Sketching a New Chapter: Say Hello to AIGA Arizona’s New President
Cory Skaaren has spent more than 30 years helping brands grow through thoughtful, process-driven design. He leads Skaaren Design, a small but impactful studio known for smart, clean work rooted in clarity and storytelling. He is also the Owner and Creative Director of Resketch, a Phoenix-based company that transforms rescued and reclaimed paper into eco-friendly notebooks and creative tools. Now, as President of AIGA Arizona, Cory is honored to serve the local design community by fostering connection, championing creative growth, and encouraging more sustainable, purpose-driven design practices. His vision for AIGA is grounded in service—bringing people together to support one another, elevate the profession, and ensure the creative community continues to thrive.
Curious what drives our new President? So were we. We sat down with Cory Skaaren to talk shop–past, present, and what’s ahead for AIGA Arizona.
Now that you’re getting settled into your new position as the President of AIGA Arizona, first things first: What drew you to serve in this capacity for AIGA Arizona? Why now?
CS: The truth is, I was talking with a friend of mine, and I realized we’ve known each other for over 20 years; lunch, coffee, cigars—a lot of cigars—and it dawned on me that I met him at an AIGA AZ event back in the early 2000s. That got me thinking, and I realized that so many of my successes, friends, connections, and experiences in my life and career are linked to my involvement with AIGA. So, here I am, wanting to help the next generation of designers experience that.
For those who haven’t had the chance to connect with you yet, can you share a bit about your creative path and where it’s taken you?
CS: I’m from a small town in central Minnesota, and as a kid in the 80s, I felt about as far away as you could get from anything interesting or creative. With nothing else to do, I taught myself to draw, and that’s where it all started. I loved movies and wanted to tell stories, but I didn’t have access to anything like a film camera or even a VHS camcorder. So one day it dawned on me that as long as I had a pencil and some blank paper, I could tell all the stories I wanted, and no one could stop me. That’s when I fell in love with comic books, and later magazines. Anything that married images with words captured my imagination. That’s where it all started. I didn’t know what graphic design was, but I knew I liked telling stories through imagery; the rest pretty much took care of itself.
What were some of your biggest challenges early on in your career? How do you think those challenges translate to your new role as AIGA Arizona president?
CS: I started in this business very young and was immediately in over my head. I was slow because I was teaching myself as I went. I had to learn how to connect dots in reverse, pay attention, and ask questions that didn’t waste everyone’s time. This was the early ’90s in the Midwest; there wasn’t much grace for making mistakes, so every day (or so it seemed) felt like a trial under heavy fire. Looking back, I think I learned how important patience is and the value of respecting people’s individual learning curves. There is a fine line between demanding quality and having the patience to build a system that allows people to learn and grow into what’s expected of them. Today, I think that perspective shapes my leadership philosophy. We live in a time where designers are expected to do more with less, on all fronts. I know how that feels, and it’s important to me to give people the space to navigate that wherever possible.
“We live in a time where designers are expected to do more with less, on all fronts. I know how that feels, and it’s important to me to give people the space to navigate that wherever possible.”
We’ve spoken before about the legacy of AIGA, and how much it’s transformed in the last decade. What do you think we can take from the past, and also, what’s your vision for the future?
CS: That’s tricky. Times change—and they are changing quickly. I believe one thing we can learn from the past is the importance of good design. It is absolute and undeniable. However, more people—both trained and untrained—are involved in visual communication than ever before. Thanks to social media and modern tools, we are all designers in the broadest sense. As a result, our chosen profession is no longer exclusively governed by trained professionals, as it was in the earlier days of AIGA. So, what should we do about it? First, I don’t know if my vision of the future matters; this is a community effort, and we won’t get anywhere without each other. But I do believe there are a few things that will be infinitely important moving forward. One is that design education has never been more important, and second, we need to find and celebrate the people in our communities who are making a difference, and give them a platform to share their stories, experiences, and let them lead the conversation. In the past, AIGA led from the front. If I had to guess, we will be more effective in the coming years by empowering people by leading from behind.
“In the past, AIGA led from the front. If I had to guess, we will be more effective in the coming years by empowering people by leading from behind.”
What excites you most about what’s ahead for AIGA Arizona?
CS: We’re expanding our event lineup to include voices from a wider range of creative fields, and Phoenix Design Week continues to grow, evolve, and expand. There’s a lot of opportunity hidden within the challenges we face as a creative community. That’s why it’s important to keep building and growing.
Outside of AIGA, what creative projects are you currently exploring?
CS: Apart from my work with AIGA and my design career, I own a small notebook company called Resketch. In many ways, it’s a nod to that kid in small-town Minnesota. I like the idea of giving people the tools to be creative. We focus on sustainability and aim to give back to an industry that struggles with paper waste. We spend our days working to bridge the gap between sustainability and creativity. I think that’s worthwhile.
What advice would you share with design students just starting out?
CS: There were a few things shared with me early in my career that have consistently proven true:
- One of the lessons I learned early in my career is that acceptance is the first step in the creative process. By accepting a client’s money, you’re also accepting their business problems as your own. It’s not just about delivering a design; it’s about fully embracing the responsibility to understand, interpret, and solve their challenges. Take that responsibility seriously, and act accordingly.
- In this field, every project pays you twice. First, there’s the monetary payment — it covers your essentials, such as rent and groceries. But the second, and often more valuable payment, is the work itself. Each project you complete becomes part of your reputation; it speaks for you long after the invoice is paid. You must decide which form of payment will influence your decisions more—what pays your bills today or what builds your career for tomorrow.
And for creative business owners — any key lessons or tips from your own journey?
CS: Slow and steady wins the race. We hear a lot about hustle culture and building things quickly and breaking things. That sounds like madness to me. Build strong systems and foundations. In the end, if you can’t leave your business unattended for six months, you don’t own that business; that business owns you.
How has AIGA helped you in your creative journey? Why do you think creative communities are important?
CS: I don’t know about you, but I have a strong feeling that the less we need each other, the worse the world is going to get. I don’t want that. Do you? Community is the answer to that.
And lastly, in your view, what makes AIGA Arizona unique — and why do you think others should get involved?
CS: Arizona represents the West, and nothing else in American culture quite matches that. Somehow, in our DNA, we still carry a bit of that rebellious outlaw mindset. I believe a lot of interesting things come from that. Why get involved? Community is built by the people who show up. So show up.
“Why get involved? Community is built by the people who show up. So show up.”
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