SHOW UP.
STAY CONNECTED.
LEAD WITH CRAFT
+ CREATIVITY.
Creative Works EAST is now ONLINE. This October, we will gather virtually to share real stories, timely insights, and empowering education from creatives who are living it too.
October 2 & 3: Candid + timely presentations and insightful software demos
October 4, 11, 25 & November 1, 8: Five Saturdays of interactive workshops with masters of their craft
Whether in person or online, our belief is the same: community has the power to inspire and grow creative work, careers, and influence in the world around us. The world needs us, and our work still matters.
Built for designers, illustrators, hand letterers, storytellers, and commercial artists who care about craft, not clout.
Creative Works ONLINE is where serious creatives gather to be inspired, sharpen their skills, build relationships, and reconnect with the heart of their work. By moving online, we’re removing barriers and making this experience more accessible to the community that needs it most.
We believe in mastery over mediocrity, collaboration over competition, and bold creativity that drives meaningful change. This isn’t about hype, hustle, or algorithms. It’s about doing the work, getting better, and building something that lasts.
You’ll leave with sharper skills, stronger relationships, clear direction, and a renewed sense of purpose for your creative life and career—no matter where you are.
CREATIVE WORKS ONLINE
TICKET OPTIONS
We’ve designed ticket options to meet you where you are. Whether you’re an individual, team, agency, or a community hub, you’ll find a way to join us online, connect with world-class creatives, and bring new skills back to your work and community. Interested in simulcast? Get in touch.
VIRTUAL PASS
$150
1 viewer
Live stream + 90-day replay access to presentations & demos
Workshops not included
FOR INDIVIDUALS
WORKSHOP TICKET
$150
Add-on for Virtual Pass
(1) 3-hour workshop
Live stream + 90-day replay access to workshops purchased
FOR SKILL UPGRADES
VIRTUAL TEAM PASS
$500
5+ viewers (same org)
Live stream + 90-day replay access to presentations & demos
Workshops not included
FOR TEAMS & AGENCIES
SIMULCAST LICENSE
$1,000
Unlimited viewers (1 venue)
Live stream access to presentations & demos
Workshops not included
BEST FOR SCHOOLS, COFFEE SHOPS, CO-WORKING SPACES
WHAT TO EXPECT
CANDID + TIMELY PRESENTATIONS
Hear from world-class designers, illustrators, and creative leaders who challenge assumptions, share hard-earned insights, and bring bold new ideas to life. These aren’t keynotes—they’re sparks for change, grounded in real work and lived experience. Join live to ask questions and interact with speakers in real time, or catch the replays on your own schedule.
INSIGHTFUL SOFTWARE DEMOS
Explore new tools, techniques, and workflows from creatives and companies shaping the future of the industry. These demos go beyond product features and focus on how you can apply what you learn to make your work sharper, faster, and more impactful.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
Go deeper in small-group sessions led on Zoom by masters of their craft. Ask questions, share your work, and get feedback in real time. Whether you’re refining your process, rethinking your practice, or learning something entirely new, you’ll walk away with skills you can use immediately.
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Some of the best moments happen in conversation. Our online format makes it possible to connect with peers, speakers, and community leaders no matter where you are. You’ll have space to ask real questions, share experiences, and build relationships that last beyond the event.
PRESENTERS & INSTRUCTORS
LEADERSHIP
We elevate our leaders not for their followings, but for the depth of their practice and the conviction behind their work. This is your chance to learn from creatives who have walked the walk—and are still pushing forward. Explore their work below, hear their stories, and engage with them directly through live Q&A and online sessions this fall.
Brad Hodgkiss,
Miné Day, &
Clinton Campbell
Presenters/Instructors
Cape Town, South Africa
INSPIRING & INSIGHTFUL
LIVE SESSIONS
Be captivated by heartfelt presentations, infused with vulnerability and conviction offering profound insights into the impact of thoughtful design on economy and culture. Also, sharpen your skills as our leadership shares powerful software demos packed with insights and tools to elevate your creative workflow.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
9 AM EST LOG ON + COFFEE + CONNECT
11 AM EST
Fine Will Kill You: The Quiet Surrender of Creative Nerve
Jessie McGuire, Managing Partner at Thought Matter
12–1 PM EST 60-MIN BREAK
1 PM EST
DON’T PANIC, ACT!: HOW TO THRIVE (AND WHAT TO AVOID) IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES
Emily Ruth Cohen, Founder & Partner at Casa Davka
2 PM EST — SOFTWARE DEMO
COMBINING VECTOR IMAGES & HAND LETTERING IN ILLUSTRATOR
Brad Hodgkiss, Miné Day, & Clinton Campbell, Partners at MUTI
3–4 PM EST 60-MIN BREAK
5 PM EST
Rejection is Redirection: Creativity Through Adversity
Sophia Yeshi, Illustrator & Graphic Designer
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
9 AM EST LOG ON + COFFEE + CONNECT
10 AM EST
Design in Motion: Lessons from Building Flexible Identity Systems & Generative Tools
Justin Colt & Jose Fresneda, Partners at The Collected Works
11 AM EST
The Local Internet: How
Being Small Can Keep the Internet Weird
Michael Eades, Internet Creature
12–1 PM EST 60-MIN BREAK
2 PM EST — SOFTWARE DEMO
Rethink your workflow WITH Figma Draw
Miguel (Miggi) Cardona, Designer Advocate at Figma
3–4 PM EST 60-MIN BREAK
INTERACTIVE
WORKSHOPS
These aren’t quick demos or surface-level talks. Our workshops are interactive, three-hour sessions on Zoom, limited to 30 participants, and led by experts who are serious about their craft. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, receive feedback, and go deep—so you walk away with new skills you can put to work right away.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
AM BLOCK:
10AM–1PM EST
TINY CANVAS, BIG IMPACT: THE ART OF ILLUSTRATED STAMP DESIGN
Clinton Campbell, Miné Day, & Brad Hodgkiss, MUTI
Master the art of storytelling in a small format by designing your own set of vintage-inspired stamps in this interactive, three-hour workshop led by the partners at South African illustration studio MUTI. Stamp design requires a keen understanding of composition, scale, and detail. This workshop will guide you through crafting impactful compositions, integrating basic hand lettering, applying authentic textures, and selecting a compelling color palette to create miniature masterpieces that leave a lasting impression.
