CONFERENCE SPEAKERS & SESSIONS

NAKITA POPE

Nakita M. Pope is the Chief Chick and Principal Brand Strategist of Branding Chicks, a boutique branding agency in Atlanta, GA. Branding Chicks specializes in brand strategy, development, and consulting for women-owned businesses and femme-focused brands. Over the past 25 years, she has worked as a strategist, graphic designer, creative director, and professor, giving her experiences that inform her practice.

Network Like a Creative

KEYNOTE SESSION: SATURDAY 10/7  |  9:15AM

Are you unsure of where to start with networking? Is it hard for you to know how to continue a conversation with a new connection? Do you hate small talk? Relationships are integral to how we navigate our lives and our careers! The idea of “networking” can be daunting, but in this session, we’ll focus on building and nurturing your community. The best relationships (personal or professional) are built authentically, and you'll learn how to do it YOUR way. Join us and find out how to use the powers you already have to create a community that you love and that will help you meet your goals.

SCOTT BIERSACK

I’m Scott Biersack, a full-time freelance Designer, Illustrator, Lettering Artist, and Type Designer. My playful and vibrant work spans all kinds of industries, varying sized companies, and recently, completely different avenues of creativity. I was named a TDC Ascender by the Type Directors Club in 2022 and I’ve had the opportunity of collaborating with folks at Adobe, Facebook, Netflix, Oatly, SeatGeek, Target, The Washington Post and many others. I’ve learned there’s more to life than work and it’s a good thing my work is play.

Pushing Daydreams Before Daisies

KEYNOTE SESSION: SATURDAY 10/7  |  10:00AM

A career path does not need to be a straight line. Instead, how about a spider-web of interconnection that cultivates collaboration, community, and discovering your true authentic self? Now, that’s pretty sick. We’ll discuss the power of play to unearth your purpose and chase the things you’ve always dreamt of.

Roberta Hall

Based in Atlanta, Roberta Hall excels in UX design and illustration. Her portfolio brims with exceptional collaborations with Dignity Health, Mayo Clinic, T-Mobile, Union Bank, Burton and Delta Air Lines. In the rare moments she's not working, she cherishes moments of tranquility, often traveling, napping or spending quality time with her partner and dog. If you encounter Roberta without her quintessential companions — a laptop, candy, and a cup of Sonic Ice, suspect extraterrestrial interference!

Roberta’s creative art and goods company Happy Impulse takes a no-nonsense, satirical and subversive approach to today's issues. Because climate change sucks, mental health should be celebrated, LBGTQ+ rights are human rights, and so much more, the gear provokes conversation through vivid colors, pop culture references and dark humor.

Vital Chaos

KEYNOTE SESSION: SATURDAY 10/7  |  2:45PM

Every artist grapples with the inferno of doubt, questioning if their work or voice is enough. But what if these inner uncertainties are not barriers but beacons, signaling your creative evolution? Join me on a journey where we explore how to acknowledge the Inferno as a catalyst for growth, channel the energy to transform uncertainty into creative momentum, rekindle passion and witness how small sparks of self-belief can create artistic wonders, challenge the norm and push past comfort zones as a pathway to radical change, and choose kindness over ego more consistently—an act of true rebellion.

Mack Garrison

Mack Garrison is the Co-Founder and Director of Content of dash: a high-end animation and motion design studio built around the power of creativity and community. With over 10 years of experience making things happen in the motion design industry, his business drive and creative acumen are a rare combination that enables him to bridge the gap between clients and creatives to produce high-quality content that stands out from the crowd. His portfolio of clients includes J.P. Morgan, Coinbase, Red Hat, Fidelity, IBM, BASF, Lowe's, Lenovo, Coca-Cola, The YMCA, Riot Games, US Bank, and more. In his free time, Mack is an avid hiker, camper, and outdoorsman who likes good coffee, birdwatching with his wife Molly and goofing around with close friends.

