Design Power-Up: A Hands-On Workshop for Nonprofit Communicators
Event description:
If you work in nonprofit communications, chances are you’ve designed something yourself. A social post. An event flyer. A fundraising graphic. Maybe all of the above—on a deadline.
Design Power-Up is an interactive workshop from YellowDog designed to help nonprofit communicators strengthen their DIY design work with practical feedback, fresh perspective and real-world tips you can use right away. This is a collaborative, peer-to-peer session led by YellowDog’s creative director and in-house design team. Together, we’ll review selected attendee submissions and talk through what’s working, what could be stronger and how small design tweaks can make a big difference in clarity, accessibility and impact.
No jargon. No judgment. Just thoughtful feedback (and refreshments).
This workshop is ideal for:
● Nonprofit marketing and communications professionals
● Development teams creating fundraising and event materials
● Program managers wear the accidental designer hat
● Executive directors and operations staff doing occasional DIY design
● Canva users who know something isn’t quite right but can’t pinpoint why
● Anyone who’s stared at the same design for too long and needs a fresh eye
If you create mission-driven materials, this workshop is for you.
How it works after you are registered:
Step 1: Submit your design
Registered attendees may submit up to two graphics at least three days before the event. YellowDog will select up to 10 designs to review during the workshop.
Step 2: Mix and mingle
Arrive early to connect with fellow Colorado nonprofit professionals over light snacks. While at YellowDog HQ, you’ll also have the chance to tour our production space and learn how local, thoughtful printing can support goals.
Step 3: Power-up your design
Settle in for a guided workshop where we’ll review selected designs together. Participants are encouraged to share friendly, constructive feedback, and those whose work is featured will receive input from YellowDog’s creative team.
Types of designs we’ll consider:
- Logos and brand elements
- Social media graphics
- Digital ads and email headers
- Event and fundraising materials
- Annual report spreads
- Small print: flyers, brochures, mailers, stickers
- Large format: posters, banners, signage
- Or anything currently in progress
How to submit:
After you have completed your event registration, email up to two files (in .jpg, .pdf or .png format) with a brief description of how it’s used and who it’s for to jen@yellowdogdenver.com
Your mission deserves visuals that work as hard as you do. Let’s power them up.
Presenter: Jen Gauerke, creative director
Jen Gauerke brings years of experience designing for small businesses, corporations and nonprofits to her work as creative director at YellowDog. Jen developed YellowDog’s entire design program, expanding the business from a commercial printer to a full-service, award-winning creative studio. Under her
leadership, YellowDog has been recognized for design excellence by local and national outlets, including Graphic Design USA, ColoradoBiz Magazine and the Netty Awards. As an active member of her community and supporter of local nonprofits, she lends her design expertise to causes close to her heart like local music programming, equity and environmental awareness. Jen’s eye for detail and love for uncovering what’s unique about an organization leads to strong relationships of ongoing collaborative support.