19 July, 2008. Communications is, to some extent, the organizational “voice” of the Missouri Art Education Association. After much deliberation, we have discussed the purpose and intention of Communications within MAEA:
- The role of Communications is that of creating resources and tools for MAEA members to use in communicating core messages, advocacy, public service and service learning, and public image.
- These tools include, but are not limited to, publications, posters, presentations, and videos – in effect, all “tools” of communication for the organization.
- Resources and tools will be published and available to members in a digital format to allow (a) flexibility, (b) editable/customizable resources, and (c) ease in sharing and distribution.
To pilot the Communications initiative, we are looking at creating an MAEA “talking points” resource. This resource would be produced in various formats. For instance, versions might be generated as a tri-fold brochure, a bookmark, a poster, and a PowerPoint presentation. The idea would be to create a member resource that could function in a variety of situations and environments.
During the July Council Meeting at Tan-Tar-A, it became apparent that a great many resources might be requested and that the Communications role might easily take on a life of its own. To keep the creation of such member resources manageable, it is recommended that two things take place:
- Initially, the organization should identify key areas of communication needs. For instance, arts advocacy or professional development come immediately to mind. Once identified, we can prioritize our communication needs to specific tools.
- Before any resources are created, I recommend that we generate a “graphic standard.” Many organizations and corporations publish a “graphic standards manual,” which is an agreed upon set of standards by which members will abide in the creation of visual communications. These agreed upon standards define how a brochure or poster (or whatever) will look and defines what visual approaches may not be used. Such a standard creates a unified look and visual “voice.”
I encourage anyone with ideas for resources that MAEA should consider developing to contact me so that I can assemble a list of possible tools. Suggestions that came out of the July Council Meeting included such things as:
- “School Murals of Missouri” brochure or poster
- “School Art Shows” resource
- T-shirts
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1 October, 2008. As reported in July, Communications has two immediate initiatives that have been undertaken:
• To identify key areas of communication needs for the organization, and
• To develop a “graphic standard” – i.e., a unified graphic design “look” for MAEA materials.
The July report requested input from members in the form of suggestions for specific materials to be developed. At the July meeting, one specific communication tool was identified for development, downloadable and printable materials in support of arts advocacy and professional development. Other, more general ideas from that meeting have been tagged for possible future development. However, since the July meeting, no other suggestions have been submitted for consideration. Once a graphic standard has been finalized, Communications will begin the development of arts advocacy materials.
To that end, designs for the graphic standard are currently under development by Communications; design suggestions will be forwarded to members of the Council for consideration and review later this Fall.
Once again, I encourage anyone with ideas for communication resources that MAEA should consider developing to contact me at manderso@nkcsd.k12.mo.us
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14 January, 2009. Communications has initiated a dialogue with design industry professionals to discuss and brainstorm ideas for the development of a concise, functional graphic standard. The purpose behind the development of this “standard” is to ensure that MAEA has a system in place for consistent communication of visual identity and strategic reinforcement of the MAEA message.
Various systematic approaches to graphic design were examined, developed, and refined for testing against a variety of publication and communication exemplars. A single visual “style” was arrived at and the initial draft of the MAEA Graphic Standards has been formulated. This document outlines a design approach that recommends such things as:
- Color standards and harmonies
- Major and minor typographic systems
- Approaches to layout
The intent behind this document is not to create a rigid, conformist “recipe” for the creation of MAEA vehicles of communication. Rather, the purpose is to provide purposeful direction to ensure that documents, while dynamic in nature, maintain a degree of integrity crucial to the consistent and ready identification of MAEA materials and messaging.
Once approved, the MAEA Graphic Standard will be posted to our website in .pdf format for easy access by MAEA members. At that time, Communications will also begin the process of developing a downloadable prototype brochure that could be easily updated and modified for specific usage. The content of this initial protoype has not yet been settled upon, however several have suggested the development of an “advocasy” communique.
Currently, the graphic standard has defined, in general terms, graphic approaches for brochures, advertisements, and apparel. As needs arise, the standard will be supplemented to reflect our growing additional needs. Suggestions from members are encouraged.
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25 March, 2009. With input from members of the council, Communications has developed an initial draft of a graphic standard for our organization. The purpose behind the development of this “standard” is to ensure that MAEA has a system in place for consistent communication of visual identity and strategic reinforcement of the MAEA message.
The initial draft has been submitted for Council review and approval.
Once approved, the MAEA Graphic Standard will be posted to our website in .pdf format for easy access by MAEA members.
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1 August, 2009. There has been no change in Communications since the March report. As previously noted, Communications has developed an initial draft of a graphic standard for the MAEA organization to ensure that MAEA has a system in place for consistent communication of visual identity and strategic reinforcement of the MAEA message.
After having implemented modifications to the content information about the MAEA logo, the initial draft is under review with the Council. Copies of the current draft will be available at the August meeting.
Once approved, the MAEA Graphic Standard will be posted to our website in .pdf format for easy access by MAEA members.
