Building a Brand: Lessons from a Creative Visionary
The RIT graphic design program's Graphic Design Week provides students opportunities to engage in lectures, hands-on workshops, and experiences that enhance their skills and thinking as creatives.
A series of events are open to the public, including a lecture by Phil Aguglia titled "Building a Brand: Lessons from a Creative Visionary."
About the lecture
11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Wegmans Theater (MAGIC Spell Studios)
Phil Aguglia is a musician, craftsman, entrepreneur, and educator from Buffalo whose passion turned a simple basement idea into an internationally recognized company. His journey is nothing short of inspiring: from tinkering at home to building a brand that’s now making noise across the globe. This is a rare opportunity to learn firsthand how innovation, dedication, and creativity can spark a global success story.
Aguglia is the founder and master craftsman behind PaGu Batons, a globally recognized brand for premium, hand-made conducting batons. Driven by the belief that a baton should be more than just a stick with a handle, Aguglia embarked on a relentless mission to design the perfect conducting instrument and one that seamlessly marries form and function. From understanding human ergonomics to accounting for the visibility of the baton under stage lighting, Aguglia has turned what was once a simple tool into a customized extension of the conductor’s hand. Each baton is individually crafted in his Buffalo, N.Y., workshop using a proprietary fitting system that ensures the baton matches the unique needs of every conductor. His commitment to precision and artistry has earned him international acclaim, with many of the world’s most respected conductors choosing PaGu Batons over all others.
Aguglia's entrepreneurial vision and passion for music has also led to remarkable collaborations and achievements beyond the concert hall. Notably, he crafted a custom baton featured in an Oscar-nominated film. As seen in his appearance on the “Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations” series, Aguglia's deep empathy for musicians extends beyond craftsmanship, and he’s passionate about how the right baton can support physical challenges and enhance expressive performance. Alongside his business endeavors, he has been nominated multiple times as a finalist for the Grammy Educator of the Year Award.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No