It would be wrong to say AIGA Cleveland is here to create community amongst designers and design lovers; it already exists. Or more accurately, “they” exist. There are many communities within Cleveland, and its surrounding areas where people share ideas, passions and creativity.

However, as we learned during our first round of community meetings in 2017, there are many that feel disconnected, isolated, discouraged and alone. My fellow board members and I wish to change this.

We will continue to improve our work in celebrating and connecting the brilliant, talented and underrepresented designers and creative professionals living in our city and its neighborhoods.

We want to build upon a culture that encourages someone to reach out and invite another to chat over coffee or share ideas over a beer. We wish for people to inspire each other, collaborate and grow together. One thing is certain: we need each other.

I invite you to join us in helping, encouraging and connecting one another.

Jordan is a graphic designer, illustrator and artist working under the name WONGFACE. He is originally from Pittsburgh and studied at California University of Pennsylvania, receiving a dual bachelors degree in Graphic Design and Marketing. As a member of AIGA Pittsburgh, Jordan served on the chapter’s programming committee before relocating to Cleveland. Since then, he has started his own business, shown artwork throughout the city, worked on CAC SfAPT (Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Support for Artists Planning Team), and assumed the role of design partner at the art organization SPACES. Jordan draws inspiration from his experiences as an Asian American, tongue-in-cheek humor, and imaginative quirkiness.