Wed 3/19 @ 6:30pm
By Josh Usmani
“I,(_your name_), hereby swear to abandon all fear; to question everything; to trust in myself; to honor those before me as I excel, and to support those who follow as they ascend. I swear that I will never accept another’s standard for success, as I set mine one measure higher. When I’m finished, no one will ever fucking look at (_your _) the same way again.”
That pledge is at the core of Brian Buirge and Jason Bacher’s business – Good Fucking Design Advice. It’s a promise to yourself and the world around you. GFDA is a perfect example of how creative thinking is transforming the conventional business model. GFDA is in the business of inspiration. Your success is their success.
Beyond the realm of design, Buirge and Bacher are in the business of inspiration and good (fucking) advice. During their first year of grad school at Kent State University, these friends had an epiphany while discussing how best to communicate and work with students. What started as a joke has become a very serious business.
The duo recently returned from a 53 day, cross-country lecture tour of the US. They gave 25 speeches and visited 38 cities in 36 states. The roadtrip totaled over 11,000 miles. This Wednesday, they will share their experience (and their trademark advice) with AIGA Cleveland, the local chapter of the professional association for design. The public is also invited to this special presentation at Deagan’s Kitchen and Bar in Lakewood.
“Launching GFDA has led to a number of incredible personal and professional experiences,” says GFDA co-founder Jason Bacher. “We’ve been lucky to have had the opportunity to share our story with so many people around the globe.”
The concept is as unique as it is simple – to inspire as many people as possible to believe in themselves and reach their goals. The F-bombs add a sense of humor that keeps everyone from taking things too seriously.
“GFDA promotes community and collaboration between designers, and also the idea that we can accomplish more together than we could individually,” says AIGA Cleveland’s President Jamie Winebrenner. “As an organization, that’s what AIGA Cleveland is all about, supporting and connecting our local designers.”
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.