On June 23rd, a group of lucky Youth Designers had the opportunity to attend the HOW Design Conference 2012 in Boston. Below you can find some words from the Youth Designers themselves.
Shirley Fang – Intern at IDEO
Design. Youth Design. HowDesign. That is how I got to go to the conference. It was as exciting and unexpected as it could get. There I felt that I learned design; it became real to me as though I could touch it. I observed and learned from these designers, already out in the field trying to get themselves recognized.
When I was alone exploring by myself, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by this new environment, this new adventure. However, this did not inhibit me from reaching out and using thisopportunity to learn not only about design but also what it means to me. The first speaker I heard during the conference was Chip Kidd, who definitely knows how to run a show. He was funny, charming,and innovative. He didn’t let himself or his work to be restricted at all. He used colors, ideas, and images to make the best impressionsand to evoke the wanted emotions for a book (also I did not realize there was really a career for this so I was in awe for quite a bit). He inspired me to think outside the box and taught me how to do so,I’ve always heard people say, “Be creative. Think outside the box!”,but not many really know how to do so. Through Chip Kidd’s stories of his working process, I learned that when you are thinking of a new design concept, you need to understand what your message, audience,color scheme and etc. are. And if your concept or anything goes wrong,you may possibly have to start from scratch. Personally, I know it will be difficult to gear myself through this quick and on the spot thinking required for design, but with dedication or practice, it can be done. Just as Chip Kidd’s works inspired me, I want my future works to do the same for others.
The last speaker I heard was Stefan Mumaw who taught me about chasing the monster idea. The topic itself immediately captivated me. I always have great expectations for myself and all my works, but I do not have much experience with design. This lecture taught me the key things I need to be aware of when forming a concept.The most important thing I learned from him is that thinking big may seem big, but it can be as simple and small as changing the color scheme. I know that I over think scenarios a lot of the time, so this really hit me and allowed me to reflect upon my own thinking process, which is exactly what I needed. HowDesign marked the rocky path of my new adventure. Like the name of the conference itself, it showed me exactly how design works.
Aaron Clanton – Intern at Opus Design
My time at the HOW Design Conference was phenomenal. The fact that I
was given an opportunity that people twice my age would dream about
was surreal in itself. I felt as though me being at the conference was
a right of passage into the design world; I was surrounded by
designers of different backgrounds and here I am, still wet behind the
ears in design and I’m learning alongside them as equals. It was
unbelievable.
The actual seminars that I attended were very informative
and changed my way of thinking all at once. In each seminar I took
as many notes as humanly possible. There were key points
in each of the seminars that I’ve taking away and that will stay with me as a designer.
Along with experiencing the design world for the first time, I also
created a friendship and networked with the Youth Design team. This
conference was an astonishing start of the summer as a Youth Designer.
I have so many ideas that I want to put to life, and so many things
that I’ve yet to learn. This summer at Youth Design is going to be the engine to power the ideas and the yearn to gain knowledge.
Josheph Soto – Intern at Boston Children’s Hospital
This day delivered yet another unique experience with Youth Design Boston. The HOW Design Live conferences were very significant: I experienced other’s personal skill and practice of design. These conferences went in their own directions: from “Color Management for Designers”, to “Becoming a Design Leader”, and “Learning the Do’s and Dont’s of The Alternative Design Career”.
Although I have learned much about design already, these conferences discussed how design can be utilized to create change: something that everyone seeks to demonstrate. I’ve learned that design can be family matter, and should always run on ambition, tuition, and skill. A designer should focus on their customers, competition, sales, trends, and even technology, to make it in the big world. Youth Design’s last conference with Sappi Ideas that Matter was gratifying, to say the least. Design in this circumstance had the opportunity to reach out in the community and give back to education and tutoring younger children across the country. The HOW Design Live experience was incredible!
Jeffrey Dubuisson – Intern at McMahon Architects
Wow! I don’t think I could have spent my Saturday any better than at the HOW Design Live Conference. The wealth of information was overwhelming, and I feel as though I have truly grown as a person and a designer from the experience.I learned what it meant to keep color consistent between different mediums and what it meant to “chase the monster idea” we all have inside of ourselves.
Exploring the exhibit halls was another pleasure. Each different booth was like a hidden gem just waiting to give me an understanding of what they do and help me build a list of places that I will definitely check out.I particularly enjoyed the keynote on Monday entitled “Release Your Brilliance” delivered by Simon T. Bailey. He provided me with much needed steps and guidance to better my creativity and unleash my brilliance into a world that desperately needs it.