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The post Opening Pathways to Creative Futures first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Opening Pathways to Creative Futures Conversations
When students think about careers, they usually picture doctors, lawyers, or athletes. But what about the people who design the buildings we live in, the products we use every day, or the apps on our phones?
That’s where Creative Career conversations come in. It’s a workshop that helps students discover the wide world of creative professions—while giving parents and educators the tools to keep the conversation alive.
What is the Creative Careers Workshop?
This 60–90 minute session is designed to spark dialogue, curiosity, and awareness about careers in design. It’s not just a presentation—it’s interactive, reflective, and fun.
Here’s how we do it:
- Interactive Presentations that spotlight creative fields and real professionals.
- Worksheets + our Creative Careers Booklet that help students (and adults) reflect on interests and possibilities.
- Games + Activities that make career exploration playful and approachable.
One of the most valuable parts of the experience is the Creative Careers Booklet—a take-home guide that helps keep the conversation alive at home and in the classroom. Packed with design career profiles, thought-provoking prompts, and family discussion starters, it bridges the gap between learning in the moment and exploring opportunities in everyday life.
By the end, students leave with a clearer picture of the creative opportunities in front of them—and the confidence to imagine themselves in those roles.
What Students + Families Take Away
- Career Awareness: Exposure to creative professions they might never have heard of before.
- Practical Tools: Resources to help parents and educators continue supporting exploration.
- Representation + Possibility: A moment for students to see themselves reflected in the creative industry.
The Careers Booklet deepens that realization, turning a one-time session into an ongoing conversation. It helps families and educators stay engaged, offering simple ways to nurture curiosity and support young people as they explore what a creative future could look like for them.
Why It Matters
Representation and exposure open doors. For many students, this workshop is the first time they realize that creativity can be more than a hobby—it can be a career. And when families and educators are part of the conversation, those dreams feel even more attainable.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a quick call with us—or skip ahead and complete the Educator/Coordinator intake form today to get started.
The post Opening Pathways to Creative Futures first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post How to Teach Creative Problem-Solving in Any Classroom Right Now first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>There’s something powerful about watching a student realize they already have what it takes to solve problems creatively—right in their own classroom, home, or community.
That’s the spark behind our Think Like a Designer Workshop (TLAD).
It’s a pop-up experience that shows students how to take everyday challenges and reframe them through the lens of design. No fancy tools required—just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to try. This is the immediate, flexible way to introduce foundational innovation skills into any learning environment, transforming how students approach challenges right now.
What Is “Think Like a Designer”?
In this 60–90 minute workshop, students are guided through our three-step design process:
- Think about a problem that matters to them.
- Use understanding with quick, fearless brainstorming.
- Make it real by building a prototype they can test and refine.
The beauty of TLAD is its simplicity—students leave not only with a project they’ve created, but with a process they can repeat at home, in school, or anywhere life throws them a challenge.
What Students Take Away
- Creative Confidence: Learning that “I can solve this” isn’t just for adults.
- Everyday Innovation: The skills to apply design thinking to problems in their lives.
- Teamwork + Empathy: Practicing how to listen, share, and build with others.
For Educators + Organizations
This workshop isn’t just fun—it’s foundational. Students learn transferable skills that align with problem-solving, critical thinking, and SEL standards. And because TLAD is portable, we can host it right in your classroom, at your community space, or in our Experiential Learning Center (ELC).
Why It Matters
When students learn to think like designers, they learn to think like change-makers. They start to see design not as something “other people do,” but as a mindset they can use to improve their own lives and communities.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a quick call with us—or skip ahead and complete the EDU/Coordinator intake form today to get started.
Extend the impact of the TLAD workshop with our Think Like a Designer: Designer’s Kit—a complete set of tools students need to spark curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. Available in a price range of $24.99–$49.98, it’s an easy way to continue exploring design thinking beyond the workshop.
The post How to Teach Creative Problem-Solving in Any Classroom Right Now first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post When Design Takes Over the Classroom—Good Things Happen first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>That’s what happens during a designExplorr Takeover.
Built for grades K–12, these 50–75 minute in-classroom workshops are more than just a break from routine—they’re a spark. A chance for students to think differently, work together, and learn by doing. And for educators, they’re a tool to make creativity part of the everyday learning experience.
