Designing the t-shirt for the 8th Kiwi PyCon in Dunedin was an exciting project, one that allowed me to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and community. The process was a collaborative effort between Christopher Lee and myself, with a lot of back-and-forth, ideation, and refinement.

The initial email from Chris, who was on the planning committee, set the tone for the project. He reached out, not entirely sure how to kick things off but full of enthusiasm. His message was a clear invitation to bring something special to this year’s conference. Chris mentioned it was the second time Kiwi PyCon would be held in Dunedin and that this was the 8th edition overall, which sparked the first few ideas.

In my response, I highlighted how previous designs had drawn inspiration from the conference location. Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Waitangi had all lent their unique characteristics to the event’s branding in previous years. Dunedin, with its rich history and distinctive landscape, seemed ripe for inspiration. However, as Chris and I exchanged ideas, it became clear that this year’s design needed to do more than just highlight the location; it needed to celebrate the diverse ways in which Python is used across various industries.

Initial Ideation

Chris shared a few ideas from the committee—showcasing Python’s applications in 3D modeling, movie visual effects, 3D printing, and even its use in scientific research at institutions like NASA. He also mentioned a preference for a monoline (or keyline) style, something geometric and connected, which could potentially represent the various industries and technologies associated with Python.

I proposed a few directions, ranging from a landscape focus incorporating Dunedin’s landmarks, to a more abstract approach that would symbolise the technological and social aspects of the Python community. Chris gravitated toward the abstract idea, particularly one that celebrated the diversity of problem-solving and innovation within the Python community.

Concept Development

With that direction in mind, I set to work on some rough concepts. These were not final designs but conceptual explorations to capture the vibe and approach that could guide us to the final design. I presented a few ideas, each with its own unique concept, and together we discussed which direction resonated most with the theme of the conference.

“Hi Matthew, we love the designs :-)

After talking to the other committee members, we've decided that we like the first option best, with some suggestions of our own. (We're aware this is an initial draft, etc.) We would love the idea of more abstract 'fun' icons to be used (rocketships, robot arms, etc.). It seems a little structured; perhaps incorporating hints or something similar to the 4th option, which has a more organic flow to it, might work? Perhaps have the more quirky icons in the background (smaller or thinner or something; I'm sure you have a better idea than us ;-) ) with the more relevant ones larger? The idea of icons and not words is nice as it could be a conversation starter (i.e., "Oh, what does that robot arm holding an ice cream mean? Oh, it's some cool thing we can do with Python, etc."). These are purely our thoughts while discussing the awesome designs that you've provided. Please feel free to be honest in your reply. We look forward to hearing back from you.”

Final Design and Implementation

The final design we arrived at was both abstract and symbolic, capturing the spirit of the Python community’s creativity and innovation. It’s a design that I’m proud to have been part of, not just because of how it turned out, but because of the collaborative process that brought it to life.

The t-shirt is more than just merch; it’s a representation of the Kiwi PyCon community’s dedication to celebrating Python, the location and the community. I’m grateful to have worked with Chris on this project and I looked forward to seeing the attendees wear it proudly in Dunedin.

I worked closely with Chris to finalize the t-shirt and lanyard designs for the conference, making adjustments as needed to ensure the sponsors were properly represented. Despite some last-minute changes and challenges, including updating logos and providing specific file formats, the final designs got delivered on time. The t-shirts were well-received at the event, with Chris expressing appreciation for the dedication and responsiveness throughout the process.

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