About this Event
Get Good at Starting Over:
Do great work, create your own opportunities, and build a creative career on your terms
There’s no clear path through a creative career
You can get good at what you do, build a reputation, find success…and still reach a point where the next step isn’t obvious.
Matthew Chen knows the feeling.
Over the past 12 years, he’s gone from commercial photographer to cinematographer, commercial director, business owner, and creative leader.
He built a production company that was acquired by a larger agency. And he went from shooting $50 headshots to leading projects for brands like Breitling, American Express, Lyft, and Fairmont.
But every step forward required getting comfortable starting over.
Your creative career is something you have to keep creating
There isn’t one right way to succeed as a creative.
You might freelance. Join an agency. Build a business. Change disciplines. Or realize that the version of success you once wanted doesn’t fit anymore.
On October 22, Matthew will share the lessons, mistakes, and principles that have helped him build — and rebuild — a creative career on his own terms.
If you’re a creative professional working in marketing or technology, attend this Talk + Social to discover:
- How to create new opportunities instead of waiting for them
- How to develop the confidence to make decisions (when there’s no obvious right answer)
- How to recognize when it’s time to reinvent yourself - and make that leap
Join us for drinks and pizza with talented local creatives — and leave with more confidence, more options, and a clearer next move.
October 22, 2026
6:15pm: Doors open, pizza
6:30pm: Intros, housekeeping
6:45pm: Matthew’s talk
7:35pm: Q+A, drinks, social
All external guests must present a valid photo ID at check-in
Don’t miss out. Register now.
Matthew Chen
Commercial Director / Creative Director
Matthew Chen is a director and creative director based in Vancouver. He spent twelve years getting here—moving through commercial photography, cinematography, and founding a production company that was eventually acquired by a major marketing agency.
Having built something of his own and led creative production inside a large agency, Matthew has a unique perspective as a creative leader with a thorough understanding of what it takes to succeed in the creative field; whether that means navigating the freelance world or as part of a team in the agency world.
With Support from Northeastern University - The Information Design & Data Visualization (IDDV)
The Information Design & Data Visualization (IDDV) program at Northeastern Vancouver is a community of creators and communicators. As part of the College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD), we bridge analytical precision with visual innovation to turn complex data into human-centered insights.
Join our hub to connect with students and faculty through workshops, industrial talks, and exhibitions shaping the Vancouver design ecosystem. Follow us to see how we bridge the gap between raw data and impactful design.
This event for creatives in Vancouver is organized by Creative Pulse.
Creative Pulse is a volunteer-driven organization that provides unpretentious events for Vancouver’s commercial creatives.
Grab a drink with talented designers, photographers, video professionals, and copywriters from every corner of the industry. Get inspired — and find new collaborators!
Refund Policy
Requests for ticket refunds will be honored up to one day before the event. Please note that refunds will not be processed for requests made within 24 hours of the event start time.
Event venue & nearby stays
Northeastern University - Vancouver, 410 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.