Overview
Audience: Creative Entrepreneurs
Role: Concept and Curriculum Design, Facilitation, Graphic Design
Tools: Photoshop, Power Point, GotoWebinar
This program was one of the most enjoyable and creative initiatives I’ve ever developed. The goal was to teach fundamental marketing concepts to creative professionals in a way that was relatable and less intimidating. Inspired by my clients’ frequent references to the film Mean Girls on social media, I decided to use the film as a thematic foundation for the course.
Process
Analysis:
- Conducted an informal audience analysis by reviewing social media trends and identifying a shared interest in Mean Girls references among creative entrepreneurs.
- Assessed common challenges faced by the target audience, such as intimidation around learning marketing concepts and lack of engagement with traditional training formats.
- Researched trademark and copyright restrictions to ensure the chosen theme could be executed legally and effectively.
Design
- Mapped key marketing pillars to memorable scenes and catchphrases from the film, ensuring each concept was relatable and easy to remember.
- Developed learning objectives tailored to the audience’s needs, focusing on demystifying marketing principles through humor and pop culture.
- Sketched initial slide layouts and visual concepts, prioritizing a balance between entertainment and educational value.
Development
- Created slide decks using vector characters inspired by the Mean Girls characters, avoiding direct likenesses to comply with legal requirements.
- Designed graphics and layouts in Adobe Photoshop, integrating vibrant visuals and interactive elements to maintain participant interest.
- Tested slide content with a small group of creative professionals to gather feedback and refine the presentation.
Implementation
- Delivered the course as a live, interactive program, incorporating audience participation and discussion to enhance understanding and retention.
- Adjusted the pacing and delivery based on real-time audience feedback to ensure engagement and comprehension.
Evaluation
- Collected feedback from participants through surveys and informal discussions, receiving high praise for the course’s relatability and entertainment value.
- Reviewed participant feedback to identify opportunities for further refinement, such as adding more examples or interactive activities.
Outcomes and Insights
The program achieved increased engagement and a deeper understanding of marketing concepts among participants, who responded positively to the creative, theme-based approach. Attendees praised the innovative use of a pop culture theme, which made the material relatable and engaging. Additionally, the project successfully navigated legal constraints, ensuring a high-quality program that adhered to copyright and trademark guidelines.
Leveraging pop culture as a teaching tool proved highly effective for connecting with niche audiences, making technical concepts more accessible. Thorough research into copyright and trademark restrictions was critical to ensuring compliance while maintaining the program’s creativity. The combination of humor and relatability further enhanced the approachability of complex marketing topics.