Michael Parenteau’s blog

FOWA 2009 – Miami

Posted November 26th, 2008 by Michael

OK! So, I wrote a post about really wanting to go to the FOWD in New York some time back… and the buzz really worked! My friend & colleague, Joe Payton, and I got to go to New York via our boss at Ecommerce, Inc. It was a blast!!! First of all, the workshops were great to get some “face to face” with people who are really passionate about their trade. Second, the Carsonified staff were really wonderful and accommodating! We were really excited to be there. The tips and tricks were flying and it was really great to see what’s being done. You know, get some insight on whether or not what you spend your time researching and trying to implement is working for others… or is even worth your time. I don’t know about you… but I often feel like I am dumpster diving for crumbs amongst loads of garbage on Google. This was totally a gourmet meal of information and resources that was worth every penny spent!

Now, I posted a badge for the FOWD to see if I could win a free pass… and though I didn’t win the free pass… I did get to go with all the zeal I put into wanting to go. So, I figure this time I might get the pass (it doesn’t hurt to try or I may repeat the magik that was performed the last time, to the FOWA Miami event. Seriously though, this looks like a great event! If I can go to this one… maybe I will get lucky for the Dublin FOWA Event (I did grow up in Dublin….. Ohio that is).

Before I go, I wanted to thank some of the people for the FOWD event in New York! It was a time that was really memorable and inspiring! Joe and I are compiling all the photos I took and we are creating a portfolio piece that we will share with everyone on a later date.

Thank You:

Louise at Carsonified: You were really great at corresponding with me about the arrangements of the event. You are really busy I am sure.. and even to the wire of the event, you were friendly, accessible and prompt with returning your emails.

Natasha at Carsonified: We also really appreciated your hard work at the event! We noticed you were really busy with people checking in and out.. purchasing goods, questions, etc. You let us use wireless internet at the event to check and see if we could delay our flight to stay for the after party (we didn’t get to stay… but it is the thought that counts!)

Paul Boag at Headscape: We really enjoyed your workshop! It was really usefull to discuss the process of handling design from conception to finish, keeping roles in place, and what works and even better… what doesn’t work! Your attitude on saying YES, things can be done… and then also including the consequences. All of this has already improved the flow of my work in-house and in my freelance world.

Nick La at NDesign Studio: Your illustrative work is amazing!!! I walked away from your talk totally believing that anything is possible with the right amount of time, work, and patience! Really really beautiful!

Mike Kus at Carsonified: Thanks for using one of my doodles in your workshop… it helped me realize that I have some stuff to work with already & that I don’t take advantage of my art in design. Your speach at the event was full of passion and spark! I am glad to have met you and look forward to sharing with you what you have inspired in me!

To everyone at Carsonified and all of the speakers… the people of New York, The Pizza Parlors, the crazy bartender at that bar I went to (the Whiskey Den???), Nice taxi driver that almost killed us but got us to the airport on time… and my boss for sending Joe and I… Thank you all for the memory! I really hope I get to continue on this path! I love art, design, and the internet that strives to be good!