me :: all bundled up for the last day of alt
ready for my alt recap? it was totally overwhelming and exhilarating and exhausting and inspiring, so i’m going to give you my greatest takeaways and i’m doin’ it list-style.
- ben silbermann – founder of pinterest – is amazing. a great speaker, an amazing visionary, and creator of his own great story.
- i was surprised at how easy it was for me to feel overwhelmed, intimidated and shy being surrounded by all the lovely people with amazing blogs. but once i just opened my mouth and started talking i made a lot of good connections and friendships.
- on the other hand, i was surprised at how many bloggers i felt an immediate connection with.
- gretchen rubin – author of the happiness project – is totally inspiring and i wish i was in her YA book club.
- one theme i kept hearing from multiple speakers was “do not be afraid to fail!” i need to remind myself of that. lots of times. it’s all okay.
- i talked to so many bloggers and illustrators in more advanced stages of their careers and they were so friendly, encouraging and helpful {thinking of you, jenean morrison, shayna kulik and monica lee and a few others}
- the organizers of alt are amazing, amazing people and SO much work went into the event, and i am so grateful for them and the sponsors for making the event happen for all of us.
- the cargoh crew worked their fannies off wrapping our gorgeous gifts – {thank you carriann} – and thank you fifi du vie for my awesome print {that i’ve been coveting online!} and greeting cards!
- it was so fun to dress up for the parties and obviously photobooths are always fun!
- a lot of blogging and licensing artwork really comes down to trial and error. always be up for trying new things and if it doesn’t work….try something different. no biggie
- i now have tons of resources, ideas, bloggy friends and tips to help me on this journey.
- i’ve got even more fire in my belly to get this blog and my surface design career rolling.
- natalie is super cute and funny, and if i’d gotten a chance to talk to her in person after the panel, we would totally be best friends…i’m sure of it.
- i snuck in a 4 mile run every day that i was there and it kept me sane and helped me take it all in.
- anya is a gorgeous human. for real.
- i’m totally inviting maggie mason to dinner. and if she says no, then i’ll just happen to be eating at the same restaurant she is. right at the next table. and i’ll pretend like we’re eating together.
- exchanging business cards is so fun!
- “your creative projects do not have to start on january 1st” ~ lisa congdon. i’m so busted.
- “be prolific – create tons of designs” ~ marisa. this really spoke to me because prolific is my word of the year.
- people like to watch a story and watch you go through your challenges
- when you have a “gasp!” moment – get it out there. you don’t make it perfect first.
- create good, original content. hear it a lot. and it’s true every time.
- collaborate with people who have the same aesthetic {anyone reading want to collaborate? i have some ideas – email me or tweet me from contact tab}
- “people succeed because they just don’t stop” – ben
- “improving your energy level, outer order and physical body can help you be happier” ~ gretchen
- the days are long but the years are short- perfect description of motherhood from gretchen
- this book came highly recommended. just ordered it.
i have a couple lessons for next year (and yes, there will be a next year. i won’t miss alt 2013) :: – i won’t waste half a day waiting to introduce myself to people. i’ll sign up earlier so i can stay at the grand america and make it to the dinner with on wednesday. i’ll explore the city more. i won’t be afraid to approach the “famous” bloggers. i’ll bring a phone charger to the sessions. i’ll learn how to properly apply eyeliner.
>>remember one of my goals for 2012 is to take and post a self portrait on this blog each month? that photo above is me in january 2012<<
I can’t believe I missed you at Alt, Tammie! This is a great wrap-up. I’m still formulating thoughts on my positive experience. Sooo many thoughts swirling in my mind! So in the meantime I posted on how I tried to not to be a dork. High quality reading…
Let’s make a date for Alt Summit 2013!
I loved reading this! Inspired me even more to go next year. My husband is totally on board…he’s a scientist and completely understands the importance of meetings like this. I, too would worry about paralyzing shyness and need to retire to my room to recharge every night, but that’s okay. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Hey Tammie! That was a nice summary of Alt. I learned that I don’t like trying to dress up, so my resolution for next time, if I go back, is to wear jeans and a t-shirt every day. That will be how you will recognize me in the sea of colored tights and cute dresses.
I totally hear you on what you would do next year! It was great to meet you at the white dinner and listen to the texts your hubby was sending you. Too funny!
Hey Tammie, it was great to run into you but I wish we’d had a chance to talk more. I am furiously coming up with some fun collaboration ideas, too, so I’d love to chat more via e-mail about what you have in mind
Let me know!
Oh my word I’m so glad you got to do this! What a feast of inspiration. I would loooove to go next year! We’ll see if it works out. My husband is in the air force so I am the embodiment of flexibility…
I am in love with blogging and design! It’s such an exciting stimulating career and passion. Your blog is great! I just found it recently, but I’ll be back often!
Thanks for the wrap up! I learned something by just reading this!
Emily Jeffords
http://Www.beautifulHelloBlog.com