Each month, we like to spotlight one of the many talented members in our AIGA Detroit community. This time, we would like to introduce Ann Perry. Ann is a creative small business owner (Perry & Partners), Pleasant Ridge resident and most recently, a candidate for the Pleasant Ridge City Commission. We talked to Ann about her involvement with AIGA and the role design has played throughout her campaign.
How did you become an AIGA member?
I am a representative for illustrators, graphic and digital designers and programmers. I work with advertising agencies to provide creative services and staffing.
How have you benefited as a member?
The AIGA Detroit organization is a great group of inspired designers, art directors and other wonderful creative talent. The events they organize are very inspirational and I have been able to connect with incredibly talented designers through AIGA.
What made you decide to bring a graphic designer into your campaign process?
Good design is not only fun and pretty… it makes an enormous difference in the impact of the materials that I am using to represent my message to the public. I knew using thoughtful designers would help me clearly present the message I want to get out to my city.
Is your graphic designer a single person or part of a larger agency?
My logo and sign designer, Jason Krauss, has his own design firm called House of Krauss. I’ve worked with him as a client and I’ve represented as a designer many times, so I knew he would know how to make an impact. Cindy Frigard of Similar Blue designed my informational postcard and final “Get out the Vote” card. She was also a client and designer that I represent. And the third designer is my friend Al Hazen who created my website, Facebook page, and business card.
They all are independent of each other and wonderful friends who have generously given their talents to help on my campaign.
What kinds of promotional materials have your designers helped you with?
On this project I have Lawn Signs, business cards, a web site and information postcards and a final “Get out the vote” card.
How has working with a graphic designer changed the way you have approached your campaign and developing your campaign materials?
I always run concept strategies by the designer to make sure to get their valuable input. I always start with a designer. I know they elevate the level of the quality of any communication piece.
How closely were you involved in the design process?
Pretty close. The designer develops initial roughs, then I put information in front of political strategists who knew for example, to use a dark background and that white type pops off of that surrounding better.
What insight have you gained on the role of design in politics?
A good design can really stand out in the clutter of lawn signs and Halloween decorations.
I took note when parents kept telling me that their kids were noticing my signs. One little boy, seven years old, was counting them on the way to soccer practice. At that point, I’m not sure if I had more signs or not, but his impression was that I must be pretty popular. I think the red stars/strong design spoke to him.
Then a little four-year-old girl asked her daddy if all of these people had been shopping at Macy’s? She’s my kind of girl!
I do believe if the kids are having that kind of reaction of noticing these well designed lawn signs, I’m sure it is having the same impact on adults.