Navigating the Journey – The Stream for Early Career Professionals

People always talk about the beginning and end of a journey, but what about the middle? Join us at Creative Directions to explore the magic of the middle, and how to keep (or start) building the career you want. You'll hear from other design professionals as they share knowledge and insights for making choices that carve your own purposeful path.

*Creative Directions delegates can attend presentations from any stream. Though you may find the presentations in this stream most fitting, you're welcome to attend others as well.

Tuesday, May 4

9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM AT – Opening Keynote with Aaron Draplin, Draplin Design Co.

10:15 AM PT / 1:15 PM ET / 2:15 PM AT – Show Me the Money with Julian Brown RGD, Owner & Creative Direction at ON THE CHASE! Motion Design

11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM AT – Panel Discussion: Agency, Studio, Freelance or In-House?

Ah, the big one: what environment do you want to work in? This panel will delve into the opportunities and challenges that arise with different workplaces.

Moderator: Ashley Tomlinson Prov. RGD, Freelance Graphic Designer

Chrisanne Daniels Prov. RGD, UX-UI Designer at HARD-LINE

12:45 PM PT / 3:45 PM ET / 4:45 PM AT – 15-minute Presentations + Q&A

Join this panel to hear tips for dealing with anxiety around presenting your work, pricing (and undervaluing) yourself and dealing with clients.

Cai Sepulis RGD, Partner at Toque Ltd. and Freelance Illustrator
David Nuff RGD, Designer & Principal at Nuff
Fungi Dube, Creative Director at Asambe Mobility

2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM AT – Building Good Habits and Avoiding Bad Habits with Greg Dubeau RGD

Wednesday, May 5

9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM AT – Opening Keynote with Ellen Lupton, Leslie Xia and Kaleena Sales

10:15 AM PT / 1:15 PM ET / 2:15 PM AT – 15-minute Presentations + Q&A

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ... and passion projects. How do you make it work? Where do you find the time and energy to do more of what you love? Join this panel to hear their take on incorporating side projects into your main hustle.

Sami Christianson, Co-founder & Design Director at Best Studio
Kevin Moran RGD, Creative Team Lead at Kira Systems
Paul Twa Prov. RGD, Graphic Designer at Sticks & Stones
Lin Oosterhoff Prov. RGD, Art Director at Critical Mass

11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM AT – Panel Discussion: Staying Current from Home and How to Feel Less Disconnected

How are you doing while working from home? Panelists will share ways to handle Zoom fatigue, feel connected with your team (and yourself) and more.

Moderator: Ceri Higgs Prov. RGD, Graphic Designer at Techboomers.com

Nancy Wu, Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director at NancyWuDesign
Lauren Wickware RGD, Graphic Designer at Lauren Wickware Design & Educator
TBD

12:45 PM PT / 3:45 PM ET / 4:45 PM AT – You finished design schools and have a few years work experience under your belt. What now? with Vèronica Fuerte, Founder & Creative Directress of Hey Studio

2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM AT – Panel Discussion: What Happens When You Lose Your Passion for Design?

Moderator: Armin Vit, Co-founder of UnderConsideration

Mikey Richardson RGD, Partner & Creative Director at Jacknife Design
Alison Garnett RGD, Principal & Creative Director at Field Trip & Co.
Sean Carter, Founder & Design Director at Carter Hales Design Lab

Thursday, May 6 to Friday, May 7*

Portfolio Reviews
Mentoring
Roundtables
Workshops

*Pre-registration is required. Limited spots. First come, first get.