C’mon, designers, say it with us: “NO.”

Together, we can comb through the black and white and dive deep into the gray areas of this simple, yet somehow scary, little word.

AIGA Alaska invites you to a special shop talk all about when, why, and how to say ‘no.’ Local designers, Michael Ardaiz and Mike Kirkpatrick, will lead the discussion and invite guests to share firsthand experiences about projects that have been given, or rather, should have been given a ‘no.’

Sure, saying ‘no’ can be intimidating, but what’s worse, freeing up time for other projects or dragging out a miserable experience? Oftentimes, saying no up-front is easy:

• If it’s not a good fit, refer to a better-suited colleague.
• When it’s physically impossible, offer an alternative.

Occasionally, things just go off the rails:

• This is now way beyond scope—is the contract clear?
• Boundaries are crossed—is recovery an option?

No matter the circumstances, we can examine when it’s best to say ‘no’ and how to do it with as much grace as the situation allows.

In accordance with AIGA’s code of conduct, this will be a safe, judgment-free environment to explore all aspects of this subject. While lively participation is always encouraged, it’s perfectly acceptable to attend as a wallflower. At the end of the day, everyone should take away a little extra knowledge about why projects sometimes go off the rails and how to say ‘no’ when the time has come—or better yet—how to avoid trouble by saying ‘no’ before work has begun.

Graphics created by James Brown // brownandblue.design

Want to see behind the scenes? Have an idea? Grab a seat and join the conversation.

Topics for monthly meetings include:

• Upcoming events and programs
• Professional development
• Education initiatives
• National trends and more…

The regular monthly AIGA Alaska board meetings are always open for anyone to participate. Membership is not required. We are always eager to meet new design community members—whenever and wherever that may be.

ALL creatives are welcome.

Need an outlet to connect, network, talk shop, or commiserate with other designers? Try After Hours by Design, an informal gathering open to everyone involved with the Alaska design community.

Not a member? That’s okay! This is our free monthly meetup for ANYONE to attend and talk design, or design-adjacent topics. Additionally, we welcome any input or ideas to enhance our local programs and community resources.

There’s no agenda but encouraged chat topics may include:

• Peer Review: Advice on portfolios, projects, or other career prospects…
• Resources: Vendor recommendations, education, business development…
• Jobs: Who’s hiring and what’s trending in the workplace…
• Tips & Tricks: Product updates or general nuggets of wisdom…

RSVP is optional but recommended in case of announcements or (on rare occurrences) cancelation via email or the Eventbrite app. Alternatively, find us on Facebook for real-time event updates and general information: https://www.facebook.com/aigaak.

Will this be your first AIGA Alaska event? Get in touch beforehand and we’ll keep an eye out for you—email president@alaska.aiga.org.

ABOUT AIGA ALASKA: AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. Visit alaska.aiga.org.

NOTE: While the event is FREE, attendees are responsible for their tabs.

After Hours by Design artwork designed by Lance Lekander.

Want to see behind the scenes? Have an idea? Grab a seat and join the conversation.

Topics for monthly meetings include:

• Upcoming events and programs
• Professional development
• Education initiatives
• National trends and more…

The regular monthly AIGA Alaska board meetings are always open for anyone to participate. Membership is not required. We are always eager to meet new design community members—whenever and wherever that may be.

ALL creatives are welcome.

Need an outlet to connect, network, talk shop, or commiserate with other designers? Try After Hours by Design, an informal gathering open to everyone involved with the Alaska design community.

Not a member? That’s okay! This is our free monthly meetup for ANYONE to attend and talk design, or design-adjacent topics. Additionally, we welcome any input or ideas to enhance our local programs and community resources.

There’s no agenda but encouraged chat topics may include:

• Peer Review: Advice on portfolios, projects, or other career prospects…
• Resources: Vendor recommendations, education, business development…
• Jobs: Who’s hiring and what’s trending in the workplace…
• Tips & Tricks: Product updates or general nuggets of wisdom…

RSVP is optional but recommended in case of announcements or (on rare occurrences) cancelation via email or the Eventbrite app. Alternatively, find us on Facebook for real-time event updates and general information: https://www.facebook.com/aigaak.

Will this be your first AIGA Alaska event? Get in touch beforehand and we’ll keep an eye out for you—email president@alaska.aiga.org.

ABOUT AIGA ALASKA: AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. Visit alaska.aiga.org.

NOTE: While the event is FREE, attendees are responsible for their tabs.

After Hours by Design artwork designed by Lance Lekander.

Want to see behind the scenes? Have an idea? Grab a seat and join the conversation.

Topics for monthly meetings include:

• Upcoming events and programs
• Professional development
• Education initiatives
• National trends and more…

The regular monthly AIGA Alaska board meetings are always open for anyone to participate. Membership is not required. We are always eager to meet new design community members—whenever and wherever that may be.

ALL creatives are welcome.

Need an outlet to connect, network, talk shop, or commiserate with other designers? Try After Hours by Design, an informal gathering open to everyone involved with the Alaska design community.

Not a member? That’s okay! This is our free monthly meetup for ANYONE to attend and talk design, or design-adjacent topics. Additionally, we welcome any input or ideas to enhance our local programs and community resources.

There’s no agenda but encouraged chat topics may include:

• Peer Review: Advice on portfolios, projects, or other career prospects…
• Resources: Vendor recommendations, education, business development…
• Jobs: Who’s hiring and what’s trending in the workplace…
• Tips & Tricks: Product updates or general nuggets of wisdom…

RSVP is optional but recommended in case of announcements or (on rare occurrences) cancelation via email or the Eventbrite app. Alternatively, find us on Facebook for real-time event updates and general information: https://www.facebook.com/aigaak.

Will this be your first AIGA Alaska event? Get in touch beforehand and we’ll keep an eye out for you—email president@alaska.aiga.org.

ABOUT AIGA ALASKA: AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. Visit alaska.aiga.org.

NOTE: While the event is FREE, attendees are responsible for their tabs.

After Hours by Design artwork designed by Lance Lekander.

Want to see behind the scenes? Have an idea? Grab a seat and join the conversation.

Topics for monthly meetings include:

• Upcoming events and programs
• Professional development
• Education initiatives
• National trends and more…

The regular monthly AIGA Alaska board meetings are always open for anyone to participate. Membership is not required. We are always eager to meet new design community members—whenever and wherever that may be.

ALL creatives are welcome.

Need an outlet to connect, network, talk shop, or commiserate with other designers? Try After Hours by Design, an informal gathering open to everyone involved with the Alaska design community.

Not a member? That’s okay! This is our free monthly meetup for ANYONE to attend and talk design, or design-adjacent topics. Additionally, we welcome any input or ideas to enhance our local programs and community resources.

There’s no agenda but encouraged chat topics may include:

• Peer Review: Advice on portfolios, projects, or other career prospects…
• Resources: Vendor recommendations, education, business development…
• Jobs: Who’s hiring and what’s trending in the workplace…
• Tips & Tricks: Product updates or general nuggets of wisdom…

RSVP is optional but recommended in case of announcements or (on rare occurrences) cancelation via email or the Eventbrite app. Alternatively, find us on Facebook for real-time event updates and general information: https://www.facebook.com/aigaak.

Will this be your first AIGA Alaska event? Get in touch beforehand and we’ll keep an eye out for you—email president@alaska.aiga.org.

ABOUT AIGA ALASKA: AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. Visit alaska.aiga.org.

NOTE: While the event is FREE, attendees are responsible for their tabs.

After Hours by Design artwork designed by Lance Lekander.