“Division of Design - Lecture on Typography – November 16, 2009”

Another successful event by the Division of Design took place on Monday, November 16, 2009 at NDU-SC! Mr. John McMillan, Education Officer of the International Society of Typographic Designers, addressed the Graphic Design students at NDU-Shouf Campus and their guests from the neighboring Lebanese University about the ISTD and the procedure to follow to become members of this international, widely acclaimed Society.

Mr. McMillan described the International Society of Typographic Designers as a professional body of typographic Designers and other persons engaged in various aspects of the field of visual communications. Through its affiliation with ICOGRADA (International Council of Graphic Design Associations), the Society is an active participant in the field of international typography and graphic design.

The Society endeavors to maintain the highest standards of typography and graphic design and aims to further any developments in this field in every possible way.
Moreover, it circulates a journal to its members with international news and information of typographic interest.

Mr. McMillan explained how the Society encourages and promotes the interest of students in typography and graphic design through its yearly Student Assessments. The yearly events evaluate student typographic works through five set projects which are submitted for assessment by ISTD members in design practice and education.  Successful student submissions entitle the student to membership in the Society and the professional recognition that it carries.

He then elaborated on how the projects are assessed and showed the audience samples of projects that received high recognition, explaining the aspects that the applicants for the membership must pay attention to and focus on. He emphasized that the main targets in the Middle East are senior graphic design students seeking membership in a professional society.

He finally asserted that the ISTD Student Assessment is not a competition. It offers the student the opportunity to undertake a challenging project with a comprehensive assessment, and if successful, the offer of full membership in the Society.

This year’s Middle East Assessment will take place in May 2010. Students were referred to Mr. John Kortbaoui, Middle East Coordinator, for further questions.