Creative careers are built on wins, setbacks, pivots, and late nights questioning everything. Introducing Washington At Work — a new campaign spotlighting creative entrepreneurs and the real stories behind their businesses. Submit yours at wheelhousewa.fillout.com/washingtonat...

May is flying by, but the opportunities aren’t slowing down. This Creative Roundup is packed with applications, workshops, and resources designed to sharpen your entrepreneurial edge and keep your creative career moving forward. Know an event that belongs in a future roundup? Send it our way!

Contracts are confusing! It can feel like navigating a maze with all those pages of jargon, but it's an essential business skill that every freelance independent contractor should have. Luckily, with this How-To Guide, you can read (and write) a contract in no time. ow.ly/mAC350Z2QuK

Last week, Wheelhouse tabled at the inaugural Cre8te Summit, a two-day curated gathering that highlighted the importance of meaningful conversations and connections in an ever-evolving creative economy. We always enjoy being out in community and engaging with local creatives. Thanks for having us!

May has officially been named Creative and Creator Economy Month, and there is no better place to be than at Cre8te Summit '26. Wheelhouse is excited to be in attendance both days to chat all things creative economy, business, and systems. www.cre8tesummit.com

📣 We're bringing you a Creative Roundup to get you through the week! Check out these opportunities to share your work with your community and expand your business connections. Have an event you think would fit into a roundup? Send us a message! #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy

📚 Dylan Quarles has sold over 100,000 books and is now screenwriting with Hollywood producers, but getting to this point hasn’t been easy! Dive into his journey in this Statewide Story! ow.ly/nV2f50YG2Qz

Mike Caemmerer was destined to be a creative—his father was an art professor, and his mother was a weaver! He chatted with us about how his lived experiences have helped him grow into the creative entrepreneur he is today.  ow.ly/fHql50YBwSZ

When it comes to pricing your work, it’s not just about your product or service, but also the time, intuition and expertise that goes into it. We present a simple formula to determine your price, as well as tips for knowing your non-negotiables and pricing traps to look out for. ow.ly/12EL50YxNHg

POP QUIZ! What’s the financial backbone of creative businesses? If you answered digital payments, you’re correct! This latest cheat sheet takes you through the process, from identifying your goals to understanding the fees you may encounter along the way.  Start learning at ow.ly/Ctgi50YsCeW

Nicole Bishopp is a Bellingham artist creating intricate designs that can be found on hats, longboards and even bike fenders! In this Statewide Story, Bishopp chats with us on what inspired her to start the work she does now and her advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs.   🔗 ow.ly/lamx50Yqtjc

🎉 THANK YOU to everyone who came to Creatives Get Real last night! Y'all filled the room with such great energy. Big shoutout to our panelists, Mx. Pucks A’Plenty, Joe Seamons and Lou Vargas, for sharing their insightful stories with us.

Joe Seamons is a musician, educator and the final panelist for Creatives Get Real! As the co-founder of The Rhapsody Project, he builds communities that serve and center young people while establishing cultural equity. Get to know how he's created these spaces tomorrow night! ow.ly/mTKa50Ylk1P

Up next is Lou Vargas! Vargas brings his experience as the founder of Fil-Am Fashion Week, an initiative rooted in fashion decolonization and the celebration of Filipinx identity through fashion and art. Hear how he's prioritized his culture in his work on February 25! 🔗 forms.gle/5N1WQFB7r7Ym...

✨ Our next panelist, Mx. Pucks A'Plenty, is all about spreading their Black queer magic wherever they go! Come learn all about their performing and producing journey on February 25! 🔗 RSVP at forms.gle/5N1WQFB7r7Ym...

Meet Tomas Gomez, founder of Pancake Games and the first panelist for our Creatives Get Real event in Seattle! Gomez started out as a 3D environment artist, but dove into technical art and programming later on. Learn how he's navigated his gaming business journey on February 25! 🔗 ow.ly/WggL50Yfq4C

What are your thoughts on the starving artist trope? ‘Cause Elaine Eagle calls total BS. She’s a full-time musician who loves what she does! Eagle brings her candid self to this Statewide Story that'll have you wanting to hear more. Start reading at ow.ly/FnSt50Y7THj

We’re pumped to kick off the first Creatives Get Real of 2026 in Seattle! 📍 ArtLove Salon, 4th Floor 📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 ⏰ 6 - 8 PM 👥 Free to attend, space is limited. Appetizers and drinks are on us! 🔗 RSVP at forms.gle/5N1WQFB7r7Ym...

