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Introducing seriouSeries

Speak Up is (very) proud to introduce the first off-line event completely thought-through and customized to fit our desires. Or so I would like to think.

seriouSeries will be small and intimate gatherings where we will talk about — what else? — design in every way possible. Ideally they will happen every month. And ideally this will be something that happens in many cities at the same time (details will be worked out and announcements made as necessary). Another ideal is to have a guest speaker (hey, you can’t throw out all the conventions out the window at the same time) who will not have a podium, nor a microphone and will actually be kicked out of the room if s/he dares bring a PowerPoint presentation. No guest speaker? No problem — we only need somebody willing to lead the evening.

These series are intended to be open, devoid of hierarchy and bureaucracy, two-way conversations and, the key word, small. Yet serious.

Who is our first guest?

The inimitable Rick Valicenti will be making a house-call this coming Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 6:30 PM. My place.

See the invitation, download it (194 Kb PDF), print it, hang it, love it!

seriouSeries, in this first case, is only open to fifteen people (my apartment ain’t that big). First come, first serve. A few things to consider:

— It’s in Chicago, so you must be here or someweher near here
— I live in the northside, for those of you in the know I’m around 5800 North
— That would mean a lovely drive up Lake Shore Drive all the way to Hollywood
— It’s a Thursday evening
— It will be absolutely amazing

Seriously, if you sign up (see below), please have all the intentions of coming as there is only room for fifteen eager people. I can guarantee a wonderful evening.

Want to sign up then? Simply send me an email with your intentions. Please do so by September 18.

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ENTRY DETAILS
ARCHIVE ID 1589 FILED UNDER Speak Up Announcements
PUBLISHED ON Sep.09.2003 BY Armin
WITH COMMENTS
Comments
pamela’s comment is:

Wish I could make it. Sounds like a great evening, but commuting from san jose, ca could be a little tough.

On Sep.09.2003 at 09:51 AM
Kiran Max Weber’s comment is:

Great idea Armin, wait, fuck I don't live in Chicago. So, can any Speak Up author or visitor set up one of these gatherings? I know you said details will be worked out, just wondering. It reminds me of AIGA (gasp) extra events we used to have in Boston. Someone would use their studio as a gathering place, we'd order pizza, and then discuss a theme. Usually five or six people would talk for 10 or so minutes. It was fun. This sounds a bit more focused and intimate (gasp).

On Sep.09.2003 at 09:53 AM
Armin’s comment is:

>So, can any Speak Up author or visitor set up one of these gatherings?

Yup. Graham is already on the case. Might be one as soon as this saturday. We'll see.

>It reminds me of AIGA

Who?

Just kidding.

>This sounds a bit more focused and intimate

Oh yeah! More focused, and in the spirit of Speak Up, much more hard-hitting. Tough questions are to be expected.

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:01 AM
Anthony’s comment is:

Will there be audio recorded?

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:18 AM
Armin’s comment is:

Just a little bit of what you should expect from Rick Valicenti:

(as written by him)

it is most likely that i will be talking about real human presence.

it is a notion that i have been using of late.

in my mind RHP is the holy of grail for design.

it is the only thing that trumps style.

it is the essential secret sauce that makes things compelling.

it is presence and without it we are all gone.

i would imagine fluid conversation about the public and the private.

how not everything personal is interesting and worthy of being public, etc.

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:18 AM
Anthony’s comment is:

I guess that might be considered bureaucracy and or microphone, so I assume no.

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:19 AM
Armin’s comment is:

> Will there be audio recorded?

Possibly.

Pictures for sure.

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:19 AM
Tan’s comment is:

have fun -- don't forget the Twister pad.

Anyone want to org a similar get-together in Seattle?

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:29 AM
KM’s comment is:

Tan, I'm all for it. Count me in.

On Sep.09.2003 at 10:44 AM
steven’s comment is:

How about one in Nashville?

OK fine. I'll just get a good design book, go out to dinner and have some good inner dialogue.

HA!

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:16 AM
Rick G’s comment is:

Tan, I'm in on the Seattle hook up

-R

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:22 AM
Anthony’s comment is:

I might be in on a seattleSeries.

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:25 AM
Sarah B’s comment is:

NYC or close by - any intentions...I WOULD love to meet you all (well, at least the close by ones for now)

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:30 AM
Tan’s comment is:

Ok, I'll start planning something -- and will send details on a seattleSeries to Armin by end of week or so to post. (gotta keep the brand you know)

and btw, Vancouver folks are welcomed too if you want to make the trek.

details to follow soon-ish...

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:42 AM
Tan’s comment is:

> How about one in Nashville?

dude, just call up Hatch Letterpress and organize something w/ Jim Sherindan (sp?) at their shop. People will come from the next state for that.

