1. Please tell us about your role at AIA Detroit and your professional career as an architect.

This is my second year as President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Detroit Chapter. My passion is great architecture, and I see my role as an advocate for architects and architecture. Architecture is so critical to the quality of life, and the more we can bring that fact to the attention of the general public, the better off we will be as a society. My practice as an architect is split between work as a sole practitioner architect designing modern commercial and residential architecture and the specialized practice of art exhibit design which I have the privilege of doing for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

2. AIA Detroit has participated in the Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”) since our first year. Tell us more about the lectures you hosted.

The first lecture was by Leon Krier. Mr. Krier is one of the founding members of a movement called New Urbanism, which advocates for the virtues of the traditional, dense, street-defined, low-scale cities. That lecture was attended by about 400 people. It was an important lecture as Detroit begins to reconsider its future. I was the second lecturer and during that lecture we examined the art exhibit design work I do at the DIA.

3. How was the experience working with the DDF Team?

The DDF staff is energetic, friendly and dedicated. Our experience could not have been better.

4. Thanks to you and AIA Detroit for being a design partner for our monthly open studio Drinks x Design. What are your thoughts on the benefits of being associated with a professional design organization?

Our goal is for architects and the AIA to become a more integral part of the creative community. Sponsoring and participating in Drinks x Design is an important part of that process.

5. Please tell our readers more about what opportunities AIA Detroit is currently offering.

AIA Detroit is lucky to have a passionate Board and ten committees with dozens of volunteers. Our committees are active year-round, but here are some of the exciting things worth highlighting:

Last year, our Urban Priorities Committee organized an international design competition to rethink Hart Plaza. This year, they are working with the Jefferson East Business Association and their annual event “Jazzin on Jefferson” to create pop-up businesses that will be operational during the festival.

Our Committee on the Environment (COTE) is organizing an urban chicken coop design competition to connect with–and bring attention to–the urban farming movement in Detroit. They are also including issues of sustainability and reclaimed building materials into the parameters of the competition.

We have an Emerging Professionals Committee that organizes an annual event called Canstruction. This is an event in which “architecture” is built of canned food and the proceeds go to the Gleaners Food Bank. They also provide valuable education opportunities for young professionals to get registered as architects and other events that bring professionals and old and young together.

For architects and other building related professions we have a Building Enclosure Council (BEC) that helps educate architects about the technology of building enclosures.

There is a Building Codes and Regulations Committee that keeps architects up to date on the latest building code issues. There is a fledgling technology and the Profession Committee that explores how new technologies affect architectural practice.

AIA Detroit has an Affiliates Task Force. This group organizes events that bring architects and other construction related professions together to talk and share the latest developments and ideas in architecture and construction.

We organize and sponsor, along with Synergy Detroit, Pecha Kucha Detroit. At these events Detroit’s creative class shows their work in the fast paced 20 slides in 20 minutes format. This is part of the worldwide Pecha Kucha phenomenon.

This year and every other year we organize a house tour of great architectural houses in the Detroit area. We are also trying to develop and architectural tour program for the city of Detroit.

AIA Detroit has a Celebration of Architecture. This year it will be a part of the DDF event “Eastern Market After Dark” on September 18th. Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market, will be our keynote speaker. Everyone is invited. It is a party and a way of featuring the great architecture in Detroit and by Detroit architects.

AIA Detroit’s mission is to include everyone in the world of architecture. We know that architecture is critical to the quality of life and we want everyone to be a part of making the built world a better place.

6. Do you think DDF is important for Detroit?

The DDF is critical to our city because it brings to our attention the importance of design.

7. Can you tell us about your early influences in art and design?

My father was an artist illustrator, a car guy, in the advertising business. He wanted me to be an architect, thinking it was a way to be artistic and still have a stable career. Little did he know the trials architects go through to become successful. Many architects have been my influence, including my high school drafting teacher Mr. Hill and professors at Lawrence Technological University such as Robert Benson and George Zonars. At Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture Tim Wood, Klaus Herdig and Ken Frampton where very influential. Of course every American architect owes a strong debt to Frank Lloyd Wright but the most influential architect of the 20th century for me was Le Corbusier.

