Swissmissing in Action
Heart Tina Roth Eisenberg? Wear it on your sleeve.
By Wayne Alan Brenner, Fri., March 8, 2013
In March 2005, she started a "personal visual archive" online. Today, that archive is the popular swissmiss blog, a frequently updated design journal of all fabricated things beautiful and/or practical, a refreshing visual treat that boasts around a million unique visitors each month.
Tina Roth Eisenberg, aka swissmiss, the graphic designer who grew up in Switzerland and moved to New York in 1999, no longer runs a design studio – because she's too busy with her blog? Well, only in part. Because Eisenberg also organizes NYC's monthly breakfast-time lecture series called CreativeMornings, co-runs the browser-based to-do app called TeuxDeux, and is the founder of temporary-tattoo store Tattly that's moved those fleeting skin illustrations beyond the Cracker Jack box and into a realm of hip sophistication. We recently contacted this Swiss force of web-savvy nature, who's slated to be one of the keynote speakers at SXSW Interactive, and here's what she told us.
Austin Chronicle: What's the best thing about being asked to do a keynote speech for SXSW Interactive?
Tina Roth Eisenberg: I get to tell a lot of people about the things I feel really passionate about. And I get to sleep in a room by myself. Total win!
AC: Have you been to SXSW before?
TRE: Yes, I attended the conference two years ago. My favorite part was that I recognized people I've been following for years online, based on their avatar photos. I remember walking into one big space and Veerle [Pieters, the Belgian graphic designer] walked towards me, and even though her Twitter avatar is an illustration, I knew who she was. There's nothing better than hugging folks you've had many virtual conversations with, whose work you've admired for years. A hug makes it real. Face-to-face human interactions always win.
AC: What are you most looking forward to at the convention this year?
TRE: Launching our new CreativeMornings website, figuring out how to master my inbox, and bacon. Lots of bacon.
AC: Will you be designing a Tattly tattoo to mark the occasion?
TRE: I won't. But I will bring lots of tattoos with me. If you see me on the street, don't be shy, ask me for one. I might even apply it on you. I travel with a Tattly sponge, you know!?
Related Event
Tina Roth Eisenberg Keynote
Sunday, March 10, 2pm
ACC, Exhibit Hall 5
