Playboy, Olympics & Big Brother

Our hearts are full as we enter beyond the halfway point of this camp. I think I can speak on behalf of all the campers that this experience has surprised, challenged and changed our hearts over the past 6 days. Today was no different. After driving downtown again to the Loop, we entered a mall called Block 37 and could not be more clueless what we were doing among Sephora, Anthropologie and Zara. Lo and behold on the third floor was the Chicago Design Museum, a place tucked away that most citygoers wouldn’t have a clue it was there. We were going to change that today.

After meeting some of the staff, we were introduced to the story of this museum and its inaugural exhibition focussing on the history and future of Chicago design. What struck me was how much I did not know was based out of Chicago. The sincerity and passion of each of the pieces was refreshing and seemed distinctive from other design exhibitions I had visited before.

There wasn’t much time to soak in everything and shortly after we were faced with a challenge put on by the museum: 5 teams would be made from all the campers – who can pass out and promote the most tickets and have patrons come into the museum? With only a billboard, some postcards and our personalities, the task was definitely challenging as each team needed to assess which locations were best to draw people in. In the end, the humanity of the Chicago design community proved itself again, as we realized that ultimately, this was about sharing passion of this museum to the general public. I think its safe to say we left behind a feeling of encouragement and confidence for the museum moving forward.

Our afternoon led us to Humboldt Park and the Chicago Dyke March, a place to celebrate not only the completion of our campaign for the TLC but to also celebrate with the rest of the LGBTQ community. After revealing our materials to the client; they couldn’t be more satisfied and challenged us again to go out amongst the march and hand out brochures. Admittedly, this was much easier than trying to pass out tickets to the ChiDM as people were warm and receptive. What a relief to see how design can directly affect a person’s life. Rarely can any designer in less than a week see a project move from start to finish and even have some time to give the product to the intended audience.

Naps naps naps on the grass ensued shortly after this.

Finally, our day concluded with a night on the town to iO,  one of the most famous improv comedy clubs in the city. Laughter, beers and some unfunny performers brought us to the end of a fulfilling Saturday.

With a full heart,

Jeremy