{"id":1843,"date":"2017-06-14T14:25:02","date_gmt":"2017-06-14T04:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emmakateco.com\/?p=1843"},"modified":"2018-08-26T01:10:43","modified_gmt":"2018-08-25T15:10:43","slug":"on-the-creative-life-side-projects-the-future-of-design-10-things-we-learned-at-the-design-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emmakateco.com\/on-the-creative-life-side-projects-the-future-of-design-10-things-we-learned-at-the-design-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"On The Creative Life, Side Projects & The Future Of Design: 10 Things We Learned At The Design Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Words: Brooke Zotti<\/em><\/p>\n

A couple of weeks ago, Emma and I took a flight up to sunny Brisbane to immerse ourselves in two days of unbridled creativity at\u00a0The Design Conference<\/a>. Needless to say, our decision to take time out from the busyness of studio + everyday life, and to dedicate time for learning was well worth the trip!<\/p>\n

As the third conference (held annually by the guys at Analogue Digital Agency) this year\u2019s two-day event featured presentations from a series of creatives hailing from near and far, and from a range of different disciplines within the design industry. It was a wonderful chance to connect with like-minded people and just be surrounded by the creativity of others.<\/p>\n

After emerging from the bubble and compiling our creative ah-ha\u2019s and other rushed notes scribbled, here are ten key takeaways we brought back and would love to share with you \u2013 on side projects, dream chasing, the future of design and everything between, in the pursuit of a creative life.<\/p>\n

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1. Give yourself permission to do what you love<\/em><\/h1>\n

Clich\u00e9 or not, a common theme running through basically all presentations was the need to do what you love – and love what you do \u2013 in life. If you really care about what you do, it will show through in your work. You can either show up to a meaningless job and collect a paycheque, or you can get involved \u2013 really involved – and make a difference.<\/p>\n

Deene Poole said it best: I\u2019ve never met a designer who said \u201cI want to be fucking average today\u201d \u2013 we all want to make better and do good for the world.<\/p>\n

It was also especially nice to hear that it\u2019s officially never too late to start doing what you love. Camille Walala\u2019s story was inspiring for those lost with choosing a career, struggling to finding a passion or even just trying to hold down a job. The trick is simple: keep searching. Don\u2019t worry about what people will think of you changing directions a hundred times over, be stubborn, and never give up until you find the love.<\/p>\n

2. There\u2019s no difference between work and life. It\u2019s all just life.<\/em><\/h1>\n

The importance of work \/ life balance was discussed heavily over the two days. While it was emphasised that making time for the things we love outside of work is important, even to the extent of scheduling in cooking, or a beach walk into a Google calendar like you would a client\u2019s due date \u2013 a creative career ultimately means that it becomes a part of your identity. All of the creatives presenting were advocates of the notion that when you love your work, it doesn\u2019t feel like work and so work-life balance doesn\u2019t really exist \u2013 It\u2019s all just life.<\/p>\n

As Mike Tosetto said, \u201cI go from something I love, to something I love. It\u2019s all life, it\u2019s all work\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

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3. You are not special!<\/em><\/h1>\n

Lauren Hom shared with us that when you can create things that are real and raw, people will relate to your work, because emotions are a relatable feeling. That\u2019s why emotions are such a golden place to draw inspiration from for your projects. Did you have a fight with your partner? Are you hangry (hungry-angry)? Did you lock your keys in the car?<\/p>\n

For the majority of the time, whatever you\u2019re going through, other people have been through too. You\u2019re not special \u2013 and relatability forges connection.<\/p>\n

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4. Inspiration is everywhere<\/em><\/h1>\n

Every day you are surrounded by inspiration for work, products and projects. Here are a few practical, instantly accessible ways to find inspiration:<\/p>\n