blue·prints

/ˈblo͞oˌprints/

noun

1. design plans or other technical drawings.

2. something that acts as a plan, model, or template.

3. TEDxUTAustin’s 2022 Conference Theme

Whether acting as tangible models or abstract plans, Blueprints organize our ideas into manageable, workable steps. Building a foundation and encouraging innovation, Blueprints evolve with us as we reflect, redraw, and redefine what these goals mean to us and how we achieve them.

While we typically associate them with precise, rigid lines and angles, Blueprints represent creativity and freedom. They are drafted and adjusted hundreds of times throughout the process. Even after a Blueprint is “finished” and we see the precedent it set, future generations will continue to draw their own Blueprints inspired by the previous ones. 

The world is constantly changing and we redraw our Blueprints to fit new goals in our everyday lives. 

An architect wants to add another room. A student lands their dream job. A baby is born. Change is our only guarantee and Blueprints allow us to channel it into innovation: the architect redraws their house plans, the student budgets and plans their move after graduation, the couple creates a night routine for their new baby. As life happens, we find inspiration in the unexpected and return to the drawing board.

So what Blueprints have drafted who you are today? Are you drawing your own for tomorrow? 

Reflect on how we interact with existing Blueprints and those you are creating for yourself. These complicated frameworks are never truly finished but they establish strong foundations necessary for new beginnings. 

Not all Blueprints create change on a societal level, but they may change your world. Each of us participates in and creates sets of Blueprints unique to us and these are inexplicably woven into every decision we make. 

No matter how big or small your Blueprints are, we are all artists relying on precedents and our imagination to incite change. 

So start planning. Start drafting. Start examining your line or angle in society’s Blueprint and be your own Blueprint. Once we move past rigid frameworks and find creativity and innovation in our own Blueprints, anyone can form ideas worth spreading.

Ticket sales for our 2022 conference start on February 1st. Sign up for our newsletter via our website for TEDxUTAustin updates

Discover how blueprints create our foundation and redefine our future one layer at a time. Be your own blueprint for change.

Draft your Blueprint at our 2022 Conference on March 5th.

Stay ConnecTED!

Caroline Harrison