the big D Designers conceive of, create, plan and realize visual solutions to complex problems in contemporary culture. And, with increasing access to new design software, hardware, progressive printing techniques, web, film, video and broadcast software—the mediums that designers choose to solve those problems are constantly evolving. At the same time, our culture increasingly relies upon the designer not only to solve communications problems, but to create and influence a wide array of aesthetics for a new range of industries such as fashion, interior design, film and theatre. The traditional "designer" now becomes Designer...with a big D. With ever more information and choice, designers—like all consumers—make their purchasing decisions based on their relationship to a brand. Your company can influence these decisions and strengthen its competitive edge by developing strong bonds with your audiences. The challenge, of course, is to understand their changing interests, find new ways to communicate with them and support their efforts through new marketing channels to build long-term loyalty—all with shrinking budgets, staff and resources. Laura Des Enfants and Deb Aldrich have worked on numerous projects in the design community collaboratively for the past three years. With almost forty years of combined industry experience between them, Laura and Deb understand the challenges you face in reaching your target audience, as well as the changing face of that audience.