ARTS
dynamic * the story behind this
graphic design college Written by Christa Puccio • Photography by Deogracias Lerma
With successful graduates worldwide, thousands have passed through the doors of AIC COLLEGE OF DESIGN (Art Institute of Cincinnati, Inc. the corporate name). Their uniqueness is the focus on one discipline—GRAPHIC DESIGN. “We teach what we do best. We know what the working world is looking for because we are successfully doing it every day.You can’t do better than that,” echoes the dedicated faculty, who love the profession. “Now it’s our turn to give back to our industry by training graduates who are prepared.” The results are the loyal employers who repeatedly seek out AIC graduates. Entering the college you are immediately greeted by a life-size soft sculpture of an elderly “Broom Hilda.” She is a masterpiece in the art of soft sculpture, down to the detail of her teeth. The brightly colored walls make you aware that creativity surrounds you and that this is no ordinary school. The professional gallery of student work confirms it. You soon realize that AIC is small in size but huge in talent. There is always a smiling face to greet you and the offer of a cup of coffee or a soft drink is not unusual. “I want people to feel right at home,” says Tori Zimmerman, official greeter and staff member. There certainly is no lack of energy. As you tour the college classrooms and meet students and faculty, you’ll find students are happy to share their work and talk about the projects on which they are currently working. AIC doesn’t waste time. The first week of school starts out with a bang. A student’s first assignment is to create
illustrations for a book of limericks written by the Monday Morning Writer’s Group of Cincinnati. So far three books have been published. The first received an ADDY Award and a line of greeting cards—a good start towards the portfolio and a great confidence builder. The college was founded by two graphic designers, Marion K. Allman and Cyndi A. Mendell, in 1976 and is still owned, operated, and staffed by graphic designers actively engaged in the field. While working at a local advertising agency as manager of the art department, Marion designed the “Jeanie,” the first automatic bank teller for Fifth Third Bank. Ms. Allman is the former Scholarship Chairperson for the Board of Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. Currently she is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and has assisted in many community projects. Listed in Who’s Who in American Women, she is also a Charter Member of The International Council of Design Schools (ICDS) and has served as president of that organization. In 1999, Marion was awarded the coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. She received the International ATHENA Award in 2006 presented by Cincy Magazine. The award is presented to a woman who has achieved excellence in her career and is instrumental in helping women in their career. “There were hundreds of deserving women who were nominated; it was such an honor to be chosen the recipient,” she remarked.
ARTS
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The faculty consists of professional graphic designers who are well-versed in the foundation arts, as well as print, packaging, consumer, and trade advertising, corporate identity, exhibit display, Web and interactive media: an Bittman, founder and CEO of Design Team One, the D internationally recognized design firm.
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andy Zimmerman, owner of VCS Design, has worked R with top studios and is still working with major Fortune 500 Companies.
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F rederic Pissarro, first year instructor and great-greatgrandson of Camille Pissarro, leader of the impressionist movement, shows his work internationally at some of the finest galleries in the U.S. and in Paris, France. yndi Mendell is active on many local high school advisory C boards, runs an art school for children in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky on Saturdays, and shows personal art in galleries.
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A part-time artist, David Beck is well known for his fantasy illustrations, and alumnus Steve DiLonardo is a Creative Director for a local firm designing trade show exhibits, and advertising. Now the second generation, Sean M. Mendell (son of Cyndi) joined AIC several years ago. “Sean brings youth, energy, and marketing experience to the college” replies CEO Marion Allman. “This was always our goal when establishing the college, which is now celebrating 35 years of excellence”. The Associate Degree classes are staffed with instructors from local colleges who all hold a masters degree in preparation for future curriculum expansion, offering students increased flexibility in continuing their education. But it is the students who add to the uniqueness of the college. AIC is no cookie-cutter institution. Interested students are required to show artwork they have produced to a member of the graphic design team during the interview process. “We look at individual interests and skills,” remarks Cyndi Mendell. “If an applicant shows potential or interest in photography, humor illustration, or writing they are encouraged to pursue that interest along with required assignments in their final portfolio. Art is more than a pretty picture—there is a purpose to the art we produce and that takes good thinking skills and research habits.” A testimony to the student’s talents is the Award Wall, displaying recognition the college has received over the years, featuring the 33 ADDY AWARDS it has won over the last 4 years (including 16 Gold, 14 Silver, BEST OF SHOW, 1 Regional,
and 1 National). ADDY Awards are sponsored by the Ad Club of Cincinnati and the AAF (American Advertising Federation), which is the world’s largest advertising competition. Graphic Design is a diverse field offering many opportunities. You’ll find AIC alumni throughout the U.S., working for Fortune 500 Companies, starting businesses, illustrating for major league sports and acting as creative directors for major advertising agencies . . . the list goes on. Graduates work as far away as Norway, where they communicate via Skype. Many own studios or agencies. One such success story is Ken Neiheisel owner of Marsh, Inc. The home office is located in downtown Cincinnati, with branches in New Jersey and Austin, Texas. Ken’s agency is very “green” oriented in their advertising and packaging. Each summer graduates walk through the doors at 1171 E. Kemper Road, Tri-County, to visit and catch up on the latest news. They share their work, bringing in samples to be displayed in the classroom. Quite a few graduates are active members of AIC’s Advisory Board along with members of the corporate world. “It’s a great avenue to keep us in touch with current trends,” says President Sean Mendell. Always innovative and looking to the future, AIC was the first college to offer Computer Graphics as a major in Ohio. They saw the writing on the wall and decided to take the financial splurge. Although they aren’t state or federally funded, through frugal management they are able to provide students with state-of-the-art necessities. AIC is also one out of five graphic design schools in the country to teach paper sculpture and pop-up design. The college is an accredited member of ACCSC and makes available TITLE IV funding to eligible students. AIC also offers over $100,000 in scholarships each year. Students are encouraged to enter their portfolios for scholarship selection in March. “We work with students early on job placement, writing résumés, and creating portfolios,” explains Dennis Gates. “My goal is to get them employed part-time during their last quarter and then move into full-time when they graduate.” Some personal advice from Marion: “If there is anything I can pass on to young people today it is to follow your dream, never overlook a possible opportunity, step out of the box, help others as you move forward, work hard even through failures, keep a positive attitude, never assume anything, treat people fairly, and with determination and hard work you’ll achieve your goal and will be rewarded tenfold.” When searching for words that best describe AIC COLLEGE OF DESIGN, the faculty, staff and the students, there is only one word that sums it up—DYNAMIC! v
addy awards*
AIC College of Design is located at 1171 E. Kemper Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45246 or call (513) 751-1206 or visit www.aic-arts.edu.
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marion k. allman
cyndi a. mendell
sean m. mendell
founder and ceo of
co founder of
president of aic college of design
aic college of design
aic college of design
(the art institute of cincinnati)
(the art institute of cincinnati)
(the art institute of cincinnati)