have you been…

  • Dreaming up beautiful ideas, but have no idea where to begin?
  • Do you find yourself craving a more creative & authentic life?
  • Feeling a little stuck in a loop talking about a more purposeful life, rather than pursuing it?
  • Piecing together a beautiful business concept, idea, product… but flying a little blind?
  • Wanting to empower yourself with lifelong design skills & print production knowledge?
  • Finding yourself feeling frustrated in understanding print processes & file setup terms?
  • Feel you need some empowerment, inspiration & positivity in your life?

It’s time to design a beautiful life that you love… you DESERVE it!

The M.studio LIVING BEAUTIFULLY DESIGN workshop is…

a hands-on female-empowered 2-day course developed to set you up with graphic design skills & to understand print & manufacturing processes. Design is a lifelong skill every woman would benefit from in many ways in the modern & digital times we live in… not just for better workflow in your professional life but also to live more creatively in your personal life.

Creativity is a crucial part of being… we need to be creative to think in new and exciting ways. Creativity is not only limited to art & design, it is used daily & amplifies to all aspects of your working & personal life. The most creative people find ways around obstacles because they see them not as roadblocks but as opportunities. Being creative expands your perceptions & expanded perceptions allow beautiful new ways of living life to your truest potential. Creative tools & skills are the bridge to where you want to be & give you an opportunity to change your life.

It’s a workshop that overflows with design knowledge, skills, tips & tricks… but it’s also so much more than that… It’s 2 transformational days full of heart & inspiration, it’s female-empowered, filled with resources & honest open conversations about life, work & the importance of living a life of purpose true to yourself.

FAQ’s

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

You can work on any laptop or MacBook during the workshop & you will also need to bring a mouse to use with your laptop.

What design program will you be teaching?

I teach the basics of Adobe Illustrator during the workshop. Adobe Illustrator is the world industry-standard vector graphic design program, useful for ANY creative work from corporate identity creation, branding, packaging, stationery, patterns, textile designs, marketing/advertising artwork, social media content, digital illustration, products etc.

Will I be able to apply the design skills taught at the workshop in other design programs/areas of my life/career too?

YES YES YES!!! You will be able to apply everything you have learned in other design programs/platforms too. This weekend is so insightful, even if you don’t want to specifically use it for the sole purpose to design yourself… you will be able to work more closely & understand processes better to enjoy faster & more sufficient workflow with fellow creatives & industry suppliers ( designers, suppliers, photographers, printers etc. )

 

What extras are included during the workshop?

Meals & drinks are included for the 2 days. ( Light morning bite upon arrival, lunch, water, coffee, tea, treats & snack spoils ) All stationery, a notebook & module documents are included. You will receive a workshop goodie bag with M.studio planning tools & products & extra spoils from beautifully designed local brands. After completing the workshop you will also receive a M.studio digital workshop pack with a list of all my trusted suppliers, referrals, fonts, design elements & vectors to start your creative journey.

I am a qualified Graphic Designer, will I still benefit from attending?

ABSOLUTELY YES! Girl, we NEVER stop learning & there is always space for growth & to broaden your knowledge, especially in the module sections focussing on workflow, industry suppliers & resources. You will also find the sections on self-development highly inspirational.

I share a ton about how I run my business, the personal life lessons I have learned & the platforms + resources that have impacted & contributed to how I have grown my career in the creative industry. I share tips on my branding process with clients & in-depth teachings on packaging design & stationery. I speak honestly about how I do my costing & life as a female entrepreneur in South Africa.

Do I need drawing, painting or any prior design skills to attend?

Attendees do NOT need ANY prior design experience or knowledge. Attendees also do NOT need ANY drawing or painting skills. Basic computer skills are required.

*Seats are limited as I personally work hands-on with every attendee during the 2days.

*Click on the links below to download all the needed workshop info. The workshop document will provide you with more in-depth details about the module as well as answer all frequently asked questions.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS //2025

*I am planning another workshop in Europe for 2025. Please leave your contact details below if you are interested & we can send details as soon as everything is confirmed. 

