Portfolio shows. They are the debutante’s ball of the design world. It’s the nerve-wracking rite of passage we all go through to demonstrate to the world that we’re ready to leave the comforting nest of design school and spread our wings in the marketplace as professionals. But for the founders of Project Khömble – Carmen Garza, Hugo Perez, Lucie Pognonec and Athena Floudas (above, left to right), all students at the Art Institute of Houston – one portfolio show just wasn’t enough. They wanted something more substantial, more focused, and more unique than the show they all received as graduates. So they got busy working on a crazy idea – an independent portfolio show of their own making – and earned some pretty impressive fans along the way.

This independent portfolio show will be held Friday, December 16 from 6–11pm at Houston’s Alley Theatre, free of charge and open to the public. Be sure to check out khomble.com for more information (including the show’s participants and their portfolio sites) and @KhombleProject on Twitter.

Of course, at this point you may be asking, “what the hell is a Khömble?”

Khömble (pronounced KOOM-bull) is a mash-up word invented by the founders to encapsulate the attitude of its participants: “confident but humble.” Proud of their skills and all they’ve accomplished, but grounded enough to know they have a lot to learn. “It was just an idea, in the beginning,” says Athena Floudas. “I wanted us to have something that we could always look back on, memories; [an event] to promote the way we want, to have a fun time and a great show. And at first we weren’t sure, but – now we’re here!”  The ‘here’ is the heart of Houston’s theatre district, the Alley Theatre. An impressive venue, no doubt – one they were able to secure through Ricky Ruiz, a Khömble participant who happens to also work for the Alley. “Khomble turned from an idea into a full-running project once I showed them [the terrace room]  – right away I could see the spark in everyone’s eyes,” said Ricky. From there, the students developed the overall concept, began meeting regularly to hammer out the details, and got busy making sure the entire project had a clean, professional look. Khömble suddenly became kind of a big deal.

The level of promotion in both traditional and social media for Khömble has been impressive, to say the least. Silk-screened posters, leave-behinds, t-shirts and business cards – even the old-school route of actually sending formal invitation letters by mail (remember those?) – compliments an online presence that is professional and approachable. The cost for this campaign came through a combination of donations (printing costs and space) and good old fashioned creative ingenuity. “Just about the only thing we’ve had to pay out of pocket is the postage,” said Lucie Pognonec.

Khömble’s Twitter account has been a means for the group to reach out to and correspond with some notable figures in the design world. “The typeface we’re using for Khömble – Benton Sans – was designed by Cyrus Highsmith, and he sent us a shout-out. He sent us inspirational words of wisdom, his ’10 rules for students and teachers.’ So amazing that he would do that for us,” said Carmen Garza. Erik Spiekermann was also another notable advice-giver via Twitter, and others have contributed advice via uploaded video that will be shown at the exhibition.

17 designers in total answered Khömble’s call for entries, and all 17 were accepted into the exhibition. “Everyone who wanted a spot got one,” said Athena. “The call for entries was our way of making sure everyone who wanted to participate was going to appreciate it; to take it seriously and make the same effort we were. We let everyone know: you have to be motivated.” All 17 are students of the Art Institute of Houston, however, that was more a result of where the project got started. Khömble is not an Ai exclusive event. “To me, the school [that you come from] does not matter; it’s not about the place that you went to. It’s about how much you wanted to be there. For us, the Art Institute was just the place for us all to meet,” said Lucie. Athena would also like it to expand going forward. “I’ve seen the work from the students at UofH and HCC and others, and we would love to have their work in the show in the future,” she said.

It’s tough for these students to look too far past this Friday night. They’re hoping the whole thing goes off without a hitch and that they get the largest turnout they possibly can. But in the long run, they don’t see Khömble ending this week – they’d like for it to grow into an annual or semi-annual event. And though all students participating happen to be from the Art Institute of Houston, they plan to encourage students from the greater Houston area to participate in the future, giving employers a unique opportunity to see some of Houston’s emerging design talent. But the future of Khömble hinges on Friday’s turnout.

Come out this Friday and support Project Khömble. AIGA Houston wishes them all the best of luck, and we would also like to encourage students from other schools around Houston to take the initiative and launch more independent projects of their own – no matter how crazy they might seem at first. It’s these kinds of projects that really help to elevate your student experience – and Houston’s student design community at large – rewarding you with recognition, priceless experience and the forming of friendships that last your entire career.

See you all Friday.

—-

If you are a student or student group member and would like to involve AIGA Houston in an initiative of your own, email education (at) houston.aiga.org.

