Don’t worry. They won’t bite…unless they’re provoked. But they can definitely smell fear. So you have to show them you’re in control. Work on your approach. Be confident, direct and clear. And don’t do anything to startle them.

Dan Banks

Dan Banks is the owner and creative director for Project Design Company, a socially and ecologically focused design studio for print and digital solutions, propelling solid branding and creative ideas across mediums. Clients include National Geographic Society, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, George Washington University, USAID, Institute of Scrap Recycling, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Dan has been designing and art directing in Washington, DC for over 17 years.

A graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design, he is a past president of the DC chapter of AIGA and currently sits on its advisory board. He is an adjunct professor in design at American University and has spoken on branding and web design. His love of design keeps him busy finding new venues of expression, whether it’s painting, cooking, or writing.

Monica Bussolati

In 1989, with far too little relevant experience, Monica Bussolati founded Bussolati, a design strategy firm. Along the way, she gained the experience. Today Bussolati is a design strategist for association and organization marketing. We design marketing tools that are powered up with strategy and refined messaging, to help our clients excel. And thrive.

Michele Thomas

Michele Thomas is art director at RCW Communication Design Inc. (RCW Inc.) She has two decades of local and international experience in marketing and a decade of experience in the design industry. Over the past 8 years with RCW, she has worked on a variety of notable and award winning projects ranging from advertising, branding/identity, exhibits, annual reports, publications, campaigns, magazines, internet/internet design and multimedia. At RCW Inc., she has received recognition for her work in American Graphic Design & Advertising Annuals, American Corporate Identity, Communicator awards, The RX Club, Graphic Design USA, and others. Michele Thomas graduated with her BA in art studio, concentration graphic design from George Mason University.