8. Please share your thoughts on creating and operating a creative business in Detroit.

Detroit is a fascinating place because it has had a strong creative culture of advertising and automotive design. There has also been some great architects here throughout the 20th century. There is a healthy sense of Midwest practicality as well. I like that. The combination of honest hard work, born of the assembly line, and innovative design makes Detroit unique and open. It’s a place where you can offer an original idea, way of practicing or product and then find someone that can actually produce it. Of course it will be scrutinized for practicality. Detroit is not a frivolous place. It’s great to be a part of a design culture that is still forming.

9. Describe your creative process.

My process is non-linear. I go from research, to creative imagination, and back again producing many, many iterations of ideas and designs until one fits the vision. I am always searching to do things better. My goals are to advance architecture, just a little bit, each time I begin a project.

10. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

…That you must have a great client and a great team to design a great building.

11. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

The answer to question 10 is one “secret”. The other is that, at least in architecture, design is an incredible labor of love. It requires enormous effort and talent to achieve greatness. I suspect this is true with every other art as well.

Kimmie Parker, AIGA Detroit

1. Please tell us about your role at AIGA Detroit and your professional career as an art director.

I am the incoming president of AIGA Detroit. My day job is as art director in the Retail Design group at Art Van Furniture. I love having the opportunity to work so closely with interior designers and architects to design and build new retail stores – we are always learning from each other’s disciplines!

2. During Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”), AIGA Detroit sponsored a poster design contest. Tell us about the process AIGA Detroit used for this contest.

The “Design Is ________” poster competition gave our members the chance to show off their talents. We put out an open call to our membership soliciting submissions for the show and received an amazing number of entries. We created a website that included images of each submission but no names, which allowed our Board of Directors to vote objectively. The 25 entries with the most votes were printed and displayed during the opening reception of DDF.

3. How was the experience working with the DDF Team?

Working with the DDF team couldn’t have been easier. In addition to being responsive, organized and wonderfully supportive, they were a lot of fun!

4. Thanks to you and AIGA Detroit for being a design partner at our monthly open studio Drinks x Design. What are your thoughts on the benefits of being associated with a professional design organization?

This is an easy question to answer! Being associated with a professional design organization can provide an incredible amount of value. AIGA Detroit offers local opportunities to network with like-minded professionals, serve our community, learn new skills and stay inspired. Our members also enjoy resources at a national level such as ethical standards for designers, freelancer/small business information, design archives, access to national competitions and conferences and a staggering number of other professional tools.

5. Please tell our readers more about what opportunities AIGA Detroit is currently offering.

We are currently promoting Beyond the Bar, a showcase for local LBGT designers. We are also in the process of planning our next installment of Shout!, a high school design studio that encourages students to use the creative process to develop a project that will make their community better, and will be looking for volunteers shortly! And, as always, we have a calendar of other programs in the works for the remainder of the year.

6. Do you think DDF is important for Detroit?

Absolutely! We are lucky to be a part of such a rich creative community here in Detroit and DDF is a forum to bring us together. Exposure to the amazing things that are happening throughout our city, the work that others are doing, is beyond motivating.

7. Can you tell us about your early influences in art and design?

As a kid, I was really interested in making books. My tiny little creations contained careful arrangements of stickers, drawings and strange stories that I had “written”. In elementary school, the copy machine and the idea of making duplicates fascinated me. I’ve always been crafty and this was definitely encouraged by my parents. Making things, whether it was cookies in the kitchen, growing vegetables in our garden or doing art projects in the basement were a mainstay of how my family spent time together.

8. Please share your thoughts on creating and operating a creative business in Detroit.

Now could not be a better time. There is such a strong sense of community, of collaboration and of newness in our city right now. This is the kind of energy that can help a creative business owner not only get started, but thrive in the long run.

