Adobe Max 2024 Recap

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Adobe Max is far from your typical conference experience—it’s a dynamic fusion of revival, interactive experimentation, and cutting-edge creative learning. From the very first beat that thumped through the Opening Keynote, I was captivated, eyes lit with anticipation, and fully immersed in what Adobe had curated for us. The wealth of content was immense, and my coworkers and I did our best to divide and conquer, eager to return with a treasure trove of insights. Processing it all seemed overwhelming, and with the tendency to lose momentum post-event, I seized the chance to write a recap post. But where to begin? Naturally, with the electrifying Keynote that set the tone for the entire event.

We were welcomed into the giant auditorium by Adobe Big Wigs and “Evangelists” expounding and expanding on the new developments in programming, peppered with a few early “sneaks” to get us pumped up. They wowed us with Adobe Firefly updates to image, design, vector, and even video models, demonstrating a photo-to-video tutorial that literally drew ooohs and ahhhs from the crowd.

And while all this was dazzling, they stressed Adobe’s mission to use AI to further bridge the digital divide, not widen it. It’s a tool for creativity, NOT a replacement for it. To support this, they insist that Firefly uses only Adobe licensed and public domain content. Creators have the choice to tag content as “not allowed” for AI testing and they have initiated a Content Authenticity Initiative with Content Credentials, a type of metadata that can be added to images to increase creator transparency.

The sessions I attended struck a perfect balance between being both informative and inspiring. Since my strength lies in Photoshop, I made the most of the advanced compositing courses, which introduced me to new, more efficient workflows. My favorite session was led by Julieanne Kost, where she shared her personal process for crafting surreal photo composites—a real eye-opener.

On the other hand, I felt the need to brush up on Illustrator (pun intended), so I zeroed in on hands-on lab sessions where I could immediately apply what I learned and hopefully commit it to memory. Working on the computer alongside the instructor made a huge difference, and the Adobe teaching assistants were incredibly helpful for anyone feeling lost. My favorite Illustrator class was led by branding designer-turned-internet-sensation James Barnard. He showed us how he stays sharp with new features while giving us a glimpse into his growing online community, where he posts educational how-to videos. Naturally, I hit “follow” right away.

While inspirational sessions abounded, my favorite by far was Cey Adams’s. More like a guided conversation than a lecture, he recounted his four-decade career as a graffiti artist turned graphic designer and founding creative director at Def Jam Records. My musical soft spot is for bands and artists like the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, and The Notorious B.I.G., so I was positively giddy with delight upon hearing his stories, while also inspired by his passion and artistic evolution.

The Creative Park felt like being a kid in a candy store. If I could have cloned myself a dozen times to run around while simultaneously snapping up fun stickers and patches, taking selfies with Aaron Draplin, chugging expertly crafted free cappuccinos, and exploring all the program-specific computer stations, I absolutely would have. Instead, I tried to pace myself through the aisles and maintain a respectable professionalism. I proudly snagged my 25-year Adobe button, and walked away with no less than 40 stickers, 3 patches, 4 notebooks, 3 t-shirts, a pair of earrings, and a book. I even entered a raffle for a Trek Madone Project 1 collab with Pantone—sadly, I didn’t win, but I spent more time than necessary oogling that gorgeous bike.

Adobe Sneaks is a must-see event for anyone interested in the latest breakthroughs in technology and creative tools. This year’s showcase was packed with exciting innovations, unveiling cutting-edge features that push the boundaries of what’s possible in design, programming, and creativity. It’s a glimpse into the future of digital experiences, offering attendees a sneak peek at Adobe’s most advanced developments.

Of course, nothing could top the excitement of the BASH. As someone usually in bed by 9:30 p.m., I worried I wouldn’t have the energy to make it to T-Pain’s performance. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The atmosphere was electric—wandering between food stations that felt more like gourmet pop-ups (including a tiny Fiat overflowing with gelato), beneath palm trees glowing with vibrant lights (because, of course, this is Miami), and sipping prosecco, I was completely swept up in the night. Inflatable flamingos floated through the scene, adding a playful touch. By the time T-Pain hit the stage, it was the perfect finale to a surreal evening.

While by the end of three days, I was tired from pounding the Miami Beach Convention Center pavement, I was also creatively refreshed and inspired, and most importantly, motivated to keep learning.