Written by Andy Upton, Art Director
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Forward Festival Vienna, the final stop in their four-city tour across some of Europe’s most inspiring creative hubs.
This two-day event, held in the historic Gartenbaukino—Vienna’s oldest cinema—was a masterclass in innovation and artistry, featuring over 20 world-class creatives sharing insights, techniques, and jaw-dropping projects in design, animation, and film.
A city of contrasts
Vienna is a city that breathes art and history in equal measure. From the vibrant graffiti along the Danube Canal to the majestic palaces, cathedrals, and monuments scattered across the city, it’s a stunning blend of classical elegance and modern urban grit. I was lucky to have some time before the festival to explore, soaking in the visual feast the city offers. Everywhere you look, there’s inspiration—whether it’s the intricate details of Baroque architecture or the bold, expressive street art.
Highlights from Forward Festival Vienna
The speaker lineup was packed with talent, but a few stood out for me:
- Mr Bingo: His cheeky and unapologetically NSFW illustration work had the audience in fits of laughter while subtly reminding us of the power of irreverence in creativity.
- Studio Dumbar: Their animation projects were nothing short of mesmerising—bold,
dynamic, and innovative
- Wieden+Kennedy: Their sleek advertising campaign for Hennessy showcased storytelling
at its finest, balancing luxury with relatability
- Alice Isaac: Her collage work was deeply inspiring, proving that analogue methods still hold immense power in our increasingly digital world
Key takeaways
If there was one recurring theme throughout the conference, it was playfulness. Every speaker touched on the importance of embracing a playful mindset—not just as a means of crafting standout work but also as a way to make the creative process itself more enjoyable. Whether it’s experimenting with wild ideas or pushing boundaries, it’s clear that a sense of fun can be the secret ingredient to success.
Forward Festival Vienna wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of creativity and a reminder to approach our work—and our lives—with curiosity, courage, and a little bit of mischief. Vienna’s charm and the festival’s energy left me inspired and ready to infuse more playfulness into my own projects.
Forward Festival Vienna got you inspired? Let’s bring bold creativity to your next project. Get in touch to see how we can collaborate.
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