So, you probably already saw this, but in case you didn’t…

The promotional video for next year’s Society for News Design annual workshop in St. Louis has been posted, and it’s super adorable. Credit goes to St. Louis Post-Dispatch staffers Brian Williamson (animated illustrations) and Christopher Ave (music).

I’ve been excited about this workshop ever since I found out about it a few years ago. I’m from a suburb of St. Louis, and will never turn down an opportunity to return to my hometown. My parents, aunts and uncles are all still there, as are some of my closest friends from high school.

As someone who knows St. Louis, I find this video particularly rewarding. All of the things you see in there are based on real landmarks. That “Design” sign in the style of the Amoco logo? That’s based on the Amoco sign near Forest Park. The original Amoco sign in the location was built by my great-grandfather’s company. The thing in the video that looks like a power plant is the original St. Louis Science Center, which is connected to the “new” Science Center via a bridge on the highway. (The “new” Science Center is more at least 15 years old by now, but then again, the “new” cathedral is way older than than that, and is still called “new.”) And even the Schafly Bottleworks is referenced in this video. If you go to SND in St. Louis, a trip to the Bottleworks is in order. And the Taproom, which will be closer to the workshop.

I could go on and on, but the point is this: this workshop looks like it will be a lot of fun, and will be worth checking out because of its connection to Brian Williamson and Erica Smith alone, not to mention all the other great things sure to be there. It’s a year away, but you can be sure I’ll give you suggestions between now and then. And maybe a few web comics on the topic.