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Circles Design

CONNECT WITH THE VISIONARIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AND BUILD LASTING CONNECTIONS WITH LIKE-MINDED CREATIVES.

Sep 22-24, 2025

Circles Design is for anyone passionate about the future of visual storytelling through design. Dive into three days of inspiration and innovation, where top designers and creative directors share their knowledge on crafting impactful visuals, print and digital graphics, and effective advertising. Whether you’re building memorable brands or driving marketing campaigns, Circles Design empowers creatives working in agencies, corporate settings, studios, in-house teams, or as independent freelancers to elevate their craft and bring bold ideas to life.

What to Expect

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Speakers

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Workshops

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Panelists

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Parties

Speakers and schedule subject to change. Workshops require a separate purchase and will be available starting April 1. Limited capacity—register early to secure your spot.

Speakers

Circles Design showcases top designers, creative directors, and industry leaders. They’ll offer insights on impactful visuals, brand building, and pushing creative boundaries. Gain inspiration and practical takeaways to refine your design process. Learn from the brightest minds shaping the future of design.

design_speaker

Studio

Tad
Carpenter

Designer & Illustrator at Carpenter Collective

Speaker


Tad Carpenter is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Tad
Carpenter

Designer & Illustrator at Carpenter Collective

Speaker

Type

Jen
Wagner

Type Creator at Jen Wagner Co

Speaker


Jen Wagner is speaking at Circles Conference

Type

Jen
Wagner

Type Creator at Jen Wagner Co

Speaker

Studio

Dan
Janssen

Creative Director at Lincoln Design Co.

Speaker


Dan Janssen is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Dan
Janssen

Creative Director at Lincoln Design Co.

Speaker

Corporate

Ashleigh
Axios

Founder & CEO at Public Servants

Speaker


Ashleigh Axios is speaking at Circles Conference

Corporate

Ashleigh
Axios

Founder & CEO at Public Servants

Speaker

Corporate

Lindsay
Stuart

VP, Brand Marketing & Communications at Noun Project

Speaker


Lindsay Stuart is speaking at Circles Conference

Corporate

Lindsay
Stuart

VP, Brand Marketing & Communications at Noun Project

Speaker

Studio

Scott
Fuller

Designer & Illustrator at The Studio Temporary

Speaker + Workshop Leader


Scott Fuller is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Scott
Fuller

Designer & Illustrator at The Studio Temporary

Panelist / Speaker / Workshop Leader

Church

Karielys
Acevedo

Art Director at VOUS Church

Speaker


Karielys Acevedo is speaking at Circles Conference

Church

Karielys
Acevedo

Art Director at VOUS Church

Speaker

Agency

Carly
Kerndt

CEO at Flydog Digital

Speaker


Carly Kerndt is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Carly
Kerndt

CEO at Flydog Digital

Speaker

Agency

Chris
David Garcia

Creative and Owner at Major Level Creative

Speaker + Workshop Leader


Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Chris
David Garcia

Creative and Owner at Major Level Creative

Panelist / Speaker / Workshop Leader

Studio

Jeff
Breazeale

Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio

Speaker


Jeff Breazeale is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Jeff
Breazeale

Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio

Panelist / Speaker

Agency

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Workshop Leader


Sara Beukema is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Workshop Leader

Brand Strategy

Bill
Kenney

Partner & CEO at Focus Lab

Workshop Leader


Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand Strategy

Bill
Kenney

Partner & CEO at Focus Lab

Panelist / Workshop Leader

Brand Strategy

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Workshop Leader


Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand Strategy

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Workshop Leader

Agency

Shawna
White

Vice President of Digital and Design at PMD Group

Workshop Leader


Shawna White is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Shawna
White

Vice President of Digital and Design at PMD Group

Workshop Leader

Agency

Bridget
Partain

EVP at PMD Group

Workshop Leader


Bridget Partain is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Bridget
Partain

EVP at PMD Group

Workshop Leader

Education

Broc
Baird

Maker Space + Learning Resource Manager at The LIFT at Abilene ISD

Workshop Leader


Broc Baird is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Broc
Baird

Maker Space + Learning Resource Manager at The LIFT at Abilene ISD

Workshop Leader

Education

David
Block

Design Educator at El Dorado High School

Workshop Leader


David Block is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

David
Block

Design Educator at El Dorado High School

Workshop Leader

Education

Heath
Jackson

Design Educator at Western Hills High School

Workshop Leader


Heath Jackson is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Heath
Jackson

