Have you ever played Layer Tennis?

Layer Tennis is a live design event where matches are played using video, animation, sound, photos, type and lots more, but the basic idea is the same no matter what tools are in use:

Two competitors swap a file back and forth in real-time, adding to and embellishing the work. Each artist gets fifteen minutes to complete a “volley.” A third participant, a writer, provides play-by-play commentary on the action, as it happens. A match lasts for ten volleys and when it’s complete, fans say what they think and help declare a winner.

The primary Layer Tennis Playoffs are hosted by Coudal Partners in Chicago, but you can play against a fellow designer for fun to sharpen your skills and break up the ritual—part of Mig’s advice to spend less time on things.

Give it a try!

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Mig Reyes outlines the game in his talk on backwards advice from May’s CreativeMornings/Chicago event. Jump to 18:26 for a play-by-play of his duel against fantastic letterer Jessica Hische.