FTV Blog 8: agIdeas

I made the decision to attend agIdeas, a three-day design conference at Melbourne Conventon Centre where acclaimed designers from Australia & the world speak to an audience of around 2,500. Some spoke about their work & influences, detailing projects like you would read an art museum curator describe an exhibition--jargon, dull, difficult. Others spoke about their lives and told stories about how they came to their current point in life. Most speakers offered advice and lessons they've learnt during their careers.

Walking out of the convention centre at the end of the third day I was feeling mixed opinions. My ticket cost $300, is that justifiable? There was so much to take in but no measurable outcome. So much conceptual inspiration and wisdom but so little tangible value.

There were two messages at the forefront of my mind. One was that the best designers have the type of character that sees them 'putting themselves out there', being proactive, working out of passion rather than to pass a uni course or comply to the boss's instructions. They go out and work on their own projects and interests regardless of whether it's paid or acclaimed or popular (yet). Only then can be fit to be employed or make a career out of designing something.

The second message I hold from agIdeas is that collaboration is greater than any individual labour. This is not a new philosophy or a revelation to me but it was notable to hear it repeatedly from people who are somehow seen on a pedestal by much of the adoring audience.