The Value of Community

KEYNOTE SESSION: SUNDAY 10/8 |  9:15AM

The world feels incredibly divisive and the business side of design unfortunately feels the same. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, I argue that community and connection is what ultimately helps creatives rise to the top. When studios, freelancers, and agencies look at their competition as friends instead of enemies it opens the door to new collaborations, new friendships, as well as opportunities. It's the reason dash has had so much success, why we decided to throw the Dash Bash, and what's ultimately going to hold the creative industry together with the advent of new technologies.

Safwat Saleem

Utilizing a multidisciplinary practice that ranges from graphic design, illustration and writing to film and sound, Safwat's work gives visibility to immigrant narratives, with a focus on cultural loss resulting from assimilation. Humor is a critical element of his work, used as a tool to challenge perceptions. His artwork has been exhibited at the Open Data Institute and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, among other venues.

When in Doubt, Make Cake

KEYNOTE SESSION: SUNDAY 10/8  |  10:00AM

It’s been a challenging several years for me and that slowly took away my will to create any art. When I was at a very low point some years ago, I started baking cakes — I was convinced that eating cake would make me feel better. In that process I started experimenting with making Pakistani versions of cake recipes I came across — partly because I wanted to show my four-year-old daughter that those flavors can be incredible but also because it felt good to be creative again. It felt like making art just for me and my daughter in a way that honors where we come from. Having created and eaten copious amounts of cakes, I resumed making art but with an even greater focus on the kind of stories I wanted to tell with my work. In this presentation, I will talk about the process of finding ways to make peace with the limitations that life throws your way. And yes, I will also talk about cake.

Carissa Potter

Carissa Potter is a human longing for connection. She writes books, makes art & public commissions, and hosts the series Bad At Keeping Secrets (one of Substack’s featured newsletters of 2022) where she talks to other humans doing really interesting things. Carissa is the founder of People I’ve Loved, the author of three books, and was one of AdAge’s 24 Most Inspiring People of 2021.

All The Things That Make Us Feel Alone (Connect Us)

CLOSING KEYNOTE: SUNDAY 10/8  |  2:45PM

You are not alone, your work matters and you are completely ordinary. In this half-hour workshop, we will examine the boundaries between each other, uncouple our worthiness with our work, and question our understanding of how life works. We will hold multiple truths, that you can be both worthy and ordinary, hopeful and full of despair all in the same moment. That we can rely on each other, and feel part of something while working on our selves. We will follow the format of a religious service, but this service's focus is on fostering feelings of connectedness, acceptance, and aliveness, awake to the present moment and all its possibilities. Get ready to re-live your past through song, get your fortune told, and end on a bittersweet note. What if you were okay with being what you are? And that being enough? Let’s be enough together, flawed miraculous humans, wandering, making meaning where once there was none.

Conference Emcees

AMY ROBINSON

Amy Robinson is the owner and sole Graphic Designer for Tiny Fox Creative, a local boutique specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits succeed through design education. Driven by curiosity, the passion to help people and make people laugh at the same time, Amy has grown Tiny Fox from a mini start-up to a bustling design boutique where she can balance being a curious graphic designer, visual brand builder, mom boss, believer, educator and an obnoxious workout enthusiast.

REBEKAH BAGGS

Rebekah Baggs is a copywriter turned content and UX strategist. She believes design disciplines are better when they work together, and she's been helping teams solve complex content and collaboration challenges since 2006. After spending time in agency-land, she went on to co-found ONWARD—a consultancy that helps organizations bridge the gap between content, design, and technical SEO. Rebekah is also the co-author of A Book Apart’s SEO for Everyone. She’s on a mission to prove that creating content for real people—not algorithms—is the key to success. In her spare time, Rebekah likes being outdoors in the water and cooking up a storm for hungry friends.

Breakout Sessions & Speakers

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Breakout Session 1

SATURDAY 10/7  |  11:00AM

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The Future Is Behind Us

SATURDAY 10/7  |  11:00AM  |  GREAT HALL

During this talk we'll unpack the idea of "the future is behind us" and explore how it relates to us as creatives. Together, we'll discuss the hero's journey and the way of the warrior—and in light of that journey—we will redefine what it means to be a creative freelancer and explore why we need a creative guild.

