Over 4,000 creatives gathered in early April at this year’s OFFF design conference at the Museo Del Disseny in Barcelona. For three days, the focus was on design, film, and art – in over 70 lectures and workshops featuring designers from around the world. So, what remained after three days filled with inspiration and sunshine? In summary, three insights that everyone should take to heart:
1. Unbridled passion trumps expertise
Experience is overrated. Those who truly believe in their idea and are determined to bring it to life don’t need to know everything or be perfect. What is absolutely necessary is genuine passion – because it always finds a solution or a way. Passionate creatives go the extra mile and make the impossible possible.
2. Excellent design is timeless
Truly well-thought-out design doesn’t conform to trends but sets new standards. This is impressively underscored by the work of design legend Lance Wyman. His distinctive and brilliant design language for the 1968 Olympics and the Mexico City Metro is suddenly evident – without his involvement – in the branding for Apple’s iPod in 2004 and the icons for the iPhone in 2007. The resemblance is astonishing. Even decades later, Lance Wyman’s design remains remarkably relevant.
3. Do your own thing!
Everything is achievable. You don’t necessarily need an external commission; you need the desire to do it yourself. In almost all the presentations, it was evident how important it is to infuse your personality into your work or initiate your own projects. Create your own work, experiment, try things out – to grow personally and develop and nurture your unique individual expression. As Adam J. Kurtz puts it: ‘We don’t have to specialize in one thing when we can do everything… just do it yourself and see where it takes you.’ Anthony Burrill summed up what really matters: ‘Don’t follow any rules. Including this one.’
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Here are two visual treats from OFFF 2017 – first, the touching trailer ‘New Senses’ by Outro Studio and second, the beautifully surreal opening titles by Vallée Duhamel.
never stop evolving.
stay human.
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Claudia Gilhofer:
Creative Planner, Communication Psychologist in Training, Systemic Business Coach, Facilitator, Mentor, Sparring Partner, VR Expert (XR-C)
