The creative world’s biggest reunion is almost here — and this year, it’s set to raise the bar.
From October 26–30, Adobe MAX 2025 takes over Los Angeles (and the internet) with thousands of designers, marketers, and visionaries ready to shape what’s next in design and creativity.
You’ll hear from icons like James Gunn, Shantanu Narayen, and other creative heavyweights redefining the way we think about design, AI, and storytelling.
In this post, we’re breaking down what Adobe MAX is all about, the sessions and speakers to watch, and why you’ll want to be part of it — in Los Angeles or from your laptop.
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What Is Adobe MAX 2025?
Adobe MAX isn’t just another design conference — it’s the ultimate playground for creatives.
From October 26–30, thousands of designers, marketers, and innovators will meet in Los Angeles and online to explore the future of design, AI, and digital creativity.
Expect inspiring sessions led by visionaries and hands-on workshops that push your creative boundaries.
You can join in person or stream online for free, and teams of three or more save $300 per person.
Attendance is limited, so if you’re planning to go, now’s the time to grab your pass before MAX sells out!
10 Must-See Speakers (& Their Sessions) at Adobe MAX 2025
From musicians and artists to the visionaries leading Adobe, these are the 10 must-see speakers at Adobe MAX 2025:
1. Shantanu Narayen
As Adobe’s CEO and chair, Shantanu Narayen is shaping the conversation around AI, creative tools, and the future of digital storytelling.
His sessions, including the Opening Keynote, Adobe Vision reveal, and fireside chats with James Quincey of Coca-Cola and Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, offer a front-row seat into Adobe’s next creative moves.
Key Sessions:
GS8 - Europe, Middle East, and Africa Opening Keynote
GS7 - Asia Pacific Opening Keynote
2. David Wadhwani
When it comes to shaping Adobe’s creative future, David Wadhwani is at the center of it all.
As president of Adobe’s Digital Media Business, he leads Creative Cloud and Document Cloud, steering innovations in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Firefly.
Key Sessions:
GS10 - Europe, Middle East, and Africa Day Two Keynote
GS8 - Europe, Middle East, and Africa Opening Keynote
GS9 - Asia Pacific Day Two Keynote
GS7 - Asia Pacific Opening Keynote
3. James Gunn
If there’s one creative mind who knows how to mix heart, humor, and chaos, it’s James Gunn.
The mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, and 2025’s Superman, Gunn has redefined modern blockbuster storytelling.
As a keynote speaker at Adobe MAX 2025, he’ll bring his signature creative energy and cinematic perspective to the stage.
Key Sessions:
GS10 - Europe, Middle East, and Africa Day Two Keynote
GS9 - Asia Pacific Day Two Keynote
4. Yuko Shimizu
A true icon of modern illustration, Yuko Shimizu has spent over two decades creating bold, expressive work that blends Japanese heritage with contemporary storytelling.
From The New Yorker and TIME to DC Comics and Nike, her art has shaped culture across media.
Her sessions promise deep creative insight, vibrant storytelling, and inspiration for artists at every level.
Key Sessions:
OS6000a - What They Never Taught You: Real Talk about Your Creative Career
OS6000b - What They Never Taught You: Real Talk about Your Creative Career
S6000 - What They Never Taught You: Real Talk about Your Creative Career
5. Serwah Attafuah
Serwah Attafuah is a multidisciplinary artist and musician from West Sydney who blends digital surrealism with Afrofuturism.
Her work builds vivid worlds that feel both ancestral and futuristic, earning collaborations with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Nike, and Adobe, and recognition as one of digital art’s most exciting voices.
Key Session:
S6002 - Building Tomorrow: Digital Art as a Cultural Force
6. Aaron Draplin
Known for his bold, no-nonsense design style and larger-than-life personality, Aaron Draplin has built a creative empire from his Portland-based Draplin Design Co.
From NASA and Nike to Field Notes and Bernie Sanders, his work proves that great design can be both practical and packed with personality.
His sessions promise sharp insights, big laughs, and a healthy dose of design grit straight from the Pacific Northwest.
