Classes & Workshops
I love getting to teach workshops and meet new people. Here are some I’ve taught in the past, but I’m also open to new variations of these or suggestions!
Quick Overview:
Designing Engaging Surveys People Actually Want to Take
Make a Real, Working Font!
Learn How to Prototype App Ideas With Marvel & Figma!
Interactive Presentations that Work!
Tactical Design 101
Designing Chatbots: Build Your Own Conversational AI to Bring Your Ideas to Life
My Creative Brand: Crafting Your Artist Story and Visual Identity
Pasta Cucine: Handmade Fresh Pasta from Scratch
Accounting for Creatives
Designing Engaging Surveys People Actually Want to Take!
Traditional polling and surveys feel like work. How can we use play, backed by substantive survey methods, to create meaningful engagement opportunities that amplify a variety of voices?
Sarah Lawrence will walk participants through how to craft a survey that can be both useful to your organization and fun for the participant. She’ll cover when to do a survey, how to craft questions that get to what you really want to know, and ways to incorporate creativity and play to make a survey your constituents will actually want to take.
Join us as we review successful, real-life examples of engaging surveys for major placemaking projects and strategic planning efforts in the metro Atlanta area.
Learn how to set up a survey the right way, for the right information
Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that reduce completion rate
Learn how to assure your participants that their information is safe
See real-world examples of surveys that made us stop and look
What have people said about this workshop?
“(I loved) The myriad examples of interesting & engaging surveys shared with us, and the explanation for how & why they worked so well.”
“Clearly structured and specific. Helps me be more aware and intentional about the relevant elements when creating a survey.”
“(Sarah) was really confident and knew what she was talking about. I found out a new platform which I’ll share with clients.”
Make a Real, Working Font!
Dip a toe into the world of typeface design and design your very own simple font in just one session! You can use your own handwriting, or draw from the world of sans-serif, serif, or even monospace typography. Now is your chance to create something that’s totally yours, that you can use in projects and on documents as long as you’d like.
Learn about the inner-workings of typography so you can know what to keep in mind when creating your own font – things like kerning, x-height, and swashes.
Identify the difference between handwritten text and a handwritten-looking typeface
Take about 20 minutes to design your simple starter typeface
Actually digitize it in the same session!
And start using your brand new font today!!
BONUS: If you’d like, we’ll swap fonts with each other at the end of the workshop
What have people said about this workshop?
“I loved Sarah’s chill and positive energy and the wonderful idea of creating a webinar in font making and the time she took to answer our questions.”
“So well organized, and super practical! I can’t believe I made a font. Thanks for making this accessible!”
“I feel like I crossed off a bucket-list item. I’ve always thought it would be cool to have my own handwriting turned into a font. I now have that, and I can see font and typeface design turning into a fun hobby or even a side hustle.”
Learn How to Prototype App Ideas With Marvel & Figma!
Want to design apps or websites but don't know where to start? Have an idea for an app and need help bringing it to life? Don't feel like you're artistic, but want to create something? You don't need to learn how to code, you just need to learn how to prototype!
Prototyping app concepts helps explain your idea and collaborate with a development team to make it real. In this Field Trip, we'll learn the basics of prototyping + user testing, and then build a *real, working* low-fidelity prototype in Marvel or Figma.
We'll begin with an overview of what a prototype is, when we use them, and what to expect from a low- or high-fidelity prototype
From there, we'll talk a bit about the differences between Marvel or Figma when it comes to designing and creating prototypes. Each has pros and cons, and we'll identify which one makes sense for your design journey.
After that, we'll split into two breakout rooms depending on which app you'd like to try out to create your prototype. I'll have some sample screens ready to work from, but if you want to try out your own idea, this will be the time to do that.
At the end, we'll share our prototype links for each other to try out!
What have people said about this workshop?
“ It’s amazing how much you can convey with a simple design. I’m now one step closer to turning my app idea into a reality, thanks to this workshop!”
“As a writer, this isn’t really a skillset I would use but the practice made me reconnect with my curiosity and creativity. And to completely make something during the session left me feeling accomplished. Perfect workshop!”
