Paula Scher began her graphic design career as a record cover art director at both Atlantic and CBS Records in the 1970s and in 1991 she joined Pentagram as a partner. She has developed identity and branding systems, promotional materials, environmental graphics, packaging and publication designs for a wide range of clients, drawing from what Tom Wolfe has called the “big closet” of art and design history, classic and pop iconography, literature, music and film to create images that speak to contemporary audiences with emotional impact and appeal.

Paula is a recipient of the Chrysler Award for Innovation in Design and the AIGA Medal, she holds honorary doctorates from the Corcoran College of Art and Design and the Maryland Institute College of Art, and she is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the  Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and the Centre Georges Pompidou, as well as many other institutions. Her teaching career includes over two decades at the School of Visual Arts, along with positions at the Cooper Union, Yale University and the Tyler School of Art. In 2002 Princeton Architectural Press published her career monograph Make It Bigger.

Dave is the Creative Director of Minor Studios, a video game company in San Francisco. Dave’s work, including the okaydave.com portfolio, has been featured by the Favorite Website Awards, Adobe, Entertainment Weekly, College Humor, and HOW Books. His past clients include the US Holocaust Museum, University of Virginia, and National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Jennifer Visocky O’Grady has the best job in the world, and she knows it. We like to think when you’re happy, you’re productive—as such Jenn is the co-author of The Information Design Handbook and A Designer’s Research Manual; has had work featured in dozens of magazines and books; the privilege of traveling North America jurying competitions and presenting workshops and lectures; and has served in a number of leadership positions including President of AIGA Cleveland, Chair of the City Club New Leaders and as a Faculty Senator at Cleveland State University where she is also an Associate Professor.

Ken Visocky O’Grady believes that great design is a crucial tool that makes lives better, and he’s out to prove it. Whether it’s through his work as an Associate Professor at Kent State University, the two books he’s co-authored, his many appearances as a panelist, speaker or juror across the continent, or the consistent recognition he’s earned from peers and publications, Ken proves daily that visual communication goes far beyond pretty pictures. Ken has served on the AIGA National Education Steering Committee and the local AIGA Chapter in addition to his City Club membership. Ken earned his BS and MFA from the School of Visual Communication Design at Kent State University.

Ian Dapot is the Communication Design Director for IDEO’s Boston office. He helps companies articulate ideas and strategic vision for programs ranging from retail experience, customer loyalty, and brand expression. He has collaborated on projects with clients including Target, Lilly, Converse and Lincoln Financial Group helping them to align concepts, brand, and business strategy.

Prior to joining IDEO, Ian’s design work included projects for companies such as Nokia, Virgin, Prada, and Nike. He has also worked as a printer for artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Kiki Smith, and Sol LeWitt.

Ian holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and an MFA from Yale University.