Unlike last year, I won’t update every day nor live blog. As I am here with Esther, this SXSW is more relaxed.
I finally arrived in Austin on Friday at 10.30. The flights were hell, stuck next to big American’s who found a love to jab me in the ribs with their elbows. I booked way too late and only just managed to find a hotel 6 miles away. Due to the distance, we can’t go back to our rooms as easily as I could last year being a few blocks away from the Convention Center though.
This year, the people count has doubled. Usually I can goto a panel and see someone I know, however this year so far has been quite the opposite. I have gone to atleast 2 panels where I didn’t know anybody.
I met everyone I was planning to meet that I hadn’t (Lea. Colin and Jina) and people I wasn’t expecting to see (Tim and Brain Benzinger).
A lot of the information has been reaffirmation of what I already know but I have also learnt a lot of stuff. One of my favourite panels, Influence of Art In Design mentions music changing the way you design. I knew this already but it has inspired me to listen to some techno next time I break out Photoshop.
A lot of the panels feel to be targeted more to people just starting out this year.
There’s still 2 days left and I plan on having a lot of fun.
If you’re about and want to meet up, email me.
Zach,
It was great seeing you and meeting Esther. I’m glad we finally got a chance to chat for a few minutes at the Media Temple party.
P.S. - I like your redesign so far, especially the big pink box floating in the upper right corner! *wink*