HOW2 Skill Sessions event series continues agencies’ collaboration to open dialogue, build diversity and develop creative talent

Charlotte, North Carolina-based creative agencies HUE HOUSE and Wray Ward are partnering to co-host a series of industry training events for new and emerging creatives in Charlotte Mecklenburg. Leaders from both agencies will serve as instructors for the HOW2 Skill Sessions, which will serve to develop creative talent and equity within the community.

The collaboration is a natural next step for HUE HOUSE and Wray Ward, two agencies playing leadership roles in the Charlotte Mecklenburg community, to ensure a more connected, supported, equitable and valued arts and creative sector.

“Our HOW2 Skill Sessions event series is designed to cultivate meaningful relationships, share valuable industry experience and offer skilled training while working together to provide more equitable access to creative career opportunities in the Charlotte region,” said David Butler, co-founder of HUE HOUSE, a Black-owned creative agency with a social enterprise model. “We’re excited to partner with Wray Ward to make it happen. Two agencies, one program. And you won’t find anything else like it in Charlotte.”

Butler and John Roberts, vice president and executive creative director of Wray Ward, Charlotte’s largest agency and longtime advocate for building a strong creative community, announced the partnership at THE BLOCK, a HUE HOUSE event that took place June 10. THE BLOCK is a monthly gathering that brings Black creatives and creative entrepreneurs together to share ideas and resources. Wray Ward hosted the event at its new office in the FreeMoreWest neighborhood.

“We’re proud to work with HUE HOUSE and THE BLOCK to elevate our industry and, as HUE HOUSE co-founder David ‘Dae-Lee’ Arrington so aptly describes, to ‘decolonize the creative industry,’”

Roberts said. “Simply put, we are committed to getting the best brilliant minds in the industry to do what they do best and do what they love. Our HOW2 Skills Sessions present an exciting way to do it.”

HOW2 Skill Sessions begin in July and alternate months through 2021. Dates and topics are:

HOW2 find a career within a creative agency | July 8, 2021 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) | Interact with the pros and explore the opportunities and skill sets needed within a full-service agency; from account leadership, project management, design, photography, video and animation to PR, social media and search marketing. Wray Ward and HUE HOUSE will share an overview of how agencies work as well as provide input and advice on how to hone talents and skills while putting passion to work in the marketing communications industry. Includes resume/portfolio review in breakout sessions.

HOW2 sharpen your photography and graphic design skills | September 9, 2021 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) | Listen, learn and interact with a panel of experienced and award-winning photographers and designers as they share stories about their passion and craft. Get hands-on training in breakout sessions including a Lighting Workshop for emerging photographers, as well as tips and tools for designers. Breakout sessions will also include one-on-one portfolio reviews.

HOW2 put your career into motion | November 11, 2021 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) | See their work and learn from some of Charlotte’s most creative and experienced videographers, animators and producers. Breakout sessions will include video techniques and training, how to animate illustrations and designs with tools such as After Effects, and explore what it takes to be an efficient and successful producer. Breakout sessions will also include one-on-one portfolio reviews.

The HOW2 Skill Sessions will be held at Wray Ward in its in-house studio, a 3,000-square-foot space with three, fully operational oversized garage doors for load-in, light and fresh air; a lounge area; green room; restrooms; and ample parking.

HOW2 Skill Sessions sign-ups are at itshuehouse.com/how2.