Host: Mike Vanderpool
Guest: Valerie Thompson, President of the Toledo Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF)
In this episode of Make It Happen, host Mike Vanderpool chats with Valerie Thompson, an influential figure in Toledo’s design and advertising community. As the president of AAF Toledo, Valerie shares her insights into the world of design, commercial art, and the evolving advertising industry.
The discussion explores:
Design Philosophy: Valerie emphasizes the importance of developing a personal style and balancing client expectations with artistic integrity. She highlights the value of staying true to oneself while navigating the challenges of commercial art.
Education and Mentorship: Drawing from her teaching experience at Owens Community College, Valerie underscores the significance of collaboration and real-world learning. She introduces innovative classroom strategies that simulate client-designer relationships, preparing students for industry realities.
The Role of AAF: Valerie explains AAF’s history, from its roots in combating false advertising to its modern role in fostering community, professional development, and recognition through events like the American Advertising Awards.
Emerging Trends: The conversation touches on AI's growing impact on design, its potential benefits, and the ethical challenges it poses in the creative industry.
Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between creativity and business, the power of networking, and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining authenticity. The episode is an inspiring call to action for designers and advertisers to embrace collaboration and innovation in their craft.
