99U — Making ideas happen
Sometimes we need to take a step back and be reminded of what it is that drives us to be our best self. The 99U conference in NYC was a magical place that did just this. It became clear to me why I love what I do, and what still remains to be accomplished.
99U is about 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. It’s not just about getting inspired, but actually setting out to pursue ideas and the process it takes. The offsite studio sessions gave us an opportunity to explore the city like a local New Yorker, while experiencing places such as the Art Directors Club and Ayse Birsel’s inspiring workshop, “Design the life you love”. Creative companies such as Firstborn gave us hands-on knowledge on how to “Sell your ideas to skeptics”, while getting a glimpse of their studio culture.
The venues, parties and glorious details created a perfect environment. The goodie bags and beautifully designed totes were filled with thoughtful items, including a chance to win a “Golden Ticket” (Willie Wonka style)! Everyone also got a full year’s subscription to the 99U magazine — that’s what I call icing on the cake! :)
The line up was filled with entrepreneurs, designers and creatives that have changed the world and the creative community! I actually cried during the first keynote as the Treehouse CEO, Ryan Carson, asked us to close our eyes and visualize the road ahead, our funeral, the people we wanted to be there and what we wanted them to say about us. We started the conference imagining what we wanted our lives to look like when it was all over. This was just the beginning to a very emotional journey forward. OMG!
We heard from fearless entrepreneurs such as the CEO of Walker & CO, Tristan Walker, who is building a new “Proctor & Gamble” with his health and beauty product line for people of color. The award winning illustrator, Yuko Shimizu shared her story of how she spent 11 years in the corporate PR world in Japan before packing her bags and going to art school in New York at an age of 34. Today she is one of the most celebrated and award winning illustrators of our time.
The hilarious Jennifer Daniel, told her extremely personal and real story of life as the mother of twins through let’s just say, everything but flattering images and gifs. She addressed the issues how social media and group think is suffocating individual thinking.
It will rot my brain if I start comparing myself to that. Why don’t we acknowledge the good and the bad? — Jennifer Daniel
But it wasn’t just the sensational lineup of speakers that moved me. I met new friends, such as the wonderful Tania Taiwo, a pharmacist by day and creator of The Ugly Duckling Diaries by night. Her blog shares the superpowers of women all across the world and motivates others to follow their passions. I was also lucky enough to meet and connect with Michel Tofahrn from Fjord Berlin. We discussed the rewards and challenges of design thinking in the business world and the change designers are creating.
Reflections after 99U
They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. It’s a cut-throat business where only the best survive. This is extremely humbling with regards to being a creative working in Oslo, Norway. I live in a country with one of the best work/life balances in the world. Work does not necessarily define who you are. You are not maintaining a job you hate, just to afford health insurance. The government in Norway provides an extra safety nett, which is often a key driver in fostering a society that values art, design and exploration.
HOWEVER … it is often the case that we lean back in our protected careers and do mediocre work from time to time. The security of our careers creates a comfort zone that boxes us in from embracing new challenges and fears. We could really use a kick in the pants in order to drive our best selves forward. 99U as well as the struggles I have had the last year, was the kick I needed.
New York City is a melting pot full of some of the most influential, creative and powerful minds on the planet. I am now, as Kristy Tillman would say, “Inviting myself to the table” and embracing my fears that I have suppressed for many years. I want to achieve some of my best work moving forward, stay true to what drives me, and hopefully inspire others to do the same. It’s an incredible feeling when you feel like the universe has just aligned the dots for you. 99U was simply mind blowing and I’m ready to take on the remaining 99% with perspiration and perseverance!
“If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty. If you want to become new, first let yourself become old.” — Ralph Mecke