PM BLOCK:
3–6PM EST
Lettering Remix: Create Custom Letterforms from Everyday Inspiration
Ken Barber, Lettering Artist, Type Designer & Author
In this hands-on, info-packed, three-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to transform real-world inspiration—from neon signs to vintage packaging—into original hand-drawn lettering. Ken will teach you how to decode the visual systems behind found letterforms and remix them into fresh work for logos, wordmarks, personal projects, and more. You’ll sharpen your eye, expand your style, and bring new creative energy to your lettering practice.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
AM BLOCK:
10AM–1PM EST
BUILDING JOYFUL BRAND WORLDS
Chelsea Goldwell, Partner & Creative Director at Zero Studios
Join Chelsea for this collaborative, three-hour workshop on creating vibrant brand worlds that spark joy and resonate deeply with audiences. You’ll explore how to extract a client’s vision, build a brand strategy, and translate that into design through thoughtful planning and moodboarding. You’ll walk away with tools to create brand systems that feel cohesive, fun, and full of life.
PM BLOCK:
3–6PM EST
FROM SINGLE IMAGE TO CAMPAIGN CREATOR: MAXIMIZING YOUR ILLUSTRATION IMPACT
Chris DeLorenzo, Graphic Artist
Rather than focusing on one perfect image, this three-hour workshop will show you how to build illustration systems that scale. Chris will walk you through his process for turning one image into a full campaign—something that works across platforms and client needs while still feeling cohesive. You’ll bring an illustration to expand upon, or create something new in the session, and explore how to apply your style in unexpected, impactful ways.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
AM BLOCK:
10AM–1PM EST
BEYOND THE SHELF: A PACKAGING WORKSHOP
Dahlia Ishak, Director & Designer at Public House Studio
Packaging design can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this three-hour workshop, Dahlia breaks down her proven process into three key phases: Brand, Build, and Launch. You’ll learn how to lead strategic client conversations, build trust through collaboration, and balance creativity with commercial appeal. From uncovering a brand’s personality to designing with hierarchy and shelf impact in mind, this session will give you the tools to create packaging that’s distinctive, intentional, and aligned at every step.
PM BLOCK:
3–6PM EST
TENDING THE GARDEN: HOW TO DESIGN WEB SYSTEMS THAT GROW
Chris Conley & Kegan Sovay, Head of Design & Digital at Thread
Websites are living systems—not static projects. In this three-hour workshop, Chris and Kegan will walk you through how Thread builds flexible digital systems that evolve with their clients’ needs. You’ll explore how to blend expressive design with systems thinking, align your team around patterns, and care for a site post-launch with tools and rituals that support long-term growth.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
AM BLOCK:
10AM–1PM EST
HOW TO MAKE ANIMATED CARDS
Kelli Anderson, Artist & Paper Engineer
In this hands-on, three-hour workshop, artist and paper engineer Kelli Anderson will show you how fold-based formats like the flexagon and waterfall card can bring content to life through movement and interactivity. You’ll explore the conceptual and mechanical potential of folded paper as a storytelling tool—creating narrative-driven pieces that are engaging, tactile, and unforgettable. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
PM BLOCK:
3–6PM EST
AGAINST STORYTELLING: A STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
Mark Kingsley, Founder/CCO at Malcontent & Author
Storytelling is everywhere in branding—but do we really know what it means? In this provocative, three-hour workshop, Mark Kingsley invites you to question and redefine the role of story in design and strategy. Through conversation and guided frameworks, you’ll explore multiple definitions of story, examine its relevance in branding, and learn how to use narrative with clarity and intention.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
AM BLOCK:
10AM–1PM EST
FUN LETTERING FOR FUN FOLKS
Mary Kate McDevitt, Illustrator & Lettering Artist
In this three-hour workshop, Mary Kate will show you how to bring playfulness and personality into your hand lettering. You’ll focus on expressive letterforms, illustration integration, and composition techniques to transform basic type into dynamic lettering pieces that pop off the page. Perfect for anyone looking to loosen up and have more fun with their work.
