Charleston graphic designer Alexander Griffin, owner of Gumbo Design Co., brings a “brand” new one-day conference to Charleston’s creative community Sunday at Holy City Brewing.
The event, Branded to Death, includes workshops and networking opportunities for designers, artists and other creatives from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person.
“It’s meant to celebrate the creative community of Charleston,” Griffin said. “The concentration is in branding and graphic design, but that’s not just the sole focus. It’s about muralists, screen printers and artists who curate a brand for themselves and have a space to celebrate that.”
Local artists Connor Lock and Grizzly Wheeler will lead keynote talks while Griffin joins other designers Chris Kemp, Brandon Crawford and Chris Miller for a workshop on beer can branding.
“We wanted to have a space to celebrate artists, have some expos, workshops, creative speaking and cool creative entertainment happening at the event.” Griffin said “Then have something to build on next year. We’ll curate it even more, maybe add a theme and so on.”
Branded to Death takes place at Holy City Brewing’s Porter Room, a private event space in North Charleston that allows easy access to the brewery and a large outdoor area overlooking Noisette Creek.
Between workshops and talks, Griffin said attendees can browse artist demonstrations and vendor booths set up outside or even pop over to the brewery for a beer or snack.
Local participating artists include Chelsea Burkett, Lauren Ridenour, Caroline Herring, Taylor Faulkner, Creighton Barrett and more.
“This event is for everyone,” he said. “Business owners can meet their next designer here, or meet a local screen printer or local artist who does installations, murals or signage painting. It’s a great networking event.”
Young creatives are welcome at this event too, as a freelancing 101 workshop will teach newbies how to start a freelance business, curate a social media presence and build a personal brand.
“One thing that was big for me is keeping it local,” Griffin said. “But, I’m sure as it grows, we’ll become more regional.”
The idea for the conference started when Griffin created a podcast, Branded to Death, during the pandemic. He spoke with other friends and peers in the industry about daily experiences designers often deal with.
Discussions about hosting a local creative conference “that celebrates the design and art community” arose. Eventually, Griffin said he realized if he wanted to see this come to fruition, he would have to create the event himself.
“I joke a lot with other creatives that this is an event for creatives by creatives,” Griffin said. “We’re kind of doing it our own way. There are other events in Charleston and across the U.S. in a similar format, but I think this is a different approach.”
To find out more or purchase tickets, visit brandedtodeath.com.
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