SEATTLE AWAITS!
The lineup is set! Join us this April for our signature 3-day event, designed to empower your creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, get ready to be part of a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the boundless possibilities of the creative work.
SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS
LINEUP
Our presenters and workshop instructors are masters of their craft, each with a unique perspective and body of work that’s bound to ignite your creative spirit. Get ready to connect with these outstanding individuals in person this spring. Don't forget to explore their work - follow the links below!
EYE-OPENING
PRESENTATIONS
These distinguished visionaries will captivate you with heartfelt presentations, infused with conviction. They offer profound insights into the impact of thoughtful design and generously share lessons learned on their inspiring creative journey.
I'm Not Done Yet: A talk
about Aging in Design
Paula Scher, Partner at Pentagram
Artivism: The Power of Art to Change the World
Nikkolas Smith, ARTivist, Artist, Designer, Author, and Illustrator
Crafting the Life You Want
Jessica Hische, Lettering Artist & Author
Get Over Yourself: Letting
Go of Ego Without Losing
Your Soul
Ryan & Don Clark, Invisible Creature
How The Lemonade Is Made: It Ain't an L if You Learned a Lesson from It.
André Hueston Mack, Designer, Entrepreneur & Author
Play as Practice: The importance of play in the creative process
Nishat Akhtar, Chief Creative Officer at Instrument
The Art of Building a
Creative Studio
Clinton Campbell, Miné Day & Brad Hodgskiss, MUTI
The Mexican Güey: Design beyond the Fiesta, Siesta
and Luchadores
Quique Ollervides, Designer, Illustrator & Letterer
Chasing Dreams, Not Dollars: The Power of Letting Conviction Lead Your Career
Allan Peters, Peters Design Company
AMID THE AI JOURNEY: Hype,
fear and joy in text-to-image generation
Marian Bantjes, Designer, Typographer, Writer & Illustrator
Time is Water: Embracing
Non-Linearity in your
Creative Practice
Annika Hansteen-Izora, Writer, Product Designer & Creative Director
CONFRONTING OBSTACLES: Recounting a battle with cancer & how creativity
saved me
Josh Kenyon, Owner & Creative Director at Jolby
Catalogue - A Panel Discussion on
What defines great design
Michael Ellsworth, Co-Founder, Principal at Civilization
SKILL-BUILDING
WORKSHOPS
Twelve hands-on sessions led by masters of their craft will give you a deep dive into creative skills like branding, illustration, hand-lettering, product design, storytelling and more. Workshops are open only to conference attendees and have limited seating. Signup today.
FRIDAY @ 9AM
— CHOOSE ONE PER DAY —
#HANDLETTERING
SCRAPPY LETTERING & TEXTURE
Cymone Wilder, Art Director & Lettering Artist
Dive into the world of lettering and texture with a scrappy twist in this engaging 3-hour workshop led by Cymone. Say goodbye to elaborate tools and embrace a hands-on, tactical approach to create impactful lettering without the frills. Discover the art of building letters from basic shapes and infusing your work with texture and emotion using the most affordable, straightforward (and occasionally quirky) techniques. Learn how to unleash your lettering in the most resourceful and playful manner possible.
#BRANDING
CREATE TIMELESS BRAND MARKS
Allan Peters, Peters Design Company
Unlock the secrets of lasting brand marks in this exclusive workshop led by Allan, the author of Logos That Last. Delve into the principles that define timeless logos and learn a proven logo creation process that will fuel your creativity. Discover the art of generating a plethora of ideas in a short span of time, using strategies that balance uniqueness, simplicity, and memorability. Join us to gain invaluable insights and elevate your brand mark design skills to new heights.
#ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATE THE MUTI WAY: A GUIDE TO EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION
Join Clint, Miné, and Brad from MUTI as they guide you through the journey of creating epic artwork for your clients. From translating the brief to conceptualization to execution, gain invaluable tips and insights while collaborating with seasoned illustrators. Benefit from the wealth of experience these industry experts bring to the table. One lucky winner will unlock the prestigious title of MUTI Employee of the Month in this unique and exciting workshop!
#PRODUCTDESIGN
DESIGN SYSTEMS & BRAND STORIES
August Heffner & Arietta Tetreault, Instrument
Challenge the conventional notion that product designers must choose between crafting seamless systems (UX/UI) or telling compelling brand narratives. What if you could harness the power of both? Join August and Arietta to explore how to merge the strengths of experience design and brand design to create a harmonious and impactful approach. And discover the potential of wielding these powerful skills not just for clients, but also for your personal and community-driven projects.
#PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY & LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PORTFOLIO & WEB
Winnie Westergard, Photographer, Artist & Educator
Use your smartphone camera to unleash the impact of your website as we delve into making impeccable photo documentation of your 2D and 3D work. Explore a range of simple yet effective lighting techniques, along with invaluable tips and tricks both during the shoot and in post-production to bring out the best in your images. Understand the nuances of what distinguishes a successful image and gain insights into various portfolio options, learning how to impeccably present your work.
