It was great hearing such an honest account of life in a partnership. As a business person, I'm sure I got more out of it than the students. So much of what Noreen said really hit home. Hopefully I can learn from her mistakes! And thanks to Noreen for the shout out for Long Beach. I made my students go, and they seemed to enjoy it (either that or they liked having the night off class!) Thanks for a great evening.

Angela, I'm glad you got a lot out of the event, and brought you students too! My students also are still raving about how helpful, and inspiring Noreen's presentation was. She rocked.

What an amazing night! Noreen, thank you for coming out to speak! You are amazing… We were truly inspired by your work and accounts of working with clients, business and partnership. Plus, we got a terrific pirate joke to rip off! Arrrgh...

Noreen was so helpful and so inspiring. Im glad i had the oppertunity to meet with her and hear what she had to say. Drove up from Cal State Long Beach and it was well worth it. thanks Noreen

Having never been to a lecture by a professional graphic designer before (other than class) I was pleasantly surprised by Noreen's friendly and helpful demeanor. Not only was it a realistic insight into the "real world" of graphic design, but it was also very encouraging. As designers we often forget to think about the business aspect of things, but she reinforced the importance of doing so. In addition to everything, she was funny! Amazing lecture.

Noreen Morioka's speech at Cal State LA was, needless to say, entertaining. I'm suprised she kept me awake and it was an honor to hear her speak. I got more of an understanding of the Graphic Design industry. I respect the fact that she would not take all jobs that she was approached with. I want to thank Ms. Morioka for the inspiration and facts she provided.

-William Awad
Cal State Long Beach

Noreen, thank you so much for speaking last week. We were all inspired by what you had to say! And thanks for the Long Beach Shout out! We truly enjoyed the night.

Speakers that are informative and well spoken are sometimes hard to come by. Speakers that are all that and on top of that entertaining are almost impossible to find. Not only did I find myself an enviornment of learning and information but I was able to enjoy myself and never loose intreset in the speaker and what she had to say. Noreen thank you for this experience and the wonderful and personable night....it made the 3 hour drive totally worth it.

I found your lecture very inspiring and helpful. As a student, I didn't realize there was so much to graphic design. Even though I'm working at my first job, I feel that there's a lot more I need to learn and your lecture proved that. From your experience in Japan to how you handled the client on the logo design, I realized that there is a lot I still need to learn. Your lecture was a real-eye opener and I hope you will look into speaking at Cal State Long Beach too.

Noreen, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. I’m one of Angela’s students at Long Beach State. Even though she made us go, then ratted us out by saying so, I really enjoyed the talk and believe I got a lot out of it. Thank you.

Noreen was an excellent speaker and came off as a truly down to earth, strong yet fair-minded professional, and person in general. She was able to break down the business of graphic design in such a basic, realistic and approachable way, which made it alot easier to understand. She clearly identified the fundamentals to be successful in the business, as least in terms or her own personal experience, trials and errors. Straight and to the point, uncensored yet professional, and with a great sense of humor, Noreen was a pleasnt and quite informative surprise - thanks for taking the time Noreen.

The lecture was cool. Having seen the AdamsMorioka website, I came to the lecture expecting a very professional, business-head style in presentation. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Noreen was funny, realistic and spoke to us casually, rather than from some pearly tower.

The lecture was definitely informative. From her blatant (and often crude) exhortations to better ourselves in various areas, to her sharing of valuable personal experiences and how we can avoid pitfalls, I generally felt like she was equipping me with information that would honestly help me. I was surprised to hear that much of her advice fell toward the career decision and business side of design, rather than how to create the art itself. Ultimately, I felt that that was a good decision for a 2-hour lecture; it would be unlikely that you could do much to TEACH a group of students in that block of time, but you could certainly INSPIRE them, and give them more general direction.

It was really refreshing to hear that one of the creators of such amazing work as adobe packaging, nickelodeon logos and gap sign design was a real, down-to-earth person. The thing I will most take away from this lecture is that, I guess, anyone can do this if they're willing to put in the effort. Noreen seemed to think that we all, like her, were capable of achieving success. Now it's just a matter of putting in the work!!

It was a fabulous event that I have ever been to. Thank you very much, Noreen for giving me an inspirng and impressive lecture. I usually hate to go to this kind of event, cuz I thought it's going to be very boring and wasting my time. But I think the way you started your lecture really caught my attention, and very impressive throughout your whole informative talking and vivid gestures. I think that is what I need to learn before I step out the college by June.

Well, I have to admit that I was surprised by the way
she presented herself, I thought she would be more
serious, formal and up-tight given that the firm
(AdamsMorioka) is located in Beverly Hills (I guess I
should not make certain assumptions).
I really appreciated her honesty with regards to the
challenges/difficulties of starting your own business right after school, it was very insightful to hear/learn from her own experience.
However, it seems that what helped her and Adam a lot
was their connections made through AIGA, know I
understand better the importance of being involved in
our local design community. What I would call MUTUAL
SUPPORT. if anything I was a bit discouraged about
starting a business because of all the
financial/business stuff that comes with it. I really
wouldn't want to deal with that stuff but I guess I would have to partner with someone who is business-oriented
(which made me realizemy own weaknesses).

\\Rusty = CSULA senior design student.

By the way, thank you so much for sharing and inspiring!
you are F***ing great!!

an amazing night, i learned so much. it was my first speaker event. if any of the future ones are as great as this one, i will be attending many more. fantastic

I was enthused from the information Noreen Morioka had provided at the guest speaker series. Business experiences in design and its ups and downs. Design addressed to the client as a serious practice affecting a clients impression with patrons and society. And attaining more experience in graphic design from internships, and learn from experience and past mistakes from other graphic design firms. Thank you Noreen Morioka for providing your knowledge about graphic design and the business.

I have tears in my eyes. Today was a tough client day. Not even a pirate joke could have saved me.

Your comments...wow. I think I owe all you of you a bigger 'thank you' back. I'm surprised and totally humbled by your comments. Thank you so very much. Thank you for understanding that I love our profession and our community.

Please come to the Fellows Award event on March 29th. Let's share another moment together and toast great design in LA.

Somedays, our profession really is so damn hard. Its great to be reminded that we aren't in this alone. I raise my glass to you guys for getting me back on my feet. Wow.