UI/UX Design with GDSA
I was asked to speak with the University of Central Florida’s GDSA (Graphic Design Student Association). They aim to educate students about Graphic Design both academically and in the real world. These educational meetings and opportunities to hear from professionals in the industry to help their members grow as Designers.
In this meeting, I talked with GDSA about my career path, compared good and bad patterns, and made predictions about the future of the UX/UI Design industry. Follow GDSA on Instagram to learn more about them and their events!
Re:Solutions
Re:Solutions is a one-day conference dedicated to re:starting the new year inspired, informed, and re:invigorated. This virtual conference was split into 8 sessions with a variety of topics and formats. Avery Moderated a UI/UX Design Panel with fellow professionals: Jasmine Orange, Cassie McDaniel, and Abhishek Murali.
Cancelled Con
Cancelled Con is a free online creative event featuring an eclectic lineup of special guests that celebrate and showcase the spirit of creativity in community. Avery was asked to be one of the many talented and diverse presenters during the conference's second year.
Changemaker Program 2019
Changemaker 2019 Showcase
In 2019, Avery became the Social Impact Directer of AIGA Orlando. He participated in a day-long Wellness by Design event, where he was part of a panel that discussed gender equality in the workplace. He also helped young creatives entering the creative workforce by participating in a Mock Interview Workshop. During Avery's second year organizing the AIGA Orlando Changemaker Program, he and a team helped to gather 28 creative volunteers and four nonprofits including the One Orlando Alliance, Healthy Mind Happy Heart, Hero Spark and Impower Florida. The results this year including new logos, new landing page, and brand guides for future creative work.
One Orlando Alliance Team
Team Changemaker
Hero Spark Team
Wellness by Design
Wellness by Design is a mini conference hosted by the Women Lead Initiative team of AIGA Orlando, and features speakers and interactive involvement covering mental, physical, spiritual, social, and financial heath issues and solutions.
The Parity in the Workplace panel featured Avery Smith, Bob Kodzis (founder, Flight of Ideas), Darren McDaniel (Course Director at Full Sail University), and Mark Freid, (Owner of Think Integrated). These creative professionals spoke on how to honor gender equity in the workplace, giving specific examples of elevating women in the creative professions.
Changemaker Program 2018
In 2018, as a part of the AIGA Orlando board, Avery organized AIGA Orlando's Changemaker Program. Avery helped to organize teams of 15 volunteer creatives and three nonprofits including ArtReach, Redefining SpinaBifida and Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. The teams take part in a Design Thinking workshop to kickoff the program and spend two months brainstorming ways in which the creatives can use their talents to assist the nonprofit organizations. This included a new logos and branded materials for each nonprofit.