An inside view of Outside the lines

The 2024 St Bride Design Conclave took place on Saturday 28 September and the Charitable Trust was delighted to sponsor students and creatives from under-represented groups in design and publishing to attend this event.

The theme of the day was the challenge of following one’s own path, of breaking the mould and finding the inspiration to dare to colour outside the lines.

In a building housing the machines and artefacts of the history of print and design, the agenda for the day was very much anchored in the context of the past as a way to explore what is happening in the contemporary creative community, while casting a look into the future of design.

Speakers traversed a typescape from digital to tangible media, criss-crossing augmented reality, illustration, album sleeves, brand design, zines, paper engineering, food and a whole lot more besides. They included Wynkyn’s very own Seb Lester; award winning illustrator, writer and comedian Aoife Dooley; designer and paper engineer Kelli Anderson; food typographer and augmented reality explorer Danielle Duncan; installation and environment creative Kate Dawkins; and digital design innovator Malcolm Garrett, known for his iconic work for musical artists such as Buzzcocks, Duran Duran, and Peter Gabriel.

Given the line-up it is not surprising that the feedback of those sponsored to attend has been so positive:

“It was absolutely inspiring listening to all the amazing speakers and learning about their creative journey, how they got to where they are now, and how each of them created their own unique space in the industry. It was also really great getting to talk to them afterwards and connect with the other creatives in the room.” 
Design Publishing Inclusivity mentee

“Thank you so much for organising such a brilliant event! I felt so inspired by the speakers and the range of different work, Kelli Anderson's work just blows my mind! It was also super special to hear about the speaker’s own doubts and struggles and how their work helped get them out of challenging points in their lives. I spent the rest of the weekend doing crafts as I felt so motivated to do work just for me!” 
Early career professional, Pan Macmillan

“This has been my first proper design conference and though I didn't get to complete watching the last hour of talks, I have found this event to be very useful in thinking “outside the lines” by hearing all these amazing creatives talk about their processes and creative journeys. It has been amazing finding these creatives – the majority to which I haven't heard of – and seeing their outlooks on how they got where they are. I especially loved Aoife Dooley and Seb Lester’s talks! I have been given a better understanding creating opportunities for yourself by being unique doing the things you love and experimenting, all of which I have been trying to embody in my work. Pass my thanks to the people over at The Wynkyn de Worde Society Charitable Trust for the sponsored tickets.” 
Creative Access member

“I really appreciate the opportunity to attend the Design Conclave. Hearing all the different and unusual ways in which the designers made their own lanes in the industry was really inspiring. What I’ve taken away is that I need to know the rules in order to break them and breaking them is a good thing!” 
Design Publishing Inclusivity mentee

With special thanks to Becky Chilcott for coordinating the sponsored tickets alongside her role as creative director and producer of this amazing event.

Photo credits: Daniel Selway
Conclave illustrator: Lana Lê