Fresh Talent took place on April 9 at Loyola University’s Rubloff Auditorium. The event showcased three young designers in celebration of their place within Chicago’s design history: Sue Daly of the Renegade Craft Fair, Dawn Hancock of Firebelly Design, and Alisa Wolfson from Leo Burnett. Rick Valicenti was the moderator.

The evening began with a few words from Susan Jackson Keig, who embodies Chicago’s rich design heritage. She shared memories of when she first came to town back in 1945 when the Bauhaus was cutting-edge. Ms. Keig, who will be 90 this year, is best known for her work on behalf of the Shakers. She still practices today, designing publications, exhibits and even medals for world leaders. She received a standing ovation upon her closing words, “Once they find out what you can do, they can’t do without you.”

The first presenter, Sue Daly, began the Renegade Craft Fair in 2001. What was assumed to be a one-time event in Wicker Park has grown to an indie tradition in Chicago, Brooklyn and San Francisco. The vendors who sell at Renegade offer unique, hand-made items, which combine traditional methods, such as knitting, sewing and woodworking, with an urban, edgy aesthetic.

Dawn Hancock, Principal of Firebelly Design, put her vision of socially conscious graphic design into motion 10 years ago. “Good design for good reason” is their motto.

In addition to seeking out clients who wish to “do good,” Firebelly sponsors a design and marketing grant for a qualifying non-profit every year. Most recently, Firebelly has launched Reason to Give, a program whose donations go directly to the service of underprivileged residents of Humboldt Park.

Although it has become mainstream for agencies to donate work, the idea of giving has been core to Dawn Hancock’s vision from the start. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years and all I ever wanted was for people to get it. And now I think they finally do.”

The third and final speaker was Alisa Wolfson who has worked for VSA Partners as a Senior Designer and at Interface as a Design Director. She currently works Leo Burnett and is the Creative Director of Lampo, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of experimental music. Alisa shared some of her favorite portfolio pieces and took the audience through her personal journey in aesthetic understanding.

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