Design Educator at Western Hills High School

Workshop Leader

Education

Kellie
Ward

Graphic Design Educator at CryeStudio

Workshop Leader


Kellie Ward is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Kellie
Ward

Graphic Design Educator at CryeStudio

Workshop Leader

Agency

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Workshop Leader


Charlie Howlett is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Panelist / Workshop Leader

Circles Emcee

Andrew
Hochradel

Creative Director at HOCH.CO


Andrew Hochradel is speaking at Circles Conference

Circles Emcee

Andrew
Hochradel

Creative Director at HOCH.CO

Panelists

Circles Design brings together a diverse group of panelists who are leaders in their fields. These experts will engage in dynamic discussions, sharing their experiences, insights, and unique perspectives on the creative industry. Prepare for thought-provoking conversations that will spark new ideas and inspire your work.

Day 1

Sep 23, 2025

Carly
Kerndt

CEO at Flydog Digital

Carly Kerndt is speaking at Circles Conference

Carly
Kerndt

CEO at Flydog Digital

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Sara Beukema is speaking at Circles Conference

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Bill
Kenney

Partner & CEO at Focus Lab

Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference

Bill
Kenney

Partner & CEO at Focus Lab

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Day 2

Sep 24, 2025

Ashleigh
Axios

Founder & CEO at Public Servants

Ashleigh Axios is speaking at Circles Conference

Ashleigh
Axios

Founder & CEO at Public Servants

Scott
Fuller

Designer & Illustrator at The Studio Temporary

Scott Fuller is speaking at Circles Conference

Scott
Fuller

Designer & Illustrator at The Studio Temporary

Jeff
Breazeale

Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio

Jeff Breazeale is speaking at Circles Conference

Jeff
Breazeale

Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Charlie Howlett is speaking at Circles Conference

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

B e I n s p i r e d 2 0 2 5

Topics

Ever wonder what our speakers will cover at Circles? This section breaks it down. Each speaker will share their expertise on key areas that drive the creative industry, offering you actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.

Design Process

Learn how industry leaders approach their work, from brainstorming and prototyping to final execution, to streamline your own creative journey.

Illustration

Hear from top illustrators on how they craft compelling visuals that tell stories and enhance brand messaging.

Creative Direction

Discover the strategies behind guiding teams and projects to bring bold, cohesive ideas to life.

Branding

Uncover the secrets of building impactful brands that connect emotionally and leave a lasting impression.

Leadership

Gain insights into leading creative teams, fostering innovation, and navigating challenges with confidence.

Storytelling

Explore how storytelling in design can elevate marketing campaigns, shape brand identity, and drive engagement.

Register

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Circles Design. Secure your spot today and join a community of creators ready to elevate their craft. Whether you’re attending for Design, Film, or the full experience, this is your opportunity to grow.

Early Bird

$597

Jan 1 - Mar 31

Coming Soon

Standard

$697

Apr 1 - Sep 12

Buy Design Pass

Workshops

$97

Sep 22

View Workshops

Schedule

Sep 22-24, 2025

Join us for the Circles Conference Design edition. We have an exciting lineup of speakers and workshops planned. Check out the schedule below for more details.

Night before Design Workshops

Workshops Sold Separately. View Workshop Details →

7:00 pm

Circles Mixer

Party

Design Workshops & Opening Mixer

Workshops Sold Separately. View Workshop Details →

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

8:30 am

Workshop 01

Workshop Classes

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Bridget Partain & Shawna White

Creative Collaboration in a Remote Work Setting

Wednesday – Design Day 2

David Block

Inside Design Rescue: A Model for Student-Led Creative Learning

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Scott Fuller

Building Iconic Icons

A collection of stories, lessons, and wild moments from the life and career of Scott Fuller. From a creative childhood filled with curiosity to getting evicted and launching The Studio Temporary from the back of an old sign shop, Scott shares the highs, lows, and everything in between. Packed with personality, heart, and grit, this keynote weaves together 17 years of design adventures—highlighting the real-life challenges and surprising wins that have shaped his work and perspective.

Expect practical wisdom, plenty of laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, people, and experiences that helped Scott carve out his place in the design world.

10:30 am

Workshop 02

Workshop Classes

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Charlie Howlett

Give Your Ideas a Chance

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Heath Jackson

Designing a High School Graphic Design Pathway: Building a Four-Year Program for Student Success

12:00 pm

Lunch

1:30 pm

Workshop 03

Workshop Classes

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Bill Kenney

Understand What Truly Matters in a Branding Effort–From Deliverables to Client Management

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Broc Baird

Visual Storytelling: Crafting Meaningful Design Narratives

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Paul Sirmon

Brand Designers Never Say Die!

