HOW Design Live is a web & design based conference that’s currently taking place (June 22nd-26th) in San Francisco. Although, I’m big on design and have been revolving my career around it, I’m quite disconnected with the field in terms of professional gatherings and events like these. I don’t recall where and how, but I discovered the event a few months ago, and with its free exhibition-hall-only pass, I signed up in an instant. (Not sure if the free passes is still available.) They also offer workshops and talks to attend, but at $700 for a daily pass, I had to politely decline. $700, really?!?!
Like most exhibitions, it took place at Moscone Center, in the heart of San Francisco. 
Imaginary Zebra in the house. 
Right at the entrance, MWV, a packaging company, greeted us with a collage of butterflies (in the process of..) spelling out “Inspire.” 
They were also hosting a competition for a chance to win a $50 gift card. 
$50 sounded pretty nice, but we were more motived by the chance to design something of our own. And I suppose a butterfly would do at this point. 
Here’s my Chinese butterfly. 
Right next to WMV, there’s Pantone. A cohesive color system that many designers swear to. They’re most widely known for their swatches. But accessories such as mugs have begin to surface: 
And this!
Pantone’s a brand is color. And the extent of that is endless.
Brands like Tattly also plays off the Pantone layout for their temp tattoos—Tattone 5K1N. 
Then, we came across a booth by Mohawk, a paper co, and Dodocase, a ..case company. 
They were giving out “Dodonote”, a notepad case that’s compatible with iphone 4 & 5! 
Came with 3 color ways—Red, blue, and black.
They even offered to foil stamping your case. I went with “IZ”. How unpredictable. 
Michelle Chang went with MC. I admit we are the most creative peeps, but we sure have one of the most innovative cases (for now). 
Veer, a stock photo firm, was giving away free shirts!
I strive from freebies. A cool thing about a design conference is that even freebies are pretty cool looking. Free stuff from a tech event makes me want to throw up on myself. 
Yes, I think I’m fancy. 
More cool shit: 
Keyboard stickers from Shutterstock.
Blurb provides a service that allow any individual to make their own book. Not on the spot, of course. 
A large hardcover like this would run for around $120. A 1 of 1 copy. 
A smaller would go for $20-40/pc. Having this platform allow anyone to become a publisher of their own creations. Though, the cost is a bit high, but it’s something that’s never been done before that’s economically feasible. 
VMA (not the award) had a wall full of type.
We were asked to draw out our favorite letter. I think we just went for whatever came to mind first.
More chances for us to win things: 
Side tracked by this cool packaging: 
Mao came to join the fun. 
Canon had their own little booth at the conference as well. 
Played with the marco 60mm on a 60D. The picture was sharp and absolutely stunning.
Moo.
Dieline also had a booth showcase award winning packaging: 
Last but certainly not least, HP created a collectible postcards that can found across the hall called “SF Views”, which is a set of 15 cards made with different finish/textured paper and each had a different aesthetics reflecting the impression of the given designer.
I found all 15. (Just realized I forgot to include Jessica Hische’s in the following photo.)
Here’s all the stuff I received for the afternoon: 
That is:
-2 bags, 2 wristbands, 3 t-shirts, 2 mouse pad, 1 cotton candy(?), 1 lip moisturizer, 2 badges, 1 sharpie, 1 ruler, 2 notebooks, 2 klipnotes, 2 posters, 6 buttons, 16 stickers, 9 postits, 20 business cards, and 23 paper samples & brochures.
Of which, these stood out the most for me:
A giant eraser that’ll last you a life time by WebInk.
Cards that teach you about the anatomy of type. Again, from WebInk.
Cool card by Shutterstock. 
Another by New Leaf. 
THE notebook case. 
Cool looking paper case by Skillfeed.
Keyboard sticker by Shutterstock
My favorite—the designer impression of San Francisco. 
I’ve had my share of trade shows and conferences, with most of them being tech-oriented, I find that a design one offers some of the most intriguing and beautiful merchandises to take home. I highly recommend a conference like this, even if design’s not your profession.
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Giveaway:
If you’re interested in any of the items I mentioned above (except for the post cards, for that I’m keeping). Feel free to write your name/email/and the item you want in the comments and I’ll choose a random winner in a week or so! Winners have been chosen!
