The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) recently announced Nashville as its newest chapter. With more than 2,150 members across 35 countries, SEGD will now offer Nashville members access to professional development tools, networking opportunities, and a host of resources including podcasts, educational videos, marketing support, and research.
Led by founding co-chairs, Laura McCoy and Jeff Peden, and comprised of professionals who plan, design, and build visual communication experiences, SEGD will provide a local presence for designers and makers in Nashville’s burgeoning artistic and technical communities.
SEGD embraces not only the traditional elements of environmental graphic design—signage and wayfinding, public information design, exhibition and interpretive design, and placemaking/identity design—but also user experiences that combine media and digital technology to connect people to place.
“We are excited to launch this new chapter in our city. As digital technology blurs the lines between physical and virtual experiences, the role and impact of experiential design in our world continues to grow. The networking opportunities and tools that SEGD provides will support professionals as they continue to navigate this role and find new opportunities,” says Peden, Director at Anode, Inc, whose work includes branding, interactive exhibits, and digital visitor experiences for corporate and public clients nationwide.
“As Nashville continues to grow, experiential graphic designers are finding more opportunities to enrich and create compelling spaces that enhance the user experience,” adds McCoy, managing partner of TollesonMcCoy, a team of designers who specialize in the design of wayfinding and signage systems and branded environments.
McCoy and Peden see the new Nashville Chapter as an opportunity to increase awareness of the possibilities of experiential design, to bring awareness to Nashville’s local talent in these fields and to support and connect the local design, fabrication, and technology communities.
“We continue to find that architects, designers, developers, building owners and project leaders do not realize the depth and breadth of the talent in Nashville. Establishing a local chapter of SEGD is the first step toward raising awareness for the creativity and innovation right here in our great city,” says McCoy.
The first chapter event was held in March in conjunction with an SEGD board meeting. Future Nashville chapter events will include studio tours, educational panels, and networking events.
Additional information may be found at https://segd.org/nashville.