9. Describe your creative process.

My creative process begins with a lot of question asking, listening and research. Once I have a solid amount of information to marinate on, solutions and ideas come in several different ways: through exploration, through dialog and collaboration and sometimes, right out of thin air. Once I can grasp several possibilities, its time to take action and begin creating via whatever medium best suites the project at hand. Then refine, revise, and repeat until my vision becomes reality. (Oh, and Insert occasional annoyances such as indecision, perfectionism and other varying roadblocks, just to keep it interesting – ha!)

10. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

Someone once told me this quote by Senecca, a Roman philosopher: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This always helps me keep it in perspective when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

11. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

Hmmmm. A design related secret? Never wait for permission – do what feels right and good and true, always.

Craig Mackiewicz, IDSA Michigan

1. Please tell us about your role at IDSA Michigan and your professional career as an industrial designer.

My role within the IDSA is as the Chapter Chair of Michigan. We have an excellent group of volunteers which help put on events, connect various groups, and are currently in the process of developing tools for Industrial Designers here in Michigan. I am also the Design Studio Lead at Altair Thinklabs consultancy in Troy, MI. I lead a multi-disciplinary group of designers, most of whom are educated at design schools here in Michigan.

2. Tell us more about how IDSA Michigan participated in the Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”) last year.

Last year, IDSA Michigan was an outlet to get information and dates regarding the DDF out to all of our members within Michigan. Our hope is that we can collaborate with future events at the festival and help spread the word about the Industrial Design Profession.

3. How was the experience working with the DDF Team?

The DDF team is an energetic and knowledgeable group who play a key role in connecting various design minded organization within the Detroit region. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with.

4. Thanks to you and IDSA Michigan for being a design partner for our monthly open studio Drinks x Design. What are your thoughts on the benefits of being associated with a professional design organization?

I believe it assists us all as a community. It helps reinforce the current design professionals work, as well as drive design into organizations which have not truly bought into its methodologies as beneficial business practice. We have an opportunity to continue to connect with each other to present best practices and insight which keep our industry relevant to the ever changing business economy.

5. Please tell our readers more about what opportunities IDSA Michigan is currently offering.

The IDSA Michigan group is currently working on events which inspire and connect our local Industrial Design leaders, educators, students, and freelancers. We are currently working on a set of tools which we hope will better arm our members in the product development world here in Michigan.

6. Do you think DDF is important for Detroit?

Art and design has always required an outlet for its message. Whether that is a gallery, a street corner, a museum, or your refrigerator door for a child’s drawing. DDF plays a crucial role in teaching the community about the amazing talents of Detroit’s creative communities and also giving that community and outlet for expression.

7. Can you tell us about your early influences in art and design?

I was influenced in Art and Design through my family. Art and design always played an important role in our education not just in school, but at home as well. Growing up in New York, I had access to some great museums, but coming here to Michigan has provided me with a whole new perspective on Design. Detroit has such a unique character which inspires me constantly. The feeling that you can make a change is an extremely powerful incentive.

8. Please share your thoughts on creating and operating a creative business in Detroit.

Operating a creative business in Detroit has some similar challenges to other cities but I would argue there is more benefit to working here as and Industrial Designer, than anywhere else in the country. You would be hard pressed to find a more dense population of hands on makers, manufacturers and skilled craftsmen in the country. We have such an incredible manufacturing background that the opportunities here are some you might not find anywhere else.

9. Describe your creative process.

Our creative process is unique in that we work with many disciplines within the product development world. Our Design and Engineering groups were set up to reflect the way our customers work. We have access to graphic designers, industrial designers, mechanical engineers, analysts, marketers, and business leaders to help our customer bring their ideas and concepts to market.

10. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

One of our Project Managers provided me with a quote from Joseph G. Gavin, Jr. who was discussing the development plan for the lunar module that landed NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. Joseph said, “If a major project is truly innovative, you cannot possibly know its exact cost and exact schedule at the beginning. And if in fact you do know the exact cost and exact schedule, chances are that the technology is obsolete.” This has been brought up in numerous conversations and really provides our customers with insight into whether they are looking for something revolutionary or evolutionary.

11. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

Although many believe us to be stylists, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Aesthetic design is just one facet of our capabilities. Our true value is in the Industrial Designers ability to empathize with the end user of our product and develop an experience which is better suited to match their expectations and needs. This shouldn’t be a secret, but more often than not, it seems to be the perception of our profession.

community+public arts:DETROIT (CPAD) was founded in 2008 as a joint venture of the College for Creative Studies (CCS), The Skillman Foundation, The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, and The Kresge Foundation. CPAD’s Performing Arts initiative was developed in partnership with The Carr Center.

Founded through the Community Arts Partnerships office of CCS, community+public arts:DETROIT (CPAD) brings the arts, communities, and youth together to produce high- quality public art projects and events that allow communities to express and develop their unique character and potential through the arts.

CPAD seeks to link Michigan artists and Detroit communities in creative partnerships to develop and present public art events that are linked to CPAD’s visual arts projects.

Please click on the link below to view and complete the Performing Arts Application.

Application Questions? Contact Kalia Keith (313) 664-1549 or kkeith@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

C+PAD Facebook Page: Here.
Link to Application PDF: Here.
CAP Tumblr: Here.

J Singleton, Official DDF2012 Photographer, J Singleton Photo

1. Could you tell us more about what you do? 

I am a freelance photographer. I take on photographic assignments based on what I feel will make impact and grab an audience’s attention.

2. Please explain your role in Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”) 2012.

I was one of the photographers given the task of capturing the mood as well of the process of the Detroit Design Festival.

3. What was your experience like working with the DDF Team?

It was an extremely valuable learning experience to work with a team. The DDF Team was very available when it came to questions about the events as well as what locations would provide the best for dynamic and bold imagery.

4. After having a “bird’s eye view” of the festival, what are your thoughts on the overall DDF experience?

I was blown away and inspired by the installations and events that were being held. Even as a contributor, I found my own observations to be a learning and growth experience as well.

5. Any new projects on the horizon?

Yes! I have plans on working on a portrait series of my friends as well as a portrait series on ballerinas.

6. Can you tell us about your early influences in art and design?

My early influences for art and design came from master photographers as well as artists from the 16th through 18th century because of their use of light and shadows.

 7. Please share your thoughts on creating / operating a creative business in Detroit.

Hustle Harder. It sounds like a cliché, but I have to honestly say that things don’t happen in Detroit unless I put forth the effort to make them happen.

8. Please describe your creative process.

Dream, wake up, sketch, organize, dream, hone my craft, and network with like-minded individuals. The process of creativity is activated by an insatiable thirst of knowledge, application, follow through, and evaluation.

9. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

Create an iconic image.

10. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

The secret is to trust your vision and follow through with it. It may not turn out how you originally envisioned, but it’s a process that needs to be accomplished.

1. Please tell us more about what you do.

My name is Mark Hall and I am in the 10th grade at Henry Ford Academy: School For Creative Studies. My love is photography; I have gained my love and passion for photography over the past five years. I really enjoy photographing architecture and many other things.

I am gaining some experience by taking photos for our school newspaper called horse power. We do an issue every two months.  It is our first year and it has gone really well and everyone enjoys it. horse power covers a lot on our school, events, art, stories and some of the positive things going on in Detroit!

2. Please explain your role in Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”) 2012.

I tried to make it to almost every event at DDF 2012! I enjoyed attending and taking photographs at all of the events I was able to make it to.

3. You recently took photos for our event, Culture Lab Detroit. What was your experience like working with the Detroit Creative Corridor Center Team?

Recently I took photographs of the Culture Lab Detroit for the Detroit Creative Corridor Center. DC3 was the best and most kind people I have ever worked with. They helped me with everything I needed! They also put on a great event that was one of a kind, like having David Stark, one the world’s leading event designers and all the ways people of Detroit can work together. I was honored that DC3 wanted me to photograph this amazing event that they put together.

