Quite Strong

I Made This For You is an internal declaration that can be translated to the world outside of the artist. Through his use of repetition, Matthew Hoffman’s newest work transforms exuberant designs into quiet meditations of assurance. Working primarily in his wood shop, Hoffman uses his most recent work to form a tide break against [...]

Open Studio! We’d like to open our doors for an open studio night. Every Third Thursday of each month, any and all creatives can come meet us, hang out, chat, work and/or chill in our Wicker Park studio. We have a mini fridge now so, no more warm PBR! Our new address: 1261 N Paulina, [...]

Join us for Kyle Fletcher’s first solo art show! There’s talk of a neon sign, some drawings, a painting, a few prints, and maybe even some limited edition decks of cards. Opening Details: Rules & Regulations Kyle Louis Fletcher Friday March 2nd, 6-9pm Jupiter Outpost 1139 W. Fulton Market

From AIGA Chicago: Join The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League, The STA (society of typographic arts) and AIGA, the professional association for design, for Diaspora, a free exhibition of art, design and music in observance of Black History Month. Featuring the works of: – Antonio Moton (art director – critical mass) 
- Jeff [...]

From STA Chicago: In today’s fast-paced digital world, does typography even matter? Or is it just another thing of the past? Western typography has been around for almost 600 years. As technologies rapidly evolve, what was once available only for type setters and typographers is now available to any 3-year old with an iPad that [...]

Chicago-based designers/print makers Sonnenzimmer and Winterbureau are opening the doors to their shared Roscoe Village studio for a one-day sale on screen printed posters, prints, and original artwork. For one day only, prices will be marked down to help make room for 2012′s new stock. When: February 11, 2012, 10am–5pm Where: 3605 N. Damen, Rear [...]

Artist Veronica Corzo-Duchardt’s Neche Collection is a set of minimal, atmospheric prints and print / photo diptychs that retell the story of her grandfather Neche’s life across an archive of his precious, quotidian possessions: shoe horns, graph paper, toys. After Neche’s death, Veronica inherited items that spoke clearly about his heritage as a Cuban exile [...]

Our friends at Plural have designed Volume Gallery’s first publication—Temperature 2012—a diagnostic of contemporary American design. Released in collaboration with the Museum of Arts and Design. Stop by at the release party at Saturday / January 28 
4:00–7:00 PM At the Andrew Rafacz Gallery 835 W Washington Blvd

Our favorite ladies from across the pond are holding a mini-conference! Emerge is for women who love digital design and technology such as: graphics, web, mobile, apps, UX, UI and gaming. It’s a mostly online conference featuring live workshops and talks by awesome speakers based all over the world leading up to a super special [...]

Quite Strong is curating Support; a fantastic show comprised of Lust Listers and Chicago Artists’ Coalition members. Come for the incredible talent displaying work, as well as the other events of the evening. Support is presented by Twelve Galleries Project Quarterly Site #9 and hosted by CAC’s Hatch Projects. Twelve Galleries Project is helmed by [...]

The 6th Annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market in Chicago will be held December 3 + 4, 2011, from 11am – 6pm, at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse! Always free-to-attend and featuring over 150 of today’s best makers of handmade goods, the cozy holiday shopping spectacular will also feature hands-on crafting activities and food from some [...]

Paul Shaw, a design historian and lettering artist in New York City, teaches at Parsons School of Design and the School of Visual Arts. He will be presenting to AIGA Chicago in the next Designer as Author series. About the talk: The story of signage on the New York City Subway System is both a [...]

Friends of Quite Strong, Cybu Richli and Fabienne Burri, are holding a fantastic poster exhibition. If we were in Switzerland, we’d be there in a heartbeat! Commerce and art—this combination may be disconcerting to some people. The two realms may not seem to be an ideal pair, considering the economic objectives of the former and [...]

The Chicago premiere of Eames: The Architect and the Painter will be at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames were America’s most influential and important industrial designers. Admired for their creations and fascinating as individuals, they have risen to iconic status in American culture. ‘Eames: The Architect & [...]

SEEK is a one-day design conference organized by the students of Northern Illinois University and is now in it’s eleventh year. The event is primarily coordinated by students of the Visual Communication program at NIU. In the past, SEEK has played host to widely recognized designers including Paula Scher, Kyle Cooper, Chip Kidd, Joshua Davis, [...]

Ahhhh… the lovely image of a pinup riding a bicycle! Skirts tend to fly as the pedals spin faster, an experience some of us are all too familiar with. But most pinups are only posing as cyclists. As a new chapter in bicycle pinup history, photographer Kim Capriotti and illustrator Jana Kinsman have taken real [...]

