AdobeMAX is an annual event where designers, artists, photographers, and other creative professionals come together to explore the latest design and creativity trends, tools, and technologies.
It features a wide range of keynote speakers, workshops, and sessions on graphic design, photography, illustration, and more. It's a platform for professionals to learn from industry experts, gain inspiration, and connect with a like-minded creative community.
Attending AdobeMAX is a fantastic opportunity to stay updated on the ever-evolving design world and network with fellow enthusiasts.
I have attended since 2014 and have gone from casual observer to full-fledged participant. This year, my participation in the Adobe Community Experts program has allowed me to become a Teaching Assistant for three different learning labs over four days.
I was an assistant for:
1. 'InDesign Secrets – Essential Tips for Every InDesign User' by David Blatner
2. 'Make Type Work – Typography Tips from Adobe Express to Illustrator' by Jake Giltsoff
3. 'Breaking Accessibility Barriers with InDesign' by Dax Castro, ADS
Being an assistant with talented instructors was an incredible honor and accomplishment.
Plus, I saw many of my smiling Adobe colleagues' faces in person that I have not seen in years. That was a gift in itself.
I am always thrilled to see the newest technology in my field. From generative artificial intelligence to a mind-blowing innovation in fashion, it makes me proud to be a creator and educator.
However, after over 30+ years of my design career, transitioning to a new educator role has been challenging. I get a lot of pleasure from teaching the next generation of designers. It is yet another challenge on my path forward.
But for me, the most monumental discovery at AdobeMAX was meeting a fellow educator named James Martin. He runs a very successful education platform called 'Made By James.' I joined his Logo Legends Course earlier this year, and his brand of teaching was very relatable.
As I was going to my last teaching assignment, I had the pleasure of speaking to James. At that moment, I realized I had a new purpose in my career. Not to make things but to inspire and give people new learning opportunities.
It was a truly transformative moment, and talking to James made me realize what I had been looking for for quite some time. My goal is to take this epiphany and create weekly Adobe-related learning content.
If you want to learn Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Figma, the Business of Design, and so much more, please watch my learning series in the coming weeks. More details to come soon.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and please join me on my newest journey.
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