During OFF conference I have the change to
A Creative Journey with Joshua Davis at the OFF Conference in Barcelona
Attending the OFF Conference in Barcelona on 23rd-25th March 2023 was an inspiring experience for me. One of the highlights was the talk by Joshua Davis, a renowned web designer, who presented his design work and the firm he collaborated with. What struck me most about Joshua’s presentation was his innovative use of code to design creatively. He emphasized that learning from what he designs, the process, and the struggle, has helped him improve his creativity in his work. This is an essential lesson for all creatives who seek to excel in their work. Joshua’s talk inspired me to explore new ways of using technology in my creative work.
The Beauty of Intended and Unintended Design, with to Brian Collins of Collins Studio
Another inspiring speaker at the OFF Conference in Barcelona was Brian Collins, from the studio Collins. Brian gave a talk on the beauty of intended and unintended design, using the example of a famous library in Dublin, Ireland. The library was built as part of a project that should not exist in the center of Dublin. The library, known as the Book of Kells, is a book where they take the parable from the New Testament and create page after page of stories from it. What is unique about this library is the way the ink itself is integrated into the paper.
The ink came from all over the world, and they found a way to integrate it into the work. However, mistakes were made during the process, and they could not replace the people who made the mistakes. Instead, they had to turn the mistakes into something new, like a dog, a dragon, or a giant. This process created a sense of unity and a beautiful story that was integrated into the design.
Brian’s talk emphasized the importance of embracing mistakes in the design process and integrating them into the final work. He showed us how great craft and incredible technology can come together to create something truly unique and beautiful.
Typescripting with Zetafonts
One of the most enjoyable workshops we attended was with Zetafonts on typescripting. During the workshop, we reflected together with the presenter on how the font used in design can affect the customer’s perception of a product or service. We also discussed whether fonts have gender and how we can make our designs more attractive. It was fascinating to learn about the psychology behind font choices and how they can influence a person’s perception of a brand. For example, serif fonts can convey a sense of tradition and elegance, while sans-serif fonts can create a more modern and streamlined look.
We also discussed the gendered connotations of certain fonts, such as script fonts being associated with femininity and bold, blocky fonts being associated with masculinity. This led to an interesting discussion on how we can challenge gendered stereotypes in design and create more inclusive and diverse visuals.
Overall, the workshop was a thought-provoking and enjoyable experience. It highlighted the importance of font choices in design and how they can impact the customer’s perception of a brand. We left with a renewed appreciation for the art of typography and a desire to continue exploring the many possibilities it offers.
Aside from the conference, I also had the opportunity to explore Barcelona’s architecture and design. Barcelona is known for its rich history and unique architectural style. The city’s design is a perfect blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Modernism, with a focus on creating open spaces for public use. The streets are adorned with beautiful sculptures and intricate facades that give the city a distinctive character.
One of the most breathtaking views of the city is from the Tibidabo hilltop. From there, one can see the city’s beautiful architecture, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The view is simply stunning, and it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Barcelona.
In conclusion, attending the OFF Conference in Barcelona was a genuinely amazing experience. I gained many great insights from Joshua Davis’s talk on utilising code creatively to Brian Collins’s talk on intended and unexpected design. Barcelona’s wonderful architecture and design were also a visual pleasure, and I strongly advise anyone visiting the city to explore its distinct character.