Beyond the Classroom: Training the Next Generation of Creatives
For three months, I had the opportunity to train young people in graphic design — an experience that reminded me that creativity becomes even more meaningful when it is shared.
By Samuel Yayra Banahene | Glowgh Multimedia
Graphic design has been an important part of my creative journey.
Over the years, I have learned that good design is not simply about making something look attractive. It is about communication — taking an idea, understanding the message behind it and turning it into something people can see, understand and connect with.
So when I had the opportunity to train young people in graphic design, I saw it as more than simply teaching them how to use design software.
It was an opportunity to share what I have learned and help others discover their own creative potential.
Three Months of Learning and Creating
The training lasted three months and combined technical lessons with practical exercises.
We explored the fundamentals of graphic design, including typography, colour, composition, spacing, visual hierarchy and layout.
But beyond the principles, I wanted the participants to understand how to think about design.
Knowing how to use a design tool is one thing. Knowing why you are making a particular design decision is another.
Throughout the training, participants worked on practical assignments that allowed them to apply what they were learning.
They created flyers, social media designs, promotional materials and other visual communication pieces.
With every assignment came an opportunity to learn, make mistakes, receive feedback and improve.
Teaching Through Practice
One thing I have learned from working in the creative industry is that creativity grows through practice.
That became one of the biggest principles of the training.
The participants were encouraged to experiment and, importantly, not to be afraid of getting things wrong.
Some designs needed significant corrections. Others surprised me with how quickly the participants understood the concepts.
There were questions, challenges, revisions and moments of discovery.
Gradually, I began to see something beyond improved designs.
I began to see confidence.
Participants who initially hesitated to present their work became more comfortable explaining their ideas and receiving criticism.
The training space became a place where they could develop not only technical skills, but also the confidence to express themselves creatively.
More Than a Design Skill
Graphic design can open doors to many opportunities.
A good designer can help a business communicate its brand, support an organisation's campaigns, create digital content or build a career within the creative industry.
That is why I wanted the participants to see graphic design as more than something they were learning for a certificate.
I encouraged them to think about how they could continue developing their skills after the training.
The certificate may mark the completion of the programme, but the real learning begins when the classroom ends.
Seeing Their Growth
One of the most fulfilling parts of the experience was watching the participants present their work towards the end of the training.
As I assessed their projects, I could see the difference between where they started and where they had arrived.
They had learned to make more deliberate design choices, communicate their ideas and defend the decisions behind their work.
Presenting their work also gave them an opportunity to experience something every creative professional eventually has to face — having your work evaluated.
It was not always about producing a perfect design.
It was about understanding the process, accepting feedback and being willing to improve.
And when the certificates were finally presented, they represented much more than three months of classes.
They represented learning, practice, correction, persistence and growth.
Passing On What I Know
Training others has given me a different perspective on my own creative journey.
When you teach something, you are forced to examine what you know, explain it clearly and find different ways to help someone else understand it.
It has reminded me that the creative industry grows when knowledge is shared.
I have benefited from people who taught, guided and encouraged me along the way. Being able to do the same for someone else is something I value deeply.
For me, this is part of what creativity should be about.
Not only creating for clients.
Not only producing beautiful work.
But also creating opportunities for other people to create.
The certificate is not the destination.
For these young creatives, it is a starting point.
There is still more to learn, more to practise and more to create.
My hope is that they will continue developing their skills, join creative communities, take up opportunities and use what they have learned to create value for themselves and others.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful thing a creative person can create is not a poster, a photograph or a video.
Sometimes, it is another creative person.
Trainer: Samuel Yayra Banahene
Organisation: Glowgh Multimedia
Training Area: Graphic Design
Duration: 3 Months
Beyond the Classroom: Training the Next Generation of Creatives