PM BLOCK:
3–6PM EST
THE TANGIBLE BRAND: WHAT LIES BEYOND THE LOGO
Elliott Snyder & Jesse Morrow, Partners at Old Friend
Join Old Friend for this immersive three-hour workshop on creating a brand that feels both expansive and engaging. Jesse and Elliott will guide you through their entire branding process—from the initial client call to the final file export (or final_final_final, if you know what we mean). In this workshop, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions, conduct meaningful research, and explore creatively to not just make a logo but an entire identity ecosystem with plenty of room to play.
CREATIVE WORKS ONLINE
VIRTUAL MARKET
Some of our favorite friends and past market vendors have joined us for the Creative Works (Virtual) Market. Each one is offering an exclusive discount in their online shop so you can discover something new, support independent creatives, and take a piece of the community home with you. Use promo code creativeworks to save.
CREATIVE WORKS ONLINE
SPONSORS
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for sustaining this community and making Creative Works ONLINE possible. Please take a moment to visit their websites and show your support. If you are interested in supporting this work and helping sustain the impact of the Creative Workers Union, we would love to hear from you.
Interested in supporting or partnering with the Creative Workers Union?
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
DALLAS / FT. WORTH, TX
SIMULCAST PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
COMMUNITY AT THE CORE.
Creative Works offers an intimate, welcoming, and ego-free experience designed to empower and connect. For over a decade, we’ve built a genuinely community-focused atmosphere that fosters new relationships and creative growth.
Moving online does not change that—it expands it. No matter where you are, you can be part of this community. You’ll have opportunities to interact with fellow attendees and event leaders in real time, ask questions, and share experiences that remind you you’re not alone in this work.
FAQS
Why did you move this event online?
After months of planning and weeks of deliberation, we made the decision to move Creative Works EAST online. Ticket sales and sponsor support limited our ability to host an in-person event at the level you expect and deserve. More importantly, moving online makes the event more accessible to the community that needs it most, removing barriers and opening the door for more creatives to take part.
Moving online does not change what Creative Works is—it expands it. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to plug in, participate, and walk away with new skills, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose for your creative career.
What is Creative Works Conference?
At its core, Creative Works is a hub for inspiration, connection, growth, and celebration—designed specifically for creative professionals and commercial artists. With candid and timely presentations, insightful demos, interactive workshops, online shop spotlights with exclusive discounts, and meaningful connections, this event is whatever you need it to be: a confidence booster, a skill builder, a network expander, or even a career changer.
Who’s is it for?
Creative Works is for any creative eager to sharpen their skills, build meaningful relationships, and learn from some of the industry’s most talented and innovative thinkers. Whether you are an artist looking to leverage your craft for commercial work or an experienced professional ready to elevate your career, this is your opportunity to grow and connect with fellow creatives from around the world.
All you need is a willingness to learn, listen, and show up with an open mind.
Why should I attend?
Creative Works isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst for growth in your creative work and career. By plugging into a community of like-minded professionals from across the country and around the world, you’ll gain invaluable connections, candid insights from industry experts, and practical skills you can put to use right away.
Growth within a community isn’t just incremental—it’s transformative. And because the event is online, it’s more accessible than ever. Need help convincing your boss? We’ve got the words to make your case.
What is the cost to attend?
A Virtual Pass is $150 and grants you live and replay access to all presentations and software demos for up to 90 days after the event. Passes are intended for individual use, so additional passes should be purchased for teams or multiple viewers.
Workshops are $150 each for a 3-hour session, with ten to choose from. They are an additional purchase and require a Virtual Pass in order to attend. Each workshop offers interactive, in-depth learning with industry leaders, and replays are available for up to 90 days after your session.
What’s the refund policy?
Because of the limited capacity of workshops and the accessibility of replays for all sessions, tickets for Creative Works ONLINE are non-refundable. If you cannot attend live, you will still have access to all replays for 90 days after the event.
If you have questions about your ticket, feel free to email josh@creativeworks.co.
Do you have a code of conduct?
Yes, we take our community’s safety and well-being seriously. Our code of conduct ensures a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone—attendees, speakers, vendors, and staff. We expect all participants to adhere to this policy, which you can review here.
How can I support your event?
There are many ways to support Creative Works ONLINE and help empower our community:
Sponsorships: If you are an organization or individual interested in supporting the event, reach out to explore opportunities to help sustain this work. More than logos on screens, we focus on meaningful opportunities that make an impact while also aligning with your goals.
Partnerships: If you are interested in a longer-term relationship, we would love to collaborate on providing our community with the tools and resources they need to stay inspired and thrive for years to come.
Spread the word: Share our event with your networks and help us reach more creatives who can benefit from the experience.
We cannot do this alone. Your support is invaluable in helping us grow our impact and create opportunities for creatives to connect, learn, and thrive. For more details or to get involved, email josh@creativeworks.co.
THIS ISN’T ABOUT FAME, FOLLOWERS, OR FAST MONEY.
It’s About Craft, Conviction, and Building a Career That Lasts.