Volunteer Spotlight – Amy Meyer
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager
Amy Meyer, our fabulous graphic design volunteer, came to us via a recommendation from a PNCA professor. I have had the pleasure of working with Amy on many key design projects this past year, including the launch of our Planned Giving Program brochure, a Portland Mercury advertisement for our 20th anniversary, a poster for our Take Back the Streets event, and some fun projects coming up on the horizon, including a coffee label! Amy is always eager to step in and help us out with anything that comes her way. And for that, we want to highlight her volunteer work in this month’s spotlight.
We sat down with Amy to learn more about her involvement in the Community Cycling Center and how design can play a role in building community.
Why do you volunteer at the Community Cycling Center? How did you start?
I volunteer because I like being involved in the community. Since starting college here in Portland, I wasn’t able to volunteer at my local library anymore. Fortunately, a couple opportunities from the Community Cycling Center were presented through my college and they turned out to be a lot of fun.
I first got involved by responding to a call for artists to make some imagery for bike spoke cards that were to be sent out as thanks for donating through the Willamette Week’s Give!Guide ‘13. After making a few designs I also attended a volunteer night to assemble the cards. The atmosphere was very welcoming and I found it as a good place to become involved with.
What sort of volunteer work do you do?
I’m a volunteer graphic designer. I’ve done a variety of print work during my time with the Community Cycling Center.
What is your most memorable project in your time volunteering with us?
The most memorable project I’ve done so far is the Planned Giving Guide. It was my first “real-world” design project – working with a client and following branding guidelines, and such. It was a good learning experience and I proved to myself that I am capable as a designer.
What sort of design work do you hope to work on in your career?
I plan to focus my skills in print design, branding, and packaging. I like tangible, experienced-based design. I hope to work my way up to art direction.
What does “community” mean to you? How would you define it, or what does it look like?
Whether it’s physical or digital – community is a safe, shared space for those with similar interests and ideas. It’s a unique culture that you choose to share and engage in.
How do you think design can play a role in building community?
Design expresses ideas in a clear and understandable form, calling all of its viewers to action – whether they’re the intended audience or not – to become aware and/or get involved. For “outside” viewers, design can spark a curiosity in them to experience something new.
If design wasn’t a component in building community, general knowledge of happenings would be very limited, keeping it from growing like it should.
What is something that someone may not assume about you?
I prefer rain over sunshine.
Thank you, Amy!
For more information on how to become involved with the Community Cycling Center’s Creative Team, visit our volunteer page.