“Sarah was informative and engaging! Examples really brought the concepts to life.”
Interactive Presentations that Work!
Giving virtual presentations to teams (or teaching workshops like this one!) went from rarely virtual to completely virtual in 2020. Every minute spent looking at a computer screen can make it harder to focus, so how can you keep attendees’ attention and keep them engaged with the important content you’re trying to share?
Design educator and facilitator Sarah Lawrence will walk us through the top five tips she uses to give fun, engaging presentations and the top five apps that can support an interactive session. You’ll get a chance to use these apps in real-time, see how they affect the pacing of a workshop, and be able to practice. Use this workshop to give your next presentation with ease!
What to expect:
The basics of giving an presentation that keeps your audience’s attention
Tips and tricks learned from the video game industry
Trying out concepts in real time to figure out what works for you
What to bring:
A smartphone or ipad to interact with the prompts
What have people said about this workshop?
“This workshop had me using apps and techniques I never thought I’d try in a presentation—it was surprisingly fun and kept things interesting!”
“I didn’t expect to be so entertained while learning how to present better! The interactive tools made it an engaging experience.”
“Who knew you could make a presentation feel like a game? It was lighthearted, practical, and definitely kept my attention!”
Tactical Design 101
Living in a community means being part of an ongoing conversation about its future—and design is at the heart of that dialogue. How can we create spaces that are truly shaped by the people who live there? In this hands-on workshop, we'll dive into tactical design strategies that encourage meaningful feedback and inspire real change in communities.
Using real-world case studies, we’ll explore projects that have transformed neighborhoods by boosting walkability, gathering input on difficult intersections, and reimagining city parks to better meet the needs of their visitors. You’ll gain insights into how thoughtful design can turn conversations into action, helping your community solve its most pressing issues.
What to Expect:
Learn actionable methods you can implement right away to spark change in your community.
We’ll walk through successful projects that reshaped public spaces, from making streets safer for pedestrians to redesigning parks to attract more diverse visitors.
Discover tactical tools that make it easy to gather input from a broad range of voices, and how to turn that feedback into a driving force for change.
Through collaborative exercises, you’ll start designing solutions to real problems in your community, with strategies you can begin using immediately.
What have people said about this workshop?
“I loved how the strategies were practical but had a bit of a playful twist.”
“This workshop had a fun, creative energy—I walked away feeling like I had the tools to really stir things up in a good way.”
“I feel like some people are going to get in trouble with what they learned in this workshop. ”
Designing Chatbots: Build Your Own Conversational AI to Bring Your Ideas to Life
Step into the exciting world of conversational AI and create your very own chatbot! Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or just curious about how chatbots work, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the creative and technical process of building a chatbot that can hold meaningful conversations tailored to your unique needs.
Imagine feeding your chatbot specific information, like your own artwork or brand story, to create a focused, AI-driven assistant that understands your vision. We'll explore the foundations of chatbot design, from storyboarding conversations to world-building, allowing you to craft a personalized experience for users.
What to Expect:
Roll up your sleeves and dive into the process of designing a chatbot from the ground up. Learn how to create dynamic conversations that reflect your unique content or brand.
Discover how chatbots can be customized with your own artwork, data, or content to create a one-of-a-kind, purpose-driven AI assistant.
Uncover creative techniques to map out the personality, tone, and flow of your chatbot’s interactions, ensuring they align with your goals and engage your audience.
Depending on the length of the session, you’ll either walk away with a functional chatbot of your own or get hands-on experience interacting with one of Sarah’s existing AI creations.
My Creative Brand: Crafting Your Artist Story and Visual Identity
Every artist has a unique story to tell, and your brand is the visual representation of that story. In this interactive workshop, we’ll dive deep into the process of building your personal brand identity—from discovering your core values to designing a logo that embodies your artistic vision. Whether you’re just beginning to define your brand or refining an existing one, this session will help you unlock your creative identity and bring it to life through powerful visuals.
