Frank Chimero, frankchimero.com
Frank Chimero is an illustrator, graphic designer and writer based in Springfield, Missouri. Frank teaches design and typography at Missouri State University. He also frequently contributes his writing and illustrations to Thinking for a Living. Chimero's fascination with the creative process, curiosity and visual experience informs all of his work. Each piece is the part of an exploration in finding wit, surprise, honesty and joy in the world around us. For Frank, the work is play and the play is work. His clients include: The New York Times, Business Week, Starbucks, Fast Company, Money Magazine, Glamour Italia, Edizioni Corraini Press and Good Magazine.

Zack Shubkagel, VP Brand Experience, Willoughby Design
Zack is a multi-talented task master with 10 years of experience developing strategic design and communications. He has a strong portfolio of directing design and managing projects from the initial strategic definition through exploration and to their extension into environments and communications. Prior to working at Willoughby he served as Director of Graphic Design at BNIM Architects. Zack is a leader in the local design community as president of AIGA Kansas City, and a founding board member of the Kansas City Design Alliance.

As an expert in sustainable design he integrates best practices in terms of packaging, printing, interiors and communications. He is always pushing designers and clients towards more considerate solutions.

Zack has judged the AIGA St. Louis Design Awards, and for the Tulsa Art Director's Club. He has lectured on branding and sustainable design to several groups including the Kauffman Global Scholars and at the Hallmark Symposium at the University of Kansas. Zack has directed several award-winning projects that have been featured in Communication Arts, HOW Magazine, Print, Graphis, Novum, Step and Rockport Books. Zack has produced award-winning brand experiences recognized by AAF and AIGA for clients including New Leaf Paper, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, Sheridan's Lattes & Frozen Custard and Feng.

John Pietrafesa, partner and Creative Director at MODE
John Pietrafesa is partner and creative director at MODE a Charlotte based, branding and interactive agency that he founded in 2000. Over the past 9 years John has had the privilege of working with a diverse group of tremendous clients including: Anheuser-Busch, Fidelity, John Hancock, Imaginary Forces, MIT, Harvard Business School, Comcast, BlueCross BlueShield, QVC, AIGA, and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. John's work has been recognized by numerous design publications and organizations including, HOW, STEP, Print, Communication Arts, WOLDA, AIGA and UCDA. Outside of his work with MODE, John serves on the Advisory board of the Charlotte Chapter of the AIGA and stays involved by leading discussions, contributing to the development of national speaking events and the production of exhibitions. John has a hard time taking himself too seriously, thinks fake mustaches look distinguished and loves his wife and son Jacob dearly.