Name: Tichaporn Namwong
School: The Art Institute of Houston
Degree Plan & Graduating Year: Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design: March 2011

What made you want to study design?
I already have a Master’s Degree in Education (Educational Technology), but I still want to learn, and work in the Graphic Design field. It is my dream job, and it will be my new challenge. When I was in high school, I always took art classes, and I did pretty well. I always kept asking myself, “Do I really have design skills, and do I really want to be a graphic designer?” I do not have much knowledge in this field, but I feel that I can do it. Now I have this opportunity to study abroad. I decided to follow my dream, and prove to myself that I am good enough to be a graphic designer.

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
When I am not at school, I always do my homework. I am not kidding. I am a full time student, and I have 5 classes to study every week. I do not have much time to do anything, but I love it. I try to keep myself busy, and inspired all the time. My job here is to study, and do my best. I love to create and spend time with my projects. However, if I need to rest or relax, I will play on my computer, surf the Internet, watch movies and TV, listen to music, or sleep.

How long have you been an AIGA member and what do you get out of being a member?
I have been an AIGA member for 4 months. My instructor recommended that I be a member. I think I get a lot of benefit from being a member. The first event that participated in was a Portfolio Review at MOPH. It was really good for me, and I got an idea of what I should do to prepare for my portfolio. I hope this event will happen at least twice a year. Moreover, I joined a studio tour, and it was awesome. I have more knowledge and have met more people. It is opening new opportunities for me. I love you AIGA.

What are your top 5 design websites you like to visit?
http://www.aigahouston.org
http://www.deviantart.com
http://www.computerarts.co.uk
http://www.noupe.com
http://www.antsmagazine.com

How would you sum yourself up as a design in 5 words?
I am a perfectionist, hard working, professional, creative, and responsible.

What is your dream job?
Now, that I am confident that I can design, it is time to follow my dream, and make it happen. I have two more quarters to study before I graduate. I hope I can get my dream job, which is as a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. I can work with any company that will give me an opportunity. I hope one day I will be one of the best graphic designers in my country.

What did you do this past summer?
This past summer I went back to Thailand for two weeks, it was such a short time for me. I had not been back to my country in two and half years. I was really happy to be there, to visit my family and friends. In those two weeks, I did many things. For example, I traveled with my friends and family, and I ate many kinds of Thai food. It was a great time, but I had to come back to finish my education for my future.

Where can we find you?
You can find me at The Art Institute of Houston because I always go to school. My website are http://tichaporn.multiply.com, and http://et105.multiply.com.

About Tichaporn Namwong:
I am originally from Thailand, and I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education (Educational Technology). I worked in the education field for 7 years.

I was an instructor (photography, animation, computer, and instructional media) for 3 years. I love design, photography, and video. Everything I do I do the best, and I will not disappoint.

Name: Leah Macey
School: University of Houston
Degree Plan & Graduating Year: BFA in Graphic Communications 2010

What made you want to study design?
Ever since I was a kid, I was constantly drawing and painting, so I’ve always had an affinity for art. As I grew older, I started noticing all the things around me that appealed to me visually that were not only on canvases in galleries, such as advertisements, logos, and packaging. I don’t think I even understood all the things that graphic designers really did until I was a freshman in college, but I’ve been obsessed ever since I figured it out!

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
When I’m not at school, I’m usually at work! When I’m not at work, I’m usually on my computer, surfing the Internet, hanging out with my friends, going to music shows, playing ultimate frisbee, watching netflix, or playing video games.

How long have you been an AIGA member and what do you get out of being a member?
This is my second year as an AIGA member, and I really enjoy being a part of a community where other people love design as much as I do. I appreciate all of the events that they put together for us, and it’s nice getting to socialize and meet with other designers and learn new things at the same time. I also went to the Make/Think conference in Memphis last year with my class, and that was mind-blowingly awesome, full of great information, and I walked away wins tons of “free” loot.

What are your top 5 design websites you like to visit?
www.typographyserved.com
www.designyoutrust.com
www.notcot.org
www.thedieline.com
www.grainedit.com
I am also a fan of stumbling onto random design related web pages.

How would you sum yourself up as a designer in 5 words?
I am observative, detailed, malleable, thoughtful, and careful.

What is your dream job?
I love music, so I think my dream job would be designing posters, cds, and t-shirts for bands that I like. I have a couple of friends that do that sort of thing, so I’m pretty jealous. However, I think the job that I have now is pretty sweet too. I am the new graphic designer at a small firm called Good Project. I love it there, because we have such a diverse clientele, and design for all kinds of businesses from restaurants to real estate companies to schools to law firms and everything in between.

