Watch the livestream of our February event with Ami Dar!

Thanks to our partners MPB and Harvest. And special thanks to CUNY Graduate Center for hosting us.

Our theme for February is NATIVE. It was chosen by our Honolulu chapter and illustrated by Jack Soren.

Where you are from shapes who you are. Where you call home influences your worldview. Understanding the traditions of your ancestors can help answer the question, “where do I belong?” Your connections to a place and the past should rightfully be a source of great pride. 

The unique customs, art, and languages of native cultures make the tapestry of human civilization more vibrant. Yet many indigenous communities have faced marginalization, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. How much have we lost and what can be preserved? 

By respecting and celebrating the traditions and achievements of native people everywhere, we can discover a deeper sense of connection and unity. What does our history have to teach us? What can we learn from each other?

Discover other cultures and perspectives with this month’s hashtag: #CMnative

Watch the livestream of our January event with Jad Abumrad!

Thanks to our partners Harvest, MPB, and 1Password. And special thanks to Newlab for hosting us and to our musical guest Emel Mathlouthi.

Our theme for January is RISE. It was chosen by our Tampa Bay chapter and illustrated by Miss Crit.

The sun must set before it can rise. So, remember, every setback can be overcome. Each new challenge compels us to tap into our reservoirs of hope and determination. To live a fulfilling life, we must not wallow. We must rise. 

The phoenix rising from the ashes is such a juicy metaphor. The mystical bird’s fiery demise symbolizes the destruction of old expectations — and how it’s always been done. Every creative act is a transformation. Each new project is a rebirth. 

We rise from everything that came before. That’s why “rise up!” is a rally cry for the oppressed. But we should all be shouting, because our personal and collective empowerment are intricately linked. The rise of different voices creates a richer and more vibrant society. The goal is not reaching the top, it’s lifting each other up. 

Together, we rise higher.

Let’s stay connected in between our monthly events!

Join us on our dedicated Communities platform to share any thoughts, musings, or questions.

How do I join the CreativeMornings community on the Teams app? 

➡ Step 1. Download the Microsoft Teams Community App.Get it for free for either Apple or Google Play.

➡ Step 2. Create a profile on the App. 

All you need is your email address and your photo!

➡ Step 3. Then click this link to join our dedicated community for CreativeMornings/NYC!

➡ Step 4. Explore, share, and connect with each other! 🎉

Whether you’re seeking an artistic collaborator, hiring for a role, or looking for work, you can post your pitch to find the connections you need! Posts should be brief, as though you’re writing on a virtual sticky note!

This is an experiment and we’re excited to get your feedback as we tinker and play with this app together!

UPDATE: This experiment has come to a close.

Watch the livestream of our December event with Stefan Sagmeister in conversation with Debbie Millman and the Design Matters podcast!

Thanks to our partners Harvest, MPB, and 1Password. And special thanks to SVA Theatre for hosting us.

Our global theme for December is PAIN. It was chosen by our Lviv chapter and illustrated by Marta Koshulinska.  

Ouch! That hurts. Pain is a warning. And a lesson. It teaches us what we should avoid. And just how much we can bear. 

There’s the pleasures of sadomasochism. The anguish of emotional trauma or physical abuse. The seemingly endless barrage of vitriol in the comments. The grief of losing a loved one. The immense destruction and psychological toll caused by so many geopolitical conflicts happening around the world. 

Our Lviv chapter in Ukraine knows the pain of war. As they wrote when they chose this month’s theme, “Our collective pain is now close to unbearable. They say what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. We hope whoever said that is right.” 

Muscles grow stronger after exercise tears the tiny fibers of muscle cells and the body repairs those damaged fibers. We know that physical wounds can heal with time and proper care. But we often ignore the fact that emotional pain can too. 

If you need a little relief from whatever pain you’re carrying, talk to someone, make something, or help someone else in need.  

Pain can point the way to growth. 

Watch the livestream of our November event with Meg Lewis!

Thanks to our partners Harvest, MPB, 1Password, and Microsoft Teams. And special thanks to CUNY Graduate Center for hosting us and to our musical guest Maigan Kennedy. 

Our global theme for November is RHYTHM. It was chosen by our Basel chapter and illustrated by Patrizia Stalder. 

What rhythms set your pace? A celestial rhythm is pulsing all around us. The earth spins. The sun rises and sets. The moon pulls and releases the tides twice every day. The seasons loop each year. Natural, constant patterns of back-and-forth. But we also live amidst the unnatural rhythms of flickering fluorescent lights, pinging notifications, and vehicles idling at traffic signals. Rhythm can light you up or burn you out. 

Rhythm is the heartbeat of creativity. It provides the structure we crave; a framework for ideas to take shape. By recognizing patterns and breaking them, we can find our unique voice. 

Rhythm serves as a catalyst for the power of a dancer’s movement. The pacing of a poet’s sentences. The cadence of an actor’s voice. The timing of a comedian’s punchline. The strokes of a painter’s brush. The meter of a musician’s notes. All that creativity just keeps going and flowing. Rat-a-tat-tat. Tap into your own rhythm and follow wherever it takes you. 

How do you keep your own beat? Listen to your breath. Listen to your heart.

Watch our the livestream of October event with Michael Bierut!

Michael shared his journey building a sustainable creative career with plenty of tips and insights along the way. Watch the livestream and join us in celebrating 15 years of CreativeMornings!

Thanks to our partners Harvest, MPB, 1Password, Microsoft Teams. And special thanks to Parsons School of Design for hosting us and to our musical guest Roseblud.