In a bold move to shape the future of creative work, Adobe has unveiled the Adobe Creative Collective—an elite group of visionary creative leaders whose expertise spans design, photography, filmmaking, illustration, and emerging technology. This initiative represents Adobe's commitment to elevating diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful conversations about how technology, particularly AI, is transforming the creative landscape.
A Powerhouse Assembly of Creative Minds
The Creative Collective brings together eight founding members, each a luminary in their respective field. These include fashion photographer Lindsay Adler, whose bold aesthetic and educational influence have shaped a generation of photographers; BrandonB (Brandon Baum), a VFX creator building high-impact visuals for the digital age; and Scott Belsky, founder of Behance and former Adobe Chief Product Officer, who continues to explore how creative work evolves alongside new technologies.
Other notable members include viral filmmaker Karen X Cheng, known for concept-driven videos that push creative boundaries; Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder of CreativeMornings and one of the most influential community builders in modern creative culture; legendary designer Stefan Sagmeister, whose work explores the intersection of design and human emotion; creative technologist Don Allen Stevenson III, who helps artists navigate AI and emerging media; and Tim Tadder, a boundary-pushing photographer exploring AI as a creative collaborator.
Why the Creative Collective Matters Now
The creative industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. AI technologies are rapidly reshaping workflows, expanding possibilities, and raising important questions about authorship, authenticity, and the future of creative careers. As Lindsay Adler noted when joining the Collective: "AI is not just the future; it is the now." She emphasizes the importance of being part of conversations that guide how these changes affect the industry, the craft, and client relationships.
For Brandon Baum, the Collective offers an opportunity to "share insights, collaborate with other leaders and help champion new ideas within the community." This sentiment reflects Adobe's broader mission: to support creatives not just with tools, but with inspiration, education, and practical resources to thrive in an evolving landscape.
Real-World Impact: From Summits to Resources
The Creative Collective isn't just a symbolic assembly—it's designed to drive tangible value for the creative community. Members will engage in several key initiatives:
Adobe 99U Conference: Returning on June 4 in New York City, this one-day live experience will focus on empowering creative professionals to make their ideas happen. The conference will feature conversations about how AI is reshaping creative practices, businesses, and workflows, with the Creative Collective playing a central role alongside other industry luminaries. Registration opens in February.
Creative Collective Summit Highlights: Biannual summits will bring members together to discuss the most pressing themes and emerging opportunities. Digests of these conversations will be shared to spark informed community dialogue and peer-to-peer learning.
Practical Community Resources: Drawing from insights and recommendations from the Collective, Adobe will develop playbooks and reports diving into what's working (and what isn't) across creative disciplines, helping creatives grow their craft and careers with actionable guidance.
Part of a Broader Ecosystem
The Creative Collective joins Adobe's existing portfolio of community-focused programs, including the Adobe Creative Apprenticeship, Adobe Digital Academy, and partnerships with CreativeMornings. These initiatives, alongside Create Now events and product feedback opportunities, demonstrate Adobe's long-term investment in creator success—providing tools, resources, and support to help creatives not just survive, but lead the next era of creative innovation.
Blending Disciplines, Expanding Possibilities
One of the most compelling aspects of the Creative Collective is its interdisciplinary nature. The creative world is no longer siloed—photographers experiment with motion design, illustrators explore 3D, filmmakers integrate AI-generated assets. The Collective reflects this reality, bringing together experts who understand that the future of creativity lies in blending disciplines, expanding what's possible, and engaging in deeper conversations about technology's role.
Adobe has promised to welcome new members over time, ensuring the Collective continues to reflect the breadth and diversity of the creative community. This adaptive approach ensures fresh viewpoints and evolving perspectives as the industry continues to transform.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Adobe Creative Collective marks a significant moment in creative industry history. It acknowledges that technology—particularly AI—is fundamentally changing how creative work is done, while simultaneously affirming that human creativity, vision, and artistry remain irreplaceable. By bringing together leading voices to share real-world experiences, practical tips, and forward-thinking perspectives, Adobe is helping ensure the creative community doesn't just adapt to change—it shapes it.
For creatives eager to stay connected and learn about future updates, Adobe has opened signups at adobe.ly/creativecollective.
As the creative landscape continues to evolve at unprecedented speed, initiatives like the Creative Collective offer more than inspiration—they provide community, guidance, and a shared commitment to ensuring technology elevates rather than replaces the human spirit at the heart of all great creative work.
Source: Adobe Blog