In collaboration with
New York creatives! Join us at Google for In Search of: talks, portfolio reviews and an afternoon of inspiration
How do you find your voice as a creative? On Thursday, November 19, we’re heading to Google in New York to explore just that, with a talk curated by publishing platform, It’s Nice That, and a conversation with Google. There’ll also be time to meet other creatives, plus portfolio reviews for UX designers.
We’ve teamed up with Google and It’s Nice That to bring you In Search of, an afternoon of talks, portfolio reviews, and creative connection.
Creatives are always searching for something, whether that be a new opportunity or technique to explore. This event is all about going In Search of Your Voice.
Maybe you’re trying to work out what ties your projects together, or wondering whether you need to settle on one style at all. And as AI becomes part of more creative practices, how do you make sure your own perspective comes through? We’re bringing creatives together to hear how others have approached these questions and get some inspiration for their work.
📅 Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
🕒 Time: 4–7pm ET
📍 Where: In person at Google, New York
⏰ Applications close: 11.59pm ET on Sunday, November 8, 2026
Please note: Due to limited capacity, applying does not guarantee a spot. Once applications close, we’ll email everyone who applied a form to confirm their attendance. Spots are first-come, first-served, so we recommend you complete it as soon as you receive it! If you secure a spot, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Spots for the Portfolio Reviews will be offered to applicants whose portfolios and/or projects most closely match the guidelines. Successful applicants will be emailed separately a week before the event.
What to expect
- A fresh perspective on your UX portfolio (4–5pm)
Get 15 minutes to showcase your work in a small group setting of UX designers, with reviewers from the Google design team. Read on for eligibility and application details. - An open conversation with Google
Hear from creatives across Google products in a fireside conversation. - An insightful presentation from Tabitha Swanson
NYC-based creative technologist, artist and AI consultant Tabitha Swanson will share how she’s developed her creative voice. Hear about the work and experiences that have shaped her approach, and where she turns when she needs inspiration. - Connect with other creatives
There’ll be time to chat with fellow attendees and the Google team, and carry on the conversations from the talks.
UX Portfolio Review sessions: Who should apply?
Do you have an app-first mindset? Our reviewers are excited to meet UX designers who have a core understanding of the user journey to deliver intuitive and engaging experiences. Whether it’s making a vacation frictionless to book, or a Story quick to post – if you love building products that look great and work well, we want to hear from you!
The sessions are open to UX designers. Applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have between 0 to 5 years of professional experience in the creative industry
- Be able to share a strong portfolio of product design work
As part of the application process, you will be required to share examples of your creative work. This could be anything from a PDF portfolio to a website with project links.
What should you include in your portfolio?
We’re excited to see projects that show your:
- 🎨 Craftsmanship: Products, platforms or experiences you kept looking and feeling fresh and consistent, and where you pushed execution, craft and longevity as far as they could go.
- 💡 Systems thinking: Work that shows how different parts of a system fit together, and your ability to analyze both specific problems and how they affect the bigger picture.
- 💻 AI fluency: Projects where you used AI to get things done or build prototypes, while understanding its limitations and keeping a critical eye on its output.
This can include professional work or personal projects. We recommend keeping this to a handful of examples. What matters most is seeing what you made, why you made it and how you think.
⏰ Apply via the button in this article by 11.59pm ET on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
FAQs
How are spots allocated for the Portfolio Review sessions?
The selection criteria for the Portfolio Review sessions is different from our usual Creative Lives in Progress Portfolio Reviews.
Spots will be allocated to those who meet the criteria and whose portfolios and/or projects most closely match the guidelines outlined in this article.
We know it’s tough when applications aren’t successful. While the criteria for the Portfolio Reviews opportunity is a little tighter, if you’re an emerging creative looking for advice and insight, we invite you to check out our other events.
Apply now to join us on November 19!
All accepted applicants will need to bring a valid government photo ID to check into the event (photos or photocopies of IDs cannot be accepted).