AI, Design, and Imagination Collide at Upscale Conference 2025 in San Francisco

What happens when creativity meets computation? 

Some of the most visionary minds in design and AI will answer that question head-on at The Upscale Conference 2025 on May 20-21.

Organized by Freepik, the event brings creators, technologists, and innovators together in San Francisco and explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), design, and creativity.

 

 

 

 

 

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Its goal is to foster meaningful discussions on how technology can amplify human imagination and elevate creative work in the digital era.

“At Upscale Conf, we’re sparking bold conversations about AI as the ultimate creative sidekick. We’re bringing together design industry leaders, passionate creators, and AI tool experts to mix human ingenuity with AI’s potential," says Paula Vivas, Head of US Marketing for Upscale Conf.

"It’s the perfect vibe to shape our new professional landscape, where creativity and tech team up to define what’s next."

The speaker lineup includes a mix of industry veterans and rising voices, including:

• John Maeda, VP of Engineering and Head of Computational Design and AI Platform at Microsoft
• Julie Zhuo, Co-Founder at Sundial
• Chad Nelson, Creative Director at Open AI
• Ben Barry, Founder of Nonlinear
• Bradley G Munkowitz (GMUNK), Director and Digital Artist at GMUNK
• Claire Xue, AI Creative Educator and Community Builder
• Leonardo De La Rocha, VP of Design at SimplePractice
• Sofia Lopez, AI Growth Manager at Freepik
• Andrea Trabucco-Campos, Partner at Pentagram
• Jason Zada, CCO at Secret Level
• David Jensenius, Developer at Github Pilot
• Linus Ekenstam, AI futurist and Co-founder of Bedtimestory.AI

GMUNK has spent decades redefining digital art, motion design, and the human connection to technology.

From crafting the iconic Windows 10 wallpaper to designing holographic interfaces for Tron: Legacy and Oblivion, his work blends psychedelic themes, rich textures, and… pic.twitter.com/kKl9wmwrTi

— Upscale Conf (@upscaleconf) March 19, 2025

With voices spanning AI research, creative technology, and design leadership, the conference creates a space for cross-industry collaboration that reflects how real-world innovation happens — at the intersection of disciplines, tools, and ideas.

Exploring the Future of Digital Creativity

Beyond the keynote talks, this year’s Upscale Conference will also feature panel discussions and community-building workshop sessions.

These will focus on the ways AI is reshaping creative industries — from how designers work with generative tools to the ethical and aesthetic questions that come with them.

Last chance to get in there, early birds!

You can still save $200, but not for long.

Lock your ticket for two days of AI, creativity, and innovation before prices go up!

👉🏼 https://t.co/73FUTeXpMbpic.twitter.com/3iV7YtF6SK

— Upscale Conf (@upscaleconf) April 2, 2025

Hosted at the SF Jazz Center, Upscale 2025 also offers creatives a chance to connect with peers, share their experiences, and take part in forming the future of design.

Early registration is now open, with early bird tickets available on the official Upscale Conference website.

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for design professionals. DesignRush recently compiled a list of the top design conferences from around the world to add to your calendar.