Hello, do you speak Design?
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:
Color Theory
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.
Typography
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.
Images
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 you can’t blow up a thumbnail into a billboard. We’ll even talk about converting file types efficiently, not just changing the file name.
Programs and Applications
In this class, we’ll help you pick the design program that’s right for you. It’s not a tutorial about how to use these programs. Instead, you’ll learn the differences between [maybe name some here]. Plus, we’ve got tips and (actually affordable) tools for photo editing and basic design. We’re big fans of freebies.
Designing for the Web
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.
Brand Design
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.
But wait, there's more!
By signing up for this course, you’ll get lifetime access to it, as well as:
⭐️ Updates and deeper dives. So if something doesn't seem relevant to you now (file formats) and is later (hang on, someone asked me for an SVG), you'll always be able to come back and see what's up! All updates will be available to you, whenever you need them. So if I delve into a topic or tell a few additional jokes about glam bands, you won’t miss a thing.
⭐️ Access to free games that teach you some of these concepts in a compelling, fun (sometimes silly) way. Plus, downloadable worksheets will help you think through some of the bigger questions.
⭐️ Access to our private Design for Non-Designers Facebook group, where you can ask questions and get honest, non-judgmental answers about printing, web design, and working with designers.
Hey! I'm Sarah.
I’m Sarah, a designer, illustrator, and strategist in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m the person you call who can inject a little weirdness into something traditionally pretty dry. People hire me to solve tough, design-driven problems, which can be anything from branding new initiatives within existing nonprofits, or figuring out how to translate complex regional planning terminology to the average layman.
In my 7 years working as a designer, I’ve had the opportunity to design for a wildly fun range of formats, from illustration (Vox.com, Queen of Cream) to event design (Facebook, Art Papers) to physical installations — and a few formats that didn’t really exist until I made them up. (Check out my analog vending machine and data-driven living infographics.)
Hear from Aileen, a copywriter:
“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. 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.
The 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.”
Or from Emma, a marketing professional in Atlanta:
“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! “
Ok so how much learning am I going to do here?
- How the Internet Works (3:13)
- How Websites Work (1:28)
- Domains (10:15)
- Hosting (2:08)
- Designing for Web - Web Speed (4:23)
- Designing for Web – Images (2:59)
- Designing for Web - ALT Text (5:26)
- CMS Platforms (5:44)
- Wireframing (0:56)
- UX (3:34)
- Dark Patterns (4:10)
- SEO (6:46)
- Responsive Design (2:26)
- Bonus!!! (0:33)
Have you ever:
- Received an email from a designer and felt like a deer in the headlights?
- Tried to make your own flyer and felt overwhelmed?
- Received feedback that your brochures weren't readable?
- Tried to translate your project into another language and run into issues?
- Tried to make a quick website for your side hustle and didn't know where to start?
- Worked with a designer and had to say at least once "wow, this is all Greek to me"?
- Told someone to "make the logo bigger?"
- Wondered why your thumbnail image wouldn’t work for a poster?
- Gotten something back from the printer that looked terrible and you had no idea why?
Then this class is for you!
Even fundraising professionals take this course! Let's see what Heather has to say:
“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. “
And graphic designers? You're kidding me! Here is Liz:
“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.
Sarah incorporated her sense of humor into the workshop which made the lesson both memorable and fun to attend."
Frequently Asked Questions:
⭐️ What is the class format?
We have six big buckets of stuff for you to learn: Color Theory, Typography, Programs, File Formats, Web Design, and Branding. Each course is self-taught at your own pace, but you'll be able to ask questions and get answers in our private Facebook group as you go through.
⭐️ Will I be able to design my own stuff after this?
To an extent, yes – I'm teaching the fundamentals behind good design and the behind-the-scenes bits, but this is not a course that teaches you "how to do Photoshop." The better way to think about this is: how do I get the best results from the creatives I work with? This course teaches you what to look for, how to ask for what you want, and how to properly critique work that you've received with the correct language.
⭐️ What if this doesn't answer any of my questions?
If you finish the entire course and decide it was a complete waste of time, reach out within 30 days and I'll issue you a full refund.
⭐️ Can I purchase sections individually, like if I only want to learn typography?
All six of these modules build on each other and work together — if I reference a vector file in the typography section and you haven't learned what a vector file is, you’ll likely be confused. These classes are best as a bundle, so you’ll have a fully well-rounded idea of what's going on.
⭐️ Will I be able to ask you questions if something doesn't make sense?
Absolutely! This class is for you — if you have questions during this class, or afterwards in your own life, please reach out and we will be happy to help. No question is too small, no explanation too technical. We'll figure it out together!
⭐️I'm already a graphic designer; is this course for me?
This class goes deep behind the scenes; how different design terms got their names, what the big picture behind is behind everything, and what parts stump clients. For my design pals, I dig deep into a lot of the stuff we take for granted (okay, but why is RGB measured to 255?) that I think will surprise you. Also! If you learn are able to understand where your clients are getting confused, everyone will be much, much happier.
⭐️Do you talk at all about accessibility in design?
Yes, absolutely. And it's so important, there isn't just one special section on it — it's woven throughout the course. The best design system is one that works for everyone, and there are tips throughout the entire class that keep in mind accessibility in typography, web design, branding, and colors. Every single video lesson comes complete with closed captioning and a transcript, so you won't be left behind.