Words from the M.studio Design Grads

“Mariaan’s zest for a beautiful and purposeful life is infectious. Through the Graphic Design Workshop, you not only learn the fundamentals of Illustrator, but also where to find inspiration, believe that you can do it, and how to go into the world and create! The workshop is interactive and Mariaan carefully guides you along each process, also giving insight into her own wonderful journey and career. She also shares tips and advice for running your own business and gives you a better understanding of key terms used in the design and print industry. The weekend is filled with so much inspiration through the food, the decor and even the carefully selected venue. You can see how Mariaan has put her heart and soul into creating a workshop that aims to inspire others. I was hugely impacted by the workshop, and learned so much more than just graphic design, including self-love and enjoying the journey! “

Waydene / Gauteng

 

” Thank you so much for a really inspiring and motivating weekend last week. I loved your realness and honesty and so appreciated the strength and support of the other ladies. It really is my wish that women support each other more – I think we could be so much greater if we worked together, complimenting each of our skills and strengths rather than feeling threatened by them. And I love how you so openly shared your knowledge to empower us – absolutely the more you give, the more you have! Thank you for challenging me – both in terms of my priorities and literally, attempting to teach me a whole new skill in 48 hours 🙂

I would highly recommend your course – the value for money was outstanding – and you have left a significant mark on my life. “

Jessica / Cape Town

 

” The short version… Thank you for your guidance, generosity and genuineness (it’s a word) this weekend. Thank you for inspiring me to do anything and everything and not let fear get the better of me! This weekend revolutionized my life!

The long version and the one that I want to send to you is this, thank you for your generosity of spirit and for being so open, honest and transparent. I finally feel like I have finally found people with whom I can share a desire to see a more beautifully designed world! Thank you for your advice not only in terms of design but also life in general. You have no idea the impact that you have made on my life. There is a proverb that says “Blessed are old people who plant trees knowing that they shall never sit in the shade of their foliage”, now I’m not saying you’re old, but you are definitely planting trees and I pray that you are blessed abundantly for what you are doing.

Look forward to more workshops and inspiration in the future! “

Melanie / Gauteng

 

” Dankie dankie dankie vir so ’n ongelooflike workshop! Jou kennis en ervaring van alles wat jy met ons gedeel het, AL die vele bederf en elke oomblik die naweek was so spesiaal en gevul met soveel mooi en liefde.. van die oomblik wat ons daar ingestap het kon ons die inspirasie voel en dit was werklik spesiaal om twee dae van jou hart en passie te ervaar.
Weet dat jy elkeen se lewe geraak het en om te sê dit was net ’n Illustrator workshop sou nie waar wees nie want dit voel asof ons op verskeie vlakke soveel meer geleer het!

Ongelooflik baie dankie dat jy daardie ’spark’ vir my teruggesit het, my hart loop oor van al die inspirasie, idees en nuwe vriendskappe, en sien werklik uit na wat die toekoms vir ons almal inhou! Kan nie wag vir jou volgende workshops nie. “

Leandrie / Cape Town

 

“Working in the “packaging” industry myself- you have always been my “designer packaging crush”. We often have some of your work shown in our boardroom meetings for inspo! You are an amazing designer! Definitely the best of the best! Your workshop this weekend was all that I expected and more. I am so so grateful for the knowledge I have gained on the programme, however, that was not all I got.

I was able to take some time out from the busiest household to do something for me. Everything was so beautiful. The ladies were so inspiring. Everyone’s stories and backgrounds and shares were so touching. You have an incredible way of bringing people together.
You are so inspiring! Every quote, every story- I found myself hanging on your every word (and writing it down!) I can’t wait to continue following your journey, and I cannot wait to “begin” or “better” mine! I want my life to be beautiful, and you have taught me how to live life beautifully. Thank you for you! Thank you for your course! Thank you for sharing yourself!”

Stacey / Gauteng

 

I AM READY TO BOOK MY SEAT FOR THE WORKSHOP,

*Please only complete the required details below if you are proceeding with your booking.
Our team will email your invoice & booking details for payment.