AIGA Austin Design Ranch

April 14-17, 2011 - In the Heart of the Texas Hill Country

Ain't Our First Rodeo

Design Ranch is going on 9 years now. In that time, we've seen the illustrious, the intriguing and the downright quirky. Here are just a few folks we've had out over the years to host Design Ranch workshops:

Sean Adams • Thomas Allen • Charles S. Anderson • John Bielenberg • Marc Burckhardt • Margo Chase • Seymore Chwast • Laurie DeMartino • The Decoder Ring Design Concern • Joe Duffy • Kinky Friedman • The Hancock Brothers • David Kampa • Chip Kidd • Luba Lukova • Modern Dog • Joel Nakamura • Michael Osborne • Woody Pirtle • ReadyMade Magazine • Hank Richardson • Jay Ryan (The Bird Machine) • Paula Scher • Jim Sherraden (Hatch Show Print) • Steve Sikora (Design Guys) • DJ Stout (Pentagram) • Marc Strassburger • Gael Towey • James Victore • Dan Winters • Yeehaw Inudstries • And many more talented folks …




Press For Design Ranch

A few magazines have said some nice stuff about us:




What People Have Said
About Design Ranch

Over the years we've put a grin on the chin of many a Ranch attendee and workshop leader. Here's what people say about Design Ranch:


Design Ranch put the magic back into…um…MAGIC!

Workshop Leader - Tom Allen

It's so hard to explain Design Ranch, it is an EXPERIENCE, a special, reinvigorating undescribe-able thing that happens out there. I am rejuvenated, excited, have new friends, new skills, and I want a litho press!

2009 Attendee

Around 150 designers from all over the country (and Mexico!) came out for some hands on experience and fun, and the weather couldn't have been better… In the evenings, the bands came in and there was much rejoicing!

Workshop Leader - Marc Burckhardt

This past weekend, I attended Design Ranch. I truly regret not going to any of the previous 6. A complete retreat/camp for designers; totally worth every penny…

2007 Attendee

Words cannot describe the experience I had at Design Ranch. I'm trying to explain it to my staff, but everything I say is only one-millionth of what it really was. It's almost like a dream already— did this really happen, or was that the most incredible *$&@#! dream I've ever had?! Idyllic doesn't even come close.

Workshop Leader - Michael Osborne

All the workshops I attended were not only super fun, but inspiring and educational.

2007 Attendee

…underscore the unplugged back-to-basics side of this event, too. Most attendees spend their lives in front of a computer, and that's the biggest thing I heard about DR: it was like going back to art school, with hands on experience (and a few beers for good measure).

Workshop Leader - Marc Burckhardt

I really had a great time! …the workshops were great and the people were fantastic. I felt welcomed and met lots of new friends. I feel rejuvenated and that is what camp is all about.

2007 Attendee

A big THANK YOU to everybody who came to the workshops. I had a great time!

Workshop Leader - Stefan Bucher

Design Ranch was one of the greatest experiences I've had not only professionally but personally as well. I'll never forget the friends I made and the perspective I gained.

2009 Attendee

Holy Smokes! Design Ranch is the mother, father and evil stepsister of all conferences and I'm happy to be part of the family.

2009 Attendee

I love Design Ranch. I love what it can do for me and has done for me so far. I always come away feeling like I got something out of it — be it new friends, meeting celebrities in the field, or taking a new skill home … I'll keep showing up as long as I can!

2009 Attendee

This wasn't one of THOSE conferences.

2009 Attendee

Compared to other events, it's definitely NOT expensive. You get a lot for the money, and it's very worth-while to escape and renew. I loved having so much time to meet people.

2009 Attendee

Design Ranch is one of the greatest events I have ever attended in my life! I will never forget the folks I met and will miss them all. I hope to see everyone (attendees, staff, volunteers) in 2011!

2009 Attendee

I was very amazed by the whole experience. Going into the ranch I was not sure what to think but after being there around all those very talented individuals it rekindled my desire to design.

2009 Attendee




WHO MAKES DESIGN RANCH HAPPEN

AIGA Austin Design Ranch is put together by a board of amazing, dedicated volunteers who each give their time and talent tomake this one-of-a-kind event happen.

Kelly Stevens, Design Ranch Director

Jamie Appel, Silent Auction
Rachael Craft - Supplies
Kat Bobbitt - Registration
Danielle Bardgette - PR, Press, Promotion
Amy Donovan - Silent Auction
Ben Friesen - Entertainment & Hospitality
Grace Hall - Speakers & Workshops
Ethan Hill - Printed Materials & Design Liaison
Katherine Nesbitt - Finances
David Smith - Volunteers, Transportation, Recycling
Christie Zangrilli - Development and Sponsorship