Jessica Watson :: Visionary. Forward thinker. Solution finder. Lover of the beach, sunsets, live music, happy hours, and everything creative. Jessica has five years of freelance design experience, where she specializes in developing innovative solutions for companies to develop their visual identity and web presence. She graduated from McDaniel College in 2005 as a Communication major with minors in Business Admin and Design. Jessica has also served as Membership Chair for AIGA Baltimore, and is one of the managers for B’more Creatives, a local based networking group. Jessica is constantly seeking to find new ways to bring creative professionals and students together in an environment that fosters growth and change.

Benedict Kamuyu :: Benedict’s experience in the graphics industry goes back over a decade and spans three continents He credits his exposure to different cultures for influencing his desire to understand more about the impact of graphic design in the global setting. He resides in Baltimore, Maryland, the place he now considers his adoptive home.  His involvement in the ‘Day in the life…’ Conference is deeply rooted in the belief that Baltimore is a city full of great talent that deserves to not only harness it but also nurture and introduce it to the rest of the world. Benedict has past experience working in the newspaper publishing, graphic arts translation, advertising and printing industries.

M. Kendall Ludwig :: M. Kendall Ludwig is the owner of CurlyRed, a graphic design company located in the Baltimore area. CurlyRed works with clients to create fresh, captivating and timeless design with personal service. The company’s vision is that design should always be simple and interesting, and most importantly, memorable.

We specialize in Logo Creation, Identity Systems, Posters, Flyers, Postcards, Advertisements, Brochures and Catalogs, Book Covers/Layouts, Album Covers/Layouts, Packaging, Signage and Environmental Design and Website Design, Programming and Optimization.

Greg Eckler :: Greg Eckler is Ringmaster of The Vicious Circus, a one man show specializing in graphic design, illustration, type design and custom lettering. With over ten years of experience in the field Greg has been accused at times of having done it all. Obsessed with learning it all he has worked everything from prepress in a small print shop, studio artist for a top advertising agency, web designer for a non-profit, etc. His obsession with learning has also earned him three college degrees including his BFA in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and his MFA in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. During his graduate studies he began studying the links between creativity and the act of play which lead to his publication of Play and The Discovery of New Ideas (2009). He is now approaching education from the other side, as a professor of graphic design and advertising at the Art Institute of Washington.

Marnay Harris :: “I am a graphic designer because I love the excitement of having my own blank space and the power to fill it with a great idea.” Marnay Harris is an enthusiastic designer and graduate with a BFA in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She defines herself as a visual communicator and problem solver because she focuses on discovering what is needed to send the perfect message. Her range of work includes print and web design, identity branding, and package design. Marnay is a passionate artist and motivated to bringing innovative perspectives into the design world.

Quinne Farenwald :: In May of 2009 I graduated from Millersville Univeristy with a BA in Art/Graphic Design. Just out of college, ‘the hunt’ for a career is a savage one it seems, but I enjoy the challenge to always better my design and to connect with those whom could mentor me as I embark within the graphic design industry. Hand created elements enthrall me and are commonly found in my work. My goal is to learn and expand my design indefinitely. I am in pursuit to further my knowledge and love for package design and I strongly desire to learn web design. I put my heart and soul into my work and leave a piece of myself intertwined in every design I fabricate. My intention is to involve and influence the viewers; to actuate change.

Stephanie Laumann :: Stephanie comes to our committee from Aquent, a global marketing and design staffing company. She has been with Aquent since 2008 and manages operations efforts with a specialty in event planning and coordinating.  Through her position with Aquent she is able to work with many members of the creative community and is well versed on the design profession. She resides in Baltimore and loves to coordinate events and help other people.  “Nothing is more rewarding for me than making connections with other people.” She has made many rewarding connections thru a local monthly professional networking event that she organizes and is a member of the board of directors for Lupus Mid-Atlantic – a local non profit.

Illiah Manger :: Illiah graduated in 2003 from UMBC with a BA in Graphic Design and Photography as well as a minor in Art History. Since 2005, she has been Graphic Designer and Marking Director at branded merchandise agency, G&G Outfitters. Her passion for mentoring young designers and strengthening Baltimore’s art community led to her involvement in the A Day in the Life… Conference.