Committees

The Art Directors Club of New Jersey welcomes new members and encourages them to become involved in the leadership of Club activities. If you’re interested in learning more about ADCNJ committees, contact the ADCNJ office (201-997-1212).

Annual Awards

The Awards Show Committee each year creates a “call for entries” campaign designed to get attention and entice members of the New Jersey creative arts community to compete for the most prestigious creative communications award in New Jersey. The Committee is also responsible for planning and producing the ADCNJ’s Annual Awards Exhibition, which takes place each spring. With administrative assistance from the ADCNJ professional staff, committee members develop a show concept, design collateral materials, and manage event production. In the months leading up to the Awards Show, the committee works with the Board of Directors and a network of suppliers to produce a unique, persuasive, and inspiring event that showcases the talents of graphic arts professionals in New Jersey.
Chair
Harvey Hirsh

Special Events

Conference
The role of the Conference Committee is to orchestrate the Thinking Creatively Conference with respect to ideas, organization, and implementation. We need ideas generated for a conference presentation roster, trade show entries, and overall approach to the conference. The second task is organization of presentations, trade show, and publicity. The third task is implementing the conference which includes all design work for publicity, and recruiting. If each committee member took on one part of one task, the conference could grow and continue to be a solid, professionally educational (and fun) event. Plus, you'll get to network with the best in the field!
Chair
Rose Gonnella

Programs
The Program Committee plans provocative and inspiring programs to help members stay on top of business, enhance their creativity, and produce their best work for clients. The Committee plans meetings and some special events and secures speakers to provide presentations on topics that are meaningful to the design community. Covering such issues as new technology, evolving trends, and the pursuit of design excellence, speakers are drawn from the highest levels of the industry. With assistance from the ADCNJ professional staff, the Committee oversees such details as venues, meals, and program agendas.
Chair
Laraine Blauvelt

Education Council
The Education Council provides college students who reside or study visual communications in New Jersey with opportunities to grow as designers, artists, and communicators, and to participate in the professional design community. Many of the Council’s activities are also designed to promote the talents of students to New Jersey advertising agencies, design organizations, and corporate creative departments. The Council is responsible for raising funds and overseeing the administration of the ADCNJ Scholarship Fund and hosts an annual Portfolio Judging event to select scholarship recipients. One of the ADCNJ’s most active committees, the Council develops and manages such programs as the Speaker Series, Design Derby, Shadow Program, and Job Fair. The Education Council also maintains an ADCNJ “Student Center” web site with helpful information and activity updates.
Chair
Jon Weiman

Communications

Interactive / Web Site
The Interactive/Web Site Committee oversees the content and direction of the ADCNJ web site (www.adcnj.org), a vital resource that provides dynamic interaction between the Club and its members. The Committee’s primary objective is to keep the site accurate, up-to-date, and visually compelling. In addition to technical management, the Committee offers suggestions for adding new capabilities and subject areas, acquires the necessary information and images, and oversees the programming process. In addition to information about Club activities, the site offers visitors an opportunity to read newsletter excerpts on-line, register for upcoming events, and view winning projects from the Annual Awards Show.
Chair
James Smith

Newsletter
The New Directions Newsletter Committee generates ideas and provides guidance for editorial content that will inspire and inform its readers. The Newsletter Committee collects information and prepares articles on a variety of relevant issues ranging from new initiatives and event recaps to member profiles and technical instruction. Members of the Newsletter Committee may be asked to suggest topics, request an article from a colleague with special expertise, or report on an industry event.
Members
Christopher J. Clarke (Creative Director)
Vivian Fransen (Editor)

Committee for Causes
“Deeds 4 Needs” is an initiative of the ADCNJ Committee for Causes that offers a public service showcase for members who want to contribute their talents to worthwhile causes. The “Deeds 4 Needs” Committee identifies non-profit organizations that need assistance with a specific design project and pairs them with design professionals looking for a way to donate time and talents. Throughout the project, the Committee acts as liaison between the designer and “client,” defining project parameters, coordinating some meetings, overseeing the process, and assisting with subsequent public relations efforts.
Chair
Mike Tesi

Membership
The Membership Committee is responsible for attracting New Jersey art directors, designers, and related creative and support professionals (such as writers, creative directors, producers, photographers, illustrators, printers, computer software and hardware sales organizations, and output houses) to enjoy the advantages of membership in the ADCNJ. The Committee is responsible for identifying potential prospects, establishing and maintaining communications with candidates, and retaining current members from year to year. Through a variety of promotions and events, the Membership Committee also serves as the primary point of communications for member suggestions and feedback.
Chair
Giovanni Marra