$60 EARLY BIRD ENDS 20 SEPTEMBER
Join us in Auckland for brunch, good company and practical tips for graphic designers
Where and when to join us
đ¤ | 9:30am to 1:00pm |
đ | Akarana Event Centre, Orakei, Auckland |
đ | Tuesday 20 October 2026 |
â | Plus an optional afternoon session |
Why come to our Creative Freedom Brunch?
Creative Freedom Brunch brings graphic designers together to think about what creative freedom looks like for you. Maybe it's having more time or a bigger say over the work you take on. Perhaps it's the confidence to charge what you're worth, or getting to do work you're proud of, without the stress that often tags along with running your own show.
Whatever creative freedom looks like for you, you'll leave with fresh ideas, a few new friends and a clear sense of how to build more freedom into the way you work.
Whatâs included on the day
Seven steps to creative freedom
Jeremy Johnson, author of Creative Freedom, on the practical habits behind a freer, calmer and more profitable creative business.
Campfire chat
With Kristy Campbell from Pink Pony Creative on exploring creative freedom and the role of AI in design.
Brunch, lunch and time to connect
Have meaningful conversations with other graphic designers, harbour side in Okahu Bay.
A panel of creatives
On what creative freedom really takes: the wins, the hard lessons and the honest reality of running a creative business.
Get your own copy of Creative Freedom
Creative Freedom is a 100+ page guide for running a graphic design business so you feel more in control, valued at $29.99.
A hands-on AI workshop
Where you'll work through the real challenges and opportunities AI brings, and walk away with practical tools and resources.
Who you'll hear from
Campfire chat with Kristy
Kristy Campbell is the founder of Pink Pony Creative, an Auckland-based Brand Identity Designer, Content Creator and International Speaker known for her bold, boundary-pushing approach to branding. A self-proclaimed âCreative Cowgirl,â she has built a global studio powered by social media, working with clients across the US, Australia and beyond.
With an online audience of 744,000+ across Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, Kristy has transformed her distinct perspective into a worldwide platform and has spoken at Adobe conferences in the United States, sharing her strategy-first approach to brand identity.
She builds brands that refuse to blend in; bold by design, strategic at the core, and impossible to ignore.
Kimberley Torrie is a freelance Creative Director living in Auckland and the founder of Studio Dawn. With 14 years in advertising and design, she guides brands and people to become what they're capable of becoming, and leads both Stretchy Social Yoga Club and Picky Images.
Elise Syme sees branding as more than just making things look nice. She listens to businesses, asks thoughtful questions, and builds strong brand foundations. Elise works closely with her clients and takes a creative approach, suited to businesses seeking something different.
Laykanne Coetzee is the designer behind Rae Creative, a small creative studio helping businesses across New Zealand and Australia. Sheâs a big believer that good design doesnât need to be complicated, it just needs to feel right for the people behind the business.
Jeremy Johnson author of Creative Freedom and co-founder of Rocketspark, began as a freelance designer familiar with busy months and late nights. Over the years, he has focused on helping designers do their best work, charge their true value, and build businesses that give them more free time.
Grant Johnson Co-founder of Rocketspark and co-author of Creative Freedom. With a background in product and customer experience. Early in Rocketsparkâs life Grant worked with a number of clients on their design projects and knows full well the ups and downs of creative projects.
What you'll take away
Every session is built to send you home with tools that make a real difference to a creative business, including:
Winning enough of the right work, so you're choosing clients rather than chasing them
Pricing with confidence, so your business funds the life you actually want
Staying in control of the client process, instead of letting it control you
Turning the tricky moments, feedback, urgent jobs and scope creep into calm and confident conversations
Building a way of working that runs smoothly without running you into the ground
Feeling less alone, with the right people around you
We'll tackle AI head on: the concerns, the opportunities and clear actions you can take
The venue
We're right on the water at the Akarana Event Centre, in Orakei, With panoramic views of the Auckland cityscape, WaitematÄ Harbour and out to Rangitoto, youâll find a relaxed vibe that is perfect for connecting with other freelance designers.
Creative Freedom the book, included in your ticket
Creative Freedom is a 100+ page practical guide for graphic designers who want more control, better clients, and a freelance business that actually feels good to run, valued at $29.99.
Freelancing promises freedom - but without the right foundations, it can quickly turn to stress, undercharging, awkward client conversations and work that never quite ends.
Lunch is on us. Keep the conversation going
Once the sessions wrap, you're invited to stay for lunch on us, with more time to chat and connect with the people around you.â¨
After lunch, stick around for a closer look at how designers are getting the most out of Rocketspark right now. We'll cover what's new, what's working and how a few smart tools are helping designers deliver better results for their clients.â¨
Lunch and the afternoon session are both on us. Come for just the brunch, or make a day of it.
Get your early bird ticket
Early bird: $60, available until 20 September 2026
General admission: $80, from 21 September 2026
Your ticket includes brunch, all the sessions, a copy of the Creative Freedom book and the optional lunch and afternoon session if you'd like to stay.
Can't make the ticket price work?
We never want cost to be the reason someone misses out. We have some subsidised places set aside, and if you'd love to join us but things are a little tight right now, please get in touch.
FAQs
Who is this event for?
Graphic designers, web designers and small studios who want to sharpen their skills and connect with others doing similar work. If that sounds like you, you'll feel right at home.
Do I need to be a Rocketspark partner to come?
Not at all. This event is for any designer, whether you build on Rocketspark or not. In fact, many of the people coming along don't use Rocketspark as their platform. They're here for the community, the conversation and the chance to meet other designers.
What does my ticket cover?
You'll start with brunch, end with lunch and in between you'll hear from Jeremy Johnson (author of Creative Freedom), a panel of Auckland creatives, get stuck into a workshop that shows the value designers bring vs AI. There will also be loads of time to network and your own copy of the Creative Freedom book to take home.
Can I bring a colleague or a friend?
Absolutely, the more designers in the room the better. Just make sure they grab their own ticket before sales close, as seats are limited.
I've got a dietary requirement. Can you cater for that?
Yes. When you book your ticket there's a question where you can let us know, and we'll make sure the caterers have it covered.
When do ticket sales close?
Sales close on Friday 16 October. We wrap up a few days early to give the caterers final numbers, so grab your seat before then.
