24 Seven Talent: Creative Community

24 Seven Chicago received so many great ideas for the Creative Community Grant that we couldn't select one winner - so we have selected two! We found that submissions could be classified into one of two categories; those that would result in a creative product or design - and those that were about education or information sharing. By honoring a winner in both of these categories, we're thrilled to support both creativity for a cause with Moving Design and thought leadership from Quite Strong. Thank you to everyone who participated, spread the word and helped make this process a true joy.

Below is a little insight into both winning ideas. Follow @24SevenChicago on Twitter for periodic updates on these two excellent initiatives as they come to life.

About the Winners:

MOVING DESIGN - submitted by Lyndon Valicenti

After someone in her life nearly died from a bike accident in Logan Square, Lyndon Valicenti was inspired to use creativity to address the issue of bicycle safety in Chicago. With unclear rules that can result in severe injury or tragedy, the Moving Design initiative has enlisted 40 designers and artists to draw people into an informative conversation about bike safety in the Logan Square community. Pavement, storefronts and empty walls will become a medium for creative communication. A quote from Lyndon's entry: "Not a day nor dollar will be wasted during Moving Design's initiative on bicycle safety; our mission is to inspire a symbiotic relationship between drivers, bikers and pedestrians so that Chicago doesn't lose one more precious day or dollar on carelessness and confusion on the street."

Why this idea won: An idea such as this so strongly demonstrates the correlation between creativity and a good cause. It's ideas like this that inspired the inception of the community grant.

QUITE STRONG MINI CONFERENCE - submitted by Elaine Chernov

Elaine Chernov is 20% of the five member Chicago design collaborative known as Quite Strong. They describe themselves as "creatives of the female variety". They couldn't help but to notice there are far fewer female Creative Directors than males. Recognizing there is no shortage of female talent in design, it occurred to them it may be more about women not being as assertive in their careers as men. Regardless of gender, Quite Strong sees there are many creatives - both male and female - who would benefit from focusing on the skills that help advance careers. From this observation, the idea for a one day mini conference was born. Possibilities include a workshop on public speaking, a lecture on salary negotiation and a presentation from a creative law group about how to protect yourself from copyright infringement.

Why this idea won: Even the most talented creatives can benefit from career guidance and tips. Quite Strong is really exemplifying what it means to be part of a community by taking the initiative to lead these valuable discussions.

A special thank you to our judges for weighing in on grant recipients:

Mitch Tennison - Design Director, Webb DeVlam

Shannon Medic - Executive Director, Firebelly Foundation / Reason to Give

Mig Reyes - Interactive Designer, Threadless

Brendan Shanley - AIGA Board Member, Designer at McGuffin Creative Group, Founder of LostInConcert.com

Fletch Martin - AIGA Board Member, Creative Director of a5

Celeste Gudas - CEO, Founder, President of 24 Seven

Elle Wells - Office Director, 24 Seven, Chicago

Marisa Ruiz - Senior Account Manager, 24 Seven, Chicago

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