so i am officially back from out of town! i have just come back from one of the most awesome conference for creatives in the world - the HOW design conference in chicago. over 3500 people were there. people just like me, designers who love their macs, love their talents, a chance to get away from the office and fuse with others who share this passion. i got to play with other creatives, get to know my co-worker a little better and catch up with one of the best designers i know - gissy, you're absolutely fabulous! one of the highlights was the closing party where we were to come as we weren't - a mascerade party. we saw killer costumes and chatted with fascinating people - one in particular i hope will continue to be in touch :)
there were some hiccups on the way there. drew, my co-worker was pulled aside by cola airport security 'cause his belt kept making the alarm go off. that was hilarious - especially since this was his first time flying ever! then our flight was delayed due to bad weather. then we missed our connecting flight because of said weather conditions. we were rebooked for a flight that left the NEXT morning. wouldn't have been so bad, except gissy was bunking with me! we got all that straight, though.
if you ever end up missing your connecting flight from dc and have to stay in a nearby hotel, i highly recommend the hyatt regency in reston, va. for the few hours we stayed there, it was absolutely awesome. the service was out of this world and the facilities impeccable. they gave us a little toiletries so we could at least brush our teeth, comb hair and wash the underarms and apply fresh deodorant. btw, we stayed in two separate rooms. don't want anyone to think anything else :)
we all finally arrived in chicago in one piece. i never appreciated a shower so much! we toured the sights, ate deep dish pizza and had a great time. now as with any conference, you're bound have signed up for a stinker session or two. i only had one that was totally crapsville, but overall the conference was fantastic! i won't spend so much time going over this, 'cause if you're not a designer, creative type, or my director who requires a report upon return, you won't appreciate the recap. but my favorite session would be the one entitled "designers who care." the session was led by peleg top, a designer who left the corporate design scene and successfully started a design firm that caters to non-profit and community-based clients.
up until that wonderful sunday morning, i didn't even think that it was possible to do what you're really passionate about AND be able to live off it. i love design. but i really am passionate about helping non-profits, community-based and religion affiliated organizations through my design skills. i've always liked the idea helping these types, but have always run in to problems with small budgets. mr. top revealed how that was possible as he discussed different types of projects that could be taken on in this arena. as he explained certain things, i could see how passionate he was about his firm's work and the pride in the contributions he and his colleagues have made to their surrounding community.
top gave renewed a hope that i almost let go. the hope of being able to just help people and make a decent living from it. and not in an exploitive manner. one of the ways he said we as designers could give back is to teach. i am teaching in the fall at my alma mater. and while i am denying it now, i will admit that i am really excited about this and will probably have a great time teaching and learning from my eight students this fall. i have awesome ideas for them and want to make the class exciting and educational. i also can't wait to share with them the importance of giving back to the community in which we live.
it is my sincere desire to make my little space in this world better. my church has started some life-changing programs and has had a profound impact on the surrounding community. i have so many ideas i would love to implement to help propel these awesome programs, but never enough time to develop a plan to make it happen. i know deep down that i will eventually have to give up some things and totally sacrifice others to make these visions come to pass. i have to make time if i want to live what i truly desire - just to be a helper. the Bible says that your "gifts will make room for you." i truly believe that and it is the gifts God has given me with this passion to help that will help me be successful in this area. i have to make the first move though. i think i'm doing that with this teaching assignment at cc. we'll see where this gift and God will take me from there.
i am becoming more open to change and willing to make those changes. there are some things that i have to continue to stand firm in, but i cannot be so rigid that i miss whatever it is God's mapped out for my destiny. i have encountered the unexpected on this trip and now i'm ready for more. i pray that you are, too.
be open to change. be ready when it happens. be faithful and steadfast in your dreams.
