DESIGN A LIFE YOU LOVE
WORKSHOP
DESIGN A LIFE YOU LOVE
A 2-Day Graphic Design Workshop for Women Ready to Live More Creatively, Purposefully & Authentically
No prior experience needed – just a desire to learn, create and be inspired. Learn Adobe Illustrator, understand print processes, and walk away with lifelong design skills (and a whole lot of heart).
Upcoming Workshops
HAVE YOU BEEN…
dreaming of creating something beautiful… but unsure where to begin?
Craving a more creative, inspired life — but feeling a little stuck in the ‘one day’ loop?
Wanting to launch a product, start a side hustle or finally understand the creative process behind the brands you admire?
You’re not alone. And you don’t need to figure it out by yourself.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE ANYTHING
The *Spark DESIGN A LIFE YOU LOVE WORKSHOP is a powerful, hands-on weekend experience for women who are ready to:
Learn practical Adobe Illustrator skills
Understand file setup, print & packaging processes
Create their own visual content with confidence
Tap into a more inspired and purposeful version of themselves
Meet other like-minded women who are just as ready for their next chapter
Whether you’re a complete beginner or already in the creative world,
this workshop is designed to spark something big in you.
What You’ll Walk Away With
A practical understanding of Adobe Illustrator (installed & ready for you)
How to create logos, labels, packaging, social media content, and more
How to prep design files for professional print & production
Insight into die-cutting, foiling, embossing, heat pressing & more
Supplier contacts, free design elements, and fonts to get started
Honest, empowering advice on pricing, working with clients, and building a creative career
Plus: Personal development tools, inspiration sources, and mindset shifts that go way beyond design.
Is This Workshop Right for You?
Absolutely, if you…
Have ideas you want to bring to life – but lack the tools
Want to level up in your creative career or side hustle
Feel called to live more creatively and intentionally
Are considering graphic design, but don’t want to commit to years of study
Already work in design or marketing and want a fresh, soulful approach
Just want to do something beautiful for yourself
*Spark LIVING BEAUTIFULLY DESIGN WORKSHOP
What’s Included in Your Weekend
2 full days of live, hands-on teaching with Mariaan
All printed course material + notebook + stationery
Access to the *Spark Digital Resource Pack (fonts, vectors, supplier list & more)
Delicious meals, drinks, and snacks for both days
A signature goodie bag with M.studio tools + gifts from beautiful local brands
A safe, inspiring space to learn, grow and reconnect with your creativity
No prior design or drawing skills required.
All you need is a laptop, a mouse, and a desire to learn.
R 9 600 per person
R4800 to secure your spot | R4800 2 weeks before workshop
Meet Your Teacher, Mariaan Lombard
Hi, I’m Mariaan — graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, and your biggest cheerleader in building a more beautiful life through design.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with clients locally and internationally on everything from branding to packaging, product creation and styling. I’ve lived and breathed design — and I’m here to teach you the skills, tools, and mindsets that helped me build a life and business I love.
This workshop is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever created — it’s changed lives, sparked careers, and planted seeds of possibility in over 200 women across SA & Europe.
Workshop Modules at a Glance
Getting Started
- Setting up Adobe Creative Cloud
- Understanding file types (AI, JPG, PNG, PDF)
- Colour formats (CMYK, RGB, Pantone)
Mastering the Tools
- Illustrator workspace & artboards
- Pen tool, shape tools & type tool basics
- Working with typography & colour
- Layers, pathfinder, clipping masks & more
Saving & Exporting
- How to prep files for print & digital
- Packaging files like a pro
- Printer specs, crop marks, sizing & resolution
Beyond the Software
- Branding, style development & design confidence
- Product manufacturing & supplier insights
- Business systems, social media & workflow tips
- Personal growth, creative mindset & finding calm in the digital chaos
Includes real-world examples, module worksheets, design assets, and plenty of support throughout the weekend.
What Past Attendees Say
“Mariaan’s workshop taught me far more than just Illustrator — it was a soulful, inspiring experience that reignited my creativity and self-belief.”
“This weekend challenged and inspired me in the best way — the course was honest, empowering, and such incredible value for money.”
“Mariaan’s generosity, honesty and wisdom changed my perspective on design and life — this workshop truly revolutionized my creative journey.”
“From start to finish, the weekend was filled with beauty, heart and meaning — I left feeling re-inspired, reconnected, and ready for what’s next.”
“You didn’t just teach us design — you brought women together, inspired us to live beautifully, and reminded me to create a life I love.”
Still Have Questions?
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What do I need to bring to the workshop?
You’ll need a laptop (Mac or Windows — either is perfect) and a mouse to work with. That’s it! Everything else is provided.
What design program will you be teaching?
Will I be able to apply the skills beyond Illustrator?
What’s included during the weekend?
So much goodness! You’ll get:
- All meals & drinks (light bites, lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, and treats)
- All stationery, a notebook, printed modules
- A goodie bag with *spark products + locally designed spoils
- A digital post-workshop pack with trusted suppliers, font and vector recommendations, and design elements to kickstart your journey
I’m already a qualified graphic designer — will I still benefit?
Absolutely! We never stop learning. Many qualified designers attend to reignite their creativity, streamline their workflow, and discover new tools, resources, and insights.
You’ll gain access to my personal branding process, packaging + stationery modules, self-development insights, and real talk about costing, business, and life as a female entrepreneur in South Africa.
Do I need any drawing, painting or prior design experience?
Not at all! No drawing or art skills needed — just basic computer knowledge. The workshop is designed for all levels, from beginners to seasoned creatives wanting a fresh perspective.
Is the workshop hands-on and personal?
Yes — seats are limited on purpose. I work closely and personally with every attendee throughout the two days to make sure you get individual guidance and support.
Ready to Book Your Seat?
Seats are limited — I personally work hands-on with every attendee.

11 & 12 April 2026 // Cape Town
Date: 11 & 12 Apr ’26
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Place: Neighbourgood, Cape Town
Level 1, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village – The Piazza, 27 Somerset Rd, De Waterkant

18 & 19 April 2026 // Namibia
Date: 18 & 19 Apr ’26
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Place: Will be confirmed

25 & 26 April 2026 // Pretoria
Date: 25 & 26 Apr ‘26
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Place: Blos Cafe, Pretoria
Plot 66, C/O Olympus Rd & Leander Rd, Faerie Glen

