“We want that creative destruction: to say, ‘Ok, that’s what CUDO was. What is CUDO now?’” This thought is voiced by Josh Cooper, Creative Producer on the CUDO Board, and it seems to sum up a new vision for the community organization dedicated to design professionals (and appreciators). This Friday they will hold a celebration party marking CUDO’s seventh year, closing out April as “Design Month”. It will also serve as a chance to meet a brand-spanking new Board of CUDO officials, drink at the Sipyard, eat Pizza M, and explore the CUDO space within [co][lab].
For the past seven years, Champaign-Urbana Design Organization has existed as a trade organization dedicated to helping the community, as well as providing networking, educational, and social opportunities to its members. In recent past, they have focused heavily on organizing or supporting large community events: they’re best known for bringing PechaKucha to town, but they’ve also contributed talent to Pens to Lens, held three board game design competitions, and curate two recurring art exhibitions (CUDO Pro and abC-U). Both arenas sound like great places to put energy, so what needs to change?
After an early February members’ forum, it appears as though the desired new direction for CUDO is actually a middle path between the two. During an interview with Cooper and Marketing Director Isaac Mitchell, they emphasized the fact that doing both is the best way to grow the organization. This circuitous logic does seem to make a lot of sense, but it took a little while for me to see.
At its most basic level, the new CUDO wants to serve its members better by focusing on core strengths: it’s a networking organization dedicated to design professionals. In order to provide a value-add to membership, CUDO has to grow that network. In order to grow the network, it has to explore new avenues and find new people who haven’t worked with or heard of CUDO before. The best way to do that requires reaching out to the community and showing it exactly how CUDO can be of use. Once more organizations work with CUDO, the network has grown, offering more value to its individual members and has strengthened the community. It’s gorgeous like the water cycle or selfish altruism.
Of course, accomplishing all that is going to take some powerful focus. In the past, CUDO has cast a wide net, putting its logo on a lot of events, trying to do all of the things. Cooper spoke about taking a hard look at every type of past event and putting each through analysis, seeing what value it brings to current members and the community, and whether or not it’s the best way to spend CUDO resources. Mitchell revealed that this would free up time and energy to “…incorporate some new events for the future, giving long-term members more reasons to come out and get involved, and make new members feel welcome with social events.”
Part of attracting those new members comes from getting the CUDO name into the community in a larger way, finding some higher-profile events to be involved with. Which brings the question, what exactly can a design organization bring to a community organization? Sure, a nice website or logo is keen, and CUDO is well-equipped for those needs. But design professionals have many skills beyond making aesthetically-pleasing graphics.
Oddly enough in the two-word phrase “design professionals”, the word “professional” is almost entirely overlooked. These people get paid to create, sure, but the professional part means: on time, on a budget, suited to the client’s needs. Many design professionals have a blend of artistic drive combined with organizational and project management skills, and that’s where the real value lies for many community groups who are looking for help.
Josh explained using the example of a recent community event, Exposed, whose creator wasn’t entirely sure where to start getting the idea off the ground. With CUDO’s membership network, they were able to find organizers who could help Amy create and implement a strategy, find volunteers, and create a timetable for a successful project. Cooper says, “We want more non-profits to reach out and say, ‘This is what we’re trying to achieve. These are the reasons that are stopping us from achieving that goal. How can CUDO help out?’”
Another way to attract new members will definitely include reaching out to younger people in the community, both design students in area colleges, and demographics even younger. Each year, CUDO participates in the area’s “Student Portfolio Review,” giving college students the chance to receive feedback from local design professionals. Mitchell stresses that appealing to and being visible to students is vital to recruitment efforts for CUDO. In addition, of the people quoted around the article, many mentioned their CUDO experiences as students, and felt it gave them support and unique opportunities. Cooper also adds that reaching even younger students with involvement in the Pens to Lens program and even One People’s Summer Arts Camp helps emphasize the message that good design has inherent value for this community.
The last question, and one that has become a personal mission to Cooper, is, “Why CUDO?” This new year and new Board will be focused on distinguishing CUDO from other arts-related trade organizations in town. They want to be sure that any 
designer will be aware of the particular reasons to choose this group, and what needs they will have fulfilled as a member. To help start the process, I’ve gathered answers to that question from CUDO members and community members who have worked with CUDO, and placed them throughout the article. I hope this helps both the new Board, and the community at large, consider CUDO.
CUDO’s Seventh Anniversary Bash will be happening this Friday, April 29th from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Urbana at SIPYARD and [co][lab].
Banner image by Mallory Simonds
About Rebecca Knaur…
Although clearly not a design professional, rebecca tries to make do while procrastinating as Arts Editor. You can educate her or deride her efforts by following @rknaur on Twitter. She thinks she deserves at least an E for Enthusiasm.
About Rebecca Knaur…