What Is a Takeover?
It’s exactly what it sounds like:
We come into your classroom and lead your students through a creative, high-energy design challenge—complete with prototyping, collaboration, and critical thinking.
But don’t worry—we don’t just drop in and disappear. These sessions are structured, intentional, and rooted in design thinking, giving students a clear five-step process they can return to again and again.
By the end of the session, they’ve brainstormed, built, tested, and shared their ideas. But more importantly, they’ve practiced empathy, learned how to express themselves, and started to see their imagination as a strength.
What Students Take Away (Besides Cardboard and Sketches)
- Creative Confidence
- This is the “I have an idea” muscle—and it gets stronger the more they use it.
- Critical Thinking + Communication
- They’ll problem-solve, present, and revise their ideas out loud and on paper.
- Real-Life Collaboration
- Think: teamwork, feedback, listening—and making space for everyone’s ideas.
- Social-Emotional Awareness
- Empathy isn’t just a buzzword in design. It’s step one in learning how to build for real people and real communities.
For Educators: This Isn’t Just For Students
We’ve seen how powerful these workshops can be when they’re supported by teachers who feel confident guiding creativity in the classroom. So we built in educator training to go with it.
You’ll learn how to facilitate design-based lessons, how to adapt the five-step process to your grade level or subject, and how to make space for creative problem-solving without sacrificing standards or structure.
Best part? You’ll walk away with tools you can use immediately—and ideas you’ll be excited to try.
Why It Matters
Students learn better when they can build, test, and reimagine their ideas in real time. Creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s how young people figure out who they are, how they think, and how they want to shape the world around them.
This workshop is a starting point. And we’d love to help you bring it to your classroom.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a quick call with us—or skip ahead and complete the EDU/Coordinator intake form today to get started.
The post When Design Takes Over the Classroom—Good Things Happen first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post What Saturdays Feel Like at the ELC first appeared on designExplorr.
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Each weekend, the ELC becomes a space for students to do more than just learn—they explore. Whether it’s during an DesignIS Construction Workshop or a Digital Design session, students dive into real-world design challenges with hands-on tools and real conversations. These aren’t lectures. They’re build-it, test-it, redesign-it kind of days.
Some Saturdays, the focus is on digital. Students create posters, videos, and interactive prototypes—figuring out how design lives on screens. Other times, they’re deep into architectural thinking: measuring, sketching, and building models that respond to community needs. And then there are the Think Like a Designer challenges—short, powerful design sprints that push students to ask better questions and imagine new solutions.
But what really sets these Saturdays apart isn’t just the projects. It’s the people. Mentors who listen. Students who lead. Ideas that start out small and grow louder with each collaboration. It’s seeing a student walk in unsure and leave with a spark—realizing, maybe for the first time, that design could be part of their future.
The best part? Anyone can jump in. No experience needed. Refreshments and snacks provided. Just curiosity, and maybe a notebook.
So if you ever find yourself wondering where creativity meets community on a Saturday… it’s probably happening at the ELC. And there’s always room at the table.
The post What Saturdays Feel Like at the ELC first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post Unlock Their Potential: Introducing the DesignIS Workshop Bundle! first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to think creatively, adapt, and solve complex problems is more crucial than ever. Our DesignIS Bundle provides a unique and engaging platform for students in grades 6-12 to explore the profound impact of design and discover the exhilarating potential of a creative career.
Here’s a glimpse into the transformative journey awaiting your young explorer:
- DesignIS: Creative— Watch as your student dives into the exciting world of design! Through a fun design challenge and hands-on artistic prototyping, they’ll gain creative confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and learn to visualize their ideas with newfound clarity. All supplies are provided – just bring their imagination!
- DesignIS: Change— This interactive workshop is a powerful experience in empathy, artistic prototyping, and innovation. Students will master the six-step design thinking process, tackling real-world problems and expanding their imagination through creative exploration. The session culminates in a collaborative presentation, where they’ll proudly share their design solutions.
- DesignIS: Cyber— For our tech-savvy learners in grades 8-12, this workshop unlocks the amazing world of digital design! Through digital prototyping with an online design software app, attendees (14+ years) will receive the Adobe Express premium package for free! They’ll learn to design stunning posters, engaging social media graphics, captivating slideshows, and dynamic videos, setting them on the path to digital mastery. (Please note: Wi-Fi and laptops are required for this session.)
