jennifer oliver

As an art director of AARP's brand department, Jennifer "Jo" Oliver creates communications that help 39 million retirees across the United States to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Oliver and the brand group provide creative for AARP's national programs and 60 regional offices from the organization's Washington DC headquarters. When she's not at AARP, Oliver spends her time volunteering as the secretary and treasurer of AIGA DC, getting her hands dirty in the garden and collecting hand stamps at rock shows all around the capitol.

Is graphic design a growth industry? Part of a designer's responsibility is to stay relevant as a creative professional. Aside from keeping up with the latest software and trends, designers need to stay active within the design community throughout the arc of their careers. This could mean volunteering, teaching or being an active member of a professional association. Part of the growth of a designer is being flexible and open to new directions, ideas and ways of thinking, all of which will help position him or her as a trusted source in the event of change. Growth opportunities are available for designers that challenge themselves to adapt.

Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society? Designers are in a unique position to bring about change. As communicators, we influence a lot of decisions that have a great impact on the environment. What will be a challenge for a lot of people (myself included) is to come to terms with the idea that not all communications need to be printed pieces and that, sometimes, less is better. AARP is moving toward a better balance of print and electronic communications and has really started focusing on the need to consolidate the number of pieces that members receive. Sustainability is key to AARP's work, for what we do, we do for all.