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:45 AM
Thomas O’s comment is:

First of all, I need to express how much I love this site. I just discovered it on the weekend and I think it 's just the mojo I need... Secondly, I think the seriouSeries is a rockin' idea and I hope we can get one together in LA soon.

On Sep.09.2003 at 11:51 AM
jonsel’s comment is:

dude, just call up Hatch Letterpress and organize something w/ Jim Sherindan (sp?) at their shop. People will come from the next state for that.

Dude, I would find a horse and ride it to Nashville for that! One day I will make the pilgrimage.

On Sep.09.2003 at 12:01 PM
Bradley’s comment is:

Anybody else in St. Louis? Anyone? No? No?

Gee, big surprise.

Maybe when I get back up to Chicago for a few days...

On Sep.09.2003 at 01:26 PM
Darrel’s comment is:

Jim is a really, really, really nice guy. Definitely stop in and say hi. Just tell him you're a letterpress/woodcut junkie and he'll talk your ear off.

It was the highlight of our trip to Nashville a few years ago. (And the realization that the 'new' Grand-Ol-Opry is now a mirror of the Mall of America was the lowlight).

As for these gatherings, we've been doing that a bit here in the cities for a while. Typically over beer.

It's one of those things that makes orgs like the AIGA a little less relevant these days. The internet is truly remarkable at getting people of like interests together with little to no overhead.

On Sep.09.2003 at 01:27 PM
pamela’s comment is:

How about a group in San Jose?

On Sep.09.2003 at 01:33 PM
pedro’s comment is:

Armin

sh..

I will be visiting (imposing) on you sept 12-16 all the way from México.

Couldn't you have had the decency of convening such a great meeting on such dates!?!?!?

I'm full of envy of those speakupers who will be able to join so what else can I say.

I'm sure it will be a great success

On Sep.09.2003 at 01:42 PM
Tan’s comment is:

> It's one of those things that makes orgs like the AIGA a little less relevant these days. The internet is truly remarkable at getting people of like interests together with little to no overhead.

yea, I feel a little weird because of that -- AIGA ties and all. But I see it like a book club meeting, where a notable author is invited to read.

and there should be some exclusivity to this, which doesn't necessarily take anything away from AIGA.

back in the day when our chapter was small, it used to be simple throwing a last minute AIGA get-together. Now, it's like a small wedding or something. It's the penalty of growth I suppose.

But it's not exactly the same thing. After all, we're only talking about a dozen people here. The intimacy to the conversations is key I think.

On Sep.09.2003 at 01:56 PM
Darrel’s comment is:

I completely agree, Tan. Once a large group online tries to migrate en masse offline, that's when the overhead kicks in. And, typically, kicks you in the ass.

On Sep.09.2003 at 02:54 PM
Paul’s comment is:

Here's one more vote for SanJo. Hell, I'd even go up to one of those other little cities in the North or East Bay if it felt like the thing to do. Do I hear a Bay Area quorum out there?

On Sep.09.2003 at 03:02 PM
Bradley’s comment is:

I hate you all!

On Sep.09.2003 at 03:39 PM
Mr. Jones’s comment is:

Sounds like a great time. Unfortunately, Chico, CA (Northern CA) to NYC is a bit of a commute for me but I look forward to hearing how it goes.

On Sep.09.2003 at 04:31 PM
Jeff’s comment is:

North Wales, anyone?

Mid Wales?

South Wales?

Yeah, right.

On Sep.09.2003 at 05:28 PM
Lucien’s comment is:

How bout we have one at Old Dominion University. Speak to my fellow student designers and myself. I think it would be cool.

On Sep.10.2003 at 12:51 AM
Lucien’s comment is:

Norfolk, VA

On Sep.10.2003 at 12:52 AM
ben schicker’s comment is:

re: chicago - i would drive up from omaha if it was friday night / weekend. i have friends i could stay with, and it would totally be the excuse to get up there i've been looking for. as it is, i can't really take any more time off this month since i'm going to portland to visit my brother & see the white stripes.

for future reference, i'd definitely be willing to make the effort. hell, i could take a friday off & fly up after work. -- hmm, let me check with airlines, my boss, and i'll get back to you.

i would definitely make a pilgrimage for a hatch letterpress night. my buddy max is convinced we should take a week off work & go intern with them. or just hang out. whatever.

On Sep.10.2003 at 08:10 AM
Armin’s comment is:

Nine people for this one too. Six spots left.

On Sep.10.2003 at 12:03 PM
Armin’s comment is:

12 now.

On Sep.10.2003 at 01:12 PM
ben schicker’s comment is:

no luck for me. cheapest ticket i can find is $160 + fees. a little steep considering. do my best to make the next one.

