The Creative School welcomes industry professionals from Aller Media Denmark
This summer, 12 media professionals from the Nordics participated in a 3-week customized program by Aller Media Denmark, the leading publisher of magazines and weeklies in Denmark. The transdisciplinary training provided industry professionals and recent graduates with workshops on design thinking, interaction design, digital publishing, media technologies, and business development.
Aller Media trainees pose in front of Mackenzie House, a local historic print shop in Toronto.
Pushing global boundaries with experiential learning opportunities
The course introduced human-centred approaches to creative problem-solving and the latest in digital media technologies, with a focus on augmented reality (AR). Participants engaged in hands-on activities around the design thinking process and ideated solutions while exploring emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Trainees brainstorm in groups during Week 2: Digital Publishing. Image courtesy of Diana Varma.
Toronto-based experiences offer new perspectives on innovation
Participants had the chance to explore Toronto's vibrant media scene, gaining valuable insights and inspiration from a diverse environment.
“Being part of a creative field or working in marketing demands that you constantly stay updated with current trends,” says participant Siri Lindén from advertising agency OTW. “This program is an ideal opportunity to learn from both the diverse experiences and perspectives of others and the expertise of our talented course leaders.”
Marie Krakau from Aller Media Denmark shares a similar outlook, remarking, "The opportunity to go outside of your own working bubble is so important to stay creative and up to date with how your field is progressing.”
Trainees attend Welcome Meet and Greet, hosted by The Creative School International Team.
Trainees also participated in Industry Week, a five-day immersion into the Canadian media landscape. Nicola Hamilton, award-winning editorial designer and leader of Industry Week, emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge across disciplines, organizations and continents to drive industries forward.
“Industry Week has been an incredible exercise in engaging our local and national media organizations in conversation with Aller Media trainees. We've heard from executives at organizations big (The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Walrus, Chatelaine) and small (C Mag, Brick, West End Phoenix) and had conversations about the issues facing Canadian media right now,” she says.
Trainee observes a woodblock print at Mackenzie House while others explore the shop.
Trainees observe historic letterpress trays at Mackenzie House.
Expanding The Creative School’s global network
International opportunities are integral to The Creative School’s experiential learning pedagogy, offering a wide range of partnerships in Asia, Europe, South America and more.
“We are consistently collaborating with The Creative School community and our robust partner network across the globe to continue to diversify international learning opportunities,” says Sadia Kamran, Associate Director, International Development. “Our momentum is stronger than ever, and we hope to continue to centre inclusive, accessible and unique international learning experiences in collaboration with partners around the world.”