Join us for the launch of Designing for Local Communities: A guide to freelancing and empowering groups in your neighborhood by Meaghan Barry (CAA MFA 2D Design ‘12) presented in partnership with AIGA Detroit and Design Core Detroit. Barry will be joined in conversation by Chioke McRae, President of AIGA Detroit and Lyla Catellier, Curator of Public Programs at Cranbrook Art Museum. Book signing at 6pm, conversation at 6:30pm.
An essential how-to guide for designers, Designing For Local Communities encourages readers to find their first clients within their local community. By working with small businesses, the designer can build a freelancing portfolio, while simultaneously investing in their neighborhood. Dispelling the myth that you must live in a big city or work for huge brand clients to be considered successful in the design industry, Meaghan Barry celebrates the benefits of working directly with small businesses and non-profits, building value for designers and the businesses on their doorstep.
Meaghan Barry is a graduate of the Cranbrook Academy of Art with an MFA in 2D Design, an Associate Professor of Graphic Design and the Chair of the Department of Art, Art History and Design, she is a Partner and Creative Director at Unsold Studio, an award-winning Detroit-based branding firm. Barry’s creative scholarship focuses on design as an economic driver for communities, with an emphasis on branding for small businesses and nonprofits. Her design work has been recognized by Graphis Design Annual, Indigo Design Awards, Creative Communication Awards and Detroit Commerce Design Awards.
Barry was selected as a “2020 Notable Woman in Design” by Crain’s Detroit Business, a “2019 Oakland County Executive 40 under 40”, and a “UNESCO City of Design Delegate” where she represented the United States at Singapore Design Week 2019. She has presented about her teaching and research at conferences in Canada, Greece, Mexico, Singapore, and throughout the United States. Her writing has appeared in AIGA Eye on Design and Design & Culture.
Chioke McRae is an advertising strategist, educator, creative leader, and community advocate currently serving as the President of AIGA Detroit and an Associate Strategy Director at Zenith Media (Part of Publicis Media). As the first Black president in AIGA Detroit’s history, Chioke is deeply committed to creating space for underrepresented voices in design — championing mentorship, equity, access across the creative community, and building a hub for people who geek out over the idea of just creating.
At Zenith Media, Chioke is part of the Cannes Lion award-winning Rocket account, contributing to the strategy and multicultural media team in driving Rocket to be one of the most culturally relevant brands in the world. In 2024, he was honored with Adcraft Detroit’s Influencer Award for his impact on Detroit’s advertising and marketing landscape. Through his dual roles, he bridges creative disciplines and cultural insight to foster meaningful, inclusive work that resonates with real people.
Free and open to all!
Tagged: 2025, panels, talks
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