Learn what separates these famous graphic designers from all the others. You'll learn their thoughts on design trends, business strategies, client relationships and other inside secrets that have put them at the forefront of the design world.

Each month, only at the Designers Inner Circle we bring you cutting edge design information from the top designers in the world.

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Supon Phornirunlit

Supon Phornirunlit emigrated from Thailand in 1979 and soon after founded Supon Design Group at age 24. In a few years, the studio achieved international recognition.

In a few years, the studio achieved international recognition and earned over 1,000 industry awards, including Gold Awards and Best of Show honors in virtually ever design category from corporate identity, print collateral, and new media to advertising, broadcast, and packaging.

Supon sold the firm in 1999 and in the fall of 2005, he founded Supon Creative Enterprises, working with selected clients on various graphic projects and producing his own home product lines.

• How to "use" design annuals to make yourself a better designer
• Why you should design as client NOT design as a designer
• How to make your clients feel comfortable and trust you
• Why designers need to learn about marketing and researching their industries

Kelly Kaminski

Kelly is co-founder and principal of Grip, a design firm in Chicago's Wicker Park. She serves as creative director, leading a team of talented designers and creating a multitude of effective, award-winning communications. Grip's work has been recognized by institutions such as Print, HOW, Step, Type Directors Club, and the AIGA.

Prior to launching Grip in 1999, Kelly was part of the creative team at a prestigious economic think-tank in Chicago. As a result, her design skills have been carefully honed to include a critical balance of business-minded perspectives. She continues this pursuit by also serving as CFO at Grip, enjoying the balance between creative strategy and the challenges of business operations.

Kelly is a frequent guest lecturer for several university design programs and teaches design and illustration at Marwen, a community art center for students in grades 6-12.

• What the pros and cons of partnerships in a design firm
• The one critical component of design you need to know
• How to prepare for a successful design career
• How "risk taking" as a new designer can really separate you from the competition

Armin Vit

Pentagram (New York) designer Armin Vit talks about life as a design professional working for one of the most prestigious design firms in the world.

Armin is also the co-founder of the first major design blog (Speak Up) to capture the attention of designers around the country and the world with it's spirited discussions.

Since Speak up, Armin has helped launch 3 other major design blogs Brand New, Quipsologies, and The Design Encyclopedia -- that have been part of the growing dialog in design and the broad appreciation of the practice made possible by the reach of the web.

• How staying away from design magazines can improve your design
• The secrets that top Pentagram designers know that give them the edge
• How to apply design principles to take on all sorts of "non-traditional" design projects
• Why "being creative" can actually stall your design projects

Shelley Paulson

Shelley Paulson is the Owner/Creative Director of Summerset Studio, a creative services firm. Shelley excels in creating clean, original, refreshing designs for a diverse clientele.

Since founding the studio in 2003, Shelley's designs reflect the unique character of the organizations she works with because she takes the time to get to know each client, their audience, and marketing needs before the design process begins.

Shelley's other passion is photography and she also oversees the photography division of Summerset Studios.

• Is working for a small design company the best strategy before opening your own design business?
• The magic percentage to know if you are pricing to low
• Why we need to be inspired on a regular basis
• Hear Shelley on whether it is wise to specialize or not

Stefan G. Bucher

After working as a freelance illustrator in his native Germany, Stefan moved to California and earned his degree from Art Center College of Design in 1996. Shortly thereafter, in 1998, he started 344 Design.

He is responsible for CD packages for everyone from indie artists to Whitney Houston and Sting.In September of 2004 the Art Directors Club (New York) selected him as one of 35 outstanding creatives age 30 and under for their biennial "Young Guns" exhibit.

These days he is creating gratuitously ambitious work for clients as diverse as blue chip art galleries, cappuccino entrepreneurs and Indian movie directors.

• How to have the ultimate job security in the design business
• The secret to becoming a world-class designer
• The one thing that is not there in 99.9% of student portfolios
• The one skill you absolutely need
• Stefan reveals the secret 1,2 punch that sets great designers apart from the "average joes"

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