{pictured above (left to right): Katie of Salt & Pine, Estelle of Under a Pink Moon, Uncle Beefy of The Bedlam of Beefy,
Jeanne Oliver of Jeanne Oliver Designs, me, Melissa of Reverie Daydream, Kim of Kimberly Taylor Images, Melissa of Melissa Loves}
There’s just something about those wildly creative friends that you can laugh with for hours that make any trip worthwhile. Since moving to Washington, DC, I haven’t really had a group of talented artists, designers, writers, and photographers nearby to brainstorm with. But over the last few days at Altitude Design Summit, I realized precisely why that’s so important.
Creative friends encourage you. They push you to pursue your dreams. Sometimes they don’t even know they have that effect but they do.
Creative friends make you more creative. The constant exchange of ideas and inspiration changes the way you think. Suddenly, you’re dreaming bigger than you ever have before.
Creative friends remind you how awesome it is to be yourself. I can’t even tell you how many times during the conference I ended up in the hotel toy store dancing on the platform before the candy containers once I discovered it lit up where you placed your feet and played music. Or confessing my soul to a friend. It’s all you and it’s all incredible.
Do you have a group of creative friends you spend time with regularly?
(More photos and Alt recaps to come soon!)
Oh! I can’t believe we didn’t connect. For me Alt. was refreshing, lovely and ever so helpful. We can’t miss each other next time. xo
I was so bummed we missed each other, Chelsea. If I’m anywhere near Texas soon, I’ll let you know.
Looks like fun!
Sounded like it was really fun! I need to find a creative and inspiring group of friends. I have my quota of practical and sane ones
I may not be close, but there’s always video chats and phone calls!
Aw, this is such a lovely photo!! So important to have those creative boosts from creative friends
I hope you’ve returned back to DC with enough creative ideas & drive to fill the rest of your year!!
So true! I could not agree more. You’ve inspired me so much these last few years. Did I say years? Wow!
That feeling is totally mutual, DB.
Brandi you are so beautiful! Post photos of you more often. xx
Brandi, I absolutely *loved* spending time with you. I selfishly wish we had more time! You are the most insightful, creative, and just plain all around lovely person. Thanks for hanging out with a silly girl who loves a good wooden spoon pirate look!
Can’t wait to do more together in the future.
xo-k
What a great photo! I’m glad you had a great time. I agree, there’s something so great about creatives. Especially that they’re usually full of positive energy. I’m really crossing my fingers to attend next year:)
I know what you mean. It would be so nice to have like minded people around all the time. People who get what you love and what you’re trying to do. I guess that’s what makes Alt so special. I am so glad we got to meet in person! It was lovely to put a real, live 3-dimensional face to a dear internet friend.
Hope your re-entry process is going okay.
xoxo
awe! love this post friend! and i just love the photo
everyone looks so happy and lovely 
glad to hear you had an amazing time at alt!
Alt was so amazing for me in that I was finally surrounded by “my people”. I’m so pumped and inspired now (and feeling a little better about myself all around!)
Oh, you cutie pie…..LOVE this photo, wish I had scored a copy or all these darling gals & Beef. Maybe I’ll print it out….:) You were my touch stone there, my friend. I knew you would be happy to see me & that always made me feel better. ( or at least you were good at faking it- hee hee) Thanks for this lovely post darlin.
xoxo
Melis
God, I love this photo. Especially, Katie’s super cool eye patch. I’m so thrilled to have met all of you and made some good, cool and creative friends.
Loved finally meeting you in person- wish I had more hang-out time. Hopefully I’ll see you next time you’re out in SD. It was a really special experience, wasn’t it?
that is one fine looking group of people! ow ow!
I just love this Brandi. I couldn’t agree with you more. The blogsphere was my first glimpse at how inspiring it is to surround yourself with creative souls {even if it is just reading their post!} Sounds like you had a great time
Miss Brandi, this says it all! Indeed! And, it’s precisely because I was surrounded by so much energy, passion, creativity, and generosity of spirit that I found myself knee deep in my own little Oprah/Kleenex moment that night! (Yeah, you missed it. Consider yourself lucky!)
I came away a new and richer person because of you and the rest o’ the ladies!
xoxo B
no i don’t! and you’re so right. i wish i did, it would be wonderful, so inspiring.
but i do have my bloggy/internet creative friends. their efforts and kind responses are inspiring and encouraging.
Fabulous photo- you look gorgeous!
Alt must have been amazing. I can’t wait to hear more about it!
I wonder if we can organize ourselves a Skype date, despite the pesky three hour time difference {and my noisy boys}, very soon?
Next Monday, maybe?
xoxo
Creative friends really fill you up! You look so happy! Sounds like a wonderful time.
I love you…it’s just that simple!
Love the quotes and can’t wait for your review on Alt Summit – may need to put this on the travel for next year
this is so true about creative friends! i met a few clothing and jewelry designers last year who are so inspiring and push me to be better. this reminds me that i need to make some tea dates or dinner plans with them soon
this is so true about surrounding yourself with friends that inspire and encourage you. i definitely have friends that i consider a creative bunch and blogging is just creative inspiration on the daily. looks like you had a smashing and invigorating time at alt summit. can’t wait to see more!
darling girl…..
i have been staring at this photo for quite some time…
trying to soak up as much detail and experience as possible in one snapshot.
mmmm.
how just lovely. what a great group. the best group in my opinion.
how sad i am to have missed it.
thank you so much for all your tweeting. i held on to each one like it was a play by play for a nail-biting playoff game, and you were the color reporter.
well done my beautiful friend.
and YES, we need to see more of that beautiful face of yours on nyao!!
love,
katie
This picture is so alive and filled with a vibrant energy. Love it!
I was at Alt too!! Your post is one of the best recaps I have read yet. I walked away from the expereince feeling the same way…creative people are infectious. energetic and dream big…there is something so cozy about surrounding yourself with that. My goal for 2012 is to find a creative community where I live that I can learn, grow and play with!
I love reading everyone’s experiences at alt. I will definitely be there next year! I love when you meet new people and they inspire you to do great things!
<3 P
Cupcaking Around!
oh darl, that is such a wonderful photo! so glad you all had such an amazing time, it looks and sounds so special xxx
I completely understand this. I am lucky to have many creative friends, who inspire me and encourage me and understand me. But having moved so many times and so many thousands of kilometres, I rely almost entirely on technology to be ‘near’ them. I miss those cosy coffee chats and creative brainstorms. Oh, how I miss them.
Brandi, you look gorgeous in this photo!!