What did you do this past summer?
In July, I went to Hawaii for 12 days to visit my best friend who goes to college there. I have to say, it was the best vacation I’ve ever had! I went hiking in the mountains, hung out on many beautiful beaches, went snorkeling, went camping, and saw lots of waterfalls and rainbows. It was pretty magical.

Where can we find you?
My website is www.anicehello.com
You can also find me on Facebook. I’m on that thing all the time.

What made you want to study design?
I’ve always been sort of a doodler. And a word guy. I love language; hitting upon that perfect word or phrase has always been a source of comfort and satisfaction for me.

I should mention I also really like helping people, and for me, design is one of the most unique and important ways of helping people that I’ve been able to think of, and, lucky me, I get to doodle and think about words when I do it.

What was the best and worst {I just want to forget that happened} experience of being in school?
My favorite awful experience: Toward the end of last semester, I’d been up working on projects for thirty-something hours, the last eighteen hours of which without eating anything at all. Sometime after I’d realized I’d gone so long without food, I got it in my head that breakfast would be beyond awesome—that an egg-based breakfast would be like a reward for a long day and night of solid work. But the only thing within striking distance was a McDonald’s. (Maybe you can see where this is going.) I told myself it would be fine, eggs are eggs, after all. However, it was not fine. What transpires on McDonald’s breakfast menu is a travesty, a crime against breakfast. I don’t know, maybe it was just that one location or something, but the point is, after looking forward to it for so long, after enduring the hunger pangs, that awful breakfast just… it made a bad day so, so much worse.

My favorite awesome experience not nearly as dramatic: there was one particular project—an informational poster—that just came together really well after a lot of difficult and often tedious work. Math was involved, if you can believe that—but it turned out to be a pretty nice piece in the end. I don’t think I could ask for a whole lot more than that, really, as a student or as a professional.

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
I’m either reading or doing music stuff—I’ve taken to re-composing movie themes in Garage Band. My latest is the Terminator theme song. I still design little things here and there for myself and, when I have time, I like to berate myself for not doing more of this.

How long have you been an AIGA Houston member & what do you get out of being an AIGA member?
I’ve been an AIGA member since 2008. It’s allowed me to meet people and go places that I wouldn’t have had a clue about otherwise. Aside from the Make/Think Conference last October, which was amazing, the greatest thing that the Houston chapter has done for me and students like me is to organize the Studio Tour series the last two Spring semesters. It has really helped to put things into context and it has been so great to meet and speak with the professionals that volunteered their time for us. And, I should say, it makes a big difference, going into a portfolio review or interview, if you’ve met the person you’ll be speaking to even just once.

What are you top 5 design website visited?

http://www.siscottstudio.com/
http://www.djeco.com/
www.iamalwayshungry.com
http://www.tiltdesignstudio.com/
http://www.silverpistol.com/

How would you sum yourself up as a designer in 5 words?
excitable, inquisitive, harmonious, distinct, (highly) employable.

What is your dream job?
I dream of designing lots of different things for lots of different people; in my dream, I have lots of time to explore all kinds of options, and clients and coworkers alike love discussing my ideas, even if they don’t altogether agree with them, and by the end of the dream everyone is happy and proud to be associated with the work, and the client and design firm both make lots and lots of money. Also, I can fly.

Where can we find you?
my work is up at www.zkimmel.com
and I blog, very occasionally, at
eventarrowreflection.blogspot.com

Name: Amanda Jill Bragdon
School: Texas A&M University
Year: Class of 2011

What made you want to study design?
That is a good question, and I’m going to be honest… I kind of just fell into design. I started doing photo journalism in high school as a freshman. By junior year, I was photo editor, then yearbook editor my senior year. I had never done any sort of ‘design’ until then really. That year I made a 288 page yearbook and haven’t turned back since. Now, I couldn’t image doing anything else but design.

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
When am I not at school? Only kidding, school takes up a huge chunk of my time (though it should, that’s why I’m here, right?). When I have the occasional free time, I love to read. I read all sort of books; classics, those “girly books”… you know the kind, and of course, design books. I could almost start my own library. I also love to be crafty. For me, design and craftiess go hand-in-hand. I do everything from refurbish old desks, sew pillows, and even the occasional mod-podge creation. When I’m not designing, schooling, photographing, reading, or aiga-ing… I’m sleeping.

