OFFF Barcelona: Sun, Sangria & Very Good Ideas

Some trips feel like work and some feel like a holiday. OFFF Barcelona somehow manages to be both.

I went over with my good pals Chris Wilson and Mark Hutton, which is always a solid plan in theory. In reality, it usually involves late nights, early starts and a collective agreement that we’ll “take it easy” (we never do).

And yet, it’s worth it. This was our second time attending and it didn’t disappoint.

The talks

The line-up was great this year, but what I really like about OFFF is the relaxed atmosphere and how people come together to chat and share common interests and opinions. People get up and share the work, the thinking, the mess behind it all, and we can definitely all resonate with that.

Nils Leonard from Uncommon was exactly what you’d expect with the opening talk of the festival- sharp, straight-talking, no fluff. A really good reminder that strong ideas still cut through all the noise.

Weidemann Lampe were cool, considered, and just quietly brilliant. The kind of work that doesn’t shout but sticks with you.

MLTI NYC brought the energy and confidence, clearly loving what they do and it was great to see how they had grown over the years from Kristen Shenk’s 10 year career at Nike.

Seth Epstein from Los York shared big, bold and unapologetic work that humbled the audience. The kind of work that makes you sit up a bit straighter. I loved his Stussy tales.

And then Jamhot, our very own fellow Glaswegian, Graeme McGowan absolutely smashing it. One of those times where you remind Graeme he’s a legend and hugely inspiring. Even though he never likes to take a compliment.

Snask were exactly as you’d hope: understated, sarcastic, funny, and never taking themselves too seriously. Really lovely guys to chat too also.

Tosh Hall from JKR gave the best talk by a mile (for me). Straight to the point, no messing around and a presentation that showed off their work but yet involved every single one of us in the audience.

FOREAL showed off the kind of work that is a feast for the eyes.

Mitch Monson from Sibling Rivalry shared some risk taking stories and my personal fave was some work for Prince. (I’m a huge fan).

Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam’s Alex Thursby-Pelham showed what they do best: proper storytelling, properly done, always inspirational.

And Stockholm Design Lab just reminded everyone that simple, timeless, well-crafted design will always win. A brilliant talk to end on as we never did make it to the last one seeing as there was too much chat going on outside.

But honestly? The talks are only half of it.

The conversations

The best bits happen in between and others agree. A few people mentioned how they saw less talks this year and had more talks outside with old friends and new ones.

Standing in the sun, sitting in the park on a deckchair, wandering between talks, that’s where the conversations happen. Catching up with people you’ve known for years and meeting new ones that feel like you’ve known them just as long.

Spending time with Katy Cowan from Creative Boom was a highlight. Katy is just one of those genuinely good humans who brings people together without making a big thing of it.

That’s what OFFF does best. It creates space for the chats, the accidental meetings and the many unplanned moments.

Barcelona doing its thing

The Disseny Hub Barcelona is the ideal backdrop with sunshine pretty much guaranteed, and that constant feeling of “we should probably go back in for the next talk… but also… this is quite nice… with a drink in hand and the sun on your face”.

I love a visit to Barcelona at any time of the year. The culture, the outdoor lifestyle, and the beach, all make it a really great city to visit. This time around I made sure to fit in a wander round the Moco Museum which didn’t disappoint. And of course, a faithful visit to the Adidas store - it would be rude not to at this point.

Where I stayed

I stayed at Hotel Sallés Pere IV and it was a bit of a find. Close enough (about a 9-minute walk to OFFF), but far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped it when needed.

Rooftop views right across the city, a spa that came in very handy, really good food, and sunset moments with a DJ playing that were worth every penny.

Why you should go

OFFF isn’t just about the talks.

It’s about stepping away from your daily grind, having conversations you don’t normally have and being around people who care about what they do.

It reminds you that this industry, when you find your people, is actually pretty special.

Final thoughts

A few days of sunshine, good people, great work, and slightly questionable decisions.

Would definitely recommend.

Here’s to next year… maybe with slightly more sleep. And more sensible decisions. Maybe.

Sharon :)

Pics © Arnau Rovira