LAUNCH! (formerly POGO), is a two-day GDC/BC initiative aiming to help new and budding designers launch toward a successful design career. This event provides an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to learn new skills, connect with peers, receive guidance navigating their career path and inspire creative thinking.
The two-day event includes a tour of three design studios plus a tour of a local print shop, followed by an evening networking social, education fair, projects review and workshops.
STUDIO TOURS
Friday, Oct 12, 2018 - 1:00pm to 5:30pm (Registration opens at 12:30pm - Eventbase Technology - 1280 Homer Street. Please be there no later than 12:40pm to sign in, tour starts promptly at 1pm) - Transportation will be provided from the first studio. Final stop is at dublhin gate at 1601 Main street for the Network Social.
Studio tours: (We'll meet at 1280 Homer Street, Vancouver at 12:30pm)
$25 GDC (student) Members
$45 Non-Members
NETWORK SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 12, 2018 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Dubh Linn Gate (1601 Main Street, Vancouver)
FREE (All designers are welcomed)
**Free and open to all designers and anyone in the creative industry. We are looking forward meeting you!
DESIGN EDUCATION FAIR
Interested in pursuing a creative career? Want to learn about design programs in BC? Twelve design schools in Greater Vancouver will provide information required to pursue an education and ultimately a career in the world of design.
Location: Langara College (T building - Science and Technology - Second Floor Galleria)
Saturday, Oct 13, 2018 - 10am to 1pm
Open to Public: FREE
*Register for a chance to win a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud!
Schools:
- BCIT
- Brainstation
- Capilano University
- Kwantlen University
- Langara College
- La Salle College
- Red Academy
- VanArts
- Vancouver Community College
- Vancouver Film School
- Vancouver Island University
- University of Fraser Valley
PROJECTS + PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
Saturday, Oct 13, 2018 - 9:30am to 12:30pm (Registration opens at 9am - Langara T building - Second Floor Galleria)
The GDC/BC Launch! project (and/or portfolio) review is open to recent graduates aspiring to enter into a career in communication design and to students currently enrolled in a design program. These young designers get the opportunity to show their portfolio or work in progress to several industry professionals to obtain insightful and constructive advice about their current portfolios. This is a great opportunity to practice 'real-world' interview skills and receive honest feedback in a non-competitive environment. This is also a great opportunity to network with the who's who in the Vancouver design community.
$15 GDC (student) Members
$35 Non-Members
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Saturday, Oct 13, 2018 - 1:30pm to 4:30pm (Registration opens at 1:00pm - Langara T building - - Second Floor Galleria)
Workshop 1
Designing for clients: Communication & Management
Dealing with clients and managing their expectations can be the most frustrating part of design projects. Learn how to balance yourself between meeting the project goals and making your client happy.
Workshop 2
Brand, Market and Network
Learn the essentials of how to brand and market yourself, covering everything from differentiating yourself to expanding your network, locally or globally. Workshop delivered by Rick Sloboda, who founded Webcopy+ in 2006, has 22,000 followers on LinkedIn, and works with agencies and businesses around the globe.
$15 GDC (student) Members
$25 Non-Members
SCHEDULE
Friday, Oct 12, 2018
Studio Tours:
12:30 - 1:00 Registration
1:00 - 5:15 Studio Tours
5:30 Network Social
Saturday Oct 13, 2018
Design Education Fair
10:00 - 1:00 Open to Public
Projects Review:
9:00 - 9:30 Registration
9:30 - 12:30 Projects Review
Creative Workshops:
1:30 - 2:00 Registration
2:00 - 3:00 Workshop 1
3:00 - 3:15 Coffee break
3:15 - 4:15 Workshop 2
4::15 - 4:30 Mingle
Get your ticket now!
Call for Senior Members:Agency managers, copywriters, art directors, UX / UI professionals, senior designers, photographers, and creative wunderkinds - the GDC BC needs you! Please RSVP here!
Volunteer your time as a portfolio reviewer and give practical advice to those who want to break into the industryWho knows? You just might meet your next employee! To volunteer, contact volunteer.bc@gdc.net
Not a GDC member? Now is the time to consider. Members save money on registration for all GDC events, including LAUNCH and Practivism (coming November 2018). To find out more about membership, visit https://www.gdc.net/membershipor talk to the GDC BC Membership Chair at membership.bc@gdc.net.