As part of their Design Thinking series, AIGA Chicago is hosting Alice Twemlow at Morningstar in October. Living in New York, Alice is the chair and co-founder of the Design Criticism MFA program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and also a PhD candidate in Design History at the Royal College [...]

How exciting is this? An awesome night of food, drink and our very own Queen of Code, Jennifer Sisson! Here’s the plan for the evening: 6:30pm Gather, meet, chat, and eat food provided by Obtiva 7:00pm Presentation by Jennifer Sisson 8:00pm 15 minute site or code critique 8:30pm Head over to Dylan’s for continued conversation [...]

On October 15th, MAS CONTEXT : ANALOG will gather a group of emerging and established practitioners within the field of design who will discuss their work based on proposed themes. The event will include presentations by photographers, filmmakers, architects, urban designers, graphic designers and industrial designers. Speakers include Lee Bey, David Schalliol, Jessica Rodrigue, John [...]

The Renegade Craft Fair will once again take over Division Street in Wicker Park for the 9th Annual Chicago Fair on September 10 + 11 from 11am–7pm! Always free-to-attend, Chicago’s biggest and best indie-craft event will feature over 300 of today’s brightest makers of handmade goods, live entertainment, hands-on crafting workshops and so much more! [...]

We’re tickled that our favorite collaborative from Austin, TX is making a road-trip up to Chicago! Public School is teaming up with the Post Family for “Homework”. Homework features much of the self-initiated work by the five awesome dudes of Public School. If you’re familiar if any of these guy’s work, you know you’re in [...]

Moving Design, in coordination with Comfort Station and Active Transportation Alliance, and support from 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colón, presents a multidisciplinary gallery exhibition and public engagement campaign on the advancement of bicycle safety. Our Road is the culmination of a six-week call to action from forty-six of Chicago’s most passionate, fearless, and brilliant designers [...]

Rally your nerds for a cause and join The Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge! In 24 hours, and with the help of 8–10 other volunteers, you’ll provide professional web development services to a local non-profit in need. More information →

Quite Strong is having a doodle night! Come by for a night of drinking and drawing with rad people. All mediums and skill levels welcome. We’ll supply some newly donated drawing utensils and we have some printer paper, but for the most part, bring your favorite tools! We’ll have PBR for doodlers but you’re also [...]

TechWeek Chicago is a 4-day event where tech companies and early-stage startups will exhibit their latest innovations. Speakers will present on topics that range from inspiration and entrepreneurship to taking action locally. Be sure to check out the events that were designed for women in tech: SPARK is putting on a half day conference and workshop [...]

AIGA Chicago Small Talks are designed to be intimately scaled events that offer attendees the opportunity to learn about business practices, view work and experience environments to local studios and firms first-hand. This time around they are featuring one of our favorites: Plural Design. Go see Jeremiah and Renata tear it up. Plural 1310 N [...]

Running through July, We Are Here is a weekly series of four multidisciplinary art and design situations with Chicago-based participants. Using the gallery as a workspace, the activities of product design collective Object Design League, artist-run project space Golden Age, designers Tim Parson & Jessica Charlesworth, and screen-printers Sonnenzimmer illustrate how the practical becomes performative [...]

If you’ve never been to a Show ‘n Tell Show, then you’re truly missing out on an awesome time. Not only is it educational, it’s funny, engaging, and in my opinion it’s an opportunity to see the Chicago creative scene at its very best. Big cheers to Zach + Mike, and dufcourse, Spokes Mom. This [...]

20 Speakers, 20 Designers, 20 Bands We are stoked to be speaking this year at WMC Fest! Weapons of Mass Creation is a young grassroots movement to inspire and enable the creative mind in Cleveland, OH. They believe that good things happen when ideas and talents are shared within the community. This mentality manifests itself [...]

One vibrant community. One beautiful room. One stimulating night. In Chicago, we mix business and pleasure with uncommon flair. On June 9, Lincoln Park’s legendary Park West will bring the two together, taking design-minded enlightenment to new heights. As the high-wattage climax of Chicago Design Week, the AIGA Chicago Annual Members Meeting will be equal [...]

Columbia College’s Center for Book and Paper Arts is putting on a lecture, panel, and workshop series discussing the history of type. It’s free and open to the public, so come out and listen or get in on the action from June 1–4. More information →

An evening of tug-at-your-heartstrings, rapid-fire presentations all centered on the intersection of design and social change. Join EPIC for the inaugural 20/20 and hear from leaders in the creative industry as they share, through 20 slides in 20 minutes, their experience and impact working on behalf of inspiring, world-changing social issues. More details from the [...]

We are excited to be participating in Marwen’s Career Day on May 14th! Each year, Marwen invites creative professionals to meet their students, families, & alumni to help young people envision the many possibilities to have a creative career. We’re stoked to be part! Visit Marwen’s site to support arts education.

