Create Now Washington, DC
This event has passed.
Thank you to those who joined us. Below, you’ll find resources shared during the event, and we look forward to seeing you the next time we are in town!
Adobe Creative Apprenticeship
The Adobe Creative Apprenticeship connects aspiring creatives with top industry workplaces for real-world experience. Find out how you can get involved, whether you’re starting out or looking to give back.
Adobe Insiders
The Adobe Insiders Community is where passionate creators shape the future of Adobe products by sharing feedback, sparking ideas, and building together. Join our community to engage directly with our product teams and share your ideas.
Adobe Live
Want to learn more about Adobe’s tools? Check out live-streamed and on-demand content from professional artists, designers, photographers, illustrators, motion designers, and other creatives.
Design Create Now Resource Page
Attached you'll find most of the products and features mentioned at Design Create Now. It does not cover features in the Photography or Video category.
Agenda
9:30 PM
Doors Open
Ease into the evening with curated convos, elevated bites, and interactive moments worth snapping.
10:30 PM
Presentation Begins
Enjoy a warm welcome from your host, followed by a keynote from our Adobe Evangelist, and a wrap-up presentation from standout local creatives.
11:30 PM
Networking
After the presentation, mix and mingle, meet the speakers, connect with Adobe pros, and explore hands-on creative stations.
12:30 AM
Event Wrap
Leave recharged, inspired, and ready to bring fresh energy to your next project.
Presenters
Sr. Community Relationship Manager and Evangelist
Elise Swopes
Elise Swopes is a self-taught artist, creative strategist, and entrepreneur reshaping visual storytelling through surreal cityscapes and mobile innovation. As a Web3 leader, she co-founded Sunrise Art Club and Night on The Yard to uplift women of color and incarcerated artists. A mental health advocate and educator, she partners with global brands to mentor the next generation. Swopes currently serves as Senior Adobe Express Evangelist and Community Advocate, empowering creative communities worldwide.
Speakers
Creative Technologist & Founder of Vega Studio
Charles "Ceej" Johnson
Charles "Ceej Vega" Johnson is a Creative Technologist, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Founder of Vega Studio—a design-tech agency operating at the crossroads of culture, creativity, and technology. A Baltimore native, he’s known for pushing digital boundaries through immersive storytelling and emerging tech. As a creative partner to Meta and Runway, he’s pioneering the use of Generative AI to streamline creative workflows and craft breakthrough campaigns. His work fuses AR, VR, CGI, and GenAI to deliver emotionally resonant, tech-forward experiences across industries.
Co-Founder of Creative Theory Agency
Tamon George
Tamon is a strategic marketer and cultural storyteller with 10 years of experience creating content that resonates. He co-founded Creative Theory Agency, a culture-first shop behind inclusive campaigns for Google, Meta, Nike, and Amazon. Under his leadership, the agency has earned industry-wide recognition including AdAge’s Small Agency of the Year, plus Webby and Shorty Awards. Named to AdAge 40 Under 40 and Adweek 50, Tamon continues to shape the future of brand storytelling through strategy, emotion, and impact.
Co-Founder of Creative Theory Agency
Gary Williams Jr.
Gary Williams Jr. is a cultural architect with 20 years of experience shaping stories that move both people and culture. As co-founder of the award-winning Creative Theory Agency, he helps brands build authentic connections with the communities they serve. A former award-winning photographer, Gary now curates large-scale moments centered on identity and impact. Named to the 2023 Essence Power 40, his work blends creativity, strategy, and soul. Whether behind the lens or leading a boardroom, Gary brings purpose to every project and encourages others to do the same.
Host
Sr. Community Events Manager
Aaliyah Taylor
Aaliyah Taylor is a Community Builder, Experiential Marketer, and Culture Curator who thrives on fostering connections and empowering others. As a Senior Lead at Adobe, she plays a pivotal role in building and nurturing a vibrant community around Adobe Creative Cloud, creating jaw-dropping events and memorable experiences. With a deep passion for creativity and community, Aaliyah is dedicated to bringing people together in dynamic and fun ways. For this community-obsessed creative, connecting with others is truly a dream job.
Community Marketing & Events
Kevwe Abamwa
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