@mint0themax: my time at @valiocon left me thinking not only about what I learned, but also about how I want to work. there’s somethi…

my time at @valiocon left me thinking not only about what I learned, but also about how I want to work. there’s something special about a room full of people who care deeply about the work without making the room about themselves. the details mattered. the people on the other side of the work mattered. the process mattered. so did the person the process was shaping. as both a designer and a founder, I’m constantly moving between two altitudes: deep in the details one moment, zoomed out to the business the next. being at valiocon reminded me that these aren’t competing modes. a designer’s care can shape how I build the company, not just the work we make. every speaker brought something distinct. among many thoughtful talks, the ones from @graceongrid, @willlenzen, @andersDrage, @wesleyBancroft, and @saturday happened to meet me exactly where I am in my own journey. their ideas left me thinking about a few things: identity can be intentionally built. empathy gives the work meaning. taste catches up through iteration. work shapes the person doing it. and our abilities matter most when they benefit someone else. together, their ideas gave me a clearer picture of how being a designer and a founder can strengthen each other: design shapes how I build the company, and building the company expands how I think as a designer. some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the talks like hearing new friends share what inspires them and keeps them going. thanks for sharing, especially @LinusEkenstam and @_mordechai grateful to @drewwilson for creating the space for this community to come together, connect, and be inspired by one another 🫶🏻 can’t wait for the next one!