Monday, April 13, 2009

Three More Days!

That's right! Design Ranch is just three days away. We had a few more stragglers register to come out (who knew designers were fond of procrastination!?!?!)

The weather is looking a bit dodgy, some thunderstorms could blow through, but otherwise it will be a perfect Texas spring weekend. My friend told me you stick a knife in the ground the morning of a big event outside (in this case it was her wedding) and it keeps the showers away. We will have to give it a shot.

See you on the ranch.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Come out for the day!

Hey all you Texans!
You may not be attending Design Ranch, but you can still come out and enjoy the ranch and the amazing after parties. Take advantage of our Day Visitor Registration including 3 meals, use of the ranch amenities and admission to the famous Design Ranch parties with live music out under the stars.

Friday or Saturday 8 am – midnight • $160 per person per day

To Register contact: designranch@me.com

(The Fine Print: Day Visitor Registration does not include access to workshops. All Day Visitors must leave Camp Waldemar by midnight. All Day Visitor’s coming to Waldemar Ranch must check in with ranch staff and sign all release forms.
Day Visitor’s must register and pay by April 14, 2009.)

To Register and Pay contact: designranch@me.com

Load 'em up!

We are packing our bags and getting ready to head out to the ranch. There are still spaces available, we'd love to have ya!

Register today at designranch.org

One week to go!



Oh Waldemar Ranch, how I can't wait for your pancake breakfast!

That's right. Design Ranch has the best food hands down. Not that its the only reason you would come, but I gotta say, it's what I'm looking forward to!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

One month to go!



< Yup, that's our rockin' poster.

If you haven't received one in the mail, well, that's cuz you didn't sign up yet! And seeing as how we are a month out, you might want to get a move on, we are nearly full!

Click here and REGISTER TODAY!

Workshop Added: Sean Carnegie



The Polaroid is gone but not forgotten. Experiment with low light, no light and artificial light with a trusty Polaroid at your side.

Workshop Added: Kelley Toombs

Masta Pressa. That's what he's calling it. What is it you ask? A giant printing press made for under $100 that squishes some serious ink (and just about anything else you stick in it). Kelley shows you how to make the press and then the group inks up anything fit to print.

Workshop Added: David Kampa


David gets knotty with us in our newest addition to the Design Ranch workshop lineup. David introduces us to one of his passions: ropework and knots. Get your granny knots in a wad with renowned illustrator David Kampa.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

We're gettin' full!

Design Ranch is less than 3 months away and the conference is starting to fill up. With only 150 attendees, it's no wonder spots are limited. If you were planning on attending Design Ranch 2009 we humbly suggest you get to registering soon! Just 20 more days left for the Early Bird Registration Rate.

Click here to visit the Design Ranch Registration Page

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Get Your Design Ranch 2009 poster!

Yes boys and girls, you heard right! The genius of The Decoder Ring Design Concern is about to unleash our OFFICIAL, AWESOME, GRAPHICALLY STUNNING, HIGHLY COVETED Design Ranch 2009 Poster.

Want one?

Well that's easy! Sign up for our mailing list or better yet, register to attend DR09!

We will send you a poster that will put a smile on your face (until supplies run out!)

^

Got Facebook?


Well we do!

Folks are talking, posting and just plain getting excited about Design Ranch. If you do the Facebook thing then join us, won't you?

Visit our Design Ranch Facebook Page today!


^

Boss-Convincing Ammo #4

Without formal speakers on big stages, keynotes, workbooks or other trappings of a (boring) design conference, Design Ranch is a crayon of a different color. So how do you tell your boss you really need to come to Texas?

If you are your own boss, then this one's for you.

BOSS-CONVINCING AMMO #4:
In our unsteady economic times, you Go-It-Yourselfers may be starting to think you are all alone out there, asking, "Who else is hunting for that billable hour and looking for the next big thing?"

Well, we'll tell you the big secret: There are lots of folks like you... and they are coming to Design Ranch, so you should be too!

And with attendee numbers capped at 150, it's all about Quality, not Quantity... You are sure to get plenty of face time with folks just like yourself. So come on out and ask the very questions keeping you up at night!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

So who makes Design Ranch happen?


<< Design Ranch Co-Chairs: Kelly Stevens (biter) & Kelley Toombs (bear-clad bitee)

A good question indeed! AIGA Austin graciously hosts Design Ranch every two years. The event is directed by someone crazy enough to take on the Chair position. That'd be us!

This year the Ranch is co-chaired by two folks with matching names: Kelly Stevens & Kelley Toombs. Both Kelly & Kelley are long-time residents of Austin, board members of AIGA Austin, and most importantly, we are repeat attendees and loyal lovers of the energy created at the ranch. We are convinced by the end of this event we may be siamese twins.

We welcome any questions you have about Design Ranch and look forward to seeing you in April!

Monday, December 15, 2008

The New Design Ranch Website Goes Live




www.designranch.org

Come on in, the water's fine. And while you're there, register for Design Ranch 2009. Early Bird rates end soon!

www.designranch.org

Boss-Convincing Ammo #3

Without formal speakers on big stages, keynotes, workbooks or other trappings of a (boring) design conference, Design Ranch is a crayon of a different color. So how do you tell your boss you really need to come to Texas?

BOSS-CONVINCING AMMO #3:
Brush up on your non-technical skills. That’s right. No Adobe workshops, no training on new hardware or software. Just good, old-fashioned, roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-dirty, hands-on activities. When’s the last time you picked up a pencil? REALLY picked up a pencil and sketched an idea? Reacquaint yourself with your non-mouse abilities and maybe next time you’ll see a project from a new angle.