About
So, what’s all this ‘HOW ABOUT Creative Latitude’?
In April of 2006, twenty or so designers from the HOW and about.com graphic design forums, and the management team from Creative Latitude met up in Seattle. Finally meeting long time friends for the first time was so electric, we’ve decided to do it again on the Memorial Day Weekend, 2007.
The below has been quoted from Derald’s article on Creative Latitude, Sleepless in Seattle.
Derald Shultz:
Mediarail Design, Inc.
For me, “incredible” would be too small a word to describe the weekend. Meeting the friends I talk to and email weekly was a memory-burner; something I will remember for a life time.
Neil Tortorella:
Tortorella Design
The biggest benefit was learning that if Derald hums I stop snoring. Who knew? Seriously though, it was a huge kick simply to talk with everybody about design, the industry and such. I had a great time talking with Jeff, Von, Curt and Maria over dinner Saturday night. Many of us are independents and tend to be somewhat isolated. Getting together was a refreshing change of pace.
… We did a lot of talking, laughing, eating and walking in a short amount of time. A few more days would have been nice to share.
Alina Hagen:
AlinaDesign
I’ve never felt such camaraderie with “stranger” … yet they weren’t strangers. It was extremely satisfying that everyone was even better in person (if that’s even possible!). I felt a bond like I had never felt, and it was awesome.
… The only thing I regret was not having more time to devote to the event. Next time, I’ll be more available.
Dana Chrysler:
Type by Design
Probably the biggest surprise was the visceral emotion experienced upon arrival, reminding me of reuniting with old friends at a class reunion or even a wedding or funeral–the feeling you get when you are reunited with people you have bonded with (think: “attending years of school” or “serving in the military” kind of bonding). I felt a wave of excitement and camaraderie–I wanted to hug each and every one!
… would have booked a room and stayed to experience the entire weekend with this group of people (I had to take off after only two hours). The experience invigorated me for days (I’m still feeling it)!
Danita Reynolds:
Creative Expertise
The biggest personal benefit I got from the weekend was a deeper and more solid connection with existing relationships that I have developed over the years online. Personally meeting these people has enriched and widened my friendship’s with them.
… If I could change one thing about the weekend it would be personal “time” with individuals.
Celia Martin:
The camaraderie was incredible, and everyone got along better than one would think in such a diverse group of individuals. There wasn’t a single prima donna in the lot.
… I would have loved to take more time to really get to know everyone better. Although I had some great conversations, there were several people I just didn’t get a chance to talk with as much, and I regret not having the time to visit with them.
Dawn Burgess:
Every once in a while we have moments in life that truly impact our souls. The Seattle trip was like that for me. Meeting the group of designers, illustrators and authors was like slipping into a cozy pair of slippers and riding the world’s wildest roller coaster, all at the same time. Strangely comfortable, yet exhilarating and very exciting. The biggest surprise of the event was how quickly we all gelled, conversed like we had been friends forever and were just getting together for a happy reunion. There was no awkwardness or strange silences. Just lots of smiling faces and intriguing conversations, mingled with bouts of jovial hysteria. (Oh, and lots of wine and delicious food!)
… The endearing memories will certainly last a lifetime, and I hope that the friendships will, as well. I’m already looking forward to the next “invasion”.
Maria G:
I really enjoyed talking shop and getting advice from Neil, Von, Sarah and Curt. It was a great exchange of ideas. We had lots of fun conversations too, but I really enjoyed discussing design and soaking up the creativity and thoughts of these incredible designers.
… I would have liked to have been able to spend more time with people. I only arrived in time for dinner. I also got absorbed in several fascinating conversation with Von, Curt, Neil and then Sarah–but I had meant to get up and talk more with others. It would have been fun to make everyone get up and switch places!
Illustration by Von Glitschka:
It’s clear that there was WAY too little time (and lack of sleep), so we’ve all promised take this into account for the 2007 party.
So there you have it, the goods on the ‘HOW ABOUT Creative Latitude’ blog.
See you there?
Is it May yet?