Bandwagon Graphiks

If you are a regular reader of the blog…you might get a sense that I am anti-professional association. Sure, I haven’t been handed opportunity after opportunity but I am no where near anti. If anything, I have worked for and hoped that all professional associations can inspire/create while embracing every level of skill.

Years ago when I was a baby designer, I travelled with my AIGA Student Group to two conferences for design. My parents thought this to be an investment in my future, I saw it as a way to get to know what graphic design had to offer once I left the security of the classroom.

The first conference was the AIGA National Conference in Boston in 2005 – a week long design party of sorts with probably two-thousand people in attendance from all over the country. I was INTIMIDATED. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone – no one wanted to listen, and looked upon my mediocre business card as instant garbage. I didn’t leave without learning anything or meeting anyone but it was not what I was hoping for.

The next conference was the 2006 Y-Conference hosted by AIGA San Diego at the end of every March. I came dressed in a suit and portfolio in hand, only this wasn’t Boston. The Y-Conference turned out to be a very small, very intimate gathering of creative professionals. Mostly filled with locals, I could relax here and take a breath. People were calm, dressed in jeans and willing to talk to you no matter who you were. It was less about what’s going on in the office and more…how can we inspire you.

Since then I have been to every single Y-Conference. It is the one design event I look forward to every year. I dont know what it is, but it seems like half way through the first days speakers – my brain opens up and the creativity floods back in. From January to Y, I feel stuck…and once I get to Y…all my worries disappear.

Some highlights over the years have included:
- Shots with the guys from Ask A Ninja.com
- Getting one of Christopher Simmons’ watermarked business cards
- Tim Biskup’s lively presentation and quotes
- Shawn Wolfe’s quotes and personality.
- Scaling the hill with Tucker Viemeister from Studio Red
- Conversations with Doyald Young
- Yoga with Petrula Vrontikis
- Creating Products out of Recycled Rubber with the ladies from UsedRubberUSA
- Learning that Stefan Sagmeister was not shallow and actually a really cool guy.
- Shooting the Breeze with Ric Grefé
- Meeting students who were just like me a few years ago
- Countless amazing presentations
- Sunsets at the University of San Diego
- Riding my Bicycle 125 miles from Los Angeles to Y last year and from now on
- Regaining my love for the profession

I can’t even recall everything that has changed in my life thanks to Y. I have been able to open up more and gain confidence, push myself and fly in the face of a horrible recession – staying true to myself as a designer.

You may be a more business oriented designer, who sees shots with Ninja goofballs – not quite a selling point for a conference. But the Y-Conference is that one time every year where you can let go from the crushing stress and get back to being innovative and relaxed.

I am the type who doesn’t care what the topic is each year, and just looks forward to having a good time and opening up.

Here are some tips for the designer on a budget:
- The Y-Conference is CHEAP – compared to other conferences…its a steal…and they feed you.
- If the Conference hotel is a tad out of your price range…check out the 500 West Hotel/Hostel in the gaslamp district…its right next to the trolley stop, nice, and clocks in around $50/night.
- BRING SWAG. The more memorable your swag, the better.
- Parking is a pain in San Diego…take full use of the public transportation – I have been using the trolley as my main mode of transport at every Y…and its good for the environment.

So, maybe your not quite convinced yet…or short on funds…but if by chance you need a short break with creative folk and to be challenged…by all means…come Y with me. I will be your conference buddy