CREATIVE DIRECTOR · CURATOR · CULTURAL STRATEGIST · FOUNDER
based in Houston
“It’s meaningful for artists to feel seen, to feel celebrated, and to be connected with community,"
Allison Retina Stewart-Creeks
I believe:
Featured Work
Building the stories, spaces, and systems that help creative people move from vision to sustainable impact.
Sustainable creative careers
Workshops, portfolio reviews, mentorship, curriculum, and tools that help multi-hyphenate creatives clarify their direction, communicate their value, and build without disappearing inside their work.
Visual stories that reflect culture accurately
Creative direction, photography, photo editing, and visual research for brands and editorial platforms seeking culturally fluent, human-centered storytelling.
10+ years of creative leadership
100+ creatives mentored
15+ exhibitions and programs produced
Multi-city creative programming
Creative ecosystems that connect people to opportunity
Exhibitions, residencies, public programs, community activations, and partnerships designed to bring artists, audiences, institutions, and brands into meaningful relationship.
Nice to meet you. I’m Allison.
Allison Retina Stewart-Creeks
has spent the past decade helping brands, institutions, and emerging creatives turn ideas into culturally grounded campaigns, exhibitions, programs, and professional pathways built to last. A Houston-based creative director, curator, author, and founder, she works across visual culture, creative business, artist development, and community-centered programming — with a track record of driving markets forward.
What I Build:
Where I’ve Been
Previous partners, collaborations & campaigns.
THE ANDERSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC PROGRAMS
FACEBOOK / META
PHOTO ART DIRECTOR
Exxon PHOTOGRAPHER
Glossier PHOTO RESEARCHER
NBA PHOTOGRAPHER
TANIUM
PHOTO EDITOR
PERSONAL PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHER
US @ 250
PHOTO EDITOR
PERSONAL PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHER
IBM
PHOTO EDITOR
Evolv
PHOTO EDITOR
FIGHTBALL PHOTOGRAPHER
Microsoft
PHOTO EDITOR
Adyen
PHOTO EDITOR
Living Creative
A documentary series that explores aspects of an individual’s creativity while challenging traditional career definitions and spotlighting resilience, empathy, and unique perspectives. By Glitch & Grit - Director, Producer, Kelly Bernard & Executive Producer, Producer, Jemma Castiglione
Living Creative, episode 3.
Free Juice — Mentorship for Emerging Creatives
Free Juice is my nonprofit committed to supporting BIPOC photographers and digital artists through mentorship, professional development, and community exhibitions. We guide a cohort of emerging artists through an 8-week program that builds skills, confidence, and creative clarity. Our exhibitions, talks, and workshops create pathways for visibility, belonging, and success.
Next x The Latest
Off the Clock: A Women’s Reset Experience - 08.22 (Capitol One Café, Galleria)
Presented by Free Juice x NVSME Jewelry
The Artist Vision Workbook
A guided tool for artists building clarity, discipline, and a sustainable creative life.
Designed for the artist in process.
Created for emerging and evolving artists, this workbook invites you into a deeper relationship with your practice. Through reflection, intention-setting, and structured prompts, it supports you in moving beyond inspiration and into consistency.
This is not just a workbook — it is a space to return to yourself.
What I Do
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Advertising & Editiorial Creative Direction
Visual Storytelling & Campaigns
Shoot Production & Talent Oversight
Social Content
Mentorship & Inclusive Programming
Community-Focused Exhibitions
Wellness-Driven Design & Education
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2026
Southwest Airlines FRP, Houston Airports + Houston Arts Alliance
2024–2026
The Meeting Place Portfolio Review, FotoFest
2025
Harris County Education Dept. Art & Writing Awards, Juror
PhotoNOLA, Juror
Photolucida Critical Mass Top 50, Jury (2024–2025)
2024
Shoot the Shit Photo Crit, presented by Flats Camera
2023
Photolucida Critical Mass, Jury
2022–2024
Diversify Photo, Portfolio Review + Membership
ICP, Portfolio Review
Parsons School of Design, BFA Photo Portfolio Review
2022
Free Juice Mentorship Day Party
APA SD, Untitled Exhibition
NYC FotoWorks
Women Photograph Grant, Jury
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2023
"POST Work: Learning with Allison Retina Stewart," Panelist — presented by POST HTX
Lecturer: Best Practices for Choosing Photos for Digital Experiences — California College of the Arts
2021
"Culture & Cause: Highlighting Women in Photography," Panel Moderator — presented by MOPA & APA San Diego
"Black Women Photographer's Mentorship Program," Mentor — presented by West Elm
2019
"Brunch & Black Excellence," Panelist — presented by Kean University NCNW
"Where TF Do We Start," Panel Moderator — presented by Free Juice & SBGM
Topics I Speak On
Creative Leadership · Creativity & Business · Art Direction · DEI in the Arts · Community-Centered Programming · Wellness for Creatives -
Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre looks to connect art, music, and community
Working Beyond the Lens: 8 Photography Careers Worth Exploring
For One Photo Editor, The Key to Success is Mentorship (The Luupe)
Additional Press:
2025 — Parsons School of Design
2024 — Copyright Alliance
2022 — The Luupe; BuzzFeed; This Week in Photo; Format Magazine; Authority Magazine
2017 — The Lark
2016 — Tribe City Festival
2015 — ACurator; Afropunk; Parsons School of Design