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Welcome to STEP’s third annual Field Guide to Emerging Design Talent. Alice Twemlow has once again curated this special section recognizing new talent. She contacted instructors at design campuses and programs in the U.S. and abroad for nominations. This issue is packed full of the latest generation of graphic designers, interactive media designers, illustrators, and pop culture influencers in general.

The 2006 STEP Field Guiders share many traits, including a love of life and a passion for their craft. They experience the world through a design lens, enriching their own lives and the lives of others around them. What’s also unique about this group is that nearly all of them are giving back to their alma maters, either through teaching and mentoring the next class of designers, curating university exhibitions, or designing materials for school programs and events.

In addition to the Field Guide, we’ve included more up-and-coming talents to watch for: Tiffany Meyers spoke with the judges and top winners of the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, which is in its fifth year. Adobe recognizes and rewards 26 students who are using Adobe products to create their award-winning projects. We’re featuring the top winners of each category and exploring the criteria the judges used to select this deserving bunch. Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich, who served as master of the awards ceremony along with Matteo Bologna, stated: “These people are going to burst through the gates and take the jobs of all the old people in their way.” Look out (“The 2005 ADAA Winners,” page 64).

Anne Telford interviews 10 illustrators who are making an indelible mark, each breaking through with a unique style (“Drawn Talent,” page 54). Gina Triplett, one of the featured artists, created this issue’s striking cover image. Read about her process, including direction she received from STEP art director Michael Ulrich.

Switching from new school to old school, Sean Adams interviews 2005 AIGA medalist Bart Crosby, principal of Crosby Associates in Chicago. Crosby has a 40-year legacy in the windy city, creating brand identities for companies both locally and around the nation. In addition to Crosby’s design work, Adams taps into personal interests, which include an obsession with cars and racing. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride (“Q&A,” page 48).

Luis Fitch, principal of Uno in Minneapolis, has not only crossed the cultural divide from his native Tijuana, he’s bridging the gap between Hispanic Americans and the mainstream through design. Matthew Porter interviews Fitch about his upbringing south of the border, his education, and his circuitous career that is now leading him away from his adopted Midwestern home (“Uno Minneapolis: Frozen or on the Rocks?” page 40).

Last issue’s cover (Vol. 21, No. 6), designed by Number 17’s Emily Oberman and Bonnie Siegler, sparked vigorous debates at www.beadesigngroup.com and www.underconsideration.com/speakup. I received many letters from readers as well—some people loved it, some people hated it. See “Letters from Readers” on page 12 for a taste of the controversy and to read Emily’s and Bonnie’s reasoning behind their feline design.