This month Bright & Early welcomes Mike Spakowski, the founder of Bright & Early and Partner/Creative Director of Atomicdust.

Here is what you can expect:

The Emperor’s New Brand
(And other things I’ve learned about the business of creative services)

Every night for years, Mike Spakowski read the classic story The Emperor’s New Clothes to his sons.

And every night, as the stress of running a creative agency crept in, he started seeing less of a fairy tale—and more of a painfully accurate metaphor for the creative industry.

In this fast, funny talk, Mike breaks down what The Emperor’s New Clothes gets right about clients, branding, and selling ideas that may or may not exist. From confident tailors and groupthink crowds to awkward presentations and honest feedback, The Emperor’s New Brand explores what he’s learned about the strange business of helping people become a better version of themselves—and selling the invisible.

There will be laughs. There will be lessons. Possibly pants.

Atomicdust, is a branding and design consultancy that uses creativity to build competitive advantages for businesses. A big part of their work is serving cool and iconic St. Louis brands that make our city a great place to live.

This is event is free: SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE.

Created by Mike Spakowski of AtomicDust, Bright&Early, is a monthly coffee experience designed to highlight and promote the STL creative community. Prepare to be inspired by St. Louis's most creative minds every third Friday of the month. Powered by STL.org.

• doors open at 7:30AM

• presentation begins at 8AM

• we’ll be at the CURIOSITY Building at 3033 Locust Street, 63103

• coffee provided (gratis) by STL.org — award for who drinks the most

• parking is easiest on the street (and early enough for low competition)