On June 27, 2026, Making Midwest returned to the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) in Columbus, Ohio, bringing together motion designers, artists, filmmakers, creative directors, and industry leaders for a full day dedicated to defending human creativity.
Founded in 2015 by Matt Vojacek of Made By Things, Making Midwest has evolved from a regional gathering of motion design professionals into a creative community focused on connection, collaboration, and the future of the industry.
The 2026 event centered on a timely theme: Defending Creativity. As artificial intelligence and automation continue to reshape the creative landscape, Making Midwest challenged attendees to consider what makes human creativity valuable and why originality, craftsmanship, and meaningful connections matter more than ever.
Speakers & Presenters
The event featured an impressive lineup of creative leaders from some of the industry's most respected studios and organizations:
- Andy J. Pizza, Illustrator and Host of Creative Pep Talk
- Erin Sarofsky, President and Executive Creative Director at Sarofsky
- Kendra Ryan, Creative Director at BUCK
- EJ Hassenfratz, Creative Director at School of Motion
- Steph Hallett, Senior Motion Designer at Dash
- Joel Pilger, Creative Industry Advisor and Founder of Forum, Fabulist & Fuse
- Andre Foster, Co-Founder and Owner of First Fight
- Justin Barnes, Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner of VERSUS
- Ryan Summers, Creative Innovation Lead at Sarofsky
The program included individual presentations and a founder panel moderated by Joel Pilger, featuring Andre Foster, Justin Barnes, and Ryan Summers. Together, the speakers brought different perspectives on creative careers, leadership, artistic growth, and the changing industry.
More Than a Conference
Making Midwest 2026 was designed to be more than a series of presentations. Throughout the day, attendees participated in collaborative group projects, met fellow creatives, exchanged ideas, and built relationships with others who share a passion for making things.
The event featured networking opportunities, food trucks, and an evening after-party, creating space for conversations and connections beyond the stage.
A Community Worth Defending
At its heart, Making Midwest 2026 was a reminder that creativity isn't just about the work we produce. It's about the people, experiences, and perspectives behind it.
Rather than focusing solely on new technology or industry trends, the event encouraged creatives to recognize the value of their own voices, support one another, and take an active role in shaping the future of their industry.
Making Midwest 2026 stood for a simple idea: the future of creativity is worth fighting for, and it's better when we build it together.