- DesignIS: Careers— What does it really mean to be a designer? This eye-opening workshop explores the diverse landscape of creative professions, from graphic and web design to architecture and user experience. Students will discover salary opportunities, daily tasks, and the skills needed to thrive in a creative field. They even have the option to create a vision board or set SMART goals for their future!
- DesignIS: Construction— In this immersive workshop, students explore how design intersects with architecture, construction, and engineering. Through hands-on challenges, rapid prototyping, and team collaboration, they’ll uncover how creative thinking shapes the spaces we live, work, and play in—and walk away with a new perspective on the built environment.
Why Choose the DesignIS Bundle?
This comprehensive bundle goes beyond just teaching design; it cultivates essential 21st-century skills. Your student will learn:
- What design is, what designers do, and why design matters.
- How design connects with architecture, construction, and engineering.
- The powerful six-step design thinking process.
- How to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Tools to identify problems and build empathy.
- Techniques for rapid prototyping and idea development.
- How to create engaging content with Adobe Express.
- Creative storytelling through slideshows and videos.
And so much more!
For Parents: You want your child to feel confident, capable, and excited about their future—and that starts with experiences that challenge them to think differently. The DesignIS Bundle isn’t just about design; it’s about building real-world skills that will stick with them no matter where life takes them. Creativity. Critical thinking. Pride in what they’ve made.
Curious where your child can join in? Reach out to our team to find out where the DesignIS workshops are happening near you and how to get them enrolled.
For Educators: Looking for fresh ways to engage your students? Our workshops are built to fit right into your curriculum, offering hands-on, project-based learning that connects with STEM/STEAM goals while giving students real-world design experience. Whether you’re planning for a semester or a single event, we’re here to collaborate.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a quick call with us—or skip ahead and complete the EDU/Coordinator intake form today to get started.
For Sponsors: Partner with designExplorr to invest in the next generation of creative leaders. Your support directly impacts youth development and empowers them with valuable design skills.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to empower your young minds! The designExplorr DesignIS Workshop Bundle is more than just workshops; it’s an investment in their future. Contact us today to learn more and book your workshops!
The post Unlock Their Potential: Introducing the DesignIS Workshop Bundle! first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post A Year of Creativity and Community: Reflecting on DesignExplorr’s 2024 Successes first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Looking back, three key areas stand out as major successes:
- Expanding Educational Impact: DesignExplorr made significant strides in expanding access to design education. Through innovative partnerships with organizations like Columbus City Schools and Prairie View A&M University, we delivered impactful programs. Our youth programs thrived, with successful community engagement projects and immersive summer camps reaching a record number of students. The DesignExplorr ELC flourished, becoming a dynamic hub for creativity, hosting events, afterschool programs, and summer internships. We also expanded our reach through the development of valuable educational resources like creative careers cards, bingo games, and a comprehensive booklet. These new tools, such as the creative careers cards and the comprehensive booklet, have proven invaluable in inspiring and guiding students on their design journeys. Our collaboration with Cleveland State University further solidified our commitment to design education.
- Fostering Strong Partnerships: Building strong partnerships was crucial to our success in 2024. We collaborated with a diverse range of organizations, from local partners like the Veale Foundation and MOCA to national entities. These collaborations, exemplified by projects like the State of Black Design Conference and the ELC Summer Cohort sponsored by the BPACF, allowed us to amplify our impact and reach new audiences. The recognition in Fast Company further solidified our position as a leader in advocating for diversity and inclusion within the design industry.
- Cultivating Student Success: 2024 witnessed remarkable student achievements. We celebrated the successful transitions of Alissha, Francisco, and Christian, highlighting the positive impact of our programs on their careers. Students actively contributed to impactful design projects, including branding for the AAACG and creating the SAC Report. Our team’s active engagement in industry events, such as speaking at Cincinnati Design Week and Microsoft Design Week, provided valuable professional development opportunities for both students and staff.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our entire team, the unwavering support of our partners, and the incredible talent and creativity of our students.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the strong foundation laid in 2024, DesignExplorr is poised for an even more impactful year. We are committed to continuing to foster creativity, strengthen community connections, and expand access to design education for all. We look forward to collaborating with you on exciting new projects, engaging with our community, and inspiring the next generation of designers.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities to get involved!
