About Us | ash spark

Our Story

ash spark was founded by a team of design professionals who recognized a gap between traditional design education and the skills demanded by modern tech companies. We saw talented people struggle to break into the industry because existing programs failed to teach practical, job-ready skills.

Our curriculum focuses on Figma because it has become the industry standard for interface design. Rather than teaching abstract theory, we immerse students in real-world projects that mirror the challenges they will face as working designers.

Since our founding, we have helped hundreds of students transition into design roles at companies ranging from innovative startups to established enterprises. Our approach combines technical skill development with an understanding of user psychology and business objectives.

Our Values

Principles that guide everything we do

Practical Excellence

Every lesson connects directly to skills you will use in your design career. No filler content.

Student Success

Your career advancement is our primary measure of success. We invest in your growth.

Community

Join a network of designers who support each other through challenges and celebrate wins together.

Continuous Learning

Design evolves constantly. Our curriculum updates reflect the latest industry practices and tools.

Meet Our Instructors

Learn from experienced professionals who have shaped products used by millions

David Thornton

Lead instructor with 12 years of experience. Former Design Lead at major e-commerce platforms. Specializes in design systems and component architecture.

Sarah Okonkwo

UX research specialist with a background in cognitive psychology. Has led user research programs for healthcare and financial technology applications.

Michael Reyes

Visual design expert with roots in brand identity. Teaches color theory, typography, and the principles of creating memorable interfaces.

Our Approach to Design Education

Traditional design programs often focus heavily on theory while neglecting the tools and workflows professionals actually use. We took a different path. Our courses are built around Figma because understanding modern tools is essential for working effectively in design teams.

Each course follows a project-based structure. Instead of passive video consumption, students work on realistic design challenges that build genuine portfolio pieces. Instructors provide detailed feedback on student work, helping identify areas for improvement and reinforcing successful techniques.

We also emphasize the soft skills that separate good designers from great ones: presenting work to stakeholders, collaborating with developers, and articulating design decisions clearly. These capabilities often determine career advancement more than technical skill alone.

About ash spark