On Sep.10.2003 at 03:53 PM
rebecca’s comment is:

Wow, I'm actually going to be in town that day! But I'll be chillin with my mom, who just had throat surgery. :(

I'll be in town for a few days, though, so I'm hoping to stop by Norman Design to see how the other half lives.

On Sep.10.2003 at 04:23 PM
Armin’s comment is:

> so I'm hoping to stop by Norman Design to see how the other half lives.

You will be welcome with open arms. Either that or we will all leave and lock the door.

On Sep.12.2003 at 04:49 PM
ps’s comment is:

hmmm.

i guess i'll pass on it and use my tickets to radiohead at the hollywood bowl.

however, i'd like to hear how it goes. i've been talking (but lazy) about putting something on in l.a.

ps

On Sep.15.2003 at 09:37 PM
Armin’s comment is:

Here is an update on the attendee list for next Thursday

1. Mike Brumm + 1

2. Doug Gapinski http://www.sx2.com

3. Kevin Leonard + 1

4. Patric King http://www.patricking.com

5. Su http://www.boredinsomniac.com

6. Kevin McConkey http://www.gripdesign.com

7. Dawn Hancock http://www.firebellydesig.com

8. Brian Mackin (same as above)

9. Bob Faust http://www.faustltd.com

10. Michael Mesker (same as above)

11. Ginny Tevere http://www.paragraphs.com

12. Brent Seehafer

That leaves room for one more.

On Sep.18.2003 at 10:21 PM
Armin’s comment is:

Last attendee: Michael Bierut.

Ok, for those of you coming, the plantains have been fried, the potatoes mashed and the house cleaned. Don't forget to bring your liquour if that's what you fancy. Whoever brings something chocolatey will get mad props.

On Sep.23.2003 at 08:35 AM
Armin’s comment is:

For reference:

WHERE IT IS:

My house

5836 N Glenwood Ave Apt 2N

(closest, biggest intersection is Broadway and Ridge)

If you are driving, take Lake Shore Dr. all the way to Hollywood unto Ridge where you will make a right. At the first light make another right, that will be Glenwood. The number of the building is 5834-36, loveliest building on the block. Ring the button that says Vit/Gomez.

If you are taking the El, get on the red line going North towards Howard. Grab a book and make yourself comfortable, it’s a good 30 minute ride (same as Lake Shore really). Get off on Bryn Mawr. Walk west on Bryn Mawr, then after crossing Broadway get on Ridge (not Bryn Mawr) and walk on. It’s like 5 blocks. Long blocks.

If lost, call (312) 203-0501 or (773)334-9038

If none of this fits, go to yahoo maps or mapquest.

On Sep.25.2003 at 11:13 AM
Armin’s comment is:

Thanks to everyone who showed up! Specially Rick for doing this and enduring a three-hour talkathon. There is some video waiting to be edited and lots of stuff to be shared. I will try to do it over the weekend.

On Sep.26.2003 at 08:40 AM
Armin’s comment is:

> Whoever brings something chocolatey will get mad props.

Not completely chocolatey — but close enough — Brent Seehafer gets some props for his home-baked chocolate chip cookies.

On Sep.26.2003 at 08:42 AM
Brent’s comment is:

Hey, props is props.

I hope everyone enjoyed them, they are my favorite recipe.

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful evening, it was very inspiring.

On Sep.26.2003 at 09:01 AM
renee’s comment is:

Thank you Armin for being brave and hosting this event. I had a lovely time, and it was great to meet everyone.

On Sep.26.2003 at 09:52 AM
Michael’s comment is:

Good times. Rick made it all seem so simple. Thanks to Armin + Bryony for the hospitality and all the excellent food.

On Sep.26.2003 at 10:06 AM
Dawn Hancock’s comment is:

Much, much gratitude for the fantastic evening. Armin you ROCK! And Rick, thanks for this, that and everything else you will contribute to our profession. You're an inspiration.

On Sep.26.2003 at 10:43 AM
Inga’s comment is:

So Armin, when's the next event? Just kidding! Really though, this was a great event and I felt lucky to be a part of it. Thanks to all involved.

On Sep.26.2003 at 02:47 PM
chester’s comment is:

Armin, I wish I could have been there, but a) I get Rick +/- 300 days of the year, so it would have been ufair for me to take the opportunity away from someon else, and b) I was sitting in a hotel ballroom listening to the sonorous tones of Robert Bringhurst, as he delivered his ATypI keynote, so couldn't have made it anyhow. I'll stay tuned for more seriouSeries-ing.

With best,

c

On Sep.26.2003 at 09:05 PM
Michael B.’s comment is:

Armin, great job. Rick, thanks for the inspiration. Next time I'll make a special trip in from New York if I have to.

On Sep.27.2003 at 12:22 AM