How do I find a pro bono graphic designer for my NYC-based literary arts nonprofit?

August 24, 2010 2:56 PM

How do I find a pro bono graphic designer for my NYC-based literary arts nonprofit? (Or for that matter: Audio/visual/film help? IT help? Information Architecture help?)

I know that Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts hooks up nonprofits with lawyers and I'm wondering if there's a similar service, say through AIGA or another group that would provide graphic designers. I'm looking for:

(1) someone to help redesign our website (we have a creative brief, programmer, wireframes);
(2) help us with branding and identity (again, we have a written brief produced with Taproot); and
(3) an ongoing designer who can help with calendars, invitations, etc.

We need someone who knows what they're doing--not some undergraduate who downloaded photoshop off bittorrent yesterday. Particularly, we need someone who can understand our brand--which is more pop cultural than stuffy, and irreverent, quirky, curated, warm, sophisticated. I know the obvious solutions (e.g., ask your friends/board, go to design schools), but I wanted to see if anyone on MeFi had a connection or knew of a formal service for this.

While I'm here -- we're also looking for a videographer, film editor or general AV person. We're based in NY and don't have much of a budget. We can offer community and some connection with the literary life of NY in return.

posted by kensanway to work & money (6 answers total)

I think you might be on the right track with AIGA. Maybe the local chapter can help you connect with someone.
posted by Fleebnork at 3:06 PM on August 24, 2010

I just sent you a message through MefiMail.
posted by Slothrop at 4:01 PM on August 24, 2010

You could contact EPIC in Chicago and see if they know of a similar organization in NYC.
posted by jeanmari at 5:57 PM on August 24, 2010

Not exactly what you're asking, but I'm an NYC graphic designer in between jobs looking to beef up my portfolio. I'd be interested depending on the details, hit me up with a PM/e-mail if you're interested and want to see my portfolio.
posted by gregoryg at 7:17 PM on August 24, 2010

You could post help wanted ads on MeFi Jobs.
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:07 PM on August 24, 2010

You can try the following for IA grops that have job postings:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10157430556&ref=notif&notif_t=group_name_change (this is a FB group for the Usability Professionals Association. Do a search for UPA if the link doesn't work outside of FB)

UPA also has a job bank on its website, but it costs $100 a posting.
http://usabilityprofessionals.org/usability_resources/jobs/index.html

LinkedIn IA group:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=80164

LinkedIn Information Architecture Institute (really professional network)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestions=&gid=50747&forumID=5&sik=1282755708742
posted by Librarygeek at 10:02 AM on August 25, 2010