An evening event to connect a new generation of graphic designers with industry leaders. Get career advice from those in the design field and hear from a panel about starting a creative career. We will have free food, amazing swag, and more fun!
Please note that our event has limited capacity, so kindly RSVP only if you plan to attend. We can't wait to see you there!
Additionally, students can sign up for a review with a local professional, use the second link "Portfolio Review Sign Up"
By attending this event, you consent to the use of your likeness in photographs and videos for promotional and documentation purposes.
Share with friends! #AdobeCreativeCafe.
Wes is an artist who skillfully balances technical knowledge with artistic creativity. As a Creative 3D Evangelist & Community Advocate at Adobe, he is widely recognized as an expert teacher, sharing tutorials and tips through his YouTube and social media channels. Wes has also authored several books, including The PBR Guide: A Handbook for Physically Based Rendering, Real World Modo, and Creating 3D Game Art for the iPhone with Unity.
Katherina London brings together technical proficiency and visual design expertise in her role as a product designer at Zenni Optical. Holding a graphic design degree from the University of Kansas, Katherina has also contributed to companies such as Signal Theory and Hallmark Cards both based in Kansas City. Passionate about emerging technologies like mixed reality design and AI, Katherina continually leverages these innovations into the design process to enhance user experiences and explore new creative possibilities.
Sierra is a graphic designer who takes a holistic approach, hoping to create work that makes a positive social impact and focuses on sustainable and equitable practices. Since graduating from KU in 2021 she has experienced being an in-house designer for a national nonprofit, creating at both small and large advertising agencies, and serving on AIGA KC’s board by organizing their annual gala and competition.
Kyle Hamrick is an Emmy-winning motion designer, video editor, Adobe-Certified software trainer, and all-around After Effects & Premiere Pro nerd who loves sharing knowledge. A workflow & efficiency fan who always enjoys a new challenge, Kyle hops between creating everything from live event visuals, animated gifs, efficiently-built templates and IMAX documentaries. He’s also a mediocre guitarist, a lover of dinosaurs and Lego, and a big believer in using creative skills for good.
Anh Can is a UI/UX designer who translates user needs and business goals into seamless, intuitive digital experiences. An advocate for design systems and fluent in front-end technologies, she bridges the gap between design and engineering to deliver user-centered solutions. Anh currently works at Engenious Design, where she specializes in designing user interfaces for medical devices. Previously, she honed her UI/UX design skills at Brand New Box, a digital product agency, where she developed web and app interfaces for a diverse range of clients. Anh also contributed to a UX research project at the University of Kansas focused on building a digital collection for Black literature. Beyond her professional work, she serves as a board member for UX Professionals Association in Kansas City, where she actively engages with and supports the local UX community. Off-screen, Anh finds joy in exploring the outdoors and trying out new recipes.
Kate is a graduate of the University of Kansas Visual Communications program, where she found her love for Experience Design at the intersection of brand systems and built environments. As an Experience Designer at Dimensional Innovations, Kate brings brands to life—from concept and design to fabrication and installation. With a particular passion for collegiate and professional sports projects, she strives to create immersive environments that foster meaningful engagement between people and place. In addition to her role at DI, Kate serves as SEGD Kansas City Chapter Co-Chair, curating webinars, workshops, and studio tours that inspire and educate KC-area designers and students interested in experiential design.
Hi, I’m Riley, I’m an Associate Designer in Growth at VML. I’ve designed for multiple global brands. I work with strategists, copywriters, designers, and analysts to develop new brand content and messaging.
On campus I led the direction of multiple marketing and design campaigns. I was given the opportunity to raise and donate over $50,000 to the Ballard Center. I was a part of KIOSK 69’s design staff and made work with AIGA KC and COLLINS.
Outside of the office, I’ve worked with businesses like Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop, The Phoenix Art Gallery, The Bear Review, Coffee Bar, and Wheat Street Antique. This year I designed and sold apparel to donate to Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City.
I am a graphic designer fortunate enough to have found my way into the world of environmental design. I currently live in Kansas City and work for Populous, an architecture design firm. My early career experience focused on print and branding which has evolved over the years into a specialization in experiential graphics and wayfinding, with a primary focus on sports venues. Bigger picture, I thrive on exploring new ways to engage my creativity and craft memorable experiences for large audiences of people.
Abigail Miles is a Kansas City designer specializing in thoughtful type design, brand identity, publication, and advertising.
In her spare time, she enjoys using rock climbing, floral design, and ceramics as different mediums to explore new solutions.
She is currently collaborating at BarkleyOKRP and has gained experience from Matchbox Studio and Whiskey Design.
Jenny is an Associate Principal and Experiential Designer at Populous, where she works to activate brands and create immersive environments for stadiums, arenas, training facilities, and other places people love to be together. Working at the intersection of architecture, interior design, and graphic design, Jenny’s unique expertise empowers her to produce “next level” experiences for athletes, fans, and sponsors, seamlessly integrating a brand’s story into the built environment. Before fulfilling her role at Populous, Jenny held positions at Design Ranch, Willoughby Design, and The Wall Street Journal.
Outside of work, Jenny has been involved in a number of organizations, such as the Center for Architecture & Design Kansas City, AIGA Kansas City, genKC (KC Chamber of Commerce), and the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation. In 2023, Jenny was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award (Young Designer Award) from the School of Architecture & Design at the University of Kansas for excellence in design and dedication to community.
