In this open discussion episode, host Jen Van Horn leads a conversation about unplugging from screens, summer hobbies, and creative projects that get you off the computer.
This episode covers:
- Boulder Startup Week recap: Highlights from the AI-heavy conference, an unexpected standout workshop using LEGO to surface abstract ideas, and why networking leads from startup events tend to pay off on a longer timeline than you'd expect.
- Explaining motion design to non-designers: Why pitching at conferences and local meetups sharpens how you describe your work in ways your website never will.
- Automation as a way off the screen: How vibe coding and AI tools can actually free up time for hiking and other things—and the trap of getting pulled back in to build "just one more" automation.
- Tactile creative projects for summer: Laser cutters, zoetropes, flip books, stop-motion experiments, and physical design work that keeps the creative muscles moving without a monitor.
- In-camera experimentation over Photoshop: Playing with prisms, plexiglass, LED wands, and actual cameras to make weird abstract imagery and try unfamiliar genres.
- Rituals that reset the brain: A grab bag of what the team actually does to unplug—biking, hammocks, gardening, running programs, and small bookend habits that separate work from life.
- Visiting Colorado pre-camp: Recommendations for anyone arriving early for Camp Mograph, plus a heads-up about altitude.
Upcoming Events/Schedule:
- **Monday Meeting is moving to a monthly format—every second Monday going forward!
- Next podcast: Open Discussion on June 8th
- Game Night: Wednesday, May 27th
- Join the Discord for announcements, office hours, and topic suggestions
Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!
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