Name: August Tang

Title: Designer/Freelancer

Employer/Business: BrandLoyal™

Member since: May 2017

Pronouns: they/them/theirs (more info)

Social Media handles

Instagram: @ttaaannggyy
Twitter: @ttaaannggyy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/augustang/

How did you get started with AIGA Arizona?
I first joined AIGA Arizona through the student group at ASU, as the Vice President. I poured so much energy in that group, and in my first year of membership, I went to an in-house group meetup during summer, design week, and portfolio review. I really love being part of the organization. Now that I’ve graduated (just this past month—so excited!), I’m eager to get moving on my new portfolio website and be involved in designing for social justice and social change.

What do you like most about AIGA Arizona?
AIGA Arizona is such a tight-knit community. I feel like I’m new to the scene, yet I know so many people through Design Week, Drink-N-Draw, BrandLoyal, ASU, and attending events. I find AIGA AZ members everywhere. Recently, a friend moved to NYC and he told me he knows so many people just from the connections he has from living in Phoenix before the move. Ultimately, the Arizona chapter is all about personal relationships, and I really value that. I think it creates a culture where age, experience, and background isn’t a requirement to have skill as a designer. No matter if you didn’t go to college, or are a new grad, you can be heard and valued.

What design event do you look forward to every year?
Last year, when I got the email to call for participants in CreatAthon, I flipped out. That type of event is exactly what I’m interested in doing, both in my career, and as a community event with AIGA. I couldn’t make it to last year’s because I was out of the country for a summer internship, but I hope we can make it happen again so I can attend the next one!

What is the superpower you wish you had?
I wish I could impart emotions on people. But not control them, just emit a feeling through space towards someone. For example, if someone is feeling anxious, I would send them calm vibes through the air. Or, if someone didn’t have confidence in their abilities, I want to be able to amp them up without even saying a word, just through a presence. I’m realizing how weird this sounds now that I’m saying it out loud, but I think it would be a really cool superpower.

Take a moment to showcase some designers or creatives who you think people should be following and why.

• Amanda Sia (@amandaxsia on Instagram) – Amanda is still finishing up her design education, but her energy radiates outward to everyone around her and she is going places (in fact, she’s in the Philippines now for a summer internship)! She’s everybody’s cheerleader, but in my opinion, everybody should be her cheerleader.
• Quincy Reams (@quincymakes on Instagram) – Half my education was The Design School at ASU and the other half of my education was this amazing human being. He knows so much—he has more technical skill than anyone I’ve ever met. If he doesn’t know how to do it, he’ll learn in less than 24 hours. Not to mention, he’s hilarious and so kind.
• Andrew Salomon (@andrewsalomon on Instagram) – If you aren’t following him already, you should be. We work together at BrandLoyal, and collaborating with Andrew on projects has only made me admire him more. He has so much empathy and thoughtfulness when it comes to both design and friendship. Plus, he makes dope stuff.
• Kate Moross (@katemoross on Instagram) – As a trans, nonbinary person, I use they/them pronouns, and Kate Moross is my personal idol. I don’t know them personally, but I wish I did! They are also nonbinary and use they/them pronouns, and are not only a creative icon, but a great model for running a business with rock solid ethics.

Tell us about your favorite event or moment with AIGA Arizona.
I had a blast at the 30th Drink N Draw during Phoenix Design Week. I met so many new people: a designer who recently moved here, students from GCU, freelancers, illustrators. It was really fun to just sit around and chat with strangers while eating Postino and drinking wine. That was definitely the highlight of my Design Week experience this past year.