At the mouth of the Tennessee-side of the Smoky Mountains National Park lies the Walker’s “The Cabin-on-the-Creek”. The cabin was built in 1938 and 1939 by Jean and John Walker for use as a counselor training facility for a nearby girls’ camp. It is located on a large lot which is bordered on two sides [...]

The Midwest is busting with creatives! The MDW Fair, a gathering of independent art initiatives, spaces, galleries and artist groups from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Fair will demonstrate the diversity, strength and vision of the people/places making it happen in the art ecology of our region. Check out the fair, it’s always a great [...]

On April 13, 2011, add your voice to an open, digital dialogue on design. One Day For Design brings together a global community of designers and design enthusiasts to exchange ideas, challenge viewpoints and push boundaries-collaborating in real time on the future of our profession and the organizations behind it. Spread the word. Moderators include: [...]

TYPEFORCE is the annual showcase of emerging typographic artists. We are excited to be participating this year alongside: Andy Luce, Bill Talsma, Bud Rodecker, Caroline Corboy, Chris May, Emily Vanhoff, Frances MacLeod, Gary Rozanc, Jarred Kolar, Jessica Lynn White, Justin Gilman, Kyle Fletcher, Margo Yoon, Mark Addison Smith, Matthew Hoffman, Meng Yang, Nancy McCabe, Nick [...]

Slowly is a collection of works by Andy Luce that celebrates the creative process. During a time when hurried production takes precedence over the slow movement of an endeavor, it is essential to keep the appreciation of a craft alive. Beginning with an empty surface and ending with an inspired conclusion, each texture, layer and [...]

If you’re in Chicago, you shouldn’t miss this amazing street photographer’s work. The late Vivian Maier discreetly chronicled life in Chicago’s Loop and surrounding districts for decades. While not much is known about Maier herself or her reasons for keeping her photographs hidden, this first exhibition of her work reveals a keen eye for observing [...]

STA Chicago presents Local Legends: a small stage dialogue with individuals whose lives and careers have contributed to our rich design community. This time around the spotlight is on Chicago luminary Rick Valicenti of 3st. Join us at Columbia College Chicago’s Ferguson Auditorium to hear Rick speak. Should be a great night! Photo: Thea Dickman

There may only be one reason to travel to Fargo, North Dakota in mid-January: judge the ADDY® Awards. Katherine will be judging alongside Amy Jarrard of Olson in Minneapolis, MN and Jeff Joiner of 97 Degrees West in Austin, TX. The American Advertising Federation’s annual ADDY Awards program honors excellence in advertising and cultivates the [...]

You’re graduating soon and it’s time to start thinking about the future. Connections. Opportunities to meet industry people. Critical Feedback on your work. AIGA Chicago’s Winter Portfolio Review is the forum for current design professionals to review your work. Elaine and Katherine will be there reviewing books so please sign up and stop by! Chicago [...]

Brenna Hanly, is the new Mobile Catalyst at Mullen Advertising in Boston, head of the new mobile media practice that closely aligns emerging media specialists with the agency’s integrated creative teams. To date, she has lead several successful mobile media and creative campaigns, for Timberland, Ernst & Young and Foxwoods Resort Casino, among others. The [...]

The Internet has undoubtedly transformed the world we live in; its unprecedented access to and layering of information lead to greater interaction and engagement, and a complex understanding of our place in the world. However, this innovative method of accumulating and remixing data is also occurring across the fields of architecture and design. A fluid [...]

Calling all Designers, Artists and Drink-lovers alike! Reply All is a free party for passionate people in the creative industry. Our own Jana and Lust Lister Margot Harrington are featured speakers! Designer? Copywriter? Doesn’t matter—as long as you’re into drinks. Hosted by the always-awesome Mig Reyes. Evil Olive 1551 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 [...]

Ring in the holidays with the STA as we host our annual holiday party & auction! This year we’re featuring auction items from Threadless, Axis Maps as well as 26 original pieces featuring alphabetic renderings from firms and designers from Rick Valicenti (Thirst), Jessica Hische, Mark Simonson, Faust, Firebelly and Design Kitchen! Check out the [...]

In partnership with The Impossible Project, Design Bureau magazine will celebrate inspiration behind instant film as featured in the November/December issue. They’ve gathered a select group of artistic professionals (including KK) to exhibit their creative process on instant film. Using The Impossible Project cameras, each participant will capture a moment every hour for eight hours—be [...]

How are women and girls reshaping the future? The first ever TEDWomen invites men and women to explore this question in depth: From the developing world, where a single micro-loan to a single girl can transform a village; to the West, where generations of educated women are transforming entire industries. The diverse international program takes [...]