4. After having a “bird’s eye view” of the festival, what are your thoughts on the overall DDF experience?

My experience with DDF was amazing; there were so many great events that have had a positive lasting effect on me. The DDF made realize that Detroit has great things to offer and many people tend to forget that. This event reminds so many people of what a great city Detroit is becoming. I feel without the DDF, Detroit would be a very different place and we start to overlook the great arts, people, places and so many other things here in Detroit. This event, I think, has and will change Detroit back to a great, united city. So me and many other people from all around can’t wait for the next DDF.

5. Any new projects on the horizon?

There are many ideas on my mind for other projects most of them include something about Detroit. I’m working on a photography project right now that is capturing forgotten Detroit schools. I feel this needs to be done because we lost so many schools that so many people attended over the many years they were open and they shouldn’t be forgotten.

6. Can you tell us about your influences in art and design?

Some of my influences come from my family and the world around me. My family helps lead me the right way and they also let me know that I should do what makes me happy. That has led me to photography. I enjoy it more then anything and if my family was not as open as they are, I don’t think I would have ever picked up a camera. Also, the world around me inspires me to photograph it, this world passes by so fast and we don’t stop to look at many things around us. I want to capture the beauty that is all around us that we look over and so it isn’t forgotten.

7. Please share your thoughts on creating and or operating a business in in Detroit.

I would love to start a business in Detroit; I think could help the image of Detroit. I would love for my business to give back to the area it would be in, also I would want to showcase local talent in my business regardless of whether it was the same as mine, because we aren’t going to go anywhere if we don’t help each other out. There are businesses like this around Detroit that are changing the perception of the city and the quality of life around it as well as uplifting local talent that are impacting our city positively forever!

8. Please describe your creative process.

My creative process is doing something that has never been done before and opening people’s eyes and showing them the beauty that is all around us. Before I create a photograph I think about how I can show what I see to others in way that has never been done before and also make it look the best I can.

9. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

Aim high and work as hard as you can to get there, don’t let negative ideas or people get in the way of your goal and don’t give up no matter what happens.

10. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

Find what you love and think of ways to capture what you like and turn it into something new and creative. You must be patient; you may not get what you want. You must keep trying; don’t give up! Find out what you didn’t like when you made something and try it again, trying to do things differently because practice makes perfect!

While many of us have met “Hugh” before, join Drinks x Design as we celebrate its permanent home at The Auburn.

We will also introduce attendees to the “girl next door”, Nora, a store that emphasizes thoughtful design in its products

Take some time to enjoy a drink on the second floor party garage and deck at The Auburn.

Last year’s May Drinks x Design host, Kraemer Design Group, was the Architect for The Auburn and worked closely with the ownership to develop the interior design of the units and public space.

Be sure to sign-in for your chance to win a classic Schlitz bowling bowl, courtesy of our sponsor Pabst Blue Ribbon! The winner will be notified via the e-mail address he or she provides and will be announced publicly on Friday, May 10^th via our Drinks x Design Facebook page.

Design Partners:
AIA Detroit
AIGA Detroit
IDSA Michigan
NOMA Detroit

21 and up only please.
Please enter the event through Hugh.

Street parking is available or the nearest parking structure is on Forest Ave between Cass Ave and Woodward Ave.

RSVP: via Facebook Event.

More about Drinks x Design:
A Partnership between Metro Times, Detroit Creative Corridor Center and Quicken Loans, Drinks x Design is monthly open studio that opens the doors to unique atmospheres for attendees to experience, explore and build the relationships that lead to employment, community, and ultimately establishes Detroit as a center for design and creative innovation. Join Drinks x Design and our design partners AIA Detroit, AIGA Detroit, IDSA Michigan and NOMA Detroit on the second Thursday of every month (January – October).

