Terrill Thomas
• – • Serendipity Labs
About the speaker
Terrill Thomas has spent his career proving that great design doesn't only happen in the city.
Rooted in Garden Grove and the Inland Empire and shaped by the scrappy, experimental energy of the late '90s dot-com boom. Terril brings a startup mindset to everything he touches: his professional practice, his classroom, and his ongoing research into how games can drive real social change and awareness.
As Chair of the Art+Design Department at La Sierra University, Terril has built a teaching philosophy grounded in real community and authenticity. He maintains an active design practice consulting for nonprofits, small businesses, and entertainment clients because he believes the best design education happens when the institutional organizations and the streets stay connected.
But what makes Terril's work especially resonant for this month's theme of LOCAL is his PLAY Project (Plan, Learn, Air, You)— a framework and philosophy built around a self-directed creative practice designed to support independent creatives outside the shadow of metros like LA. It's a simple but radical idea: that your creative life deserves structure, intention, and space to breathe wherever you are. Not just in the city. Right here, where you already live.
Local partners
We’re Wentworthy — a creative production house that captures fleeting moments and transforms them into lasting brand memories. We craft and scale social-forward content for adventurous lifestyle, outdoor, and community partners
Serendipity Labs Now Open at Pacific Arts Plaza in Costa Mesa!
This secure and customizable workspace offers private offices and co-working options designed for individuals and teams. Enjoy a premier location between North and South Orange County with access to onsite dining, a fitness center, and conference facilities.
You’ll join a community that values incredible hospitality, beautiful workspaces, and meaningful connections made at Serendipity Labs Costa Mesa.
At Dyno Creative, we don’t just provide services; we forge partnerships. Our approach goes beyond mere design; we delve into the heart of each brand, ensuring that every story we tell is as unique as the clients we collaborate with. Our team’s diverse illustrative talents enable us to craft a wide spectrum of visual identities, ensuring that every brand we touch evolves and flourishes over time.
JOY128 is a creative hospitality and experiential platform. We design programming and gatherings for creative types, builders, and makers who want to practice alongside others, not just network with them. Serving Orange County and beyond.
Founded by siblings Ivan and Emerline. Currently based in Costa Mesa, California.
Location
Hosted at
Serendipity Labs
3200 Park Center Drive Costa Mesa, California 92626 14th & 15th Floors
Costa Mesa, California United States 92626
When
–
Volunteer Nina Greville
Photographer Michael Ward
Volunteer Rene Saldana
Host Ivan Ji
Host Ian Cab
Organizer Justin Lee