Meet Sasha Fair — a painter who loves painting the outdoors, local life, and the people around her. See her works at sashafair.com 🔗 Tell us your creative business story for the chance to be featured! ow.ly/kknn50Y59z1 #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #StatewideSpotlight

Are you struggling to balance your craft and financial stability? Nicole Kidder is the latest creative to provide her insights. We also got her thoughts on building a sustainable freelance business, what should be in a writer’s portfolio and how to navigate contracts. ow.ly/NntF50Y1uo3

Last week, we welcomed the 2026 Legislative Session by delivering ceramic bowls, chocolate coins and cards to the State Capitol. Handcrafted by Tall Tree Ceramics in Plain, WA, the bowls serve as a reminder of all the creatives building their careers here in the state.

Washington Filmworks and @wheelhousewa.bsky.social staff had a wonderful time gathering in Seattle last week to strategize as we head into the new year. As statewide orgs, we always cherish the opportunity to spend time in person with this amazing group of humans. There is much in store for 2026!

❄️ The Wheelhouse team is slowing down to enjoy the season. We’ll be checking email intermittently while we prepare for 2026. We will return to regular office hours starting Monday, January 5, 2026. Happy Holidays!

Since going into effect October 1, 2025, there have been many questions surrounding ESSB 5814. We’ve compiled a growing list of resources that you can refer to for guidance. Swipe through for a preview!  🔗 You can find the links to these resources at www.wheelhousewa.org/sb5814

✏️ Squire Broel believes in slow art — the kind that builds a deep appreciation for the creative process. He spoke with us about adopting a unique business model, what artists should do at the beginning of their careers and how he honors client timelines.  🔗 Read more at ow.ly/Q9ls50XATyR

Start your Monday off with this collection of creative events and opportunities! Want to be featured in our next roundup? Send us a message!  #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #CreativeOpportunities #WashingtonState #WashingtonCreatives #WashingtonEvents

👋 Meet Jason Bennett—a singer/songwriter/guitarist for 40 years. He now focuses primarily on oil painting and wallows in contemporary folk art expressionism. Check out more at www.bennettfolk.com 🔗 Tell us your creative business story! ow.ly/FAna50XqIeY

🍰 Faith Charlotte is crafting the tastiest looking treats—but not the ones you can eat! She’s the creative behind Ceramic Charlie, a Tri-Cities-based business known for its unique ceramic goods. How does she do it?  Read all about it at ow.ly/f9AF50Xm69z

🎨 Meet Charles Spitzack—an artist and arts educator based in Seattle, WA, specializing in woodcut printmaking. He creates work in his personal studio, teaches printmaking to a diverse range of students, and serves as Board President of Seattle Print Arts. 🔗 Tell us your story at ow.ly/Lmk350Xl6B3

🍂 Let’s round out October with a Creative Roundup! There are tons of community events happening, along with a few open calls mixed in. Swipe for the deets on these awesome events and opportunities. Want to be featured in our next roundup? Send us a message!  #WheelhouseWA #CreativeEconomy

💍 Joanne Marracci creates not only stunning jewelry pieces, but color-coordinated spreadsheets too! Lucky for us, we got to chat with Marracci on how she uses Excel, her technique to pricing goods, and how she’s dealt with self-doubt surrounding her work. 🔗 Learn all about it at ow.ly/EQXr50Xh4Ti

🪴 Meet Eva Lee—co-owner of The Kristen Paul Collection, a small batch, handmade botanical infused body care business. Find out more at thekristenpaulcollection.com. 🔗 Want to be spotlighted? Tell us your creative business story! ow.ly/pqyE50XfcAO

📸 Deputy Director Rachelle Nesta had a fantastic time at this year's Creative Economy Career Day! Creative Economy Career Day is a free, annual event presented by the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development and Office of Arts & Culture for young individuals interested in creative careers.

