More than a decade ago, CreativeMornings was launched out of a desire for ongoing, accessible events for creative communities to connect. Today, these communities gather in 223 cities across 67 countries — including right here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of CreativeMornings not only celebrates our city’s creative talent, but also promotes an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. From marketing legends to hometown heroes, speakers are selected by each chapter based on a global theme. This month’s theme is all about design and how to design is to create, play, think, and influence every interaction we have with the world around us.

Jordan Stranger, RRC Polytech grad and the artist behind TotemDoodem, is CreativeMornings Winnipeg’s speaker on Friday, October 29 from 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. CT. He’ll be unpacking the past by discussing his relationship to design from an Oji-Cree perspective, cultural influences and symbolism in his work, and the processes from which he draws inspiration. Registration is open and the virtual event is completely free.

Stranger graduated with a diploma in Graphic Design in 2012. Quickly becoming a household name in Winnipeg, Stranger’s colourful, pop art style of murals can be found on the walls of The Forks Market, FortWhyte Alive, and Winnipeg’s North End. He has designed logos for Apple app store icons, Indigo, and Festival Du Voyageur, held exhibitions at aceart inc and Graffiti Art Gallery, painted the Niakwa Trail Bridge, and hosted half a dozen workshops throughout the city.

His path from the halls of the college to the walls of the city developed organically. He spent nine years working as a graphic designer for an advertising company before branching out full-time as a self-employed visual artist and graphic designer in early 2021.

“Telling stories, using language, using colour, and the technique of making the murals themselves—I’m learning all the time. There is so much potential and the human mind is so untapped,” Stranger said.

You’ll hear more about the inspiration behind Stranger’s work on Friday, October 29, as well as entertainment from Manitoba musician “Warming”, plus you will have the chance to do a fun design activity. You won’t want to miss it!

The motto of CreativeMornings is “everyone is creative, everyone is welcome” – a perfect fit for Friendly Manitoba. Register now to attend Jordan’s presentation on October 29.