Rapid Press Club

A workshop to get sh*t done, taught by Barbara Niveyro

What is the Rapid Press Club?

It is a 6-to-8-session workshop—available in person in NYC or virtually— led by me, Barbara Niveyro, an interdisciplinary designer. In each session, we will balance theory and practice as I guide you through the design thinking process using a storytelling approach to define, conceptualize, test and present your work to the world.

Whether it’s a book, prototype, app or rebrainding your firm, this space is for projects you’ve already started but feel stuck on—emotionally or otherwise—and need help pushing to the next or final stage. A client once called me their 'creative doula' because I helped them birth their project :)

Why "Rapid" and “Club”?

I believe that as a creator, sometimes you need to make first and think later. Do you go to a club, listen to a song, analyze it, and then dance? No. You just dance. Here, we move with the flow. Often, the “rapid accident” is the exact result you couldn’t find through overthinking.

Examples of students & projects

A jewelry designer launching her e-commerce store.
A lawyer rebranding their firm.
A dentist defining the storytelling of their practice.
A parent making their home more accessible.
An engineer testing and launching their product.
An art dealer improving their time management and brand strategy.
A psychologist renovating their office.
A filmmaker producing a teaser and zine.
A pianist designing an educational app.
A financial advisor upgrading their site and resume.
-- You don’t need to be a “creative” to be a creator.

What can you expect from this workshop?

You will leave this workshop with:
• Lessons on design thinking, content strategy, design research and co-creation.
• Hands-on experience to move this framework from "mind to body," giving you the confidence to take things from the abstract to the concrete.
• A sharper, more defined version of your product's identity, audience, and shape. By the second sessions we will determine what success means for you.

What should you bring?

• Initial survey: A brief explanation of your project's content and current stage so I can personalize the workshop.
• Homework time: Expect to spend about 3 hours per week working on your project—sorry, not sorry! But the sessions are every other week so that you have time to prep.
• A childlike spirit: The willingness to learn through play.
• A Figma account: It’s free!
• Supplies: Paper, scissors, glue, and old magazines for collaging and prototyping.

What is the fee?

Individual sessions are between $50 and $150 depending on independent vs corporate and location. The course takes 6-to-8-sessions in 4 months, but sometimes students need 2 more to complete their project. Sliding-scale rates for pairs and trios are available upon request.

How did the workshop start?

I find immense joy in collaborating with others—helping scientists build prototypes, illustrators make a book, jewelry designers enhance their e-commerce and filmmakers produce teasers. Publishing and sharing new products and the story behind a craft is a challenging yet deeply rewarding way to build community through experimentation.

People frequently ask me to teach them my process to "get sh*t done". I'm flattered, but that type of guidance takes months—especially for those unfamiliar with design thinking, or those who are attached to perfectionism (or fear) and struggle to move from an idea to a product. To honor these supporters, I created the Rapid Press Club, a space for makers that will grow alongside my students and my own evolution.

About my experience?

Explore my portfolio or just ask me! I hold an MFA in Open Design for Innovation from Humboldt University of Berlin. I’ve been publishing books, film, media, and websites for 15+ years. I began as a film producer and audio engineer, and then switched to design. My first book, “Almonds and Beer,” was presented at MoMA PS1 and selected by the New York Public Library; a most recent project is a photo book about Ditmas Park, published by Taylor & Co. Books; and the next one, about Open Design is coming next spring.