The post A Year of Creativity and Community: Reflecting on DesignExplorr’s 2024 Successes first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post Ignite Creativity with designExplorr’s Educational Tools first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Why Choose designExplorr?
At designExplorr, we believe creativity is one of the most powerful ways to help both children and adults reach their full potential. Our design kits are more than just fun—they’re an opportunity to learn new skills, think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate. Here’s why our kits are the perfect fit for a variety of needs:
For Parents & Families:
If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids, our kits are perfect for family bonding. Imagine creating something together—whether it’s through the TLAD Kit, which combines hands-on building with imaginative play, or just enjoying the process of designing and creating something new. It’s a meaningful activity that not only sparks creativity but also strengthens family connections.
For Schools & Educational Centers:
Teachers and educators know that engaging students is key to fostering a love for learning. That’s why our kits are ideal for the classroom or workshops. Take the Zippy Kit, for instance—perfect for teaching kids about teamwork, design thinking, and hands-on problem-solving. It’s fun, interactive, and helps kids learn valuable real-world skills while they’re at it.
For Youth Events & Parties:
Planning a birthday party, after-school event, or a community workshop? Our kits transform any gathering into a creative adventure. Kids will love the interactive nature of the kits, and organizers will appreciate how easy they are to incorporate into activities. Our Swag Bags are a popular choice—compact, fun, and full of activities that turn any event into an educational experience.
For Adults:
Creativity isn’t just for kids! Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun way to engage with your child or an adult exploring your own creative side, our kits offer something for everyone. The Zippy Kit, for example, is just as much fun for adults as it is for kids—whether you’re working through it solo or with a group, it’s an engaging way to flex your creative muscles.
Shop Small
We’re offering special discounts on all our educational kits. Whether you’re stocking up for the new year or looking for the perfect holiday gift, our products help young learners (and adults!) build confidence, discover new skills, and express their creativity.
Support small businesses this holiday season. Visit our shop designExplorr, explore our full range of kits—including the TLAD Kit, Zippy Kit, and Swag Bags—and see how easy it is to make learning fun.
We’re excited to help inspire creativity in your life. After all, when you create, you grow.
The post Ignite Creativity with designExplorr’s Educational Tools first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post Columbus Project: Bridging Diversity in Design first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Meet the Trailblazers
The success of the Columbus project has been made possible thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, Bonfire Red and Roto Group. Their commitment to this initiative has been nothing short of amazing. It was a privilege to have their teams actively participate in the workshops, engaging with students and helping bring the experience to life. Without their generosity and collaboration, this project wouldn’t have been possible. Leading this charge with designExplorr, we are deeply grateful for the partnership and dedication shown by Bonfire Red and Roto Group. Their support has been crucial not just in making the workshops happen, but in ensuring that we continue to break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of diverse designers.
Hands-On Impact
Last spring, the Columbus project made a big move by partnering with Columbus City Schools. They took over art classes for 90 minutes, turning them into interactive workshops that showcased the exciting possibilities in design. Supported by local firms like Roto Group, these workshops were designed to engage and inspire, completely free for the schools.
A Collective Effort
Community support is crucial. Local design firms have stepped up, offering resources and expertise to ensure that financial concerns don’t stop any student from exploring their design dreams. Their commitment highlights a shared belief in how diversity drives creativity and innovation.
Join the Movement
The Columbus project isn’t just about making noise—it’s about making a real impact. Whether you can sponsor, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your involvement can help shape the future of design education. Together, we can empower the next generation of diverse designers and create a more inclusive industry.
Change is happening in Columbus. To learn more about how you can support the Columbus project and designExplorr, reach out to us directly. Your support could ignite a lifelong passion and open doors for future designers. Let’s join forces to inspire, innovate, and pave the way for a design world that embraces diversity at its core.