How long have you been an AIGA Houston member & what do you get out of being an AIGA member?
I joined AIGA my sophomore year at A&M… So I’ve been a member for 3 years now! Pretty much the only reason I joined was for the AIGA 365 book… ok, ok, that’s a lie. Being an AIGA member has quite a few benefits, yes, including the sweet 365 book, but also the lecture series, networking, and overall experience of joining a student organization that not only enhances your time in college, but your career. I’m all about that multi-tasking!

What the best part about being president of the A&M student group?
Being the president of the A&M student group has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career thus far. I love it. It was also something I just fell into. I not only had the honor of being the president for the ’09-’10 school year, but I also get to take that experience, learn from it, and do it again this year. I am beyond excited to rise to the occasion. Something unique about our AIGA group is that we don’t really have a “design” program here at A&M. AIGA helps extend the options of design related knowledge in our small department. All I can say is this next school year better bring it!

What is one of the greatest moments with your group?
That’s a tough question. There were a lot of great moments for us this past year. One of the most exciting was traveling to ATX to watch the screening of American Artifact and meeting Jay Ryan. Several people in my group had been swooning over Jay Ryan and we actually got to meet him. It was a pretty amazing experience, not only for me, but for my group as well. I just really enjoy seeing someone get excited about design. Knowing that my organization had a tiny part in inspiring someone to design or be a better designer gives me chills. That’s what it’s all about — spreading my passion to other people.

Who are your design heroes or what designers are you following right now?
I am a Massimo Vignelli fan most definitely. After watching Helvetica for the first time I couldn’t help but study up on this fella. He couldn’t have said it better, “The life of a designer is a life of fight: fight against the ugliness.” I also am really into Angela Kohler right now. She did the amazing stop-motion Amazon Kindle commercials. Plus, photography is something that will always hold a special place in my heart! Another amazing designer is Mikey Burton. Holy Cow; I can’t get enough of him. I could go on and on, but I will spare you all.

What inspired your Flux09 entry?
http://flux.aigablueridge.org/judge/gallery09_id.html
Well, when I came on board as president one of the first things I wanted to do was establish our self as a brand. An officer of mine and I sat down one day and just brainstormed how exactly we wanted ourselves to be known. One thing that kept coming up was the fact that we are pretty different than most design groups… and let’s be honest… College Station isn’t really booming with awesome design/designers. We made an identity that could be changed as needed, but still recognizable as our brand. We think it works well!

What would be your dream job or accomplishment if you could do or be anything?
That is another good question, and I honestly don’t know the answer just yet. I think I would love to work in a small studio atmosphere. But then again, I don’t really know until I get out there and try. I’ve always said my dream job would be to work at Starbucks doing design for them. They always have the best marketing/print pieces. Plus, I’m a pretty big coffee drinker. In other words, I’ll let you know when I figure that out!

Where can we find you?
Here is the site. theamandajill.com
Gchat is where it’s at! amandajill11@gmail.com
I’m all over the twitter scene, follow me! It’ll be worth it! twitter.com/theamandajill
Of course I’m on facebook, who isn’t now-a-days? facebook.com/amandajillbragdon

Name: Jessica Tsao
School: University of Houston, Graphic Communications
Year: 2011.

What made you want to study design?
I’ve always been interested in design since I was young. My dad is an architect and my mom teaches Chinese calligraphy, so they were the ones who kind of pushed me into the field. I started out in interior design, then when the program closed down in the School of Art, I was devastated. I initially never considered graphic design, but decided to give it a shot. It was definitely a blessing in disguise because I can’t imagine doing anything else and I really couldn’t be happier in this field.

What was the best and worst experience of the Block program?
Oh man, there are so many good experiences… Pulling all nighters in the studio may sound like a horrible time, but I know that looking back I’m going to see that it was one of my best experiences. My entire class interacts so well together, so even though we’re stressed out and scrambling to get to that deadline, someone will bust out with a joke, turn on some music and all of a sudden it’s a design party. Being chosen to design for the Masters Thesis Exhibition for the Blaffer Gallery was also one of my best experiences. Working with the editors and the gallery staff members made me feel like a real grown up designer and gave me a chance to see how everything works from the initial concept to the final publication. The worst experiences in Block are petty in comparison: being late due to lack of parking, missing laptops and Monday and Wednesday nights.

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
I’m complaining about work and school, playing darts, shooting pool, making dinner while listening to music, forcing movies and documentaries on friends and brainstorming graphic design ideas.

