Attending DesignThinkers Toronto in person? Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn and experiment with these hands-on workshops!
Playful Printing
Hosted by Diana Varma RGD
Date/time: November 7, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
What do you get when you cross an iconic kids toy with a 500 year-old communication technology? Playful printing! In this workshop, you’ll experience printing infused with play; conceptualizing, assembling and printing your very own letterpress art. As you create, you’ll also learn about the history of letterpress printing and the ways in which it’s making a resurgence today. Join us for this hands-on workshop that will make your inner child (and Gutenberg!) proud.
Type Design Crash Course: Crafting Unique Letterforms
Hosted by Carl Shura
Date/time: November 7, 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Discover your Creative Archetype. Unlock your Creative Potential.
Hosted by Dominic Prevost
Date/time: November 7, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Creatives know how to come up with solid ideas, but the creative process is often messy and inconsistent. Sure, we can blame it on the timeline, the brief, the team or the lack of sleep… But have you ever taken the time to think about how you think? The creative process is not one size fits all, and there are many different ways to harness our creativity. Which is yours? Let’s find that out together. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be answering a series of prompts — backed by some real-world anecdotes from Dominic’s experience working in design studios and ad agencies, big and small, to figure out your “Creative Archetype,” and how to tap into your traits to make the best of your inspiration. We’ll discuss procrastination, late nights, stress management, organization, ideation, creative rituals and triggers (both good or bad). The list goes on… Think Myers-Briggs, but for the creative process. At the end of this workshop, you’ll have a completed questionnaire that will outline your “Creative Archetype:” your strengths, challenges, a road map of goals/improvements and a deeper understanding of what gets your creativity flowing.
Building Creative Confidence Toolkit
Hosted by Radim Malinic
Date/time: November 7, 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
This workshop cultivates creative resilience and enhances collaborative skills through practical exercises, with participants working in pairs throughout. Using interactive techniques, attendees learn to centre themselves, improve communication and embrace bold ideas without the fear of being wrong. These habits boost creative confidence, spark innovative thinking and nurture a supportive collaborative environment. The idea is to recognize simple tools to overcome creative blocks, generate fresh perspectives and turn collective brainstorming into impactful outcomes
Key features:
- Enhance listening skills: Learn active listening techniques to deepen understanding, build trust and strengthen relationships.
- Develop effective communication: Cultivate clarity, empathy and confidence in speaking to convey ideas with impact and influence.
- Heighten awareness: Practice mindfulness breathing techniques and self-reflection to increase focus and foster greater self-awareness.
- Embrace failure and uncertainty: Shift perspectives on failure and uncertainty as opportunities for learning, innovation and personal growth.
Design Your Own Drag Character!
Hosted by Guy Anabella
Date/time: November 8th, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Join Guy Anabella, drag queen and Professor of Creativity & Communications at Sheridan College, in this playful workshop where you’ll create your own unique drag persona. This session is designed for graphic designers and anyone interested in the art of drag, with a primary focus on queer folk but open to allies as well. You do not need to imagine yourself as the opposite gender; the focus is on creative expression and character development.
Participants will engage in brainstorm sprints, interactive discussions, and creativity exercises that highlight inclusivity and queer expression. Apply your design skills in color theory, typography and visual storytelling to develop a cohesive drag persona. Devices are recommended to help with inspiration.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a comprehensive plan for your drag character and a deeper understanding of how creativity in drag and graphic design intersect.
Hosted by Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD
Date/time: November 8th, 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm
Lead with Confidence Workshop
Hosted by Robin McLoughlin
Date/time: November 8th, 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Join this workshop to gain the knowledge, confidence and abilities to refine your management style to address leadership challenges. You’ll be inspired as a leader, gain tools to help you overcome obstacles and understand the skills you need to develop to reach your next level career goals. Investing in your growth will help you to be more engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity and performance—hence more revenue for their organizations.
Takeaways:
- Discover your personal values: These values will guide you through everyday business decisions and behaviours.
- Create your goals and elevator pitch: Clients work with goal-oriented, confident individuals who can quickly describe how they can add value.
- Link your goals to your organization’s strategic vision: See how to take your management skills to the next level.
- Lead your team: Learn how to inspire your team by focusing on their professional development and strategic goals.