SOUL OVER SCALE
A 3-day summit in Seattle for creatives who care more about impact than impressions. Talks, workshops, and community built around one idea: Soul Over Scale.
The industry keeps chasing faster, cheaper, more—more content, more outputs, more “efficiency.” Meanwhile, the people who actually make the work are burned out, laid off, and told to keep up with the machines.
Creative Works WEST is a 3-day summit for creative professionals who aren’t buying it. Three days of real connection, honest conversation, and hands-on instruction focused on craft, conviction, and building a career that lasts.
Join designers, illustrators, hand letterers, storytellers, commercial artists, and creative leaders from around the world as we trade shortcuts for substance, scale for soul, and algorithms for real work and real lives.
WHAT TO EXPECT
CANDID PRESENTATIONS
Real talk from working designers, illustrators, and creative leaders who care about the impact of their work. They’ll share what actually happened—wins, misses, money, trade-offs—so you can see how meaningful work gets made in the real world.
INSIGHTFUL DEMOS
Demos focused on how tools and workflows show up in real projects, not just feature lists. You’ll see how creatives use them to protect their craft, save time, and make sharper, more effective work.
HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
Small, focused sessions where you roll up your sleeves, ask questions, and get direct feedback. You’ll leave with new skills, clearer process, and practical tools you can put to work as soon as you’re back at your desk.
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Han people who actually give a damn about what they make and who it’s for. Shared meals, hallway conversations, and late-night hangs where you can be honest about the work and leave with relationships that last longer than the weekend.
CREATIVE WORKS WEST ‘26
TICKET OPTIONS
One fair price, no games. We’ve set our best rate up front for everyone—no promo codes, no last-minute sales—and every pass includes a Creative Workers Union membership so the investment pays off long after WEST.
STUDENT PASS
$199
Includes:
Must present valid student ID
Access to main-stage presentations
Access to nightly hangs and dinner
Event t-shirt and tote bag (by 4/1)
Union membership
Workshops not included
INDIVIDUAL PASS
$399
Includes:
Access to main-stage presentations
Access to nightly hangs and dinner
Event t-shirt and tote bag (by 4/1)
Union membership
Workshops not included
WORKSHOP SEAT
$149/each
Includes:
3-hours of instruction
Classrooms limited to 30 seats
More info coming soon
PRESENTERS & INSTRUCTORS
LEADERSHIP
We elevate leaders for the depth of their practice and the conviction behind their work—not their follower count. At WEST, you’ll learn from creatives who’ve built careers on craft, courage, and long-term impact, and who are still in the thick of it. Explore their work below and meet them in person this spring.
More Leaders To Be Announced
SKILL-BUILDING
WORKSHOPS
Hands-on sessions led by masters of their craft will give you a deep dive into creative skills like branding, illustration, hand lettering, web, and more. Workshops are open only to conference attendees and have very limited seating.
WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED BY FEBRUARY 1.
POP-UP MARKET
VENDORS
Discover limited-edition prints, apparel, zines, pins, and uncommon goods from designers, illustrators, and makers from across the country. The Creative Works Pop-Up Market is free and open to the public Friday & Saturday, May 1–2, at Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center—come support independent creatives and find something truly one-of-a-kind. Interested in vending? Send us a link to your shop.
More Vendors To Be Announced
Interested in vending?
Send us a link to your shop.
EVENT VENUES & HOTEL
LOCATIONS
Our workshops are where Soul Over Scale gets real. Small, hands-on sessions led by working pros go deep into branding, illustration, hand lettering, digital design, and more so you leave with skills you can actually use. Workshops are open only to conference attendees and seats are intentionally limited.
PRESENTATIONS
WORKSHOPS
PARTNER HOTEL
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOT INN & SUITES
Seattle Downtown/Seattle Center
226 7th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
Union group rate: $149/night.
Rate ends March 27, 2026
APRIL 30–MAY 2, 2026
SCHEDULE
Get ready for three action-packed days filled with full-hearted presentations, insightful demos, hands-on workshops, and lively dinners/hangs alongside world-class creatives from around the globe. All times are listed in Pacific Time (PT).
