This year, I thought it would be fun to experiment with a sketchbook exchange during SXSW Interactive. I thought it would be a great way to network and meet new people; be inspired by the creativity of others; capture the mood of this year’s conference.

The idea is pretty simple. I purchased four Moleskine Cahier sketchbooks. Three of the sketchbooks will have a theme, with the fourth being themeless. Sketchers will pass the books around during the conference, tweeting with the appropriate hash tags once they are in possession of the book. This will provide a realtime timeline of each books journey throughout the conference. Finally, I have set up a flickr group to display all of the sketches once the conference is over.

Themes

In addition to the #sxswsketchx hash tag to track the entire collaborative experience, each sketchbook will have its own hash tag.

The Power of Social Media

From politics to corporate marketing, social media IS a pervasive force around the globe. Express your ideas and opinions about how social media is changing the world. Follow this sketchbook using the #sxswsketchxmedia hash tag.

There’s an App for That?

It’s no secret that we are app crazy these days. Give us your quirky or not so quirky ideas about apps. #sxswsketchxapp hash tag.

Like/Unlike

Your opinion counts! Share with us those things you love and enjoy or drive you absolutely crazy. #sxswsketchxlike hash tag.

What’s on Your Mind?

This sketchbook is themeless. Sketch whatever is on your mind. #sxswsketchxmind hash tag.

Guidelines

1. Tweet that you have the a book #sxswsketchx #sxswsketchxmedia #sxswsketchxapp #sxswsketchxlike #sxswsketchxmind
2. Keep your sketches, collages, notes, creative ramblings relevant to the theme.
3. Be creative!
4. Please limit your contribution to (2) pages
5. Sign your page(s) with your twitter username or first and last name.
6. Once you are done, pass it along to someone else or return to @keitharichall.
7. At the end of SXSWi or once the pages are filled, please return to @keitharichall.

I am hopeful that this will be a success collaboration project. Maybe even a new unofficial SXSWi tradition.

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