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!
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.”
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.”
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.”
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. ”
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.”
From Application to Award: Best Practices for Applying for Grants, Residencies, and Other Funding
Applying for grants and residencies can feel like a mystery—but it doesn’t have to. In this workshop, we’ll break down the key elements of a strong application, from writing a compelling artist statement to structuring a project proposal that funders and juries actually want to read.
Using real-world examples and practical exercises, we’ll cover strategies to make your application stand out, avoid common pitfalls, and navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re applying for your first grant or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you the tools to put your best foot forward.
What to Expect:
Grant & Residency Basics – What funders and juries are really looking for in an application.
Artist Statements & Proposals – How to write with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – Insider tips to keep your application out of the rejection pile.
Takeaways:
A clear understanding of how to craft a strong application.
Practical writing tips to refine your artist statement and project proposals.
Confidence to apply for opportunities that align with your work.
Perfect for artists, writers, and creatives looking to fund their work and open new doors!
What have people said about this workshop?
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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!”