Where Creativity Meets Community.
Where Creativity Meets Community.
Where Creativity Meets Community. Where Creativity Meets Community.
September 18-19, 2026
The Young Performing Arts Center Whitewater, WIsconsin
Welcome to Creative U,
Set in Wisconsin, the heart of the Midwest, Creative U offers an inspiring environment where you can expand your skills, explore new ideas, and connect with a vibrant community.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a rising star in the design world or still learning the trade, this conference is your opportunity to tap into new trends, discover new tools, and engage with top industry leaders showcasing the latest in design and resources.
Together, we’ll learn, innovate, and support one another—creating a family of creatives shaping the future of design!
register now and save!
KEYNOTE
SPEAKERS
Matt Dawson
Designer, Creative Director
Scott Fuller
Designer, Illustrator
Tyler pate
Designer, Illustrator
kristina burkey
Creative Entrepreneur
All keynotes are included with your General Admission.
saturday
workshop
a fuller + pate design expedition
Scott Fuller
Join Scott Fuller of The Studio Temporary for an interactive workshop for crafting truly eye-catching icons. Perfect for budding and established designers, and creatives of any skill level, you will learn icon design fundamentals as Scott shares his process — covering research, inspiration, and techniques to turn ideas into functional and memorable icon designs.
Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves! You’ll sketch and design your custom icon set – whether it’s a passion project or something you’ve been dreaming of tackling. With Scott’s expert guidance, you’ll walk away with new skills, fresh ideas, and a helpful PDF guide to keep creating.
This interactive Icon Design Workshop is a hands-on experience, so be sure to bring notebooks, pencils (or pens, if you prefer), and your digital design app of choice ready to go!
ICONIC Icons
tyler pate
In this hands-on Adobe Illustrator workshop, illustrator and Art Director Tyler Pate breaks down approachable techniques for building dimensional, story-driven illustrations using perspective, shape construction, lighting, and vector texture.
Attendees will follow along through live demonstrations and guided exercises while learning Tyler’s process for taking an illustration from rough sketch to polished vector artwork.
The workshop focuses on building confidence in creative decision-making and developing workflows that can be applied across illustration, branding, and visual storytelling.
Bringing Depth & Perspective to Your Illustrations
learn
Lunch and
Badges are one of Matt Dawson’s favorite things to design, and in this abbreviated Lunch & Learn session, he’ll break down why.
Through a reverse-build walkthrough of some favorite designs, Matt will unpack the small details that make badge work feel balanced, memorable, and visually strong.
Expect practical tips around typography, structure, shape, and composition, along with high-level takeaways you can bring into both client work and personal projects.
why good badge design works with matt dawson
September 18-19th, 2026
Camp Schedule
Friday, September 18
8:00am
8:50am
9:00am
9:45am
10:00am
10:15am
11:00am
11:15-12:45pm
11:30-12:30pm
12:45pm
1:30pm
1:45pm
2:00pm
2:45pm
3:00-5:00pm
3:00-5:00pm
Registration / Check-in
Conference Kickoff
Matt Dawson, Stay Gray Ponyboy
Matt Dawson Q&A
Break & Network
Scott Fuller, Studio Temporary
Scott Fuller Q&A
Lunch Break
Lunch & Learn with Matt Dawson
Kristina Burkey, Calliope Paperie
Kristina Burkey Q&A
Break & Network
Tyler Pate, The Creative Pain
Tyler Pate Q&A
Vendor Hall Open
Networking & Gathering
Saturday, September 19
9:00am
9:50am
10:00-12:00pm
12:00pm
1:00-3:00pm
3:00pm
4:00pm
Registration / Check-in
Workshop Welcome
Scott Fuller, Studio Temporary
Lunch Break
Tyler Pate, The Creative Pain
Q&A / Meet & Greet / Merch
Conference End
the venue
The Young Performing Arts Center
At uw-Whitewater
930 West Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Both days of the conference will take place at The Young.
Location Notes
Parking for both days will be available in Lots 1 and 2 as marked in yellow on the map to the left.
Eat and Stay in Whitewater
On campus Dining options
Restaurants in Whitewater
841 Brewhouse - 841 East Milwaukee Street
Rosa’s Pizza - 180 West Main Street
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant - 1139 West Main Street
Second Salem Brewing Co.- 111 West Whitewater Street
Jessica's Family Restaurant - 140 West Main Street
Taco Fresco - 175 West Main Street
Rick's Eastside Pub - 561 East Milwaukee Street
Culver’s - 1414 West Main Street
Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta - 1210 West Main Street
Hotels in Whitewater
Hotels in fort atkinson
Have questions about the conference?
Whether you need details about tickets, student/group pricing, speakers, or sponsorship opportunities, we’re here to help!
Reach out to us by filling out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to connecting with you!
CONTACT CREATIVE U