#LETTERPRESS
PRINT WORTHY
Amos Kennedy Jr., Printer, Book Artist & Papermaker
Immerse yourself in the art of letterpress with the esteemed Amos Kennedy Jr. In this exclusive 3-hour workshop, Amos will provide a captivating introduction to the art and equipment, sharing insights into his unique process and convictions about the craft. Witness the meticulous setup of the type bed and experience the magic of printing firsthand. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of letterpress, guided by one of the most revered printers and activists of our time.
SATURDAY @ 9AM
— CHOOSE ONE PER DAY —
#HANDLETTERING
FLOURISHED SCRIPT LETTERING
Ken Barber, Lettering Artist, Type Designer & Author
Join Ken for this 3-hour workshop packed with techniques for drawing captivating flourishes to elevate logotypes, packaging, and publications. Delve into the art of formal script, exploring ornamental linework inspired by models from the 18th to the 21st century. Learn stroke construction basics, entry/exit points for embellished letters, and skill-building exercises for fluid movement and spatial balance. Discover how to combine strokes for intricate compositions, addressing vital elements like volume, proportion, and shading.
#BRANDING
BRAND CONCEPTS & FRAMEWORKS
Kim Sutherland & Fritz Mesenbrink, Official Manufacturing Co. (OMFGCO)
Collaborate with Kim and Fritz in this dynamic, hands-on session to craft a brand concept and framework for a Seattle non-profit in need of a rebrand. We’ll begin with a case study of a recent OMFGCO project, showcasing their process from beginning to end. Then, we’ll dive into research and explore how to shape a robust brand framework and concept. These strategic early-stage phases not only help to get your client on-board but establish essential guardrails for whole-team alignment in building a brand. Oh, and it will be fun too, we promise!
#ILLUSTRATION
DESIGN & PRODUCE YOUR OWN ENAMEL PIN
Learn the intricacies of DKNG’s design and illustration process from concept development to final file preparation, gaining insights into file setup and essential considerations for pin manufacturing. Delve into the nuances of production, including upfront costs and pricing strategies for both retail and wholesale scenarios. Whether you're a novice or seasoned designer, this workshop is your gateway to transforming concepts into tangible, wearable art.
#PRODUCTDESIGN
DESIGN SYSTEM REMIX
Jessica Cottone & Suvani Dave, Instrument
Uncover the art of transforming seemingly rigid design systems into dynamic, adaptable ecosystems in this 3-hour, hands-on workshop led by Jessica and Suvani. Learn the secrets of maintaining creative control while drawing inspiration from the unexpected and delve into the process of evolving brands for digital experiences to resonate with diverse audiences and varied environments.
#STORYTELLING
UNLEASH YOUR INNER STORYTELLER
Brian McDonald, Filmmaker, Consultant & Author
Ever yearned to weave enchanting tales like the stories you've admired? Don't miss this golden opportunity to participate in a riveting 3-hour storytelling workshop with Brian McDonald, an acclaimed author, filmmaker, and story expert. Unlock the secrets of captivating narratives as you learn essential techniques and gain valuable insights from a master storyteller. Embrace the power of storytelling and let your imagination soar to new heights.
#LETTERPRESS
MONOPRINT & STENCIL
Bradley Taylor, Artist, Printmaker & Educator
Discover the captivating art of monoprint, a unique process involving the application of ink to a plexiglass plate using either a brush or a breyer. Gain hands-on instruction on creating diverse textures and effects within the ink, which are then meticulously transferred onto paper through a press. Explore the use of stencils to produce sharp and graphic images, either using available stencils or creating your own for a truly personalized touch.
The Creative Works Pop-Up Market brings designers, makers, and brands from all over the country to one place. And we open the whole thing up to the public. Join us Friday & Saturday (April 26 & 27) at the Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center from 10 - 6pm. Interested in vending? Send us a link to your shop.
MARKET
CREATIVE WORKS POP-UP
MAPLE VALLEY, WA
LOS ANGELES, CA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
DETROIT, MI
LATIN AMERICA
SEATTLE, WA
ORLANDO, FL
SEATTLE, WA
BROOKLYN, NY
DENVER, CO
MEMPHIS, TN
KANSAS CITY, MO
LOUISVILLE, KY
BREMERTON, WA
PORTLAND, OR
SEATTLE, WA
PORTLAND, OR
SEATTLE, WA
VANCOUVER, BC
CHICAGO, IL
PORTLAND, OR
SEATTLE, WA
PORTLAND, OR
NEW YORK, NY
OAKLAND, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA
SEATTLE , WA
AMERICAN POSTER INSTITUTE
FLATSTOCK 94
We’ve teamed up with the American Poster Institute (API) to bring you FLATSTOCK 94! Join us Friday & Saturday (April 26 & 27) at the Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center from 10 - 6pm to see and shop prints from poster artists from all across the globe. Flatstock is open to the public.
Factory 43
Seattle, WA
Rebo
Houston + Austin, TX
BOSS CONSTRUCTION
Nashville, TN
Birdwatchers Studio
Philadelphia, PA
Lil Tuffy
San Francisco, CA
Giov.be
LiÈge, Belgium
Samaritan Press
Olympia, WA
POWERSLIDE DESIGN CO.
