Maurice Cherry
Founder and Creative Director, Lunch
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Maurice Cherry is an award-winning creative visionary who works as a writer, designer, strategist, voice actor, and storyteller. As principal and creative director of Lunch, the award-winning multidisciplinary studio he founded in 2008, he empowers creative brands to craft resonant narratives and forge meaningful connections with diverse audiences, particularly underrepresented communities. Lunch has collaborated with industry leaders such as Facebook, Mailchimp, Vox Media, NIKE, and The City of Atlanta, among others.
Maurice is a pioneering digital creator, best known for Revision Path, the groundbreaking podcast that made history as the first podcast inducted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). His innovative projects also include the Black Weblog Awards, 28 Days of the Web, The Year of Tea, and the design anthology RECOGNIZE, each reflecting his commitment to amplifying diverse voices and fostering creative communities.
His design work, advocacy, and projects have garnered acclaim from leading organizations and publications, including Apple, Adobe, NPR, Forbes, and Fast Company. Most recently, in 2025, he was honored as one of the Eames Institute's Curious 100, recognizing his innovative contributions to reframing perspectives, amplifying voices, and inspiring action. He served as the Maryland Institute College of Art's 2021 William O. Steinmetz designer-in-residence, and in 2018, he received the Steven Heller Prize for Cultural Commentary from AIGA, was named one of GDUSA’s “People to Watch,” and was included in The Root 100, their annual list of the most influential African-Americans ages 25 to 45. That same year, Creative Loafing Atlanta recognized him as one of their Influentials in the fields of business and technology. Earlier in his career, Maurice was named one of Atlanta’s “Power 30 Under 30″ in Science and Technology by the Apex Society and was selected as one of HP’s “50 Tech Tastemakers” in collaboration with Black Web 2.0. He is also a valued executive member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Maurice’s approach to design strategy, problem solving, and his foundation in analytical thinking stems from his studies at Morehouse College, where he earned a degree in Mathematics.
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Topics
The Harsh Reality of Creative Success
We often look at awards and accolades as the finish line, but what happens when the trophy doesn't pay the rent? In this candid and necessary talk, Maurice Cherry pulls back the curtain on the "prestige trap" of the creative industry. He explores the disconnect between visibility and financial viability, the mental toll of being a "first" or an "only," and why we need to redefine what success looks like for marginalized creators. This is a vital talk for creative leaders, freelancers, and agencies grappling with burnout and retention.
Building Legacy: Lessons from the Smithsonian's First Archived Podcast
Creating content is easy; creating a legacy is hard. As the creator of Revision Path, the first podcast acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Maurice Cherry shares the blueprint for building a digital platform that stands the test of time. He discusses the importance of archiving cultural history, the power of niche community building, and how to create media that serves as both a resource and a record for future generations.
Designing at the End of the World
The last few years have thrown everything at us—global health crises, political instability, and shifting economic landscapes. How do you maintain creative output when the world feels like it's burning down? Maurice Cherry offers a "state of the union" for creatives, blending personal anecdotes with high-level strategy on how to design with empathy and resilience during times of chaos. This talk helps teams navigate uncertainty without losing their humanity or their creative spark.
The Math of Creativity: Transferable Skills for Non-Linear Careers
Not every designer starts in art school. As a mathematician turned creative, Maurice Cherry discusses the power of the non-traditional background. He illustrates how analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving—skills often siloed in STEM—are actually the superpowers of creativity and modern design leadership. This topic is perfect for organizations looking to bridge the gap between their technical and creative teams or for audiences navigating a career pivot.
Where Are The Black Designers?
In this data-driven and historically rich presentation, Maurice Cherry tackles one of the design industry's most persistent questions. Drawing from his viral SXSW presentation and years of advocacy, Maurice breaks down the systemic barriers, educational pipeline issues, and recruitment failures that have kept Black creatives out of the industry's monoculture. This is a strategic roadmap for companies, organizations, and educators who are tired of empty DEI promises and want to build genuinely inclusive creative environments.
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