This was my second year at the Semi-Permanent conference, and the experience was no less novel or engaging the second time around.

The event is well organised, held at the Sydney Convention Centre, with an excellent A/V set-up. All speakers are filmed and projected onto a large screen, while their laptop presentations are projected next to it, on a second large screen.

With six speakers each day, they each had one hour to present. The approach is usually similar, as they talk through their work chronologically, starting from their experience of studying in the graphic arts through to their discoveries and successes in the art and/or commercial arena.


Day one highlights included the entertaining Dutch graphic design duo Michael and Eva from Toko. Their work is prolific, graphically strong and their presentation was very funny, as they joked about the many differences between their homeland, Holland, and temporary new home Australia. Plus I bought one of their cool t-shirts.


Tiffany Bozic displayed the ingenuity of a genius, as she took us on a journey into her rich and imaginative world of art.


The comic book illustration work of James Jean was also a real highlight. Well spoken and truly inspiring, he encouraged all artists in the house to look for the Roar of Thunder in their work.

Day two was equally as interesting, with Aussie Jonathan Zawada kicking off the day with an insightful presentation on the reality of creating commercial graphics, and how important is it is to appropriate ideas and make them your own. Reminds me of something amusing I read recently: 'originality is over-rated'!


Mike O'Meally, skate photographer, dished out some free skate products to the kids up front, before taking us on a journey of travel and photography. He was inspiring in the way he encouraged the audience to pursue their dreams and never be discouraged by anyone telling you any different. He also told us a great story about a ghostly photograph which spoke louder than words, taken on 12 September, skating around NYC.

Nash Edgerton, stunt man turned film director, showed us the only thing that really counts when it comes to directing is imagination, ingenuity and perseverance. His short film, Lucky, demonstrates that it really is possible to make something totally amazing on a shoe string budget.

The only criticism I have of the festival is the lack of cheap, good food in the Darling Harbour area.

I strongly recommend anyone who's studying or working in the graphic arts to take time out for Semi-Permanent, because you can't create great work unless you're inspired, and this conference certainly leaves you feeling pumped and inspired for months to come.

Carl Panczak, General Manager, Sydney

Labels: Design and Usability, Reactive