PAUL HEBRON

Digital Design Studio Manager
Mesa Youth Creative Agency

Paul Hebron, an experienced art and creative director, specializes in brand strategy to web graphics. Currently, he manages MYCA, a unique U.S. agency staffed by paid teenage creatives. Inspired by potent family storytelling, Paul is committed to crafting narratives that are memorable, effective, and visually stunning, aiming to leave a positive impact through his creative solutions.

How to Succeed as a Freelancer or Small Agency

SATURDAY 10/7  |  11:00AM  |  WHITEMAN HALL

Learn from my journey working at a top-tier design agency to leading in-house teams, to freelancing solo, and now steering my own small design firm. This diverse experience has gifted me profound fulfillment and insights—along with some hard-earned wisdom my own mentors have gifted me along the way. During this talk, I'll share the valuable lessons I've acquired, with insights that can help guide you towards your own success and passion.

Garren Lofgreen

Owner | Creative Director
Perspicuous

Garren Lofgreen, Founder and Creative Director at Perspicuous, leads an award-winning design agency serving startups to global leaders. Beyond design, he loves marathon running, woodworking, BBQs, and cherishing moments with his family, including two daughters and twin toddler boys.

Big Brand, Big Design: Inside the ASU Brand

SATURDAY 10/7  |  11:00AM  |  SINGER HALL

Inside the ASU brand, we unite across dozens of design and communications teams and thousands of contributors to deliver creative together across all channels in an aligned way. In this group presentation, members of different teams across ASU will share inspiring and award-winning creative made at the university.

LINDSAY KINKADE

Managing Director of Creative Strategy
Arizona State University

Lindsay Kinkade develops creative brand strategy and leads a high performing design, content, video, photography and editorial team for ASU Enterprise Brand Strategy and Management. Using agile creative processes and cloud-based systems, she and the team develop more creative year over year with the same resources, combining journalism and creativity into brand stories for all channels. She collaborates with dozens of units across ASU, student designers and outside agencies.

WITH PANELISTS

Patrick Cheung
Senior Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications in ASU's Knowledge Enterprise

Amy Chou
Director of Operations, Media Relations and Strategic Communications

Sarah Hough
Executive Director, Digital Creative, Enterprise Brand Strategy and Management

Chris Hagan
Senior Director, Creative (Copy and Video), Enterprise Brand Strategy and Management

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Breakout Session 2

SATURDAY 10/7  |  1:45PM

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Ditching Rivalry: Redefining Success through Collaborative Creativity

SATURDAY 10/7  |  1:45PM  |  GREAT HALL

Join us in a transformative session as we reevaluate competition within the creative realm. Learn how emphasizing community and collaboration can pave new paths to success. By truly being ourselves and abandoning the fear of scarcity, we move beyond competition, refining our work quality, business skills, and client relations. Dive into harnessing your unique brand to magnetize clients and opportunities. By championing community and utilizing your personal brand, discover how Phoenix's diverse talent can merge, strengthening our collective creative impact.

SARA CHAMBERS

CEO and Creative Director
Elly and Nora Creative

Sara Chambers, CEO of Elly and Nora Creative, specializes in elevating bold brands. As host of the "Chicks Who Give a Hoot" podcast, she delves into women's global impact. With a history of assisting diverse clients from non-profits to lifestyle brands, Sara emphasizes personal growth in branding. An advocate for authenticity, she celebrates client successes, relishes deep conversations, and treasures thrift store gems.

The Indigenizing Design Framework

SATURDAY 10/7  |  1:45PM  |  WHITEMAN HALL

Tune in to a co-presentation about the co-creation and implementation of the “Indigenizing Design Framework.” We shed light on the process that surfaces the voices of Indigenous Creatives and Social Entrepreneurs, all the while creating a framework that guides Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Designers, practitioners and organizations who seek to work with Indigenous Communities in a respectful and meaningful manner.

