Command X: The Complete Second Season

Easily the most popular new tradition at AIGA conferences is Command X, a graphic design reality show that takes place in real time during the course of the conference (with contestants working out in the open, 24 hours a day). Featuring Michael Bierut as your host (the “Heidi Klum”), Sean Adams as a contestant advisor (the “Tim Gunn”) and judges Bonnie “Randy” Siegler, Paul “Paula” Sahre, and Chip “Simon” Kidd, as well as a rotating guest judge. Seven contestants walked onto the stage on Thursday night, and only one was named the winner today. A recap, and then, the winner…

Monina Velarde, Alison Medland, and Ryan Fitzgibbon waiting for the judge’s verdic

Round 1: The first brief, which was given 24 hours before the start of the conference, instructed the designers to redesign the logo for Graceland.

Winner: Ryan Fitzgibbon chose to embrace the lights, the glitter, the Vegas, the showmanship, in this elegant and simple depiction of Elvis’ career.

Round 2: Redesign packaging for Cap’n Crunch cereal to make it more appealing to adults.

Winner: Alison Yard Medland wanted to remind adults of a good time in their lives, by connecting it to the pop culture of their youth. And acid trips.

Round 3: Make a statement about civil rights. The three remaining contestants were taken on a private tour on the nearby Civil Rights Museum.

Winner: All three contestants said it was one of the most challenging assignments they’ve ever had in their lives. Monina Velarde wins for her civilrightsandme.org campaign, a social networking site that allows people to upload images and statements that define equal rights for them, then spread those messages virally.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you so much for providing such fantastic entertainment. As Michael would say, you’re all winners.