"Mentorship doesn't always have to be people — they can be experiences. An experience can be a mentor." ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us to hear Lewis Williams share about the mentors, both people and experiences, that have shaped his life. A special thank you to our friends at ALTAR who hosted us with such warm, welcoming vibes. 💛

Lewis took us on an inspiring journey through his career, sharing stories about the seven mentors who guided him along the way. From his parents who taught him to work hard and treat people right, to his college experience at Kent State that gave him confidence, Lewis showed us that mentors come in all forms — sometimes they're people you work with, sometimes they're artists who inspire you (like Archie Boston Jr., whom he finally met after decades!), and sometimes they're experiences that teach you tough lessons. His dad's advice stuck with him throughout his success: "Get a job where you work inside" — a reminder to stay humble no matter how far you climb.

Lewis is an award-winning creative leader and a masterful mentor himself. Through AD OG, his mission is to share knowledge and experiences to help mentor young or not so young creatives navigate the ad space. Curious to see his advertising work that spans over three decades? Find his portfolio here.

Graphic recording by the amazing Katya Balakina

Thanks to Altar for hosting us. 

Check out more pics from our Mentor event on our Flickr! 

"With a bit of passion and the audacity to color outside the lines, you can push your creativity to the next level."

Thank you to everyone who joined us to hear Jordan Harper and Mike Damato to celebrate the punk spirit that lives within all of us. You showed up as your authentic selves and that's what Creative Mornings and Punk is all about. Shout out to our friends at Live Bash for hosting us. 🖤

Mike and Jordan showed us how they broke out of their own shells to create something through cosplay. While they had no formal training, they had "hot glue, thread, and a passionate dream".

Thanks Mike and Jordan for helping Creative Mornings Chicago celebrate our 15th year! 💛

Find yourself in our pics here. 

#cmpunk #cmchicago

🎤 May Speaker on REVIVAL: Francis Almeda

Francis Almeda is a serial entrepreneur, Creative Director, and dad. He’s behind some of Chicago’s most exciting and innovative hospitality concepts, including Side Practice Coffee, Drip Collective, Novel Pizza Cafe, and Kanin, and is an advisor and early investor in Del Sur Bakery. With over two decades in advertising, Francis worked at the top agencies in Chicago and San Francisco and spent time at Google as an Art Director/Creative Director. He has also taught design and marketing at Miami Ad School, Chicago Portfolio School, and DePaul University. A proud Filipino American, he’s become a pillar for the Filipino and AAPI communities—paving the way for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs and building platforms rooted in culture, food, and community. @francis.almeda

#CMRevival

Give special cheers to our Digital Illustrator 🖍️ Katya Balakina (@xrenobl) for turning our April’s event into visual notes. 📝

Check out this graphic recording about Amanda’s talk (@amandarecupido) on the theme CROSSROADS. 🛣️ 🚸

What a morning hosting April’s event at BlueDog. Special thank you to our venue, volunteers, global and local sponsors for making this month’s event happen. A huge shoutout to Amanda (@amandarecupido) for her inspiring talk on the theme #crossroads.

See the rest of the magic pics 🪄📸 from our Flickr taken by our wonderful #cmchi photo team!

If you want your company, agency, or business love what we do and want to support our chapter for future morning events, DM us on our instagram (@chicago_cm) or drop an email - chicago@creativemornings.com

 #CMCrossroads

What a great Friday hosting March’s event at @designmuseumchi. Special thank you to our venue, volunteers, global and local sponsors for making this month’s event happen.

A huge shoutout to Bryn (@citizen.bryn) for her inspiring talk on the theme #parallel.

See the rest of the magic pics 🪄📸 from our Flickr taken by our wonderful #cmchi photo team! Link is in our bio.

If you, your company, agency, or business love what we do and want to support our chapter for future morning events, DM us on our instagram (@chicago_cm) or drop an email - chicago@creativemornings.com

We’re excited to hear from you and hope to see you at next month’s event!

🎤 February Speaker on LAYERS: Samantha Callender

Samantha Callender is a multimedia professional passionate about storytelling, culture, and digital media. With a background in journalism, social strategy, and brand communications, she’s worked across industries, from NPR’s WBEZ to Essence Magazine and luxury brands like Aesop. She amplifies voices, creates inspiring spaces, and thrives at the intersection of media and culture. A proud Chicagoan, she loves exploring local arts, design, and cafés. Connect with her @OnYourCallender.

📍 ⭐ In-Person at See You Soon @seeyousoon

Give special cheers to our Digital Illustrator 🖍️ Coté Soerens (@cotesoerens) for turning our January’s even into visual notes. 📝

Check out this graphic recording about Cara Sabin’s talk on the theme JOURNEY 🗺 🌏 🏃‍♀️ 💪

#CMChi #CMJourney #Journey #breakfastclub #CreativeTalent #chicagoartist

An amazing morning hosting January’s event! Special thank you to our venue, volunteers, global and local sponsors for making this month’s event happen.

A huge shoutout to Cara Sabin for her inspiring talk on the theme #journey.

See the rest of the magic pics 🪄📸 from our Flickr taken by our wonderful #cmchi photo team! Link is in our bio.

If you want your company, agency, or business love what we do and want to support our chapter for future morning events, DM us on our instagram (@chicago_cm) or drop an email - chicago@creativemornings.com

We’re excited to hear from you and hope to see you at next month’s event!