My friend, Amanda, and I were talking about the value of going to SXSW on our own dime. She and her husband, Jordan, are full time freelancers and have been traveling to SXSW on their own for a number of years. While of course it’s wonderful to have a company expense account as well as travel paid for by a company, there is then the responsibility to go to the sessions most relevant to that company. By being here independently, I just follow my heart to the sessions and activities that bring me the most personal value. And the rewards of that freedom on my creativity are immense.
One incredible benefit I didn’t expect is the increase in my visual thinking skills. Mostly, I think in words and learn through hearing ideas more than seeing them depicted visually. Because so many people at SXSW are visual artists and designers, I’m getting a lesson in how their minds work differently from mine. And that is mind expanding for me.
There’s a lot of serendipity here at SX. People told me that prior to my arrival but I didn’t believe them until yesterday. I wasn’t able to get to the sessions I planned on so I spent the day over at the film sessions. I happened upon a set of incredible sessions on transmedia storytelling and got to hear Paul Reubens speak (future posts are brewing!) It was transformative to hear about the power and accessibility of film making on every size screen.
Today I am teaching the 9:30 yoga session, learning about the female funny, and getting some insights into user interface design from speakers I greatly respect and admire. Another exciting day in the SX neighborhood.
Christa Avampato 