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
9:00a
10:00a
Registration + Coffee + Connect
12:00p
Conference Kickoff
11:00a
1:30p
3:30p
4:00p
Presentation 1
6:30p
Lunch Break
Presentation 2
2:30p
Demo 1
30-Minute Break
5:00p
Presentation 3
Presentation 4
Dinner/Hangs*
FRIDAY, MAY 1
9:00a
10:00a
Coffee + Connect
12:00p
Presentation 5
11:00a
1:30p
3:30p
4:00p
Presentation 6
6:30p
Lunch Break
Presentation 7
2:30p
Demo 2
30-Minute Break
5:00p
Presentation 8
Presentation 9
Dinner/Hangs*
SATURDAY, MAY 2
9:00a
10:00a - 1:00p
Registration + Coffee+ Connect
3:00p - 6:00p
Workshops (AM BLOCK)
1:00p
6:30p
2-Hour Lunch Break
Workshops (PM BLOCK)
Farewell Hangs*
* Locations for meetups/dinners/hangs will be emailed to conference attendees.
CREATIVE WORKS WEST '26
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Creative Works WEST is a group effort. The organizations below aren’t just logos—they help keep tickets accessible, workshops possible, and this community going. Interested in supporting this event? Don't hesitate to reach out.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Interested in supporting Creative Works WEST ‘26? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
COMMUNITY AT THE CORE.
Creative Works offers an intimate, welcoming, and ego-free conference 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.
Share daily drinks and meals with fellow attendees and event leaders who are excited to be there—and to meet you.
FAQS
What is Creative Works Conference?
Creative Works Conference is a three-day summit for creative professionals and commercial artists, happening April 30–May 2, 2026 at Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center in Seattle, WA. It features main-stage talks, demos, workshops, and in-person connections focused on real work, practical skills, and long-term creative careers.
Who’s is it for?
Creative Works WEST is for brand and communication designers, illustrators, hand letterers, storytellers, creative directors, small studios, freelancers, and students who want to sharpen their craft, build meaningful in-person relationships, and learn from working professionals.
Why should I attend?
You’ll learn directly from experienced creatives, see how real projects come together, and walk away with ideas and tools you can bring back to your clients, team, or studio. You’ll also meet peers from around the country who are dealing with the same challenges you are. Need help convincing your boss? We’ve got the tools to make your case.
What is the cost to attend?
Conference Pass is $399 for individuals and $199 for students. This is our best price for everyone—no promo codes, no early-bird tiers, and no team discounts to manage. Every pass includes access to all main-stage presentations, demos, and networking, plus a Creative Workers Union membership at no additional cost.
Workshops: Workshops launch by February 1, 2026 and are $149 per 3-hour block, with two blocks available to choose from. They are an additional purchase and offer hands-on, in-depth learning with industry leaders.
Student & Faculty Program: If you’re a college or university and need deeper discounts, we offer a special program to reduce ticket costs for students and faculty while providing recognition for your school at our event.
If you have any questions or need additional information, josh@creativeworks.co.
Can I present or instruct at a future event?
We’re always looking for strong, experienced voices. To be considered, you should have attended the conference or be recommended by someone who has previously presented or instructed at one of our events. If you’re interested, submit your information through our contact form and we’ll keep it on file for future opportunities.
Where should I stay?
We recommend staying near Seattle Center, within walking distance or a short ride to Cornish Playhouse. Our hotel partners are offering a group rate starting at $149/night for conference attendees. Book your room early to secure this discounted rate—our block is available until March 27, 2026.
What’s the refund policy?
Refunds are available for tickets canceled at least 30 days before the event. After that, tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another attendee. For help with a transfer or questions about your registration, email josh@creativeworks.co.
Do you have a code of conduct?
Yes. We’re committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone—attendees, speakers, vendors, and staff. All participants are expected to follow our code of conduct, which you can review here.
How can I support your event?
There are a few ways to support Creative Works WEST:
Sponsorships: If you’re an organization or individual interested in sponsoring, email us to explore options. We focus on meaningful, tailored opportunities rather than just putting logos on screens.
Partnerships: For longer-term partnerships, we’re open to collaborating on tools, resources, and programming that support our community year-round.
Spread the word: Share the event with your team, students, and networks so more creatives can benefit.
To talk about sponsorship, partnerships, or other support, email josh@creativeworks.co.
THIS ISN’T ABOUT FAME, FOLLOWERS, OR FAST MONEY.
It’s About Craft, Conviction, and Building a Career That Lasts.