Another Adobe MAX in the books — there is nothing as exhilarating?as spending three jam-packed days surrounded by friends old and new, learning with each other and from one another. There were sneak peeks of new features and technology (hello Project Stardust, and variable fonts in After Effects?!), a big bash, and plenty of experiential fun in Creative Park. ?
- “We were all that kid that stayed up?late making a poster, or making a zine — when did that become not fun?” - Zipeng Zhu. One of the most exuberant people in design gave us a full dose of energy, color and excitement early on the last day of MAX. Showing off a dizzying collection of animation work, Zhu helped us all remember why we get up in the morning to create – whether it’s for a client or simply for the fun of making something for ourselves. Between very NSFW jokes, tears, and heart-wrenching emotional moments, Zhu presented their simple yet dazzling animation work, all bursting with loud type and bright colors, followed up by lessons and tips for those eager to dip their toe into motion graphics. Sometimes it’s necessary to be reminded that “Making work for fun is how we all started.”?
- “Sometimes I feel conflicted between what design tells me to do - and art inspires me to pursue.” - Nubia Navarro. Another vibrant voice in design and type, Navarro got on stage at MAX for her third year in a row, baring her heart and soul to hundreds of strangers all for design. Navarro walked through how to “Find Your Own Unique Voice in Design,” demonstrated by a series of four different projects, including her impressive first take at 3D work with 36 Days of Type, and an identity rooted in her own culture, Cha Che Chi, for Type Directors Club. “At the end of the day, design and art are the ways we learn how to relate to each other.” Navarro’s personal anecdotes and transparency about the challenges in certain projects were especially relatable, even sharing that like many at MAX, she spends her 9-to-5 at an agency, and then comes home to her passion projects at night. “For me it is very difficult to stop being a graphic designer. We never stop being designers.”?
- “We want to create products for everyone, so we should make them seen and heard by everyone.” - Kevin Rogers. We were delighted to hear the word accessibility come up multiple times throughout the week, especially in conversations at our booth. While there was no shortage of awe-inspiring art and aesthetically pleasing work in talks and all throughout Creative Park, it’s important to remember the considerations that need to be made for all to enjoy it. Rogers went on to point out that, “A lot of companies pride themselves on their diversity and equity and inclusion, but I think not enough people are thinking about the accessibility of how people see and hear as well.”?
- Imitation in design is natural. Nubia Navarro demonstrated that?by copying or borrowing from different styles and voices you ultimately create your own. There is no idea that’s truly new, everything is a reference. This is not a bad thing, can be used as a thought to take the pressure off designers to constantly create new work when they can simply iterate.?
- Art as a reflection of self. Many guests and speakers talked of the inherent need to create – it's not simply a choice or a career, it’s a calling and a cathartic way of moving through life’s challenges. Zhu said, “For me, doing work is my way to cope.” Whether it be recovering from a painful breakup or surviving the pandemic as a Chinese immigrant, Zhu’s form of therapy is to turn pain into, “a razzle dazzle musical,” and transforms their life experiences into art. Wearing their style literally on their sleeve, this doesn’t come as a surprise. ?
- As we’ve mentioned throughout the past few days, we were repeatedly humbled at MAX, entering a session about animation or creativity, only to find ourselves moved to tears in the audience. In just three days, the LA Convention Center becomes a second home of sorts, a micro-community full of hugs, love, and deep personal connection. At our Font Connection activity in the Monotype booth, it was wholesome to watch new friendships forming as strangers came together to find out if they were a typographic match. But going beyond font friendships, we were also floored to hear so many personal stories of hardships and their connection back to design and creativity. How can this sense of vulnerability and human connection enhance design??
