Portfolio Day 2026 Recap

The AIGA KC Education Committee held this year’s Spring Portfolio Day on Saturday, March 14. The event was hosted at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in partnership with the CoLab Center and sponsored by Adobe. 

Portfolio Day is for the benefit of students and emerging designers to show their portfolios and receive feedback from seasoned professionals. The event doesn’t only present the opportunity to receive feedback, it gives students a safe-space to practice presenting their work and to network with both working professionals and their own contemporaries. 

The reviews on Saturday were held in a speed dating format, allowing students to get multiple reviews. Reviewers were stationed at tables throughout the CoLab space and held their hands up in the air when they were available for a reviewee. Reviewees moved around the room looking for an available reviewer. Each review lasted about 10-15 minutes and students gathered feedback on their work, their overall presentation, and asked questions regarding upcoming opportunities. 

After the reviews, all participants enjoyed a lunch provided by JCCC and had ample time to network before the workshops began.

The first workshop, “Getting the Interview” was hosted by Jen Beck, AIGA KC Director of Education and included an experienced panel of recruiters and directors from local companies and agencies. The panelists provided their insight on what makes a portfolio stand out and potential red flags on a portfolio or resume. 

• Panelists include:
  • Alyssa Kirkland – digital and creative account manager at tek systems and director of education with UXPA
  • Paul Corrigan – executive design director at BarkleyOKRP
  • Tom Demetriou – EVP, Executive Creative Director at MERGE
  • Amity Dannefer – Creative Recruitment Director at Publicis Health

The second workshop, “The Freelance Journey” was hosted by Jason Gramke, AIGA KC Chair of Education and included an expert panel of freelancers. The variety of freelancing experience and specializations made for a panoramic perspective. Panelists discussed why they chose to freelance, how they handle pricing and creative pushback from clients, and managing work-life balance. 

• Panelists include: 
  • Megan Louise O’Connell – Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist
  • Nathan Holthus – Partner at Jekyll
  • Chico Sierra – Muralist & Designer
  • James Spikes – Art Incubator Co-Founder

When the event wrapped up, students and emerging designers took home a swag bag and plenty of feedback to work into their portfolios over spring break.

Author: Sadie McKee

Photos: Sadie McKee, Kenzie Tubbs