, and educator. Aldrena graduated from the graphic design program at VCFA in 2016. Her thesis, Little Brown Girl: Essays on the Influence of Black Womanhood in Visual Communication, focuses on the subjects of Black hair, skin, and self-love. This work was featured in the IDA 2019 International Design Award Annual and PRINT Magazine’s 2017 Regional Design Award Annual. She has presented at AIGA’s 2017 Design Conference, AIGA NY’s Fresh Grad Program, and participated in exhibitions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Moseley Gallery and at Columbia College of South Carolina’s Goodall Gallery. n addition to mentoring local young professionals, she served on AIGA’s National Diversity & Inclusion Task Force.
You can still get a ticket to attend either in person or virtually. We’ll be sharing highlights from the conference later this week. We’re looking forward to this important event celebrating black design and don’t forget to say hello to Aldrena if you attend!
