Ann Willoughby Named a 2014 AIGA Medalist
Kansas City, Mo. (PRWEB) March 03, 2014 -- In recognition of her significant contributions to the design profession and her continuous efforts to promote the value of design to business and society, designer Ann Willoughby, founder and chief creative officer of brand communications and design firm Willoughby Design http://WilloughbyDesign.com will receive a 2014 AIGA Medal, the design industry's highest honor.
Ann will receive the award on April 25 in New York City, at the AIGA Centennial Gala, a special celebration to honor medal recipients and reflect on the accomplishments of the design profession and the influential role design and designers have played in society over the past 100 years.
"Design is influential, and for that very reason we need to make sure that what we design for commerce and society has as much positive impact as possible. It’s up to us to continuously demonstrate the power of thoughtful design to move people from passive to passionate," said Ann Willoughby.
Ann is recognized as one of the top 20 international identity designers in the book “Masters of Design: Logos and Identity” by Sean Adams (2008) as a “pathfinder" in “Women of Design,” a book by Bryony Gomez-Palacio and Armin Vit (2008) and her work also appears in the newest edition of "Designing Brand Identity" by Alina Wheeler (2012). Ann was also named Joyce C. Hall Professor of Design by the Kansas City Art Institute in 2012.
Willoughby Design (est.1978) is another product of Ann's design acumen and her desire to create a vibrant workplace that attracts talented people and inspires them to reach their full potential.
Megan Stephens, Willoughby Design’s president and partner, said Ann’s biggest champions are definitely the WilloBees, aka Willoughby’s team of brand strategists and designers.
“Anyone who wants to understand the depth of Ann’s belief in the influence and value of design needs only to look at the culture of Willoughby Design. We are so fortunate to be able to benefit every day from her ingenuity, creativity and passion for the design profession,” said Megan Stephens.
With Ann’s creative direction, Willoughby Design has designed groundbreaking brand strategies, identities and communications for scores of clients, including national and international organizations such as Kauffman Foundation, the United Nations, Hallmark Cards, Lee Jeans, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Panera Bread as well as Kansas City civic and community organizations and causes such as Visit KC, KC Chamber, Central Exchange’s win|win initiative and many others.
To learn more about this year’s AIGA medalists and view a complete list of past recipients, visit http://aiga.org/medalists.
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About Willoughby Design
Willoughby Design is a strategic brand innovation and design firm that provides focused brand strategy and design for clients such as Kauffman Foundation, the United Nations, Hallmark Cards, Lee Jeans, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Panera Bread. The firm’s inclusive approach to brand design leads to highly relevant branding and brand experiences that delight and inspire the everyday lives of desirable audiences such as women, without excluding those who surround them. Founded in 1978, Willoughby Design is a certified woman-owned business with offices in Kansas City, Mo. and San Francisco. Learn more at http://WilloughbyDesign.com.
About AIGA
AIGA, the professional association for design, advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, inspire designers and the public, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. Learn more at http://aiga.org/about.
Megan Stephens, President and Partner, Willoughby Design, http://willoughbydesign.com, 816-561-4189, [email protected]
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