Recap
Session 1
Talia Cotton
Founder & Creative Director; Cotton
Talia Cotton is an American designer, coder, and creative entrepreneur. She is the Founder & Creative Director of Cotton, an award-winning creative agency known as the first to integrate design and coding as a single creative process. Formerly at Pentagram, she led data-driven & algorithmic design with Michael Bierut and Giorgia Lupi. Recognized by Fast Company, The New York Times, D&AD, TDC, and more, she was recently named a “Responsible Designer to Watch” and was awarded the Young Guns Award under 30. Talia frequently speaks internationally and leads workshops to inspire and educate designers on the impact of coding as a limitless creative medium.
Practical Pedagogy for the Next Generation of Designers
What happens when code becomes a design tool—and how can educators prepare students for that reality? In this session, designer and creative technologist Talia Cotton shares her experience leading a studio where programming and design are one and the same. With an emphasis on actionable insights, Talia will break down real-world projects that integrate emerging technologies like generative tools and custom-built systems—highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and what it means for the classroom. This talk is geared toward educators who want to bring technology into their teaching in meaningful ways, and will leave you with strategies, prompts, and starting points to bring back to your students.
Presentation (Video)
Session 2
Age of CI: Creative Intelligence Amplified by AI
Led by educators from FIT’s Creative Technology & Design program, the presentation features award-winning student and faculty work that integrates AI into design, from concept generation to user experience and storytelling. It will highlight how curriculum aligned with industry prepares students to thrive in an AI-augmented creative landscape.
Presentation (Video)
Christie Shin
Professor of Creative Technology and Design, FIT; Partner & Design Director, Cynda Media Lab; Co-Founder, DesignPortfolio.Center; Leader, Friends of Figma Education
Christie Shin is an educator and design director with 30+ years of experience in branding, UX/UI, digital product design, and typography. She teaches at SUNY FIT, where she also chairs the Curriculum Committee and co-coordinates Creative Technology & Design. Her accolades include the SUNY Chancellor’s Award (2023–24) and the 2017 Faculty Excellence Award.
A Pratt alumna, she holds a BFA in Graphic Design, an MS in Communication Design, and an MFA in Digital Product Design.
Shin is Partner and Design Director at Cynda Media Lab, with 60+ design awards to her name. In 2024, she launched the Design Portfolio Center and co-founded DSGN BY D., an eco-conscious brand. She frequently speaks at institutions like RISD and Cornell, bridging design education and industry.
C.J. Yeh
Professor of Animation and Game Design, FIT; Founder & Executive Creative Director, Cynda Media Lab
C.J. Yeh is a creative director, artist, educator, and author. Yeh is the founder of Cynda Media Lab, an award-winning interdisciplinary design studio. Cynda Media Lab’s list of clients includes Google, legendary composer Alan Menken, and GUND. As an expert in digital branding and visual identity system design, Yeh has been awarded the Communication Arts Typography Award, the HOW International Design Award, and the iF Design Award. Yeh has had solo exhibitions at the Queens Museum of Art, The Museum at FIT, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei. He has also lectured extensively around the world, speaking at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Cornell University, the United Nations, and TEDx.
Troy Richards
Dean, School of Art and Design, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Troy Richards is the dean for the School of Art and Design, overseeing the school’s 17 associate and baccalaureate programs as well as the gallery space in the Pomerantz Art and Design Center. He came to FIT in 2017 from the University of Delaware, where he worked from 2008 to 2017 as an associate professor in art and design and served in a number of leadership roles, including interim associate dean for the arts. He holds an MFA from Cranbrook Art Academy and a BFA from the University of Arts in Philadelphia.
As an artist, Richards works in a range of media and often collaboratively. He has exhibited widely nationally and has received numerous awards and grants, including the 2007 Ohio Arts Council Grant for Individual Excellence and a 2017 Delaware Division of Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, Established Professional category.
Richards has had solo exhibitions at Grand Arts (Kansas City, MO), Thomas Robertello Gallery (Chicago and Aqua Art Miami), and Whittier College (Whittier, CA). His work has been shown in exhibitions in New York City at P.S.1, White Columns, Socrates Sculpture Park, the Queens Museum of Art, the International Print Center, and the Center for Book Arts, among other venues. “The Criminal Us,” an ongoing project with Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, is included in the exhibition Prisons Today, which won the overall prize for excellence from the American Alliance of Museums in 2017. His work has been reviewed in The New York Times, New Art Examiner, Time Out New York, NY Arts magazine, Newcity (Chicago) magazine, and others.
Session 3
Joey Hunter
Chief Creative Officer at Entropico
Joey Hunter is a creative visionary who thrives at the intersection of film, advertising, and technology. As the US Chief Creative Officer and partner at Entropico, a dynamic hybrid creative agency and production studio with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, and New York City, Joey leads the charge in crafting innovative, immersive experiences and campaigns that resonate with today's digitally savvy audiences.
His journey began as an editor, where he honed his storytelling skills and developed a keen eye for visual narratives. After years of mastering his editing craft, he eventually expanded his repertoire to encompass directing and 3D rendering in Unreal Engine, becoming a master of translating creative visions into compelling realities.
This unique blend of skills and passion for pushing creative boundaries has been instrumental in shaping Entropico's success. Joey's drive to harness emerging technologies to enhance and amplify storytelling has led to the successful direction and leadership of global campaigns for major brands like YouTube, Tidal, Tripadvisor, and Google, captivating audiences and redefining the possibilities of digital engagement.
Joey's commitment to excellence is reflected in his impressive list of accolades, including Triple J's Australian Music Video of the Year in 2020, a nomination for the 2021 MTV Music Video Awards, two 2023 Webby Awards for YouTube Game On, a Telly Award Gold for Hulu's "The Clearing" main title design, and a 2025 D&AD Wood Pencil for Google's "Black-Owned Friday" campaign.
Originally from Australia, Joey's creative spirit was ignited within a vibrant artistic community immersed in music videos and live events. This early exposure instilled in him a love for internet culture and exploring new forms of filmmaking. After honing his craft freelancing and at various production companies, Joey brought his unique perspective to Entropico, where he inspires his team to challenge conventions and embrace innovation.
Joey Hunter's story is one of passion, thoughtful innovation, and a constant quest for the next exciting challenge in the world of film and advertising. With a passion for collaboration and a drive to push creative boundaries, he is a force multiplier for any brand looking to make a real impact.
What makes a creative hireable in the age of AI?
Why emotion, curiosity, and craft still matter.
Presentation (Video)
Presentation (Slides)
