SPARK Showcase

For our first-ever SPARK Showcase, Andy Outis, Jes Perilla, Jenni Schwartz, and Niyati Shah are taking the (virtual) stage for an evening dedicated to the work our members are making right now. 

Each presenter will walk us through a recent project from the inside: what the brief called for, the challenges that came up along the way, and the solutions that carried the work to the finish line. After each presentation, we'll open the floor for questions and discussion, so you can dig into the decisions, the process, and the thinking behind the work. 

Whether you're looking for inspiration, a fresh approach to a familiar problem, or a closer look at how your peers run their projects, this is a chance to learn directly from the people doing the work. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS 

Andy Outis is the Founder and Creative Director of Shift7.Studio, an adventurous multidisciplinary design studio in Brooklyn that tells bold narratives through brand, editorial, experiential, motion, and communications design. He began his creative path as a graffiti writer, and strives to keep a spirit of benevolent mischief in his work. 

Jessica (Jes) Perilla is the Principal of JPD Studio®, a women- and minority-led creative studio she established in New York City in 2007. With 26 years of experience in design, technology, and brand strategy, she leads an all-women team creating impactful brands and digital experiences for nonprofits, cultural institutions, and mission-driven organizations. Her clients include Roxane Gay, Hunger Solutions New York, Hot Bread Kitchen, and the National Comedy Center. A former instructor at the School of Visual Arts, she currently serves on the Board of Directors at The College of Westchester. 

Jenni Schwartz is the co-owner and creative director of Solmark Creative, a digital design and branding studio based in South Florida. For over two decades, she has helped brands make their mark, with a focus on the wellness and hospitality industries. Solmark has branded and built websites for hundreds of fitness studios around the world and is a Webflow Premium Partner and a certified partner of Mariana Tek, Shopify, Uscreen, and Mailchimp. Jenni speaks and coaches on the power of niching, helping fellow designers find and own their space. She is the founder and co-host of CreativeMornings Palm Beach, which she has run for the past 10 years, and will be leading a Braindate session at Adobe MAX in Miami this November. 

Niyati Shah is the founder and Creative Director of Create Forward, a design studio partnering with growth-stage teams across healthcare, biotech, finance, and social impact. She shapes strategy and narrative for her clients' high-stakes moments, from fundraising and sales to keynotes and conference presentations. Niyati began her career in technology consulting at Accenture, where she saw how the right materials can drive growth.