As designers we are visual problem solvers. We work to connect clients with their audiences in a visual way. This was very evident at the Day in the life conference I attended in Baltimore, MD on this past Saturday.
From students to professionals, there were people from non-profits as well as corporations and design firms. There were big ideas and conversations about design and the community that went on through out the day.
Some nuggets of knowledge that people got out of it:
“Great Conference, let’s do it again next year!”
“. . . it’s time to get on twitter!”
“ I am not alone in this business.”
“Baltimore has a beautiful design future — this event proves it.”
This entire event was a hit, and exceeded my expectations. The sessions that I attended were great, and the only problem I had was I left wanting more, but was motivated to do good. I was wishing we had more sessions and the choice of more then 2, and I heard the same from other attendees as well but overall it was a positive experience, High Five to the organizers!
Quoting Ross Nover from free range studios “We can take an idea and make it a valid Credible thing” At free range studio they specialize in designing for social impact not consumption, working to enable and empower their clients to transform their audience.
The discussion was engaging and it was refreshing to see other designers out there similar frustrations, and issues when learning to try and design for their community. There is an idea that you first must raise awareness then engage your audience. Your audience is more impressionable then you think. Some interesting resources and projects they worked on: the story of stuff, no impact project
Another session that I attended: The green movement and the creative industry presented by Eryn Willard from Studio 22. Being a green design firm, they are determined to be sustainable and lower the clients’ footprint at every step. From paper to ink to process, I was educated on the way we print and what is the harm that is done in the process. Learning that there is a life cycle to what we do. When designing sustainably you are impacting the community, environment, and the economy, giving your client and their audience a better life. Here are some interesting resources that were shared during the session: calculate your project footprint, Design ignites change
As designers we have the POWER to influence our audiences and design for social change. Having the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and discuss these topics within the confines of a creative space can strengthen our skills and expand our ideas. Here’s to hoping for an even greater session next year!