From the Founder

We all want our lives to count. We long to care about what we do on a daily basis, to add value, to give back, to make a difference, to serve.

EPIC is an idea that came out of the desire to continue working with amazing creatives while also serving nonprofits and providing what they need in order to flourish. There is such a need on the creative side: for talented people to feel the freedom to do amazing work on projects they believe in, while also maintaining their corporate work at full-time or freelance positions. And, there is an overwhelming need in the nonprofit world for strategic, well positioned, conceptual, beautiful solutions that will drive awareness of the needs in our society and put us on a path toward solving those problems. The creative community should be and can be the “go to” place for  service and discussion! This is why EPIC was born.

The development process has been a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, a little piece here…one there. EPIC is the answer to a need. There was no Einstein moment, no big light bulb went off and suddenly everything made sense.

The inspiration started with Hank Richardson at Portfolio Center where we talked about doing design work that can change the world. Then, that passion grew at SamataMason as we watched the Samata’s grow their foundation, Evan’s Life Foundation, that was started in memory of their son, Evan.

After being in Chicago for a few years, I learned about Project: Philanthropy, started by Kelly Kaminski and Stewart Cottman. Being involved with weekend workshops, doing identity systems for small nonprofits, helped me understand this intense desire within creatives to make a difference in the world. Why would we be given such a gift if we were not to use it to better our society?

After joining the AIGA Chicago board, the conversations continued.

Designers ask:
“How can we do outreach better?”
“How can we get involved with our communities and make a difference with our talents?”

Being EPIC is simple. Do great work, with new friends that you have never worked with before, and celebrate what you have contributed that will, in turn, impact lives.

To me, giving is at the very core of life. Sometimes it comes easy and sometimes it’s really hard. But it is always necessary.

Join this movement as we explore how EPIC can become the fun and meaningful collective approach to service as a creative community.

Erin Huizenga, EPIC Founder