SEATTLE, WA
Jayes Caitlin
Portland, OR
Barry Blankenship
Bremerton, WA
Furturtle Show Prints
Midvale, UT
APRIL 25-27, 2024
SCHEDULE
Get ready for three action-packed days filled with full-hearted presentations, hands-on workshops, and lively dinners and after parties alongside world-class creatives from around the globe. All times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Registration + Coffee + Connect
10:00a
Main Stage Kickoff
11:30a
Lunch Break
12:00p
Marian Bantjes
1:30p
Allan Peters
2:30p
30-Minute Break
3:30p
Jessica Hische
4:00p
Paula Scher
5:00p
Pop-Up Market + Flatstock Preview / Dinner (Provided)
6:30p
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
Workshops
9:00a
Lunch Break
12:00p
Annika Hansteen-Izora
1:30p
Michael Ellsworth
2:00p
Quique Ollervides
2:30p
30-Minute Break
3:30p
André Hueston Mack
4:00p
Nikkolas Smith
5:00p
Dinner (Provided)
6:30p
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Workshops
9:00a
Lunch Break
12:00p
Josh Kenyon
1:30p
2:00p
MUTI
2:30p
30-Minute Break
3:30p
Nishat Akhtar
4:00p
Invisible Creature
5:00p
Dinner (Provided) + Afterparty
6:30p
Pre-Conference Meetup
7:00p
Good Times Bad Bar
819 5th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
CONFERENCE VENUES & HOTEL
LOCATIONS
Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Seattle at Creative Works West. Seattle Center, originally crafted for the 1962 World's Fair, will set the stage for most of our conference activities. Conveniently, our workshop studios will be just a 15-minute walk away at the Cornish Main Campus Center. Be sure to secure your stay at our partner hotel for the best rates in the city.
PRESENTATIONS
CORNISH PLAYHOUSE AT SEATTLE CENTER
201 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109
WORKSHOPS
CORNISH MAIN CAMPUS CENTER
1000 Lenora Street
Seattle, WA 98121
POP-UP MARKET
CORNISH PLAYHOUSE LOBBY
201 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109
HOTEL
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
226 7th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Creative Works Group Rate: $149/night. ENDS 3/22/24
HEART-FILLED
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from remarkable individuals within the Creative Works community who've turned inspiration into action. Their stories reflect the transformative power of creativity, collaboration, and dedication. Got your own story of impact? We'd love to share it!
Have a story of impact? We’d love to share it!
CREATIVE WORKS CONFERENCE WEST
SPONSORS
A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors for their unwavering belief in our mission. Please take a moment to visit their websites and show your support. If you're interested in becoming a Creative Works sponsor, we'd love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with us.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Reach out to us.
FAQS
What is Creative Works Conference?
At its core, Creative Works is a hub of inspiration, connection, and growth for creative professionals. But it's also so much more. From presentations and workshops to vendors and after parties, this event can be a career changer, a confidence booster, a skill builder, and a network expander. The possibilities are endless - it's up to you to make the most of it.
Who’s is it for?
Creative Works Conference is for any creative person looking to sharpen their skills, build in-person relationships with other creators, and learn from some of the industry's most talented and innovative thinkers. Whether you're an artist looking to leverage your craft and sensibilities for commercial work, or an experienced professional looking to take your career to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow creatives from around the country. All you need is a willingness to learn, listen, and be present!
Why should I attend?
The conference is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow creatives from around the country, learn from industry experts, and gain new skills that can help take your career to the next level. Need to convince your boss? We have you covered.
Can I speak or lead a workshop?
Our conference values diverse perspectives and experiences and we welcome recommendations from our community for potential speakers and workshop leaders. To be considered, you must be recommended by someone who has previously spoken or led a workshop at our conference, or you must have attended the conference previously. We also encourage you to submit your interest through our contact form, and we'll keep your information on file for future events.
Where should I stay?
We recommend staying at one of the nearby hotels in the Seattle Center or South Lake Union neighborhoods, as they are conveniently located close to the conference venues. Our friends at Fairfield Inn & Suites have provided conference attendees with a group rate of $149/night, so be sure to book your room today to take advantage of this special offer.
What’s the refund policy?
We understand that things come up and plans change. Refunds will be available for tickets cancelled at least 30 days prior to the event. After that time, tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another attendee. Email josh@creativeworks.co with any questions.
Do you have a code of conduct?
Yes, we take our community's safety and well-being seriously and have established a code of conduct to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees, speakers, vendors, and staff. We expect all participants to adhere to this code of conduct, which can be found here.
NEED TO CONVINCE YOUR BOSS? CLICK HERE.
NEED TO CONVINCE YOUR BOSS? CLICK HERE.
VIDEO RECAP
2023 CREATIVE WORKS CONFERENCE
Watch our CWC23 video recap for a glimpse into the inspiring presentations, hands-on workshops, the vibrant pop-up market, and unforgettable dinners and after party that define our conferences. Whether you're a returning guest or a first-time attendee, this recap will get you excited for what's in store at our upcoming event.
Relive the 2023 Creative Works Conference experience