Drawing from real-world examples, including my own brand identity and the work I've done with Design Emporium, we’ll explore how to translate your artistic narrative into a compelling visual language that stands out and resonates with your audience.
What to Expect:
Begin by uncovering the key themes, values, and messages that define your work. Learn how to weave these elements into your personal brand and use them as a foundation for your visual identity.
Explore the building blocks of a strong brand identity, including color palettes, typography, and logo design. See how other artists and organizations have crafted distinctive brands, and how you can apply those insights to your own.
Through guided exercises, you’ll start creating the visual elements of your artist brand. Whether you walk away with initial sketches, mood boards, or a fully developed logo depends on the depth of the workshop, but everyone will leave with concrete steps to continue refining their identity.
Gain insider knowledge on how branding works in the art world and beyond, with case studies of how I’ve helped other artists and organizations tell their stories visually.
What have people said about this workshop?
“This workshop helped me discover what my brand truly represents. I left with a clear direction and a logo that finally feels like ‘me.’”
“I had no idea where to start with branding, but this session broke it down step-by-step. I now have a vision for my creative identity and the tools to make it happen!”
“It was amazing to see how other artists approach their branding. I walked away inspired and with a mood board that captures my artistic voice perfectly.”
Pasta Cucina
Ever wanted to make pasta like a pro? Now’s your chance! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to craft fresh, homemade pasta from scratch—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this class will guide you through every step, from mixing and kneading dough to rolling and shaping pasta by hand.
By the end, you’ll leave not only with the knowledge to recreate fresh pasta at home but also with a batch of your own hand-made pasta to cook and enjoy.
What to Expect:
Hands-on Learning – Get messy as we walk through the entire process of making pasta dough from scratch, and learn the techniques for rolling and shaping it into classic pasta shapes like fettuccine, pappardelle, or ravioli.
The Science Behind the Dough – Understand the key ingredients and techniques that make the perfect pasta dough, from choosing the right flour to achieving the ideal texture.
Cooking and Pairing Tips – Discover how to properly cook fresh pasta and pair it with sauces that complement its flavor and texture.
Takeaways:
Master the fundamentals of pasta making, from dough preparation to shaping and cooking.
Take home your freshly made pasta to cook and share with friends or family.
Tips and tricks to impress with homemade pasta at your next dinner party!
This workshop is perfect for food lovers, home cooks, and anyone looking to bring a touch of Italy into their kitchen. Come hungry to learn, create, and taste!
What have people said about this workshop?
“I never knew making pasta from scratch could be so fun and easy! I walked away with delicious pasta and the confidence to make it again at home.”
“This workshop was a perfect mix of learning and hands-on fun. Sarah made the whole process approachable—even for a beginner like me!”
“I loved leaving with my own fresh pasta and a new skill to share with family and friends. I can’t wait to try out the recipes at home!”
Accounting for Creatives
Managing finances can feel overwhelming for creative professionals, but it doesn’t have to be! In this workshop, we’ll break down the essentials of accounting in a way that’s simple and tailored specifically for artists, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. From understanding expenses and income tracking to taxes and invoicing, you’ll gain practical knowledge to take control of your business’s financial health.
What to Expect:
Financial Basics for Creatives – Learn the fundamentals of accounting, bookkeeping, and tax planning tailored to creative professionals.
Income & Expense Tracking – Discover tools and methods to manage your cash flow effectively.
Tax Deductions & Invoicing – Get insights on managing freelance income, maximizing deductions, and navigating tax season with ease.
Takeaways:
Clear understanding of how to organize and manage your finances as a creative.
Practical tips for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax prep.
Confidence to take control of your business’s financial future.
Ideal for artists, designers, writers, and freelancers looking to simplify their accounting and focus on their craft!
What have people said about this workshop?
“This workshop made accounting so much less intimidating.”
“As a freelancer, managing my income and expenses was always stressful. Now I have a system that works, and I feel confident about tax season.”
“This workshop broke everything down in a way that made sense for my creative business. I walked away with practical tools I can use right away.”