From idea to execution: a Creative Week at the Academy with Ana Ivanović from the University of Montenegro

Ana Ivanović from the University of Montenegro spent an intensive and productive week at the Academy from 12 to 16 May, working on a collaborative design project. The focus was on practical application, interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking about accessibility and visual communication.

The first day started with presentations, where Ana presented her portfolio and gave a lecture on the basic principles of graphic design. Each student group then summarised their progress with the other mentors and shared what they had produced in the meantime.

“The main task was to develop an overall visual identity for A Piece of Happiness. In addition to the overall task, each of the three groups had a specific focus: developing the website, working on the printed materials and organising the signage and wayfinding system.”

The second day was dedicated to an interesting and participatory lecture on accessible design – what it means, why it matters and how we can integrate inclusive design thinking into practical outcomes. Each group then re-evaluated their work and applied what they had learned.

For the rest of the week, everyone worked together in a practical, collaborative environment, with all groups in the same classroom. This arrangement allowed for constant critique and peer support, which helped ideas to grow through feedback and discussion.

The last day concluded with a presentation of the final products via Zoom to clients who were abroad and unable to attend in person. This was followed by a joint feedback and reflection session with graphic design instructor Sara Božanić, students and Ana Ivanović – an open space to evaluate the project, the process and what everyone gained from it.

Za Ano je bil teden zelo uspešen – ustvarjalno ploden, premišljen in poln smiselne izmenjave!