The Story Behind So MAD
Skills, confidence, and creativity – without the pressure!
So MAD About Design started as…
a way to help tweens and teens build real design skills, not just copy quick trends.
I wanted a place where creative kids could explore digital art and graphic design in a way that felt welcoming, practical and genuinely encouraging.
Over time it is growing into a small library of ideas, tutorials and resources that families can dip into when it suits, rather than another noisy thing demanding attention.
Meet Your Creative Coach
Hi, I’m Ruth!
I’m the creative mind behind So Mad About Design, and I’m here to help young artists and designers build skills, confidence, and their own creative style.
Since 2022 I have been teaching, mentoring and cheering on young creatives as they explore digital art and graphic design. With a background in graphic design, digital art and social work, I care as much about confidence and wellbeing as I do about colour palettes and typography.
Right now I am putting most of my work time into other projects, which is why So MAD is on pause and I am not running regular classes or memberships. The resources and ideas here are staying put though, so families and young creatives can still use them at their own pace.
When I am not working creating you will probably find me planning the next overseas adventure, road tripping in a campervan with my husband and three kids, or deep in a design project with Rumu Creative.
Anyway, that’s enough about me, unless you have a question? Feel free to reach out HERE
So, what is So MAD?
HERE’S THE SHORT VERSION:
At the moment So Mad about Design (or So MAD for short) is on pause as a business, which means there are no live classes or memberships running. Instead, you can treat this site as a small library of ideas you can use in your own time.
So MAD gives you:
• Step by step tutorials and projects in digital art and graphic design
• Creative prompts that can be adapted for different ages and confidence levels
• A gentle, encouraging approach that focuses on confidence, not perfection
• Resources that help young creatives build skills they can use at school and beyond
Whether your young creative is just getting started or already loves making things on an iPad or laptop, the aim is to give you practical tools and language to support them.
Wait, before you go…
I know I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again (because it’s THAT important).
Creativity Matters. It’s not just about making cool stuff, it’s so much more!
It’s about:
- Building confidence: Trying new things, making mistakes, and seeing progress
- Solving problems in new ways: Thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions
- Expressing yourself freely: Sharing ideas, emotions, and perspectives
- Connecting with a creative community: Finding like-minded people who get you
Creativity teaches resilience, adaptability, and self-expression, and these are all skills that benefit young people in school, everyday life, and future careers.
So if you’re here to learn, experiment, or just have fun, know that every creative moment matters.
Keep making. Keep exploring. Keep creating.