Design Assembly: Semi-Permanent 2010

By Shaun Lee

I am a Semi Veteran, since I saw 123 Klan and Shepard Fairey in 2003 I have been addicted to Semi Permanent. At first glance I did not not think this years line up was exciting as last years but lets take a closer look.

My take on what you can expect for your $290 ($250 early bird).

Legend. Storm Thorgerson is the big headliner. These old guys usually have some great stories, their experience often leads to talks about process which is always really insightful.

Local inspiration. Great to see some local talent hopefully the Frizzells have a laugh about the Auckland Council Logo. But its Karen Walker (and husband Mikhail Gherman) that has got everyone talking. She rarely speaks publicly but apparently she is phenomenal, I’m looking forward to it.

Beautiful images. Illustrative typography by http://jessicahische.com and intriguing objects by Katrin Sonnleitner. Also great to have three women speaking this year but I think Semi could do a better job of finding female speakers. They kick ass every time and I’m sure that more than half the audience/ industry is female.

Punchy Showreels. Pixar & Buck. Video work is always a hit at Semi. Aotea Center is a great venue for this stuff. Last year Kate Moross totally got a kick out of seeing her music video on the big screen. The only time this stuff sucks is when it gets too technical or the speaker is not a creative. No problem with the latter this year. The Light Surgeons work should look/ sound amazing hopefully they show more than just their AV stuff tho.

Motivation. Adrian Shaughnessy has written a lot about Graphic Design. He has a monthly column in Design Week writes for Eye and Creative Review. I’m expecting some real insights into how I can do my job better.

Something Else. Duncan Speakman – What the hey! This guy doesn’t make images , or does he? I think this is part of the changing role of the designer. If it was not for Joel Gethin Lewis’s incredible talk in 2008 I would skip this one. I can not figure out what Nicolas (Poke London) will be talking about, I am sure it will not be Poke’s web work. Given his track record he can definitely speak – he’s my pick for this years wild card.

Only 11 of the 12 speaking slots have been announced, so expect one more. I am hoping for an interaction designer/ web guy.

I’m definitely going, I’ve had some of my best ideas in some of the worst talks at Semi. It’s a guaranteed great vibe, esp. with MC Te Radar. He is nearly worth the $ alone, hands down best Semi presenter ever.

EXTRAS:
This Semi Permanent promo site is kind of fun, esp. if you are the twittering type.
http://www.semi-opinionated.co.nz

Do follow @semipnz for more up-to-date gossip and announcements. The back channel on Twitter should be fun at the event.

At the Launch gig Anna mentioned Semi might be doing workshops this year! I am keen to see what they put on, I could learn a ton from someone like Adrian Shaughnessy.

The details: 20–21st August, Aotea Centre, Auckland.
http://www.semipermanent.co.nz

By Shaun Lee - Courtesy of Design Assembly / conversations on graphic design.