BRIAN SKEET

Owner/Creative Director
Brian Skeet Design LLC

Brian Skeet Design LLC, is owned and operated by Brian Skeet, an Indigenous (Diné - Navajo) designer from Tuba City, Arizona. Skeet is a multidisciplinary designer that strives to cultivate Indigenous initiatives through Design, Research, Technology and Innovation. Strategically, Skeet's work focuses on energizing future Indigenous creatives to illuminate systemic issues and cultivate culturally-centered solutions with Indigenous communities.

Haleemah Sadiah

Senior Designer
Catapult Design

Haleemah Sadiah is a social designer who enjoys the creation of spaces that bring people together to learn, create and advocate for themselves. She currently works as a Senior Designer at Catapult Design in Brooklyn, US. Haleemah has experience working with communities in India and the US where she has facilitated co-creation workshops and built tools for organizational strategy and learning. Her specialization lies in bridging between multiple perspectives to address the complexities of current systems.

Hi! How Do You Doodle?

SATURDAY 10/7  |  1:45PM  |  SINGER HALL

Everyone can draw! Use sketching to learn how to SEE, be more MINDFUL, and even get better at DRAWING. More than just a drawing lesson, Chris will use methods from the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, to practice turning off the logical left brain while we freely explore space and lines—liberating our minds and engaging our senses. Bring your own drawing supplies or use the sketchbook provided in your swag bag since Chris will discuss the benefits of keeping one with you at all times.

CHRIS CARLS

Art Director
Cirrus Visual

Chris has a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) from the University of Illinois, and an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) from the University of Arizona, with a focus on painting and printmaking. He taught Drawing 101 as an Adjunct at the UofA and currently teaches Adobe Illustrator at Pima Community College. He believes that art is life and creativity can be found anywhere.

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Breakout Session 3

SUNDAY 10/8  |  11:00AM

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From Pixels to Profits: Strategies for Graphic Designers to Increase Income

SUNDAY 10/8  |  11:00AM  |  GREAT HALL

Diversification of Income Streams: Discover how to break free from the traditional mold of relying solely on client work. Explore innovative ways to expand your revenue horizons by venturing into new avenues such as digital products, licensing, and teaching. Uniting your creative skills with strategic thinking, you'll learn how to create a diversified portfolio that enhances your income and taps into your unique design strengths. Join us as we unite the threads of creativity, innovation, and strategy in a presentation designed to transform your design journey.

JULIE BONNER

Artist & Designer
Julie Originals

Julie Bonner, an Arizona-based creative entrepreneur, transitioned from sketching greeting cards to launching Julie Originals studio. A Drexel University graduate, she's won Addy Awards for her innovative Desert Dwellers Flash Cards. Former Art Director for national brands, she's now the Communications Director at FreeFall Aerospace. Julie also educates at Pima Community College and is deeply involved in initiatives like Startup Tucson and Arizona Technology Council.

Adobe Illustrator Master Class

SUNDAY 10/8  |  11:00AM |  WHITEMAN HALL

Learn WHY to use Illustrator in the first place, WHAT you can make with it, HOW to get more control of the app, and finally WHEN to use it with other apps. Whether you’re a beginner or a ninja Illustrator operator, this informative talk is sure to inspire.

CHRIS CARLS

Art Director
Cirrus Visual

Chris is the Art Director at Cirrus Visual, a design and print firm in Tucson, AZ and has been using Illustrator for more than 25 years. He also teaches Illustrator as an Adjunct Professor at Pima Community College and is on the Illustrator Pre-Release Team. With a BFA from the University of Illinois, and an MFA from the University of Arizona, Chris shares his experience with passion.

