Thriving Creatively: Design and Mental Wellness

Welcome to "Thriving Creatively," a transformative workshop designed specifically for creative professionals seeking to enhance their mental wellness while excelling in their careers. Join us for an immersive experience that combines the art of creativity with the science of mental health, providing you with the tools to thrive both personally and professionally. In "Thriving Creatively," Barney and Alisha combine their unique perspectives to address the common career hurdles faced by creative professionals. Barney's extensive experience in creative direction and branding complements Alisha's therapeutic insights, providing a holistic approach to managing work-induced stress and enhancing mental wellness. Together, they will lead immersive sessions that blend practical strategies for creative success with therapeutic techniques for personal growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights into overcoming creative career challenges and managing work-related stress. The workshop will equip you with practical tools to improve mental well-being and enhance your creative output. You'll leave with actionable strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, fostering resilience, and achieving your career aspirations. This transformative experience is designed to help you unlock your full potential and thrive creatively.

September 18, 2024
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
PST
TRACKS:
Entrepreneurship
ALL SPEAKERS
Barney Abramson
Barney Abramson
Head of Design, Southwest Gas Corp

I am the head of design at Southwest Gas Corporation, an energy company that services 2 million customers across Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. I have over 20 years of experience in the design industry, working as a graphic designer, content producer, and creative director for various companies in the gaming, entertainment, and energy sectors. I hold a dual Bachelor of Fine Arts and Corporate Communication degree from Bridgewater State University. My core competencies include creative direction, branding, marketing communications, graphic design, and web design. I lead a team of designers, freelancers, contractors, and creative agencies, ensuring consistent and on-brand messaging for all customer-facing graphic projects. I am passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of designers, and I provide pro-bono mentoring via ADPList, a global platform that connects experienced professionals with mentors. In addition to my day job and mentorship, I write about my experiences as an Afro-Latino creative in corporate America and share my insights and tips on social media.

Alisha Abramson
Alisha Abramson
Abramson Therapy

Alisha Abramson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Certified Anger Management Specialist with eight years of experience in mental health care. She is known for her collaborative approach to therapy, which helps individuals, couples, and families explore past experiences to build a healthier present and a brighter future. Alisha's expertise includes working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA individuals, gender nonconforming persons, and those in polyamorous or open relationships. She addresses a wide range of issues, such as communication, parenting, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sexual difficulties. Alisha's comprehensive therapeutic background and commitment to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment make her a valuable resource for navigating life's challenges.

MORE SESSIONS
Overcoming Setbacks in Your UX Job Search
Rejection is an inevitable part of the job application process, often leaving professionals questioning their skills and losing motivation. In this session, I’ll explore the common challenges and pain points job seekers face and will discuss practical tips for handling initial rejections, turning them into valuable learning opportunities, and strategies to refine and improve your applications for future rounds.
Marzie Nadali
Marzie Nadali
Entrepreneur & UX Coach, MarziUXD
See details
Career Growth & Leadership
Thriving in the AI Era as a Product Designer
1hr
As AI reshapes the tech landscape, product designers face new challenges and opportunities. This session explores how AI is transforming key design processes and the future of our profession. Learn how to leverage AI technologies to create innovative, user-centric designs while adapting to the evolving nature of product design. Join us to discover strategies for thriving in the AI era, turning potential disruptions into opportunities for growth and creativity.
Peter Zhao
Peter Zhao
VP, Product Design, J.P.Morgan
See details
AI & Emerging Technologies
Advocating for Design Maturity as a Leadership & Growth Career Path
1hr
Discover how advancing Design Maturity can transform your career and boost your organisation’s success. In this session, we'll break down the stages of Design Maturity, from the early, developing phases to the innovative, visionary level. You'll get practical tools to assess your company's current design maturity and learn how to advocate for improvement. You will hear about the vital roles Design Leaders play at each maturity stage, and explore the exciting career growth opportunities that come with advancing Design Maturity. With practical steps for implementation, tips for overcoming challenges, and inspiring real-world success stories, this session will equip you to champion Design Maturity in your organisation and propel your career forward.
Angelina Severino
Angelina Severino
Design Lead, Gamgee
See details
Career Growth & Leadership
Flip the Script on What it Means To Be a Full-Stack Designer
1hr
Many designers aspire to be strong generalists or full-stack designers. They may have this goal because they enjoy all aspects of the design process, they believe it will increase their chance of landing a job, or because they come from an engineering background and want to retain coding skills. All of these are solid reasons. However, some of our closest cross-functional partners are encroaching into the design lane via AI capabilities and collaborative design tools. And who can blame them? But, are you doing all you can to stay relevant, compete, and expand your capabilities for the rapidly evolving landscape? Some of the recommendations here are not new, but worthy of revisiting with a fresh lens.
Kevin Flores
Kevin Flores
Former Director of Product Design, LinkedIn
See details
Groundbreaking Work