3:30 pm

Workshop 04

Workshop Classes

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Sara Beukema

Beyond the Portfolio: How to Position Yourself for Success

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Kellie Ward

Sketch to Screen: Practicing the Creative Process in Logo Design

7:00 pm

Circles Opening Mixer

Party

Design Day 1

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

9:00 am

Kickoff Design Day 1

9:15 am

Session 01

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Scott Fuller

Human Being Iconic

A collection of stories, lessons, and wild moments from the life and career of Scott Fuller. From a creative childhood filled with curiosity to getting evicted and launching The Studio Temporary from the back of an old sign shop, Scott shares the highs, lows, and everything in between. Packed with personality, heart, and grit, this keynote weaves together 17 years of design adventures—highlighting the real-life challenges and surprising wins that have shaped his work and perspective.

Expect practical wisdom, plenty of laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, people, and experiences that helped Scott carve out his place in the design world.

10:15 am

Session 02

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Lindsay Stuart

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 03

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Dan Janssen

Build a Killer Brand: Designing for Studios and Personal Identity

What does it take to build a killer brand in today’s market? When everything starts to look the same and attention spans are shrinking, you need more than just good design. You need a brand that stands out with authenticity and purpose.
In this session, we’ll share how Lincoln Design Co. built a brand that connects with both clients and creatives. Whether you’re growing a creative studio or establishing your personal brand, you’ll learn how to break away from traditional templates and build something bold, strategic, and lasting.

12:05 pm

Lunch (2 hrs)

2:15 pm

Session 04 (Panels)

Panel

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Carly Kerndt

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Bill Kenney

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Sara Beukema

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Paul Sirmon

3:15 pm

Session 05

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Jen Wagner

Soul-Led Design: Staying Inspired (and Human) in a Digital World

In a time when everything is optimized, monetized, and templated, how do you stay inspired without losing your creative spark (or the soul of your work)? In this candid keynote, type designer Jen Wagner takes you behind the scenes of her creative process: from sketchbook to screen, from fleeting ideas to full-fledged fonts. She’ll share how tactile inspiration, analog rituals, and intentional pacing have helped her create work that feels deeply personal while still selling successfully. You’ll hear stories of being a creative in business, process peeks, and reflections on creative sustainability – not a step-by-step how-to, but a reminder of how to stay human while making beautiful things for a digital world.

3:55 pm

30 Minute Break

4:25 pm

Session 06

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Tad Carpenter

Sunshine & Storms: Weathering a Creative Life

Step inside the world of Tad Carpenter—designer, illustrator and co-founder of the design + brand studio Carpenter Collective. Tad will share an honest walk through his studio’s creative process and why protecting your sense of play might be your most powerful professional asset. You’ll get an intimate look at how he and Jessica, his wife and creative partner, transform their curiosity into award-winning brand systems that capture hearts and turn heads.

7:00 pm

Circles Mixer

Party

Design Day 2

6:00 am

CirclesFit 5K

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

9:00 am

Kickoff Design Day 2

9:15 am

Session 01

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Jeff Breazeale

25 Lessons from 25 Years of Agency Ownership

After 25 years in the world of agency ownership, Jeff Breazeale has collected a few stories — and even more lessons. In this insightful and down-to-earth session, Jeff shares the real-world takeaways that have shaped his approach to leadership, creativity, client relationships, and building a team that lasts. These 25 lessons aren’t theory. They’re the kind of hard-earned insights that come from navigating change, managing people, and keeping the work meaningful over the long haul. Whether you’re running your own studio or just starting to think about it, this talk offers a rare look behind the curtain of sustained creative entrepreneurship.

10:15 am

Session 02

Keynote

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 03

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Ashleigh Axios

Fuel for the Fire: Inner Strength for Collective Work

Great teams don’t just happen—they’re built by people who know how to care for themselves as much as they care for the mission. In this talk, Ashleigh Axios draws from her wide-ranging experience—from life partnerships to cross-government collaborations—to explore how individual capacity shapes collective success.

We’ll unpack practical strategies for staying grounded, adaptive, and creative, even under imperfect conditions. This talk is packed with tips, encouragement, and real-world examples to help ground these insights across varied contexts—from business to civic service, creative teams to enduring partnerships.