The post Columbus Project: Bridging Diversity in Design first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post Seven Books Every Designer Should Have first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Here’s a roundup of must-reads every designer should own:
- Grid Systems
Grids are the unsung heroes of great design. “Making and Breaking the Grid” by Timothy Samara and “Grid Systems“ by Josef Müller-Brockmann are invaluable resources for understanding how grids function and how to use them to create well-organized and aesthetically pleasing layouts. - Layout Fundamentals
To master layout design, the Basic Design Series is a fantastic place to start. These books break down the principles of layout and offer practical guidance for achieving clean, functional, and visually compelling compositions. - Typography
Typography is much more than choosing fonts—it’s about communication through text. “Typography Workbook“ by Timothy Samara and “Thinking with Type“ by Ellen Lupton delve into the art and science of typography, teaching you how to use type to engage your audience and enhance your design. - Color
Color theory and application are critical to making your designs pop. The Pantone Color Book by Leatrice Eiseman is an excellent guide to understanding color systems, trends, and palettes that can help bring life to your projects. - Inspiration Through Examples
Sometimes, the best way to learn is by looking at great examples. “How Posters Work“ by Ellen Lupton is full of real-world poster design case studies that show how design principles come to life in practice, providing endless inspiration. - Understanding the Business Side of Design
The business of design is just as important as the design itself. Look for a book that covers topics such as client relationships, managing projects, and navigating industry trends. This knowledge is essential for building a successful design career. - Professional Practices
Finally, “The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines“ is an indispensable resource for understanding how to price your work, handle contracts, and maintain ethical standards in your practice. It’s a must-have for every professional designer.
These books aren’t just for reference—they’re tools that can help you grow as a designer, refine your craft, and confidently take on new challenges.
Happy reading!
The post Seven Books Every Designer Should Have first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>The post Top 6 Skills That Could Boost Your Pay in 2024 first appeared on designExplorr.
]]>Here’s a closer look at six standout skills that could boost your earning potential:
- Marketing Automation (36%): In today’s fast-paced environment, mastering marketing automation tools can truly set you apart from the competition. These tools not only simplify your workflow but also drive better results in a fraction of the time. For example, consider using platforms like HubSpot or Mailchimp. With these tools, you can automate your email campaigns, allowing you to send personalized messages to different segments of your audience without lifting a finger. Imagine launching a targeted email series that nurtures leads based on their interests and behaviors—this level of precision can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates. By leveraging automation, you free up valuable time to focus on the strategic aspects of your marketing efforts, ultimately driving your success even further.
- Digital Marketing Strategy (33%) In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a solid marketing strategy is essential. For young designers, diving into areas like SEO, PPC, and content marketing can make a big difference. They might start by enrolling in online courses to learn how to boost website visibility or create targeted ad campaigns. Not only will these skills help them stand out, but they also open doors to better-paying opportunities, as highlighted in the Robert Half Salary Guide.
- Marketing Research & Analytics (33%) Being data-driven is more crucial than ever. For designers, skills in research and analytics can help uncover market trends and guide design decisions. Learning to use tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into user behavior, which is invaluable in creating effective designs. As demand for data-savvy professionals grows, so do the opportunities and salaries in this area.
- Creative Development & Art Direction (25%) Creativity is at the core of impactful marketing. Aspiring designers can enhance their craft by exploring their creative processes, refining their design briefs, and developing case studies of their projects. This not only showcases their work but also helps them communicate their design thinking. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, having a strong portfolio can significantly boost earning potential in creative roles.
- Social Media (24%) Social media is shaping how brands connect with their audiences, making it essential to leverage these platforms effectively. Designers looking to strengthen their social media skills might consider earning certifications to showcase their expertise. Platforms like HubSpot or LinkedIn Learning offer valuable resources for crafting effective social media strategies. As demand for skilled social media professionals rises, so do the competitive salaries in this field.
- Graphic Design (24%) Strong graphic design skills are vital for creating eye-catching content. Young designers can enhance their abilities through workshops and educational webinars that focus on design techniques. Additionally, studying portfolios on sites like Behance.net can provide inspiration and insight into different styles. The Robert Half Salary Guide shows that skilled graphic designers are in high demand, leading to promising career opportunities.
As you explore these areas for growth, consider how pursuing a minor or additional coursework could further enhance your skill set. Upskilling isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic investment in your future.
For more insights on salary expectations and in-demand skills, take a look at the comprehensive details in the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide.
What skills are you eager to develop in 2024? Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and seize the opportunities that await!
The post Top 6 Skills That Could Boost Your Pay in 2024 first appeared on designExplorr.
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