Name: Daniel Gutierrez

Title: Senior Graphic Designer, Hughes Federal Credit Union

Member since: 2017

How did you get started with AIGA Arizona?
I had known about AIGA since college but hadn’t really participated in any events, or volunteered time, until moving to Tucson from Las Cruces, New Mexico. A co-worker at the time, Casey Chafouleas, had floated the idea of checking out AIGA Tucson and the rest is history!

What do you like most about AIGA Arizona?
I think the best thing about AIGA Arizona is its commitment to providing premium events to Arizona’s design community. From Phoenix Design week to networking mixers, AIGA AZ does a great job curating events that reach all skill levels and interests — from aspiring designers to seasoned pros.

What design event do you look forward to every year?
I always look forward to the annual Portfolio Review. I have helped coordinate the Tucson reviews for the past two years and really enjoy seeing the awesome up and coming talent we have in Tucson! Student participation has been steadily increasing and we are so lucky to count on some top-notch volunteer reviewers.

What is the superpower you wish you had?
The ability to stop/slow time. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child into the world and have grown to realize that when people say “they grow up so fast,” they aren’t lying!

Take a moment to showcase some designers or creatives who you think people should be following and why.
Go check out the work of photographer, JR. His giant wheat-paste activations are both visually stunning and tell stories that go beyond what the eye sees.

Tell us about your favorite event or moment with AIGA Arizona.
My favorite moment came from a portfolio review where I overheard one of the reviewers talking to a student about potential employment. I happened to get my first job offer at an AIGA review so seeing that come full circle, at an event that I helped coordinate, was a really cool — just a great feeling knowing you are part of an organization that provides opportunities and opens doors for young creatives.

Connect with Daniel
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Have a story to tell about your own AIGA journey or want to nominate someone? You don’t need to be an award winner, a prodigy, or even a graphic designer to be chosen. Send a note to Membership Director Julian Martinez and tell us what being a member of the AIGA Arizona community means to you. See you next month!