💡 An important reminder from Michelle Pope, Creative Economy Coalition member and previous panelist at our Creatives Get Real event in Olympia, for anyone working to elevate their craft and creative business. Keep at it!  ❓ What goals are you working towards for your business? Let us know below!

The idea for Indigenous Eats began after Jenny Slagle ran concessions at a powwow, and they've since opened two physical locations in Spokane. Slagle took us through their journey of opening the business, and the decision to bring on a 28-foot food trailer.  Dig into this story at ow.ly/w99c50X9kP2

👋 Meet Pooja Ganesh, a Kathak artist, vocalist, educator and choreographer with over 15 years of training. Want to be featured? Share your creative business story with us! ow.ly/PEPY50WEOM2 #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #WashingtonCreatives #KirklandCreatives #StatewideSpotlight

🎃 There's lots happening across Washington State this spooky month! You’ll find a day dedicated to creative careers, a film summit and more. Swipe for the deets on these awesome events and opportunities.  Want to be featured in our next roundup? Send us a message!

🎥 Megan Kennedy of Rogue Heart Media is all about media that makes a difference. Definition: she’s helping others find their voice to create genuine stories. So, how does she decide who to work with? Why a B Corp business? What’s her experience with networking? Learn more at ow.ly/je3t50X4uHL

Aramis Hamer transitioned from full-time registered nurse to full-time working artist, and has been on the journey since! We sat down to find out how she made the shift strategically and how the small connections made in her community transformed into her biggest projects.  🔗 ow.ly/Kphu50X1KMw

🌤️ The weather may be getting cooler, but the creative opportunities are hotter than ever! Swipe to learn all about it.  #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #CreativeOpportunities #WashingtonState #WashingtonCreatives #WashingtonEvents

We would like to make you aware of new resources available for Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. Businesses will be required to begin collecting sales tax on these services on October 1. Learn more at conta.cc/3Kb8ynr

If you’re trying to launch your small business, Google, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are the biggest platforms nowadays. This guide will walk you through how to utilize each one to its fullest, with insightful tips along the way. 🔗 ow.ly/tarN50WXclm

🎊 Wenatchee! Thank you for making Creatives Get Real a success! Big thanks to our panelists, for bringing their insightful stories and Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center for having us at their incredible space. Shoutout to board member Jamie Howell for helping us make this event possible!

For Andre Bouchard, there’s no denying that organizational culture is a fundamental building block of any business. From the internal to external aspects, Bouchard dives into what makes culture the common denominator for successful creative businesses and connections. 🔗 ow.ly/3VXg50WW09x

🎙️ Last, but certainly not least, is Derek Sheffield who rounds out the panel at our upcoming Creatives Get Real event in Wenatchee. 🔗 RSVP at ow.ly/iAtL50WOqWp #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #WashingtonCreatives #WenatcheeCreatives #poetlaureate #poetry

🎤 Up next is Ron Evans, offering a master of many perspectives to the panel at our upcoming Creatives Get Real event in Wenatchee. 🔗 RSVP at ow.ly/iAtL50WOqWp #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #CreativePanels #WashingtonCreatives #WenatcheeCreatives #art

🎙️ Meet Elaine Eagle, another bold voice at our upcoming Creatives Get Real event in Wenatchee! 🔗 RSVP at ow.ly/OXcX50WNb1m #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #CreativePanels #WashingtonCreatives #WenatcheeCreatives #musician #songwriting

🎤 Ready to get real? Meet Mike Caemmerer of Tall Tree Ceramics, one of the bold voices at our upcoming Creatives Get Real event in Wenatchee. 🔗 RSVP at ow.ly/OXcX50WNb1m

Creatives Get Real is hitting the road! Next stop: WENATCHEE We're bringing you unfiltered conversations with our powerhouse panelists. Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center Tuesday, September 9, 2025 6—8 PM Doors open at 6 PM, program begins 6:30 PM RSVP at tinyurl.com/wenatchee-cr...

✨ Field trips, gaming expos, poetic concerts, oh my! Swipe for the deets on these cool events and opportunities in our latest creative roundup.  #WheelhouseWA #BadassCreative #CreativeEconomy #CreativeEvents #CreativeOpportunities #WashingtonState #WashingtonCreatives #WashingtonEvents