This year I was kindly asked by SXSW Interactive to create an illustrated timeline for their 20 year Anniversary. The timeline features key moments of each year's SXSW Interactive, from 1994 to 2012 including the NASDAQ hits peak of dotcom era and the launching of Twitter. There are also portraits of keynote speakers such as New Yorker columnist Malcolm Gladwell, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
This is a two-page spread illustration printed in the SXSW Interactive 2013 Program Guide.
Featured on SXSW Interactive News: http://sxsw.com/interactive/news/meet-yao-xiao-sxsw-interactive-20th-anniversary-timeline-artist
1994
Small is Beautiful: Debut event features eight total panel sessions and 36 total speakers.
Small is Beautiful: Debut event features eight total panel sessions and 36 total speakers.
1995
Hello It's Me: Musician-turned-geek Todd Rundgren keynotes year #2 of SXSW Multimedia.
Hello It's Me: Musician-turned-geek Todd Rundgren keynotes year #2 of SXSW Multimedia.
1996
Remember the Epic Parties: Bruce Sterling keynotes, invites all to his Hyde Park house.
Remember the Epic Parties: Bruce Sterling keynotes, invites all to his Hyde Park house.
1997
And Bono Cried: Negativland's Mark Hossler discusses his take on copyright law.
And Bono Cried: Negativland's Mark Hossler discusses his take on copyright law.
1998
South Park by Southwest: Art for canvas swag bag designed by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
South Park by Southwest: Art for canvas swag bag designed by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
2000
Iamrichrichrich.com: NASDAQ hits peak of dotcom era on Monday of SXSW Interactive.
Iamrichrichrich.com: NASDAQ hits peak of dotcom era on Monday of SXSW Interactive.
We were federated before federated was cool: John Battelle keynote
2002
Please Hire Me, Please: overflow crowds swarm first-ever SXSW Freelance Forum.
Please Hire Me, Please: overflow crowds swarm first-ever SXSW Freelance Forum.
2003
You Are the Creative Class and You Rule: Keynote by best-selling author Richard Florida.
You Are the Creative Class and You Rule: Keynote by best-selling author Richard Florida.
2004
Remember Friendster? Jonathan Abrams keynote speech alienates many female users.
Remember Friendster? Jonathan Abrams keynote speech alienates many female users.
2005
The Tipping-over Phase Begins: Keynote talk from New Yorker columnist Malcolm Gladwell.
The Tipping-over Phase Begins: Keynote talk from New Yorker columnist Malcolm Gladwell.
2006
Welcome to the Digital Revolution: Jimmy Wales and Craig Newmark keynote conversation
Welcome to the Digital Revolution: Jimmy Wales and Craig Newmark keynote conversation
2007
Twitter Launches at SXSW: And we all begin to think in 140 characters or less.
Twitter Launches at SXSW: And we all begin to think in 140 characters or less.
2008
The Power of a Connected Audience: Mass exodus during Mark Zuckerberg keynote.
The Power of a Connected Audience: Mass exodus during Mark Zuckerberg keynote.
2009
Startups Make the World Go Round: Accelerator added to ever-expanding SXSW lineup.
Startups Make the World Go Round: Accelerator added to ever-expanding SXSW lineup.
2010
Disrupting the Music Industry: Keynote interview with Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
Disrupting the Music Industry: Keynote interview with Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
2011
Geeks are the New Rock Stars: Foo Fighters perform at SXSW Interactive Closing Party.
Geeks are the New Rock Stars: Foo Fighters perform at SXSW Interactive Closing Party.
2012
Master of Intelligent Design: Jeffrey Zeldman becomes first-ever SXSW Hall of Fame inductee.
Master of Intelligent Design: Jeffrey Zeldman becomes first-ever SXSW Hall of Fame inductee.