Highlights from the Making Dinosaurs Dance Book Release Party

On April 17th, wearing my favorite dinosaur-themed button down (bought off the sales rack when I worked at AMNH) I took to the “stage” at NYU for the book release party for Making Dinosaurs Dance. It was more than I could ever have hoped for. (The full video can be watched here)

It brought together so many of my worlds: former colleagues from AMNH, my new colleagues from NYU, old friends, design colleagues, and more. It became not just a celebration of the book itself, but of the design process it captured and of the person leading it (namely, me). It felt like a reverse-roast, will speakers spending half their time appreciating me. It was just so unexpected, and sweet. I was just floored, and am so appreciative of everyone who took part.

We had food and drink, graciously provided by Eva Klimas at NYU’s Alumni office.

We had conversation, not just between Eric Zimmerman and myself, but also with two NYU alums who once interned with me at the Museum (Jullie Harten and Matthew McGowan) and Maaike Bouwmeester (Assistant Professor). And of course with the audience as well.

I read stories from my book. I broke down the six tools of digital design through a case study: Crime Scene Neanderthal. And of course I sold and signed books.

I am so proud of this book and all that went into it. That evening, however, was a reminder that I should also be proud of all the relationships I made along the way that made it all possible – and so much fun!