Meet Shawn Smith, Creative Director, CEO and driving force behind Shawnimals - a character design studio that believes in the power of unbridled, astonishing, ridiculous joy.

Each Shawnimal comes with its own story that starts in the Shawnimaland universe, but is then given over to clients like Nintendo to continue each unique creature's adventure in their own marketing universe. With partner Jen Brody and its staff, Chicago-based Shawnimals has grown quickly from its humble beginnings. His huggable friends now appear as designer toys, lifestyle accessories, apparel, comic books, video games, in the form of blobs, hot dogs...even facial hair. Check them out here!

This is a free event.
Please RSVP to Sarah Smith sarah@chicagoportfolio.com to reserve a seat!

Friday Speaker Series is Co-Sponsored by AIGA Chicago.