The AIGA Memphis March Community meeting, hosted at CoWork Memphis on Cooper, shined a spotlight on design for activism. Guest speaker Mark Ravi, a local designer whose work is ubiquitous in the community, spoke about how to support and encourage activism through art.

Mark’s work, ranging from posters to logo design, is a rare example of outstanding design in the activist realm. Working primarily with the Coalition of Concerned Citizens, which is made up of dozens of progressive organizations, Mark has been involved in shut-downs, “die-ins,” and local development projects such as the restoration of the Mid-South Coliseum.

One of Mark’s most important projects is the branding and collateral materials he has developed for Liseux, an annual benefit that supports the victims of human trafficking. Attendees were quick to ask how one can keep a regular 9-to-5 while also being involved in high-level community organizing—to which Mark recommended a rigid 6-hour sleep cycle.

Chapter President Nicole Lewandowski also updated attendees on local job openings, upcoming events, and asked everyone to share their favorite place in Memphis—with answers ranging from local watering holes to Memphis’ world-class green spaces.

AIGA Memphis community meetings are a free event taking place on the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting is on April 12th.