The Side-Hustle Blueprint for Designers: Design, Structure, & Scale

​Hi Vancouver Designers, let's meet up for another workshop!

​So you're a designer. You're good at what you do. You already have value to give.

​So why pour all of it into the conventional hiring grind, tailoring resumes, reformatting portfolios, when you can actually get started on your own? The hard part isn't the design work. It's knowing how to get from "cool idea" to something real.

​About the Workshop

​This hands-on workshop breaks down the transition from service-provider to product-owner. Whether it's a physical product, a digital asset, or niche consulting, we'll get straight to the "how."

​Stop guessing and start building. This workshop takes the mystery out of the business side of design and shows you how to turn your "cool idea" into a functioning revenue stream. No more "someday," let's start today.

​You'll leave with a practical, step-by-step roadmap and professional tips on bootstrapping your way to a successful launch.

​Our Facilitator:

​Carolina Ponce de Leon is an industrial designer with an MBA and an MIB, bringing over 18 years of experience across design, business, and education. She's a Continuing Studies Instructor at Emily Carr University, a StartUp Canada expert panelist, and founder of thebusinesssideofdesign.com, where she helps creatives turn their skills into sustainable businesses.

​Agenda:

​10:30 - 12:00pm Workshop

​12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch

​1:00 - 2:30pm Workshop

​2:30 - 3:00pm Mingling

​About UX Design Den

​We are a low-pressure, supportive space for designers of all levels to experiment, share, and grow through honest feedback, shared experiences, and practical learning.

​We help each other improve our craft, build confidence, and level up for the next step in our careers: whether that's a new project, a presentation, or an interview.

​About Our Host

​The Information Design & Data Visualization (IDDV) program at Northeastern Vancouver is a community of creators and communicators. As part of the College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD), we bridge analytical precision with visual innovation to turn complex data into human-centered insights.

​Join our hub to connect with students and faculty through workshops, industrial talks, and exhibitions shaping the Vancouver design ecosystem. Follow us to see how we bridge the gap between raw data and impactful design.