OFFSET Sheffield

The theatre lobby gave people the opportunity to talk to one another with a large open space with a number of stalls.

The opportunity for connecting with other designers is something I'm wanting to do more in terms of collaboration and networking. 

The stalls were useful for practical uses and getting talking with those running them was interesting and asking them about what they did, and were all really helpful and interested in what our different creative practises were ourselves. 

The people there were varied in there backgrounds and ages, there were a lot of young people there like students, but there were a lot of older and more experienced who were there and taking interest in the content.

Networking 

                                            

Networking is really important within events like this, its one of the many aspects which made this event so appealing, I hadn't been aware of the importance of networking to its full extend till this event.There were various opportunities to network at OFFSET with the stalls that were provided outside of the main stage.

Networking 

                        

Printing service which are passionate about people and quality of print. I got a chance to speak to them and they were very interested in networking, they are very active on social media and engaging in conversation, it was a good networking opportunity as they were easy to speak to.

Printing service who provide high quality and variety of different outcomes to fit a variety of content. They provided many different samples to look at, this was definitely useful and informative in a printing facility which I could utilise in the future. 

Talks 

                                            

The various talks I attended were helpful, giving insight to different creative industries and processes. A lot provided a large amount of inspiration, showing their different creative processes. Some of these images were sections of a few talks that I found interesting visually or within the content. 

Steve Simpson 
                                            

Steve Simpson was someone who definitely stood out to me. He was the second one to talk at the event. His interest in packaging is something I definitely paid attention to, it was really interesting to see the development of his career in his work, his insight into industry was really interesting and I found it really beneficial. 

His packaging work is something thats very memorable, the amount of detail and the way he uses colour is something I would love to be able to implement in my work, every design choice is appropriate and works well with the brand. I'd like to explore packaging and colour further, this talk definitely inspired me to do so.

After 

                                            

The after party was an event which provided an opportunity to network with other creatives. I didn't attend this unfortunately as I was too scared to (which I now regret in hindsight) this is something I've identified and know I need to improve on. 

By attending smaller events which provide networking opportunities I hope I can gain more confidence in this field and hopefully expand my practice.

Thoughts 
                                            

Overall I found this experience really valuable. I immediately felt inspired to create something during the event and long after I left 

In terms of the current brief and all other briefs following attending this event has definitely informed me in terms of confidence in terms of where I am and where I'd like to be with it. And working towards trying new things and attending more of these events.