AAF-Akron

AAF-Akron Welcome to AAF-Akron, the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

We had a day of inspiration at Creative Exchange last week! We met painters, writers, graphic designers, fashion design...
05/26/2026

We had a day of inspiration at Creative Exchange last week! We met painters, writers, graphic designers, fashion designers…you name it, everyone was there!

Fantastic speakers from Akron Sneaker Academy, the Ohio Arts Council and the U.S. Commercial Service enlightened us with how to scale the creative economy.

Plus break out sessions about writing, business, portfolio, art as change and more.

We look forward to next year’s event!

Bravo to James Waters, our programs co-chair and Bitchin' Board Member of the Month! He went above and beyond in plannin...
05/22/2026

Bravo to James Waters, our programs co-chair and Bitchin' Board Member of the Month!

He went above and beyond in planning and executing Ohio Black Media Week. Thank you for your bitchin' service, James!

Want to be a part of the programs team? Send us a note.

Attention AAF-Akron Members, you should have received your ADvantage Card. If not, please let us know.Be sure to take AD...
05/21/2026

Attention AAF-Akron Members, you should have received your ADvantage Card. If not, please let us know.

Be sure to take ADvantage of discounts from local businesses!

Check out all of the offers, along with your national perks here:
https://www.aafakron.com/2026-2027-member-benefits/

Big huge thank you to our six BADDYz panelists for sitting down with us last week to share insights into their award-win...
05/20/2026

Big huge thank you to our six BADDYz panelists for sitting down with us last week to share insights into their award-winning work and personal creative journeys.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Circle of Fifths for hosting us!

Welcome new member Gwen Mangan!Gwen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Marketing and Sales Management from...
05/18/2026

Welcome new member Gwen Mangan!

Gwen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Marketing and Sales Management from The University of Akron. She has gained a variety of experiences within social media, PR, branding, SEO, and digital marketing through her internship and student employment experiences with The University of Akron, Kleidon & Associates, Power Graphics, and Hope & Healing.

During her time at Akron, she led multiple first-place client marketing projects and was honored as Fisher Ambassador of the Year for her time, service, and mentorship around campus. She really enjoyed giving back to the community, starting a program in leading her classmates to provide marketing activities for kids that are focused on creativity, communication, and hands-on learning; through this, she worked with organizations like Barberton Schools and The Girl Scouts of NEO.
Gwen is passionate about mentorship, giving back, storytelling, and staying engaged within the community, and plans to stay involved as an alumnus of the university through organizations like AMA and Delta Sigma Pi to continue mentoring students and young professionals.

In her free time, Gwen loves spending time with her cats and expressing her creativity in a variety of ways. She loves baking, arts and crafts, painting and drawing, graphic design, organizing community-focused events, and crafting homemade coffee creations.

It’s National BBQ Day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than headed over to award-winning Big Eu’es to get...
05/16/2026

It’s National BBQ Day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than headed over to award-winning Big Eu’es to get a taste of perfection!

We salute our longtime ADvertaster, partner and friend, Big Eu’es! They are celebrating 10 years this summer! Congrats!!!

We have a strong lineup of voices TONIGHT that you won’t want to miss.Wrapping up our panelist introductions strong. Mee...
05/14/2026

We have a strong lineup of voices TONIGHT that you won’t want to miss.

Wrapping up our panelist introductions strong.

Meet Marc Smith Jr. (he/him)

Marc is a graphic designer whose work is inspired by manga, video games, music, and the creativity that shaped him growing up. His goal? Creating designs that little kid him would have thought were the coolest thing ever.

Through his work in design, photography, and 3D art, Marc continues to build a bold, unique, and constantly evolving creative style. He’s passionate about learning, experimenting, and finding new ways to bring ideas to life.

Marc also brings an honest perspective to the creative industry, sharing how his identity and experiences have shaped both his work and the way he moves through creative spaces. Despite challenges, staying true to himself through his work has opened doors and helped define his artistic voice.

Some of his current goals include refining his photography style, developing more personal creative projects, and building a large scale fictional concept by the end of the year.

His favorite city to visit? New York City — for the art, energy, tucked away shops, and unmatched creative atmosphere.

Thank you to Marc for being part of this event!

We were thrilled to celebrate the one year anniversary of Canton Creative Meetup last Friday!It’s been amazing partnerin...
05/12/2026

We were thrilled to celebrate the one year anniversary of Canton Creative Meetup last Friday!

It’s been amazing partnering on so many events together and connecting with such a fun and creative community. Thank you for always bringing the good vibes!

We have a strong lineup of voices you won’t want to miss THIS Thursday 5/14/26. Meet Baxter (they/them/he/ze)Baxter is a...
05/12/2026

We have a strong lineup of voices you won’t want to miss THIS Thursday 5/14/26.

Meet Baxter (they/them/he/ze)

Baxter is a multi medium artist, serial entrepreneur, DJ, musician, designer, and community builder whose work blends hospitality, music, visual art, and creative direction.

As the founder of Baxter’s Speakeasy and a creative force behind Akron’s Historic Arts District, XXII Gallery, and Circle of 5ths, Baxter is passionate about creating spaces where artists and creatives can connect, grow, and find their voices.

With a background spanning art direction, hospitality, fashion, branding, and entertainment, Baxter brings decades of creative experience and an unmistakable energy to every project they touch.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Colorado with additional studies at Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music, Baxter’s creative journey has taken them from California and New York to building vibrant artistic communities here in Ohio.

One thing they love outside of work? Watching the blue herons near their home grow, learn to fly, and migrate each season with their husband.

Thank you to Baxter for being part of this event!

Address

259 S Broadway St
Akron, OH
44325-4805

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