Key Sessions:
P6809 - Design A Logo the DDC Way...in a Day
S6006 - Downshift: Adventures in Slowing the Heck Down
7. Gemma O’Brien
Known for her energetic lettering and larger-than-life murals, Gemma O’Brien has turned words into powerful visual experiences.
Her art has appeared everywhere from Apple campaigns to the walls of Nike and Google, and even in the Cooper Hewitt Museum’s collection.
Key Sessions:
AL685 - Gemma O’Brien: Inspiration, Process, and Creative Growth
SS1 - Design Powerhouse Super Session: Maximizing Your Creativity
8. Karina Anglada
Karina Anglada knows her way around a great story.
After a decade working in post-production with major sports teams, she now helps shape the future of video at Adobe.
As Strategic Development Manager, she connects creators, brands, and technology to move the industry forward — one frame at a time.
Key Sessions:
S6600 - Social Media Secrets: From Idea to Upload
L6622 - Brand Essentials: Building Your Editing Starter Pack
OS631 - Social Media Secrets: From Idea to Upload
9. James Barnard
James Barnard, founder of Barnard Co., is an award-winning logo and visual identity designer with over 15 years of experience.
He juggles client projects while educating over a million followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, sharing practical design tips, in-depth tutorials, and honest insights to help creatives level up their skills.
Key Sessions:
S6230 - Turning Likes into Leads: Navigating Social Media as a Designer
S6333 - Turbocharge Your Illustrator Game: Speed, Shortcuts, & Optimization
10. Vinnie Hobbs
Vinnie Hobbs is the creative force behind music videos for Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Future. His editing style is fast, bold, and full of rhythm, perfectly matching sound with story.
With multiple MTV VMA nominations, he’s known for transforming music into powerful, unforgettable visuals.
Key Session:
S6007 - The Heart and Mind of Editing Award-Winning Music Videos
5 Key Benefits of Attending Adobe MAX 2025
Here are five reasons why you absolutely can’t miss Adobe MAX 2025:
1. Unlock Creative Thinking That Breaks the Mold
MAX isn’t about doing more of the same; it’s about completely reimagining what’s possible.
You’ll learn from visionary designers, marketers, and storytellers who are redefining creativity in a world powered by AI and innovation.
Expect mind-expanding talks, bold perspectives, and new ways of thinking that help you move beyond graphic design trends and formulas to create truly original work.
2. Expand Your Skill Set Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Whether you’re deep into branding, motion design, 3D, or social content, Adobe MAX offers workshops that stretch your abilities in every direction.
You’ll get hands-on with the latest Adobe tools, explore experimental techniques, and pick up practical, workflow-changing skills you can use the moment you’re back at your desk.
3. Turn AI Into Your Creative Advantage
At MAX, you’ll see exactly how the best creators use generative tools to accelerate production, brainstorm faster, and make space for deeper human creativity.
From Adobe Firefly to cutting-edge workflows, you’ll walk away knowing how to collaborate with AI rather than compete against it.
4. Learn How the Best Brands Think
MAX goes far beyond software demos.
You’ll step inside the creative processes of global brands and agencies that set the industry standard for storytelling, design strategy, and innovation.
Hear how brand leaders from Coca-Cola, Paramount, Logitech, Sony Pictures Animation, and LinkedIn build and scale creative systems, and how to apply those lessons to your own work.
5. Build Connections That Outlast the Conference
Adobe MAX brings together one of the most diverse and inspiring creative communities in the world.
So, whether you’re meeting fellow designers over coffee in LA or joining virtual sessions from your studio, the relationships you build here can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship that last well beyond the event.
Don’t Just Attend Adobe MAX, Build on It with Designity
Adobe MAX 2025 is where new ideas and creative trends come to life, but the real magic happens when you put them into practice.
That’s where Designity comes in.
With our subscription-based Creative-as-a-Service model, you get a dedicated Creative Director and a vetted, top 3% creative team ready to help you apply the skills, tools, and design trends you discover at MAX to your own brand.
Whether it’s rethinking your visual identity, experimenting with motion and AI, or refreshing your marketing assets, Designity helps you move from inspired to in action.
Book a demo call to start your two-week trial (no upfront payment), and see how Designity helps you turn creative learning into lasting brand growth.
