Design, Storytelling, and Community Shine at Adobe Creative Café St. Louis

When guests first arrived at the Adobe Creative Café event in St. Louis on July 17th, they were greeted not just by the buzz of anticipation, but by hands-on fun. Attendees could dive straight into creativity with a custom patch project—choosing from hats or belt bags to make their own wearable art. A build-a-pen station let everyone craft a tool as unique as their ideas, while a photo booth captured the excitement with snapshots of friends and new connections. Food and drinks flowed to keep the conversations lively and the energy high. It was the kind of welcome that set the tone for a night dedicated to imagination and connection. It was pure creative magic from start to finish.

My custom Adobe creation

Earlier in the day, the Creative Café set the tone. Those welcome tables weren’t just for coffee—they served up a warm atmosphere where creatives could connect before the main spectacle. Among those hosting was Kelsey Slay, a graphic designer, illustrator, and self-described “crafty girl” who now shines as an Adobe Design Evangelist based in Tennessee. During her presentation, Kelsey shared an in-depth look at some latest AI technology in the Adobe universe. Her passion for empowering fellow designers with fun, clever content—like her popular Illustrator challenge series (30 parts and counting!)—really brought the creative spark to life.

Kelsey Slay shares off some new AI features in Photoshop

Destini Clark, one of the featured presenters, shared a behind-the-scenes look at a recent design process for her client Pieces of Clay, a vintage apparel brand that focuses on selling upcycled thrifted garments and providing styling services. A visionary art director and visual artist, Destini earned her BFA in Graphic Design and specializes in crafting dynamic, whimsical brand experiences for women-led businesses. Her work—rooted in illustration, art direction, installations, and storytelling—elevates everyday visuals into magical experiences.

Destini Clark shares her process on Pieces of Clay

But the creativity didn’t stop there. Jason Snell, known by his moniker SnellBeast, spoke about a Grammy award-winning RUN DMC documentary project that he recently worked on. With over two decades of experience, Snell’s vast repertoire spans brand identity, motion, illustration, and public art—delivered for powerhouse names like Amazon, ESPN, the Cincinnati Bengals, and Peacock, among many others.

Jason Snell shares some positive feedback from The New York Post on his RUN DMC project

From the hands-on activities earlier in the night to the inspiring talks that followed, the event flowed seamlessly between playful creativity and meaningful insight. Kelsey made design feel approachable and fun, Destini highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping brands, and Jason wowed with culturally bold work that crossed mediums and audiences. Together, they sparked conversations, fresh ideas, and a sense of momentum that left the room buzzing with inspiration. What stood out most was how different this felt from the day-to-day grind—it was a reminder that stepping outside of our normal routines and immersing ourselves in creative spaces can recharge us as designers. Events like this not only showcase what’s possible with the tools we use, they also encourage us to think bigger, connect with peers, and bring fresh energy back into our own work. I highly recommend attending if Adobe Creative Café comes to your area!

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