The Do’s & Don’ts of Attending this Creative South (From My Perspective)

Get the Most Out of Your Creative South Experience

Are you a creative and want to elevate your game to the next level?Do you want to get around people who think like you do and are doing the things you strive to accomplish?If you answered yes to both of these then you need to attend a creative conference, but not just any conference. There’s a place in Columbus, Georgia that warms my soul whenever I think about it and it’s right around the corner!I’m talking about Creative South; the conference where you come as friends but leave as family. As cliche as this sounds, it couldn’t be more true.I attended Creative South for the first time in 2015 and it changed my life.When I arrived, it felt like I was coming home. I attended because I felt compelled to try something different; I needed to surround myself with like minded individuals who shared my same passion for nerding out over design, lettering and typography. Not too many people have this in common with me in my small town in Iowa.I want you to have this same life changing Creative South experience.If this is your first time attending, here is my list of do’s and don’t’s that will empower you to make the most of your experience during and after.

Do’s

1. Attend All the SpeakersThe speakers Mike Jones and company bring in are the real deal. They are just normal people like you and me who put in the work and built a name for themselves in their respected industries. Last year I reached out to several speakers who inspired me which led to great dinner conversations and lasting friendships.Also this year you will get to hear me open up Saturday’s festivities and give a speech. :)2. Take NotesListening is great but to retain all the value you’ll get from the speakers, make sure you’re taking notes. Share what you learned with the speaker and use the Creative South hashtag to post online #CS16.Last year I shared my sketch notes with the talented artist / speaker, Jason Craig, which led to a pretty sweet collaboration.3. Attend the Bridge PartyThursday’s opening night welcome party is absolutely radical and sets the tone for the entire event. They shut down an entire bridge and deck it out for one epic party. There are food vendors, drinks, fireworks, great conversations and Ink Wars….4. Watch Ink WarsInk Wars is held Thursday on the bridge. It’s a setup of about 5 artists who only have a small sketchbook, a large white canvas and a massive black sharpie to go to town with.The artists have 1 hour to create something based off a random topic. The creativity these people unleash within the restrictions is pure genius.5. Type FightOne of the coolest things I saw last year was Type Fight. You have 26 letters of the alphabet and two artists go head to head for each letter.They get one hour in a massive boxing ring in the vendor hall to throw down. Last year I was too scared to participate but this year is a different story!Make sure you take a moment to watch and cast your vote!6. Attend WorkshopsSome of the best value comes from attending the workshops which range from hand lettering, vector textures, icon design, passive income, etc.I recommend looking into the Crayligraphy, Hand Lettering, and the Recharge and Ignite Your Life workshops.7.Scope Out the Vendor HallThere is some of the coolest and unique swag in the Vendor Hall. From posters, t-shirts, pins, stickers, etc., you will be sure to leave with plenty of inspiration to plaster in your office, on your sketchbook or laptop.8. Get Out of Your Comfort ZoneIf you want the full experience you will need to release yourself from your introverted tendencies. Being reserved and going back to your hotel room will prohibit you from partaking in life changing conversations and lifetime epic friendships.You’ll get back what you put into it!9. Reach Out to PeopleLast year I didn’t know a soul, yet I familiarized myself with plenty of people on Instagram. It was refreshing to put a friendly face to a name and everyone is so welcoming.Doing this allowed me to build relationships so much quicker. Again, the speakers are so down to earth so don’t be afraid to approach them — and treat them like normal people because they are.10. Try the Local FoodThere is so much great food in downtown Columbus and you have to make the effort to try it all.My personal favorites were Iron Bank Coffee Co. in the mornings, Picasso’s, 11th and Bay, Tommy’s BBQ and the Loft just to name a few.I promise you will not leave hungry.

Dont’s

How to Make the Most out of Your Creative South Experience

1. Treat it as a Business Networking EventFor the love of everything good on this earth, please do not show up throwing your business cards to as many as people as possible. This isn’t the place for that garbage.Build relationships and hand out some stickers, patches or pins. Give value and listen. Hand out a business card ONLY if you’re asked too.2. Be a Grimy SalesmanAlong with throwing your business cards out to people, don’t go pushing your products and services on people either. This place is about giving value and building community, it’s not a breeding ground for you to sell your stuff. Sign up for a vendor booth if that’s the case.3. Be a Fly on the WallBy hanging back during the day and going to your hotel each night, you’re robbing yourself of the full Creative South experience. This is an intimate setting and you will get your full money’s worth by investing in yourself and taking every precious moment possible to engage in deep conversations.4. Feel the PressureMany people hand out cool things like stickers, pins, patches, coasters, etc. Don’t feel the pressure of needing to go all out on swag to hand out to people and soak up the Creative South experience instead.People won’t remember you necessarily for what you handed out — they will remember you from the connections they had with you.5. Get Too HungoverParty away but don’t miss out on speakers, panels, Typefight, vendors, etc. because you were too hungover and need to go back to your room to rest.This is a sure bet to waste your money and your experience. I understand taking a nap or recharging for a bit, but being too hung over for anything will not appeal to anyone.6. Be Afraid to Get Weird or Act SillyI was a bit reserved last year but this year will be a different story.There will be plenty of opportunities to embarrass yourself for awesome prizes. Or you can just let loose and do karaoke or dance freely because seriously, no one cares and you’re even more weird playing the “too cool” game.

Key Takeaways

Surround yourself with like minded individuals
Familiarize yourself with people via social media
Don’t be afraid to reach out and strike up a convo
Participate in every social event possible
Take notes
You’ll get back what you put into it
Communication over business cards

Finally, if you need some more reasons to attend Creative South in the future, check out my friends Lenny’s Top 10 Reasons to Attend Creative South.Don’t forget to check out the remaining workshops as well. There is so much value in these that you can apply immediately in your creative ventures.

Get the Most Out of Your Creative South Experience

The Do’s & Don’ts of Attending this Creative South (From My Perspective)

Do’s

Dont’s

Key Takeaways

Refuse to Go to the Grave with Regret

How to Stand Out When Creating