Creative Works WEST is a celebration of creativity, craft, and connection—designed to help you navigate the challenges facing creative careers today. From the evolving role of AI to the shifting economy, this event provides a space where you can reignite your passion, refine your craft, and truly be yourself. Here, you’ll be seen, heard, and valued as someone whose ideas and skills bring meaning, inspiration, and beauty to the world.
The program is built to inspire and empower: main stage presentations and insightful demos, hands-on workshops, and intentional opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders. Together, we’ll prove that creativity is not just cool—it’s essential to thriving and moving us all forward.
FAQS
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. But it’s so much more than that. With inspiring presentations, insightful demos, hands-on workshops, curated vendors, community-focused dinners, and an unforgettable after party, this event is whatever you need it to be: a confidence booster, a skill builder, a network expander, or even a career changer. 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 eager to sharpen their skills, build meaningful in-person relationships, and learn from some of the industry’s most talented and innovative thinkers. Whether you’re 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 country. All you need is a willingness to learn, listen, and be fully present!
Why should I attend?
The conference isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst for exponential growth in your creative work and career. By plugging into a community of like-minded professionals from across the country, you’ll gain invaluable connections, actionable insights from industry experts, and practical skills to propel your career forward. Growth within a community isn’t just incremental—it’s transformative. Need help convincing your boss? We’ve got the tools to make your case.
What is the cost to attend?
A conference pass is your first step and grants you access to the main-stage presentations, demos, and networking opportunities.
Workshops: Launching in February, workshops are $149 per 3-hour block, with two blocks available to choose from. These are an additional purchase and offer hands-on, in-depth learning with industry leaders.
Nonprofit Pricing: If you’re part of a nonprofit, reach out to josh@creativeworks.co to inquire about special pricing options.
Partner Passes: If you’re traveling with your significant other, partner passes are available. These passes provide access to nightly dinners and the after party, ensuring a shared experience without requiring a full conference pass.
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, don’t hesitate to reach out: josh@creativeworks.co.
Can I speak or lead a workshop?
Our conference values diverse perspectives and experiences, and we’re always looking for dynamic speakers and workshop leaders. To be considered, you must have attended the conference or be recommended by someone who has previously presented or instructed at one of our events. If you’re interested, please submit your information through our contact form, and we’ll keep it on file for future opportunities.
Where should I stay?
We recommend staying in the Seattle Center or South Lake Union neighborhoods, which are conveniently located near the conference venues. To make your stay even easier, our friends at Fairfield Inn & Suites are offering a special group rate of $149/night for conference attendees. Book your room today to secure this discounted rate!
What’s the refund policy?
We understand that plans can change. Refunds are available for tickets canceled at least 30 days prior to the event. After that, tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another attendee. If you have any questions, email josh@creativeworks.co, and we’ll be happy to assist.
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 WEST and help empower our community:
Sponsorships: If you’re an organization or individual interested in supporting the event, reach out to explore opportunities to help make this experience unforgettable. More than logos on stuff, we focus on custom opportunities that make an impact while also achieving your organizations goals.
Partnerships: If you’re interested in a longer-term partnership, we’d 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 to help us reach more creatives who can benefit from the experience.
We can’t 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.
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A new chapter is coming soon. Sign up to be the first to know.
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.
Inspiring & Insightful
Sessions
PRESENTATIONS
Talkin' Loud & Sayin' Nothin':
A Tirade by Amos Kennedy Jr.
Amos Kennedy Jr.,
Printer, Book Artist & Papermaker
To Be Announced
Lauren Hom,
Designer & Lettering Artist
Nothing Personal: The Art of Picking Creative Battles
Barry Ament & Coby Shultz,
Partners at Ames Bros
Worst Practices: How Doing the Dumbest Thing Can Lead to Breakthrough Ideas
Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death
Shaping a Brighter Future:
The Creative’s Role
in What Comes Next
Meg lewis,
Artist & Designer
To Be Announced
Alex Medina,
VP, Creative Director, Design at The SpringHill Company
Serving the Story:
Defining the Narratives
that Drive Your Career
Ty Mattson,
Creative Director at Mattson Creative
Crafting Resistance: Igniting Social Change Through Art
Tracie Ching, Illustrator & Artist
Creativity is a Sport: Perspectives for your
Creative Playbook
Keri Zierler,
Creative Director at Seattle Mariners
Main Stage Kickoff:
Community Updates
Josh Horton,
Founder at Creative Works
SOFTWARE DEMOS
Combining Vector Images & Hand Lettering in Illustrator
Clinton Campbell, Miné Day, & Brad Hodgkiss, Partners at MUTI
Photoshop & AI: Empowering the creative professional
Davis Brown, Sr. Experience Design, Adobe Design
SKILL-BUILDING
WORKSHOPS
10 hands-on sessions led by masters of their craft will give you a deep dive into creative skills like branding, illustration, hand lettering, printing and more. Workshops are open only to conference attendees and have limited seating. They will sell out…Register today.
AM BLOCK
SAT 9AM - 12PM
#LETTERING
The Art of The Hand-Lettered Magazine Cover
Lauren Hom,
Designer & Lettering Artist
Learn how to create stunning hand lettering fit for a magazine cover in this three-hour workshop led by designer and lettering artist Lauren Hom. With over 20 hand-lettered magazine covers to her name, Lauren will guide you through designing a fully hand-lettered cover—what she lovingly calls the ‘Oops, All Lettering!’ style of editorial design. This workshop will teach you how to craft illustrative lettering that serves as key art and instantly grabs attention on the newsstand.
