Black Designers, Ignite! 2020 showcase

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We’re launching a virtual portfolio event where 30 black designers showcase their work, ignite style. 20 slides, 15 seconds each, 5 minutes top. The real perk? 100% of ticket sales go to the speakers! And you just may find your next hire, it’s a win-win.

For those of you asking, “Where are all the black designers?” this event is for you. If your network lacks diversity you will never live up to your commitments to hire more diverse talent or even attract BIPOC designers. That’s why we’re hosting this virtual ignite talk for black designers in America…

Our inaugural event is on August 27th. We’ll be inviting designers all across the US to participate. How it works: Each designer will be showcasing their design work in the infamous “ignite talk” format where they get 20 slides which will automatically progress every 15 seconds. They get 5 minutes exactly, when the last slide runs they’re done.

It’s a nerve-wracking experience and because our organizer has designed 2 ignite talks, she thinks speakers should get paid for their work on this. At each designer showcase 100% of the ticket sales will be split between the 30 selected designers who are presenting.

Our purpose is to celebrate black designers by providing space for them to show off their portfolios while earning in the process. It’s the portfolio review + virtual job interview remix. We believe HR and current hiring processes are outdated. Let’s disrupt the idea that folks have to apply, then be selected for an interview. Let’s show those predominantly white design teams all the talent they’ve been missing out on.

Are you a black designer interested in participating (and getting paid!?)

Email us your submission by August 1st. We’re asking for a quick video about yourself, your work and 3-5 design examples. We’re currently forming a selection panel and will email out submission expectations by July 6th. We’re looking for all types of designers to showcase their work. If you’re currently looking for your next gig, this is unique way to get your name and work out there. Exposure is everything, connect with us today!

When is it?
Thursday, August 27th, 2020

Who’s invited?
Everyone interested in checking out design work / talks from 30 talented designers, especially hiring teams.

How do I get a ticket?
Tickets are now available on Eventbrite. To skip paying the transaction fees you can email bipoc.ignite@gmail.com and our organizer will send you other payment options. First 100 tickets sold receive free event SWAG + a social media shoutout!

Is it virtual?
Yes, we will send out the link the day of the event for security purposes.

What’s the cost?
Early bird tickets are $30, then they go up to $35. This is your way to directly help black designers, by paying for their work.

What if I can’t pay?
We have sponsors donating tickets to those needing assistance in paying the entry fee. Simply email us at bipoc.ignite@gmail.com and we’ll take care of it.

How long is the event?
With 30 speakers at 5 minutes each, breaks for entertainment & refreshments we expect it to be a 3 hour event.

What’s the networking opportunity?
More to come on that. We’re making arrangements to create a space for networking during and after.

I’m a black designer, how do I become a speaker?
Email us and we’ll send you a quick note with requirements: bipoc_ignite@gmail.com. We are asking for a quick video on why you’d like to speak and work examples so we can curate a diverse and interesting lineup.

What is the selection process?
Details are coming together on how we will pick the first 30 design speakers for this event. We’re forming a panel to talk through the event themes and may open some sort of voting system up.

I’m a black design educator and/or design leader can I apply to speak?
Yes. That said, we will be prioritizing black designers actively looking for work, projects or partnership opportunities, especially since the proceeds go to them. Chat with us about being on the selection panel!

Want to be involved?

If you aren’t interested in doing an ignite talk but want to help the organizing team here’s a list of talent and sponsorship we’re looking for..
– A bipoc MC to introduce our speakers (paid stipend)
– 2-3 bipoc entertainers for intermission (paid stipend)
– Bipoc Poster / T-shirt designers (sold exclusively to event attendees)
– Bipoc selection committee (help us select the first 30!)

We need sponsors, too.
– Entertainment sponsor: to pay stipend to MC + entertainers
– Finance sponsor: to help offset cost of free tickets
– Tech sponsor: to help with virtual technologies/costs
– Swag sponsor: to help produce T-shirts for the 30 design speakers
– Design sponsor: to help pay participating poster designers
– Accessibility sponsor: to help pay bipoc ASL translator
– Organizing sponsor: so our unpaid volunteers can split a stipend
– Growth sponsor: helps us invest in growth partnerships

*This event is being organized by an independent WOC (currently unemployed) who will not be taking a cut of the ticket sales. To provide partnership or consultation or to sponsor the event please reach out at the email above. There are several sponsorship options and we’d be grateful for your support!