“Stay Curious” is a key value which guides my work as a graphic designer in Devon.
As an Exeter designer I find that it’s not always about Wikipedia rabbit holes, and sifting through books. Online courses and webinars are useful, but few things can compare with the atmosphere of a live event with real people and a diverse programme.
Because events have been so important to my creative development, and in my graphic design work, I wanted to curate a list for fellow designers and marketeers. I’ll update as I try more out, but here’s where we are:
The Marketing Meetup – Exeter, South West (And Beyond)
Primarily a marketing event, these pay-what-you-can evenings run every other month at Generator Hub in Exeter. If you’re new to these types of events, this is a great entry point.
Why is it useful to an Exeter designer? Because of the relaxed atmosphere and diverse range of speakers within the marketing world.
From client management to sales pitch refinement to freelance advice, I always leave these events with fresh ideas, or a new approach to studio management.
It’s not just a local event either, The Marketing Meetup hosts get togethers across the UK and regularly online.
Building Brands – South West
A selection of annual all-day events across the south west. So far I have had the good fortune of attending Plymouth and Exeter.
Again, while not strictly creative design events they bring together a wide range of speakers and attendees. Motivational speakers, direct mail specialists, graphic designers, advertising creatives, AI experts, creative designers presenting in partnership with clients.
These are such diversely programmed events that you can’t help but come away feeling full of new perspectives and ideas to take back into the studio for your next project.
Plymouth Design Forum (PDF) – Plymouth, South West
I’m yet to find a similar regular event in Exeter designers can attend, so “PDF” – see what they did there – is the next best thing.
A place to mix with fellow graphic designers and creatives from Exeter, Plymouth and beyond.
Once every two months the PDF team invite a speaker to share their story and work at The Barbican Theatre in Plymouth and so far every event has been worth the short train ride to Plymouth.
Creative designer Jack Renwick and Future Deluxe Creative Director Marcus Chaloner are two recent highlights.
Birmingham Design Festival (BDF) – Birmingham, West Midlands
Because I only found out about it the year before moving to Exeter, I was tragically late to the BDF party. But now it’s a yearly fixture in my calendar.
It’s an annual event that runs alternatively in conference and festival format. The difference?
The annual design conference is a one day event built around a lineup of fantastic speakers from across the creative landscape: graphic design, UX design and puppet – yes, puppet – design.
The festival format incorporates a second day where attendees have the opportunity to work with selected speakers in smaller, workshop settings. As someone who does most of their work on a computer, hands-on workshops with mural artist Vanessa Scott and letter artist Gemma O’Brien have been key parts of my development, and offered me new tools as a creative designer.
Adobe MAX – London
This one is broad in that it’s geared up for anyone who uses Adobe products in their work. But that means there’s a diverse range of subjects being discussed.
While it can get a bit technical (and feel like a sales pitch for new features and products) speakers have included Yinka Ilori, Louis Theroux and Annie Atkins. So there are plenty of great ideas on offer.
To top it off there are some great artists at work on the day, great food, a few freebees, and – for fellow Exeter designers and people not based in the South East – it offers a brilliant opportunity to get out of the south west and meet some like minded folks.
BDF Gather – Birmingham, West Midlands
From the folks who bring us Birmingham Design Festival, Gather is an evening event that happens twice a year (spring and autumn) in Digbeth, Birmingham.
In addition to booking great, creative designers there is often a thread that runs between the event, and links them. The most recent – “Turn Out For The Books” – was a focus on… well… books.
Whether you see yourself as an Exeter designer, Devon designer, of marketer, hopefully you find some inspiration from the above for your next escape from the office. And if you see me at an event, please say “hi”. Also, feel free to share your event recommendations with me on Linkedin or Instagram.