Culture Shifting Design

SUNDAY 10/8  |  11:00AM |  SINGER HALL

Learn about our approach to implementing a cultural perspective in urban spaces utilizing Placemaking and Placekeeping mechanisms. Take a sneak peek into the collaborative project examples of the collective (ie. Phoenix Suns, NFL, Indigenous Peoples Day, Indie Film Fest, RISE installments, Monarch Project, etc). The purpose of the session will be to inspire designers to engage in their communities and equitably apply their skill sets.

EUNIQUE YAZZIE

Creative Director, Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller, Muralist, and Illustrator
Indige Design Collab

Eunique is a Designer whose roots are from Canyon de Chelly in the Navajo Nation heartlands and emerges from Phoenix, Arizona. Over a 22-year career, her creative work is centered around placemaking and placekeeping, emphasizing social impact design. She is a dynamic community organizer, workshop facilitator, speaker, and art curator, now pivoting towards tech. She currently works as a Creative Development Consultant, Creative Director, and Senior Application Analyst focusing on design systems, collaboration, and Indigenizing space.

WITH PANELISTS

Ryan Allison
Graphic Designer and Illustrator @neon_navajo

Damon Begay
Graphic Designer and Cartoonist @day_day_mon

Mariana Keymolen
Industrial Designer

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SPECIAL GUEST

SUNDAY 10/8  |  1:15PM

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How to Cultivate More Creativity: 10 Insights From All My Creative Failures

SUNDAY 10/8  |  1:15PM |  WHITEMAN HALL

There's so much bad advice on creativity out there. Believe me, I've fallen for a good chunk of it. Cue the facepalms and those "what was I thinking?!" moments. But, every stumble taught me a thing or two. So, instead of letting all that embarrassment go to waste, I turned it into this talk! I’m going to lay out all of the advice I truly wish I'd had at the start of my creative journey. Let me help you sidestep those creative ruts and truly cultivate the creativity bubbling inside you.

CHRIS MISTEREK

Designer Community Growth Manager
Showit, Inc.

Chris is a designer and community manager. Thanks to ADHD, he's tried everything from producing albums to a fleeting dabble in leather working (tools still on standby). His varied creative ventures have driven his wife crazy but help him offer rich insights he's keen to share, which hopefully saves others from similar missteps and not-so-happy spouses.

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Breakout Session 4

SUNDAY 10/8  |  1:45PM

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Nurturing Creativity as a Corporate Designer

SUNDAY 10/8  |  1:45PM |  WHITEMAN HALL

We all face common challenges in bringing innovation to corporate work—whether it's navigating strict brand guidelines, getting stakeholder buy-in, or staying inspired within tight deadlines and budgets. When we unite as a community and share our experiences, strategies, and dreams, we empower each other's creativity.

PATIENCE WALTON

Senior Project Analyst / Instructional Designer

Patience Walton boasts over 20 years as a multidisciplinary designer with degrees in Graphic and Instructional Design. As CEO of DG Premier Design Studio, her visionary approach has crafted a legacy of design excellence. Honored with prestigious awards, she's impacted top-tier brands. A champion for diversity, she's served leadership roles in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and other companies, and mentors future designers at major universities.

Cultivating Each Other’s Creative Journey

SUNDAY 10/8  |  1:45PM |  SINGER HALL

Creativity is not a solo practice. It’s something we can intentionally cultivate together. We can bring out the best in our creativity — and each other — by uncovering the unique perspectives in our collective stories. In this interactive, inspiring session, we’ll explore the ways our individuality can truly unite our community and elevate our work. Think of it like a treasure hunt … and what we’ll discover together at the end will surprise (and delight!) you.

ADELE MULFORD

CEO + Chief Creative Cultivator
The Cultivate Company

With over 30 years of creative leadership—Adele has strategically shaped top global brands, translating complexities into tangible results. In 2022, she founded The Cultivate Company, redefining business partnership by championing insightful strategies for holistic growth. An unwavering advocate for the creative community, Adele imparts wisdom globally through speaking, teaching, and mentoring, ever-committed to nurturing a resilient, vibrant artistic world.

Speakers and schedule subject to change.