How long have you been an AIGA Houston member & what do you get out of being an AIGA member?
I have been a member for many, many years; since the fall of 2009. I really should have joined earlier, but I liked paying premium prices to get into all the events. Just kidding. Being a member is awesome because you get to attend a variety of great lectures and network with design professionals for a fraction of the price! AIGA Houston really dedicates themselves to finding acclaimed designers to come out and speak to us candidly about their work in the graphic design field. I’m inspired every time I leave. The mixers are great too and they are always at the perfect venues.

Now that you completed the Block program, what is on your to do list as your next big accomplishment?
I will be a senior after this summer, and only after another year can officially say that I’ve completed Block. My current to-do list this summer is to shamelessly market myself in the hopes of catching an internship somewhere where I can work with talented professionals who can help me build my graphic design skills.

How would you sum yourself up as a designer in 5 words?
Sincere, versatile, dedicated, thesaurused those.

What would be your dream job or if you’ve already found it, where will be your new home?
My dream job would be to sit in an office with a huge window and be told to design music packaging, show posters, movie posters, and all aspects of book design; all with no limitations.

Where can we find you?
www.jessicamtsao.blogspot.com, facebook.com/jessicamtsao

Exclusive event series just for our students. Some of Houston’s top design firms are opening their doors for you to come and mingle with design professionals and see how they work. You’ll get a chance to explore their space, learn about what they do and pick their brains a little. There will be a short presentation about the company and a brief Q&A before you break for a tour and socializing, complete with snacks and refreshments.

RSVP here

Presentation starts at 6:15pm

Series Calendar:

May 26 – Pennebaker
June 30 – TBD

Pennebaker
1100 W. 23rd Street Suite 200
Houston, TX 77008

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UNBLOCK

University of Houston
Graphic Communications, Senior Exhibition

BLOCK is the process of taking 21 young, aspiring designers and breaking them down until there’s nothing left but their basic will to succeed. BLOCK is building them back up through an often agonizing process of research, experience, and learning the hard way.

Come find out what UNBLOCK looks like.

Thursday, May 6, 2010, 7-9pm
Professional preview at 6pm

Location:
Winter Street Studios
101 Winter Street, Houston, TX 77007
Get Directions

For more details, visit www.design.uh.edu/shows/2010.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information please contact Erin Woltz, erin.woltz@gmail.com

Exclusive event series just for our students. Some of Houston’s top design firms are opening their doors for you to come and mingle with design professionals and see how they work. You’ll get a chance to explore their space, learn about what they do and pick their brains a little. There will be a short presentation about the company and a brief Q&A before you break for a tour and socializing, complete with snacks and refreshments.

RSVP here

Presentation starts at 6:15pm

Series Calendar:

March 31 – FMG Design
April 28 – Parker:Hayden
May 26 – Pennebaker
June 30 – TBD

Parker:Hayden
2444 Times Blvd. Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77005

Google Map

Name: Rachel Outlaw
School: University of Houston
Year: Class of 2010

What made you want to study design?
My desire to create began when I was growing up; I would paint, draw, and make objects with my dad in his studio. The encouragement to pursue design came naturally when I combined my habitual attention to detail with the joy I received from creating pieces of art and sharing them with others.

When you aren’t at school, what are you doing?
Playing with my two labs, Jake and Scout, listening to music, looking at other graphic designers, researching 1950s Scandinavian home goods, exploring old Houston neighborhoods, planning future art projects, and doing homework.

How long have you been an AIGA Houston member & what do you get out of being an AIGA member?
I have been a member of AIGA since August of 2008; the opportunities the organization gives me have been invaluable as a student. They do so much to bring in intriguing lectures as well as provide support to the student members. After attending the Make|Think Conference in Memphis, I have been even more encouraged and inspired to continue my membership.

What’s your favorite typeface?
That’s tough. Lately, I’ve been obsessing over Avenir and Meta. Both are beautifully crafted typefaces that continue to surprise me with their versatility!

How would you sum yourself up as a designer in 5 words?
Detailed, whimsical, passionate, determined, and articulate.

What would be your dream job or accomplishment if you could do or be anything?
I’d love to be able to combine my love for writing with my passion for design. I think the visual communication that design enables paired with the power of words makes for a compelling team. Ideally, some sort of career in copywriting is interesting to me, but as long as I am still able to continue to make beautiful things, I will be happy.

Where can we find you?
twitter.com/racheloutlaw
facebook.com/rachel.outlaw
racheloutlaw.com (coming soon)