Make Nice Un-Conference was like opening a string of emoji-packed texts and baby animal themed GIFS that my best friend has sent me after an existential crisis, to remind me that I am (a) not alone, (b) worthy and (c) supported, as I attempt life (work, study, goals, creativity, finding ‘the real me?’). This Un-Conference, for, by, and about creative women, lived up to its ideology that being ‘nice AF’ is the only way that we all succeed– making things easier and better. Ngaio Parr, founder and director, assured us that it was ‘the friendliest crowd you could find’ and the space was one where people were invited to ‘check their ego at the door’.
The day started with a host of sponsors such as T Totaler Tea, creating fairy-floss hot chocolates, and Milligram, embossing our very own notebooks from within our beautifully branded totes. Like the totes, the setup at The NSWTF Conference Centre, plus all the online collateral, took us on a beautiful journey of shapes and colours, which told us creatives we were in great hands.
The first keynote speaker Becky Simpson, owner of Chipper Things (check it out if you like animated objects and ‘why to wash your hair’ flowcharts) enthralled us with deep belly laugher. She shared her behind-the scenes-advice including, but not limited to: 6yo self portraits, chicken and waffle references, and she disclosed the most incredible email that post-graduate, early 20’s, ‘I’ll-never-make-it-in-this-industry’ Becky wrote to her client, bashfully asking whether her very low fees were acceptable. The stories, advice, and most importantly, self care tips continued from the following bad ass line up of artists, designers, entrepreneurs, curators, business owners: Leah Procko, Ann Friedman, Stanislava Pinchuk (Miso), Anna Ross, Brenda Briand, Lex Hirst, Jess Scully and Amy Nadaskay.
Dancer and choreographer, Amrita Hepi, had us gyrating in our seats as we warmed up before the final panel about Imposter Syndrome. This eventuated into turning towards the person next to you, to create your best and worst elevator pitch – this was an interesting exercise in divulging!
The event was upheld by the consistent thread of honesty and sharing from a whole host of f-ing amazing speakers – but also from a very connected and open audience. The intimacy in the room was magnified because dialogue was encouraged between all participants from beginning to end.
The main take home messages of the day were: buy a bean bag from Kmart for your work office, buy a home dog AND an office dog, Google stress reduction music and use f*k-you rates to justify tacky work you resent doing.
– Liz S.
Liz Smith is creepily obsessed with wombats and other fluffy small friends, loves shapes and colours, and can brew a mean chai tea (loose leaf – no powder mixes here).
Make-Nice Un-conference is finished for 2017, however to become part of their online community click here.