More about Hugh:
Hugh is a store that draws its inspiration from the classic bachelor pad style of the 1950′s and 60′s, selling barware, smoking accessories, decor, personal accessories, men’s grooming products, furniture and more. Hugh was the Detroit area’s first pop-up shop and winner of the 2011 Hatch Detroit retail prize, and is now open permanently in Midtown. Even though Hugh has a decidedly masculine bent, it has something for women too. There’s a little bit of bachelor in everyone!
http://lovehughlongtime.com

More about Nora:
Nora is a store that sells housewares, gifts and personal accessories and emphasizes thoughtful design in its products. It’s a collaboration of four friends who wanted to bring something different to the retail landscape in Detroit: owners Liz Boone, Toby Barlow and Joe Posch, and manager Michele Unverzagt. We like to say “We honestly don’t know what you want but we have a store filled with things that we love, and maybe you will too.
http://noramodern.com

More about The Auburn:
The Auburn is a $12 million, 56,000 square foot residential and retail project located in Midtown, Detroit. The project includes 58 residential apartments and 9 local, independent retailers. The Auburn was developed by the Detroit-based Roxbury Group and in partnership with Invest Detroit and Midtown Detroit, Inc.

The Auburn was designed to optimize space and integration into the surrounding urban context. Individual apartments were planned with features often found only in larger units, such as walk-in storage, in-unit washers and dryers, island kitchens, and French balconies. The Auburn also has two common spaces for its residents – a “Front Porch” on the second floor facing the corner of Cass and Canfield, and a “Back Porch” on the south side of the building.  The Back Porch also features an expansive year-round social room with glass garage doors onto the porch, and an outdoor fireplace.  Residents also enjoy the benefit of several on-site retail amenities, which include a bookstore, an art gallery, home accessory and furniture stores, clothing shops, a Thai restaurant and a pet supply store.

The Auburn has been a true case study in creative collaboration, and a model for how government, foundations and private developers can work together to achieve community development goals in an extremely challenging financing environment. NCB Capital Impact provided the permanent debt.  JP Morgan Chase and Detroit Investment Fund provided New Markets Tax Credit support.  The project also received a grant from the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority, and a Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credit from the State of Michigan.   The retail build-out was supported by a loan from the Ford Foundation, ensuring that the spaces are priced to attract local, independent retailers.

Want to start your day with a burst of creativity  this Friday morning? Join us for monthly breakfast speaker series and morning gathering, CreativeMornings/Detroit on May 3rd! This month’s speaker is Detroit poet Lolita Hernandez from 8:30am to 10:00am at Great Lakes Coffee (3965 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201). While the event is free, registration on Eventbrite is encouraged.

If you are traveling, check out another CreativeMornings chapter! The 49 national and international chapters (and growing!) are listed on the main CreativeMornings page.

1. Could you tell us more about what you do?

CH: Nneka and I are the founders of DETROITGRAMS.COM, a new bl*g about Detroit. My background is in cultural studies, and as a writer I use this to produce stories that capture the experiences of everyday life.

NO: I provide the overall visual direction of DETROITGRAMS.COM. I am freelance photographer and have a background in Marketing. We often refer to our story as, “When an Anthropologist and Photographer Meet…” It helps to understand how DETROITGRAMS came to be.

2. Please explain your role in Detroit Design Festival (“DDF”) 2012.

NO: We are proud to share that the birth of DETROITGRAMS.COM came from DDF 2012. It began with the simple of idea of creating a website that would aggregate all the Instagram images with DDF-related hashtags.

CH: I even remember thinking it was too simple of an idea at first, then deciding to just go through with it and apply as a digital “happening.” Turns out the DDF team loved the idea. They not only accepted DETROITGRAMS.COM as a happening, but also supported our vision by using the Instagram platform as a way to promote their sponsor, Fathead. You can view DDF2012 images here!

3. What was your experience like working with the DDF Team?

CH: We worked closely with Jakki and Melinda, and they were phenomenal. They are our first adopters. First of all, they accepted DETROITGRAMS.COM as a happening and secondly, encouraged us to use our platform to impact the festival in a larger way than we had expected with the Fathead promotion. They offered great feedback, but truly allowed the creativity Nneka and I have to go to work. DDF2012 birthed what I hope to be a long-lasting relationship between the Detroit Design Festival and DETROITGRAMS.COM.

