Last night a VJ saved my life: It’s Nice That’s music-fuelled gif workshop at GDFS 2015

Gif parties, poster competitions, panel discussions and live performances – last week It’s Nice That took part in the annual Graphic Design Festival Scotland for the second year running. This year there were almost 3,500 poster entries from 83 countries, including work from Think Work Observe, Studio Mut, Eva-Maria Offerman, Lamm & Kirch, La Direction, Roosje Klap and Christophe Guard.

Bigger and better than ever, GDFS 2015 didn’t disappoint. The seven day festival, which took over the walls of the prestigious Lighthouse Gallery in Glasgow’s city centre, was the largest event the gallery has ever seen.  

Myself and my colleague Karl Toomey from our creative agency INT Works partnered up with VJ Charlie Doran to run a two-day gif workshop as part of It’s Nice That’s involvement. Our talented crew was eleven strong and came from far and wide – from Canada to France and Sweden. 

Over the course of the two days, we set over 60 mini briefs, making for a fast and furious two days of creation. Tunes were on from 10am and there was a great buzz in the gallery as we fought to be heard among the other amazing workshops from Studio Moross, HelloMe, La Rodina and the lovely chaps at Colophon Foundry. 

Our participants were challenged to not only conceptualise each brief, but art direct, shoot, produce and VJ their visuals live on the final evening. Superstars I tell ya! Teaming up with four of Glasgow’s eminent record labels really brought the gif party to life as Karl, Charlie and myself stood like proud uncles in the wing.

As outstanding as the the creative output of the festival is, the charm of it without a doubt lies in the people. From the founder of the festival Beth and James’ parents on standby at the tuck shop, to the close friends and creative mentors that pull together months before, during and after to make it all happen.

The late nights and the early mornings were so worth it for all involved – some tired legs at INT HQ this week, but a massive congrats to the Glasgow crew and we hope to see you again next year.