Power within: Reflection & self-care a vessel for bold art (+ Happy Hour)

Kick off DC Design Week 2022 with DC native Justine Swindell — illustrator, muralist, survivor, public health advocate, and mother — as she discusses how the intersection of well-being, our personal stories, and design can better connect us to our artistic approach and audience. Justine’s journey recovering from heart surgery and her pursuit of wellness has helped her find her own voice as an artist and designer.

After starting her career in commercial post-production and graphic design, Justine’s formative experiences inspired her to obtain an M.A. in Sociology and dedicate more than ten years to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations

Justine pours her life experience and training into her illustrations, paintings, and public art projects, fusing gritty nostalgia with pop art to creator her bold, minimalistic style. Creating her lane as an artist, she helps people, brands, and authors—especially those who are underrepresented—tell their stories with authenticity and pride.

After the Q&A with Justine, stick around for a raffle of one of her framed illustrations, eat and drink with your fellow creatives, and celebrate the start to DC Design Week.

This opening party was made possible by our sponsors Taoti Creative and Optoro.

In-person safety guidance

We recommend that everyone wear a mask when they aren’t eating or drinking.

COVID-19 is hard to predict: What happens if in-person events need to be canceled?

When possible, in-person events will be moved to Zoom and a refund should not be expected. If an event is canceled in its entirety, a refund will be issued. In either scenario you will be notified immediately.

How to prepare

  • Enter the building and look for the Washington Center Offices. Check in with security and take the elevator to the 12th floor.

Accessibility and accommodations

  • A sign language interpreter will not be present unless requested. If requested, we will do our best to employ a sign language interpreter for the event.
  • This venue is ADA accessible.
  • This venue is located near the Metro Center (take the 11th and G exit, which will take you straight into the building) and Chinatown (exit to 9th and G, walk two blocks down G St. and turn right on 11th) Metro stations.

If you need any additional accommodations, please contact us using a method that works best for you:

We honor your privacy. No identifying information like your name is required to request an accommodation, and all details will be deleted once completed.

You can learn more about how we’re making DC Design Week an accessible experience by visiting our accessibility statement.

Code of conduct

All AIGA DC events adhere to our Code of Conduct.

About DC Design Week

Built and run by 100% volunteer power, DC Design Week is an annual celebration of our community — hosted by AIGA DC. Ten percent of all revenue from DCDW events and all profit this year go toward the Design Continuum Fund (DCF) scholarship fund. We believe in fostering the next generation of designers by helping local, design-minded and underrepresented students as they pursue their education. Interested in becoming a member? To gain early access to our most exclusive events and year-long discounts, sign up to become a member today!

When & Where
Fri, Oct 14, 2022 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT
Optoro
1001 G Street Northwest
12th Floor
Washington, DC 20001