4. After having a “bird’s eye view” of the festival, what are your thoughts on the overall DDF experience?

NO: In one word, inspiring. I learned about so many places and resources in Detroit that I had no idea existed. OmniCorpDetroit in particular really stood out. It’s a hacker space where designers, artists and engineers collaborate to make some really cool things. We caught some great photos of the space.

CH: Nneka and I got to visit the nooks and crannies Detroit and caught some of the most inspiring ideas and projects. It encouraged us to think of ways to both participate in Detroit’s design community and showcase it through our site as well.

5. What do you see DETROITGRAMS evolving into next?

NO: Our experiences have led us to explore the different ways digital media can be used to foster a collective ‘sense of place.’ We’re starting by transforming DETROITGRAMS.COM to a bl*g about Detroit. We’re calling it a digital narrative that visually captures the diversity of everyday life, culture and perspective in the city. We are continuously learning and strategizing about ways to incorporate more digital interaction on the site. Check out our latest gallery of images and posts at DETROITGRAMS.COM.

6. Can you tell us about your early influences in art and design?

CH: In school, I connected the dots between art and society by studying culture and its power to impact social experiences. It really wasn’t until recently that I grew interested in design. I currently work at an engineering firm where I am constantly exposed to the process of technical design, and this has encouraged me to explore where technical design can meet my interest in culture.

7. Please share your thoughts on creating / operating a creative business in Detroit.

CH: What we appreciated most about birthing a project in Detroit is the support we have received from individuals. There is a familial nature people have adopted here. We truly believe that when one of us succeeds, we all do.

NO: DETROITGRAMS.COM would have never been more than an idea without the people who believed in the concept and wanted it to succeed simply because it was about uplifting Detroit.

8. Please describe your creative process.

CH: My creativity starts with learning from others. I read magazines and blogs a lot, and get inspiration from places like Tumblr and my Feedly. Often my ideas spark from questions I have regarding what already exists. Then I try to create a concept that fills in the gaps of what is missing. I am a writer at heart, so when I feel I’ve got something, I write. Whether it makes sense or not, I always begin an idea with a literal description. I know it will surely change, but writing helps me to flush out my vision.

9. What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

CH: Start with “WHY.” I’m sure every designer has probably watched Simon Sinek’s TEDx Talk, but if you have yet to, please check it out. I have more confidence in DETROITGRAMS.COM than any other idea I’ve had because I know WHY it should exist. This is what gives me the confidence to allow the idea to grow and still maintain a fulfilling purpose.

10. Will you tell us a design related “secret”?

NO: Be willing to look outside of your area of expertise for inspiration. People often feel limited because they have no formal background in what society considers “artistic”. The real secret to design is to realize that it ventures beyond the graphic and can be seen in action, purpose, and intention.

The Detroit Creative Corridor Center is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Creative Ventures Program! 

Creative Ventures is a year-long, business development program for emerging business owners working in the creative industries. Selected participants will be matched with executive-level leaders in their industry who will help them strategize towards the growth of the participant’s business.  Project management support and coaching will be provided by our team who will ensure that those enrolled are connected to carefully selected resources to help them meet their goals during the program. Additionally, participants join a community of like-minded creatives where idea sharing, peer reviews and collaboration are a part of the everyday culture. Participants will have access to dedicated, collaborative studio space in the Detroit Creative Corridor Center for the duration of the  1-year program, and will receive promotional support from the organization. 

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Business model shows growth potential
2. Excellence in creative production
3. Demonstration of a willingness to be coached
4. Ability to be based in Detroit during the 12 months of the program

The ideal candidate is the founder(s) of an existing business which is still in its early stage and is looking to grow in size and revenues. 

To apply, visit www.detroitc3.com/apply

Applicants must use the online application form and will need to create a log-in account to access it. Please note that you cannot save your work on the online form so you should prepare your answers to the questions offline and then copy and paste your answers into the application before submitting. Please use this document to draft your answers: Application Worksheet

Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 13th.

Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview in May and final selections will be announced in June. 

The 2013-2014 program begins July 15th. 

Questions should be sent to info@detroitc3.com.

More details are available at www.detroitc3.com/creativeventures

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