Design for Non-Designers – Sarah Lawrence

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Dots per what?” or “Do I look like I know what a jay-peg is?” — we can help. This workshop series covers the basics from understanding logos and choosing typefaces to figuring out file types and building a visual brand. Learn to ask the right questions, so you can work with designers and manage the creative output in your small (or not-so-small) business.

Here’s an overview of the topics we cover:

Most people have a good eye for color, but have a hard time picking their own palettes. We’ll learn the basics of how to choose colors that work well together, and how a tint or a shade works. We’ll build on this knowledge by learning about CMYK and RGB color spaces, as well as HEX colors and codes.

This class was on May 26th.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

Let’s talk type. Is it a font or a typeface? What’s that little dangly bit at the bottom of a g? Type anatomy is complex and very niche, but we’ll learn some of the basics that will help you communicate. Most importantly, we’ll learn about font licensing. Did you know you might need to buy a license for your brand fonts? We’ll show you how.

This class was on June 24th.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

JPG, SVG, LOL? What’s the difference between an EPS and a PNG, and why do you need both for your brand? We’ll talk about image resolution and why can’t you blow up a thumbnail into a billboard. We’ll even talk about converting file types efficiently, not just changing the file name.

This class was on July 7th.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

In this class, we’ll help you pick the program that’s right for you. It’s not a tutorial about how to use these programs, instead you’ll learn the differences between them. Plus, we’ve got tips and (actually affordable) tools for photo editing and basic design. We’re big fans of freebies.

This class was on July 21st.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

After this class, you’ll be ready to ask a developer for help. We’ll cover digital design basics: the difference between domains and hosting, what a registrar is, and some common error notifications. We’ll spend a lot of time going over the various DIY web platforms (like Wix and Squarespace) you can use when starting your business. Don’t worry, no coding skills needed.

This class was on August 4th.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

Using colors, typography, photography, and storytelling to create one well-rounded brand. How do brand buzzwords translate to the real, daily workings of your business? This class brings it all together with topics like: how to build your brand’s look and voice, how to implement it consistently over time, how to create and follow brand guidelines.

This class was on August 18th.
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and we’ll let you know when it comes back!

“As copywriters at advertising agencies, we sometimes find ourselves struggling to speak the same language with our design colleagues. This can lead to ineffective communication when collaborating on projects and frustrated co-workers. Thankfully, I had the pleasure of attending the design series, Design for Non-Designers taught by Sarah Lawrence through MODA. Sarah was generous with her industry knowledge, providing detailed information into the why’s and how’s of design. Her presentation was engaging and most importantly packed with helpful insights.

This best part of this experience has been immediately applying what I’ve learned from Sarah in my workplace. Now, I’m able to better understand design terms and nuances and be a more supportive team member. All of which is instrumental in efficiently moving agency projects forward. This was all after just two courses with Sarah! I’ve already signed up for the remaining classes and I’m ecstatic to learn more.”

Aileen Farshi Copywriter, Chil & Co. Atlanta, GA

“I attended the Images workshop session, and it was a great refresher even for someone who works as a designer like myself. I learned some useful tips on stock imagery that have helped me to better source images.”

– Liz S, Atlanta, GA

“I love the way Sarah taught the material. I took almost every class (both in-person and virtually) and she has a way of explaining the content that really sticks with you. I am a somewhat self-taught designer and after taking her classes I feel like I can consider myself a “real” designer. She makes it all relatable by including real-world “fun” analogies, she condenses the material to the “must-knows,” and she’s unbiased – never tried to sell us anything (like most instructors do)! I highly recommend taking all of her classes. I can’t wait for more! “

– Emma W, Atlanta, GA

“I’ve participated in Sarah’s Design for Non-Designers courses both in-person and virtually. In both formats, Sarah is an incredibly engaging instructor whose courses are full of worthwhile, valuable content. She teaches design concepts in ways that are fun, relatable, and easy to understand. Her expertise shines through each lesson, and she patiently makes sure that each student understands the concepts before moving forward. “

Here’s an overview of the topics we cover:

Aileen Farshi Copywriter, Chil & Co. Atlanta, GA

“I attended the Images workshop session, and it was a great refresher even for someone who works as a designer like myself. I learned some useful tips on stock imagery that have helped me to better source images.”

– Liz S, Atlanta, GA

– Emma W, Atlanta, GA

– Heather K, Atlanta, GA

Sound good? Want to learn more?

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