April 30 - 02 May

Creative Works WEST 2026

Location
Seattle, USA
Attendance
In-person Event
Travel
Plan your trip

About Creative Works WEST 2026

In a crowded conference landscape, Creative Works WEST ’26 is taking a clear stance: less trend-chasing, more meaningful work. Taking place from 30 April to 2 May at Seattle’s Cornish Playhouse, this three-day event will bring together designers, illustrators, letterers, storytellers and creative leaders who are tired of creating content for algorithms and are ready to create for people instead.

Through main-stage talks, demonstrations, and small, hands-on workshops, the programme embraces the idea of 'soul over scale' by exploring the reality of project development, including the challenging phases, compromises, and financial discussions that are often omitted from polished case studies. Attendees can expect practical sessions on branding, illustration, motion, hand lettering and storytelling, as well as workflow-focused demonstrations and intimate workshops that delve into process, such as research-led illustration systems and presenting work to clients. The atmosphere is intentionally candid and peer-driven, aiming to send people home feeling not just inspired, but also equipped with sharper tools and clearer language with which to talk about their work. They will also have a more honest picture of what a sustainable creative career can look like.