Whether you’re building a business, navigating a client relationship, or aligning across industries and institutions, these takeaways will help you nurture healthier, more resilient teams. Because when we support ourselves, we show up with the clarity, courage, and imagination it takes to build something truly beautiful—together.

12:05 pm

Lunch & Yoga (2 hrs)

2:15 pm

Session 04 (Panels)

Panel

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Charlie Howlett

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Scott Fuller

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Jeff Breazeale

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Ashleigh Axios

3:15 pm

Session 05

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Karielys Acevedo

Memory Makers: Designing Moments That Last

Some of the most meaningful moments in life are shaped by what we see, feel, and experience. As creatives, we help form those memories. In this talk, I’ll walk you through how the Church is designing with beauty and intention to create moments that stick long after the experience ends. Through real creative projects and ancient storytelling traditions, we’ll explore how memory is formed, why it matters, and how we as designers can create work that lives on in people. Whether you work in faith spaces or not, this workshop will inspire you to design beyond deliverables; to create work that resonates and remains.

3:55 pm

30 Minute Break

4:25 pm

Session 06

Keynote

Wednesday – Design Day 2

Carly Kerndt

How to Not Hate Everyone You Work With

Creative work is already hard — add a few strong personalities, a vague client email, and one too many “quick revisions,” and suddenly you’re fantasizing about quitting to go on a cross-country van trip.

In this session, agency founder and CEO Carly Kerndt shares real (sometimes painful, always honest) lessons from building and working on creative teams. You’ll learn why clients are part of your team (yes, even the difficult ones), how to stop taking feedback like a personal attack, and how understanding different personality types can make communication feel less like war and more like collaboration.

Whether you’re leading a team, freelancing with others, or just trying to survive group projects without developing a stress twitch, this talk will give you practical, funny, and surprisingly freeing tools to work better — and stay sane.

Spoiler: You don’t have to like everyone. You just have to understand them.

7:00 pm

Circles Mixer

Party

7:00 pm

Circles Awards Gala

Party

Sponsors

Gain valuable exposure for your brand and help us ensure the success of our 11th annual conference by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor!

Sponsored by Circles Co
Sponsored by Filmsupply
Sponsored by Musicbed
Sponsored by Stills
Sponsored by CoreGroup
Sponsored by Self Publishing
Sponsored by Underbelly
Sponsored by Dribbble
Sponsored by Scout Books
Sponsored by TCU Design
Sponsored by McMurry University
Sponsored by FWC
Sponsored by Lindenmeyr Munroe
Sponsored by Digital Press
Sponsored by Printed Threads
Sponsored by Banners Overnight
Sponsored by Could Be You

FAQs

We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions to help you get ready for Circles Conference. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need more info, just email us at circles@circlesco.com. We’re happy to help and can’t wait to see you there!

What’s the difference between the Design and Film tracks?

The Design track covers topics like branding, visual communication, and design trends, while the Film track dives into storytelling, cinematography, motion graphics, and filmmaking. Both tracks offer unique insights from industry leaders.

Can I attend just the Design or Film track?

Absolutely! We offer a Design Pass for all design-related sessions, workshops, and activities, and a Film Pass for all film-focused sessions, workshops, and events. If you want the full experience, you can choose the Full Experience Pass, which gives you access to everything across both tracks.

Can I attend both the Design and Film tracks?

Yes! The Full Experience Pass gives you access to all sessions across both tracks from September 22-26, 2025.

Is lunch provided during the conference?

Lunch is not provided, but we do offer snacks, light breakfast, and refreshments like soda, water, and coffee throughout the day. Some of the parties also include dinner and finger foods. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend planning ahead and bringing your own meals or snacks to ensure your needs are met.

What if I only want to attend one day of the conference?

We currently do not offer single-day passes. However, you can select a Design Pass, Film Pass, or Full Experience Pass depending on your interests.

Are workshops included in my pass?

No, workshops are a separate purchase. They offer hands-on, in-depth learning and will be available starting April 1, 2025. Spots are limited, so register early.

Can I volunteer at the conference?

Yes! Volunteering is a great way to experience the conference and connect with other creatives.
Become a volunteer →

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are available for cancellations made before August 22, 2025, subject to a $175 cancellation fee per pass. Workshop cancellations also have separate fees. After August 22, no refunds will be issued. Passes can be transferred to another person until September 20, 2025. For full details, visit our Refund Policy page.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes! We offer group discounts for teams or organizations. Contact us at circles@circlesco.com for more information on bulk pricing.

Register