Tamaya, New Mexico was a beautiful and inspiring spot for the 2022 UCDA Design Conference. There were amazing speakers, fantastic food, fun buttons, and most importantly, connections made. We asked five attendees about their experience. If you missed it, we hope to see you in Atlanta in 2023!
Muriel Schrepfer, Graphic Designer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
UCDA Member since 2022
What was your favorite thing at the conference and why?
I loved volunteering. It got me out of my comfort zone a bit and helped me meet new people I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. Volunteering was a great opportunity to get my feet wet in this conference! (That's probably not what this question was asking, but that's all I could think of! Sorry!)
What was the best tip or takeaway you got from the conference?
I loved Nikki's talk on the creative’s survival guide. One thing I'm trying to implement is slaying your dragons before breakfast, which means tackling your hardest or least exciting projects first, so you have room to be creative after the mundane projects are out of the way.
Tell me about a connection you made at the conference.
It was so nice to make connections from across the country with people who do what I do! I was able to meet other designers from Arkansas which was really neat. I look forward to getting to know some of these people throughout the next year and hopefully at next year's conference.
What was your favorite thing you brought home with you?
I brought home a sense of refreshment, excitement, and new ideas. My name tag with all of the buttons and ribbons on it is hanging in my office to help remind me what we talked about and the stories we heard. It is its own story about my first UCDA Design Conference and I love the story it tells!
Photo by Muriel Schrepfer
Gary Garbett, Senior Communications Lead, Virginia Commonwealth University,
UCDA Member since 2022
Who was your favorite speaker at the conference?
Wow… that’s a tough one. There were so many great speakers relevant to the theme of storytelling.
The one that stands out the most would be Brandi Sea Heft-Kniffin. As the closing speaker, she brought to light the depth of the creative experience and the challenges that sometimes come with being a creative. She was brilliant and inspiring and opened my eyes to better practices that ultimately promise to improve my process, creative originality, and confidence.
Photo by Gary Garbett
What piece from the show did you love and why?
The presentation of the submissions was incredibly awe-inspiring. It truly was. But when the “gallery” of the award winners was opened up and you could walk among the displays of actual pieces… that was a creative nerd game changer. In a word: Stunning!
What was the best tip or takeaway you got from the conference?
Attend and get involved.
Attending the UCDA Design Conference was such an inspiring opportunity. As a one-man design and communications shop for the university’s technology division, attending the UCDA conference connected me with creative peers. As a newbie UCDA member, everyone was initially a stranger, however, the shared engagements, conversations, and laughter were uniquely honest and genuine.
What was your favorite thing you brought home with you?
Dang! Where do I begin? The pinback buttons are stellar. They are such a happy design throwback reminder of my leather jacket adorned with rock buttons on the lapel during my freshman art school days.
Other faves are the numerous fab auction items I was fortunate to win. Plus, I’m happy to support the UCDA Foundation with those funds.
And lastly… so many incredible and inspiring memories.
Erin Thompson, Production Artist, Clemson University
UCDA Member since 2022
Who was your favorite speaker at the conference?
My favorite speaker at the conference was Dr. Chip Thomas. Not only did Dr. Thomas have beautiful stories to tell about his own life but hearing his passion for others to feel seen through the telling of their stories was very inspiring. Something that really resonated with me was when Dr. Thomas talked about questioning if his work was part of his own story or rather the stories of those portrayed being told. I feel like this perspective can be translated to how we view storytelling at the higher-ed level; how can we represent individuals in a way that is not only visually interesting but also elicits emotion and makes them feel seen?
What was the best tip or takeaway you got from the conference?
The best trip takeaway I got was being able to spend time with my team and others who understand what it’s like to be in a creative position in higher-ed. Hearing people talk about their experiences on projects specific to their school created a sense of connection even with people I had never met!
What was your favorite thing you brought home with you?
My favorite thing I brought home with me are prints from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe!
What was your favorite picture you took at the conference and please share!
This photo from the opening reception at the Tamaya Resort is probably my favorite photo if I have to choose one! I’m still not over the stunning landscape of New Mexico!
Photo by Erin Thompson
Wendy Sheaffer, Senior Director of Creative Services, Elizabethtown College
UCDA Member since 2011
What was the best tip or takeaway you got from the conference?
This conference reminded me inspiration is everywhere. As creatives, our brains are wired to look for “uncommon inspiration” in everything we do, and everything we see. I also left with a true sense of community and belonging… it was sad parting ways! The professional connections and personal friendships formed through UCDA are unlike any I’ve experienced at other industry conferences.
Tell me about a connection you made at the conference.
I made a conscious effort to meet new people this year—many of whom I had recognized in passing but never actually spoke to. I had wonderful conversations and meals with Angela Barian and Danielle Lamberson Philipp from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also with Jasmine Terrell from UNC Charlotte, and Vanessa Harris from Meredith College. We shared meals but also exchanged ideas, advice, encouragement, and many laughs!
What was your favorite thing you brought home with you?
I brought home some great memories. But as far as a tangible item, I’m pretty proud of the Linocut Landscape print which I made during a pre-conference workshop. It was great to get our hands dirty and learn carving techniques from New Mexico artist Celine Gordon.
What was your favorite picture you took at the conference and please share!
While walking through the Stables at Tamaya, I captured this photo of two rescue horses and the Sandia Mountain landscape.
Photo by Wendy Sheaffer
Jon Sanchez, University Marketing Representative, The University of New Mexico
UCDA Member since 2022
Who was your favorite speaker at the conference?
My favorite speaker was Ted Slampyak Kinyak. As an illustrator myself, I have a huge amount of respect for Ted and his artwork. I appreciated how, through illustrations and storyboards, he explained methods to tell a compelling story from beginning to end. The presentation was captivating, and I was instantly inspired to take these storytelling strategies and apply them to the illustrations and designs I create for our university.
What was your favorite thing you brought home with you?
I really enjoyed the buttons at the registration booth. The versatility in the designs each told a unique story, with some fun nods to the Southwest and beautiful representation of New Mexican culture and traditions.
What was your favorite spot to visit in New Mexico and why?
I was born and raised here, so I have many favorite spots and was happy to recommend some of those to attendees. Whether it was Meow Wolf in Santa Fe or the Frida Kahlo Exhibit in Albuquerque’s Old Town, I really enjoyed talking with attendees about the “New Mexico Adventures” they went on during their free time. I even recommended some great restaurants and was delighted to hear their positive review the following day.
What was your favorite picture you took at the conference?
My favorite picture I took was a selfie of myself and my colleagues on stage at the UCDA Awards Show and Lunch. It was such a proud moment for us, and we were honored to accept such celebrated awards while representing our home state in the process. I feel this photo encapsulates not only that candid moment but our overall positive experience at the conference.
Photo by Jon Sanchez
Christine Prado is a senior art director at Clemson University and finishing up her term as the UCDA president this year.