"With this new shift in technology, brands have to pull rather than push to engage creative consumers."
Jodie Fox, Director of Fashion and Founder of Shoes of Prey
speaking at CreativeMornings/Sydney(*watch the talk)
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Photos are up from CreativeMornings/Vancouver with Mark Brand. Photos by Trevor Jansen. Check out the rest in their Flickr Album. The Vancouver chapter of CreativeMornings is organized by Mark Busse. Follow along with them at @Vancouver_CM!
At April’s CreativeMornings/Ottawa, Shopify Chief Platform Officer (CPO) Harley Finkelstein spoke on the future of retail. Hitting upon several trends and changes he has observed, Harley breaks down the ‘Pillars of Retail’ to talk about how technology is democratizing the retail economy.
1. Fundraising
Any retail endeavor requires some amount of seed funding or capital—not a lot—but definitely some amount. Through crowd-funding platforms like Kickstarter, raising that funding has become easier than ever and that barrier to entry has been lowered.
2. Prototyping
After raising your funding, you need a sample or prototype to share with others. Having something tangible allows others to both envision your idea, as well as give feedback. With desktop 3D printers, prototyping is much cheaper, easier, and attainable.
3. Selling
Selling your product is easier too! You don’t have to sell something to a storefront or large company to get your product in stores. Shopify is a wonderful platform for doing just that—making a direct relationship from producer to consumer.
4. Shipping
There are no more minimums when it comes to shipping and fulfilling your orders. Multiple companies exist that will process and send out your product to people around the world.
5. Customer Service
Customer Service is being democratized, too! And not just abroad. Small business exist, locally, that will take your calls and answer your emails—covering all of your customer bases.
With these lower barriers to entry and democratized retail pillars, however, Harvey says it also brings on new challenges. “Because it’s easier for anyone to do it, everyone does it," he said.
This, he predicts, brings the rise of the small business. “It doesn’t matter how much money you have, it matters how creative you are."
"Politics is our most direct way to create change, but very few of us get involved directly."
Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver
speaking at CreativeMornings/Vancouver(*watch the talk)
Looks like the lovely outdoor venue Prinzessinengarten set the stage for June’s CreativeMornings/Berlin event, featuring speaker Tomas Mrazauskas—and a lot of apples! Check out the rest in their Flickr Album. The Berlin chapter of CreativeMornings is organized by Jürgen Seibert. Follow along with them at @Berlin_CM!
This week marks the last week to check out the Rain Room, an installation currently up at MoMA PS1 as part of the exhibition EXPO 1: New York.
The installation feature a constant downpour of rain, but promises that you won’t get wet. The room senses the presence of visitors, immediately ceasing the flow of water wherever a person is detected. rAndom International is the studio behind the interactive piece.
Check out their CreativeMornings/London talk from last June here.
"The future can be scary for a freelancer, but it can also be beautiful."
Photographer Paul Octavious took the stage at Chicago’s April event where he spoke on the future, but not before looking toward the past—telling his personal story from polaroids as a five-year-old to where he is today.
A great watch for photographers and appreciators alike.
The CreativeMornings/Raleigh spread always looks pretty tasty. Hi5 to Crumb for making some delectable morning treats. Photos by Miller Taylor. You can also find more delicious breakfasts from around the world in our Flickr group, FOOD at CreativeMornings!
What’s your best piece of advice? Lose your watch! @bekkapalmer Icebreaker Tag at CreativeMornings/NewYork December 2012 with George Lois.
"Anything is attainable."
Brooks Atwood, Founder and Principal of POD DESIGN
speaking at CreativeMornings/NewYork(*watch the talk)
