Creativity is Everywhere - Hallmark Creative Leadership Symposium

This month, I had the amazing opportunity to present at Hallmark’s Annual Creative Leadership Symposium, a daylong celebration of creativity for 800+ Hallmark employees across the globe. Hallmark’s headquarters are right here in Kansas City, and their deep connection to the local creative community made this an even more special event for me. I’ve wanted to share Coloratura with someone at Hallmark for years, so this opportunity was truly a dream come true.

I spent six months revising my keynote speech and updating the technology behind Coloratura to ensure that I could present it in the best possible light.

One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is, “How in the world did you come up with the idea for Coloratura?” While I can explain the inspiration behind my musical paintbrushes, it’s an experience that’s best seen and felt firsthand. That’s why I believe in the power of "show, don’t tell." At the symposium, I had the chance to do what I call the “Coloratura Trifecta”: a keynote speech, a live performance, and an interactive demo where attendees could experiment with blending sound and color and create their own audiovisual soundscapes.

In my keynote, I focused on the magic that happens when art and technology intersect, and the importance of trusting the creative process—embracing experimentation, learning from mistakes, and letting the journey shape the outcome. It was such a joy to share this message with the Hallmark community, who fully embody these principles in their own work.

One of the most meaningful moments of the event was reuniting musically with my former bandmate, Kristin Schultz, for a special Coloratura duet. Performing together again after more than a decade was a beautiful reminder of how collaboration and community are central to my work. It was a full-circle moment that made the day even more unforgettable.

I’m incredibly grateful to Hallmark for the invitation to share my story and work with such a creative and inspiring group of people. A special thank you goes out to everyone who helped me prepare for the day, especially my dad, who has been my tireless supporter every step of the way.