SEEK is a one-day design conference that has been organized by the students of Northern Illinois University for ten years. The event is run by the Visual Communication program at NIU. In the past, SEEK has played host to widely recognized designers including Paula Scher, Kyle Cooper, Chip Kidd, Joshua Davis, and in the past [...]

TyK [Thought You Knew] Project was created to address modern day stereotypes of women. Frustrated with being pegged as either mechanically savvy but asexual, or cute but inept with their bikes, these PinUps showcase the dual nature that women cyclists embody. The Ladies of TyK are everyday cyclists. They are not models. These women ride [...]

Our photographer buddy, the very talented Kyle LaMere (of iShootRockstars), took a photo of every person who visited his home for one year. He called it Visitors. Now it’s an awesome book. Our very own Elaine is even included! It’s a great opportunity to see the creative community come together to interact and to help [...]

Brittany Steiner, one of our Lust Listers, will be showing with other strong emerging artists next Friday at 1414 N. Kingsbury! come out and warm up with some live music, drinks, and awesome art from awesome people!

Every weekend, cities all over the world are holding exciting and successful Startup Weekends. Checkout the Startup Weekend website to follow the action and be sure to read about the details of the organization and Chicago’s local event. Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists [...]

Unicorns Return to the Paramount! Hosted by @typodactyl and @typeis4lovers Please join us for drinks and general cohorting. Any and all creative professionals be it designer or developer are welcome. Meet us at the Paramount Room where Wednesday nights are Amish fried chicken and $2 cans o’ PBR. They also have a killer $9 Kobe [...]

Victoria and Katherine are taking a field trip to New York City on November 5th to attend an event organized by UnderConsideration: the Brand New Conference. The Brand New Conference is a one-day event focusing on the practice of corporate and brand identity—a direct extension of the popular blog, Brand New. We will be posting [...]

Come celebrate Chicago-area designers and their work as they are included into the Chicago Design Archive. The Quite Strong ladies will be there because the Archive party is always a good time. Hope to see you there! Chicago Portfolio School 25 West Hubbard Archive10 Panel of Judges Renata Graw, Chicago, Plural Maria Grillo, Chicago, The [...]

Join us watch a panel of talented women in design, photography and technology. Moderated by Zach Dodson and featuring: Margot Harrington, Elaine Fong, Meghan Brosnan, Caroline Linder and Stephanie Gladney. Free! Columbia College Chicago Portfolio Center Tuesday October 12th, 6:30p 623 S. Wabash #307

Ag47 is an arts mentorship program serving pre-teen and teenage girls in the Chicago, IL neighborhood of Logan Square. They meet regularly to create and share art together. As a collective of women artists, Ag47 knows that collaborative creation can help young women see their power as shapers of their community. Through mentorship, they have the opportunity [...]

For the past eight weeks, Victoria has been working feverishly for EPIC. EPIC helps creative professionals and nonprofits join forces, making a bigger impact on the world than either could alone. During what they call an “8-week creative rally,” each team creates plans, programs, and materials—on a pro-bono basis—that their nonprofit client needs to positively [...]

Jana, Elaine, and Jennifer are participating in Two Night Stand, a 2-day, 1-night experiment where creative types (designers, bloggers, photographers, coders illustrators, video artists, etc.) converge to tackle a mystery project. Participants are selected based on expertise and point of view, with the entire process documented and shared online. The ladies will be sharing their [...]

To celebrate the launch of the Quite Strong website, we’d love to throw a UnicornsOMG! party at Edge in Wicker Park. Everyone in design and tech is welcome. Keep Friday, September 17th clear on your calendar. Hosted graciously by: @typodactyl @typeis4lovers Come toast with us! Since we are hoping to have many creatives in one [...]

Quite Strong is taking a road trip to Wisconsin to tour the Hamilton Wood Type Museum and take a letterpress workshop. Feel free to message us for details if you’re interested in tagging along the weekend of September 11th. About Hamilton: Operated by volunteers of the Two Rivers Historical Society, the Hamilton Wood Type and [...]

Hi, we’re new here. Interested to know more about us than what’s on the about page? We’ll be on Design Chat on Wednesday, September 1st at 8pm (Central Time). We will be chatting via live satellite technology with Ryan McGovern. We wanted to use the hologram machine, but it’s in the shop. The most exciting [...]

Jana Kinsman‘s doodles are uncomplicated in concept and charmingly sweet. In this move from pen and paper to the Whistler’s store-front windows, she draws her inspiration from the bar’s clientele. As a lifelong Midwesterner, Jana appreciates the fortitude of the Chicagoan who waits in the wintry cold for a warm spot and a stiff drink. [...]