#ILLUSTRATION
Tiny Canvas, Big Impact: The Art of Illustrated Stamp Design
Clinton Campbell, Miné Day,
& Brad Hodgkiss, Partners at MUTI
Master the art of storytelling in a small format by designing your own set of vintage-inspired stamps in this hands-on, 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. Through thoughtful conceptualization and careful refinement, you’ll create miniature masterpieces that leave a
lasting impression.
#BRANDING
A Designers Guide to Crafting People-Centric Brands
Miro Laflaga & Ash Phillips,
Founders at Six Cinquième
Learn how to help brands make deeper connections with their customers. Join Miro and Ash in this hands-on workshop as they guide you through the designer’s role as a facilitator of creative insights. This session will equip you with strategies to foster brand advocacy, loyalty, and trust by designing authentic interactions that build meaningful and lasting relationships.
#BUSINESS
Punch Above Your Weight: How to Overdeliver as a Small Studio or Freelancer
Jesse Mackenzie & Hannah Smith,
Partners at Trust Design Shop
Great work isn’t about the size of your team—it’s about strategy. In this three-hour workshop, Hannah and Jesse share how their two-person studio consistently overdelivers. Learn how to turn client interviews into real strategy, invest in discovery and research before pen meets paper, and make every presentation count. Discover the power of great collaborators, how to divide and conquer efficiently, and when to expand your capabilities. Whether you’re a small team or a solo freelancer, this workshop will help you maximize impact and deliver work that punches above
its weight.
#PRINTING
Bad Printing Fundamentals: Embracing Imperfection in Letterpress
Amos Kennedy Jr.,
Printer, Book Artist & Papermaker
Perfection is overrated. In this unconventional letterpress workshop, Amos Kennedy Jr. challenges traditional notions of “good” printing by celebrating the raw, the unpolished, and the beautifully imperfect. Learn the art of embracing happy accidents, breaking the rules, and finding authenticity in the printing process. Through hands-on experimentation with wood type, ink, and pressure, you’ll discover that the best prints aren’t always the ones that come out perfect—they’re the ones that tell a story.
PM BLOCK
SAT 2 - 5PM
#LETTERING
Digital Lettering Effects: Adding Depth & Personality
Kyle Letendre,
Letterer, Illustrator & Type Designer
Letters are vessels for expression, and this three-hour workshop focuses on adding dynamic digital effects to your custom type. Led by Kyle Letendre, you’ll learn how to enhance letterforms with dimension, texture, shine, and personality. Pick up workflow tips to keep your designs editable and practical for real-world use. Stand out with striking letterforms perfect for editorial design, packaging, and branding.
#ILLUSTRATION
Illustrated Maps: Bringing Places to Life
Doug Fuchs,
Designer and Illustrator
in this three-hour workshop where you’ll choose a location and transform it into a stylized, illustrated map. Using Google Maps, Procreate, and Illustrator, you’ll simplify complex details, refine compositions, and create a compelling design that tells a story. Whether for editorial illustration, branding, or personal projects, this session will equip you with the tools to create maps that are both informative and beautiful.
#BRANDING
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.
#CLIENTS
5-Star Experience: Turning Clients into Lifelong Advocates
James Martin,
The Ultimate Champion Of The Everyday Designer
Imagine your business as a boutique hotel—personal, unforgettable, and impossible to stop talking about. In this three-hour workshop, James will show you how to create a seamless client experience that builds trust, generates referrals, and fosters long-term partnerships. Learn the art of proactive communication, expectation management, and thoughtful client engagement to make your business the go-to destination for clients who return again and again.
#IDEATION
Create Outside the Box: Thinking Beyond Constraints
Meg Lewis,
Artist & Designer
Join Meg in this playful, three-hour workshop designed to break creative boundaries and unlock new possibilities in your work. Through a series of interactive exercises, you’ll tap into spontaneity, silence your inner critic, and explore new ways to approach creative challenges with confidence. Whether you feel stuck in a creative rut or want to refresh your approach, Meg’s workshop will leave you with a renewed sense of exploration
and excitement.
Get ready for three action-packed days filled with full-hearted presentations, insightful demos, hands-on workshops, and lively dinners alongside world-class creatives from around the globe. All times are listed in Pacific DaylightTime (PDT).
SCHEDULE
MAY 1-3, 2024
THURSDAY, MAY 1
9:00a
Registration + Coffee + Connect
10:30a
Conference Kickoff
11:00a
Presentation 1
12:00p
Lunch Break
6:30p
Dinner
Provided by Hammermill
FRIDAY, MAY 2
9:00a
Coffee + Connect
Presentation 2
1:30p
3:30p
30-Minute Break
4:00p
Presentation 3
10:00a
Presentation 5
Demo 1
2:30p
5:00p
Presentation 4
11:00a
Presentation 6
12:00p
Lunch Break
1:30p
Presentation 7
Demo 2
2:30p
30-Minute Break
3:30p
Presentation 8
4:00p
6:30p
Dinner
Presentation 9
5:00p
Provided by Phi
SATURDAY, MAY 3
9:00a - 12:00p
Workshops (AM BLOCK)
2-Hour Lunch Break
12:00p
Workshops (PM BLOCK)
2:00p - 5:00p
Farewell Hangs
6:30p