Digital Academy: CollabQuest
An in-person program connecting creative learning to real-world professional environments.
Ages 14+ | In-Person | Intermediate to Advanced | $410 per CollabQuest
Because Digital Academy has prerequisites for participation, please email our education team to discuss your student and their interest prior to registering them for their first class.
What is CollabQuest?
CollabQuest is developed in partnership between Islands of Brilliance and a professional organization.
Each experience begins with a site visit that introduces participants to a real-world creative environment. Students then design and create their own individual projects inspired by the challenge, context, and insights gained from that visit.
Participants work alongside peers, sharing feedback and ideas, while maintaining ownership of their work.
What Participants Will Learn
Creative and Technical Skills
Interpreting real-world creative prompts
Translating inspiration into original ideas
Applying tools and techniques independently
Iterating based on feedback
Presenting creative work
Personal Development and Growth
Confidence in professional contexts
Comfort sharing work with peers
Problem-solving through real-world challenges
Seeing creative skills applied beyond the classroom
CollabQuest Is a Good Fit For
Participants curious about creative careers
Learners who benefit from real-world context
Creators who prefer in-person experiences
Participants new to Digital Academy
Program Details
Format: In-Person
Time: Varies by Season
Sessions: One On-site Location Tour + Three 2-Hour IOB Studio Sessions
Tuition: $410 per CollabQuest
Ages: 14+
Our Next CollabQuest…
Design a Book Cover!
Community Partner:
Project Objective
Calling all designers and illustrators! New American Press, an independent literary publisher, is offering a rare opportunity to step inside the world of book cover design.
Participants will meet the creative director, author, and professional designers to learn how book covers are developed before taking on the creative challenge: re-designing a book cover for a title currently in publication.
This experience offers both portfolio development and real-world insight into working with a local creative team.
Each participant’s final design will be professionally printed and mailed to their home, and participants will have the opportunity to build connections with a working design and publishing team.
Project Details
Format: In-Person
Dates and Times:
Kickoff Session: Saturday, April 25, 10:00–11:30 am
Studio Sessions: Saturdays, May 2, 9, and 16, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Duration: One Kickoff Client Experience + Three 2-Hour IOB Studio Sessions
Price: $410
Locations: IOB’s Studio at the Eagleknit, 507 S 2nd St, Suite 305, Milwaukee, WI 53204
What to Expect:
Inside the World of Publishing: Meet the creative director, author, and designers from New American Press and learn how books move from manuscript to shelf.
Real Client Brief: Hear directly from the team about the book, its themes, audience, and vision — just like professional designers do.
Book Cover Design: Create an original cover concept that captures the story visually through image, color, typography, and composition.
Concept + Storytelling: Explore how designers communicate tone, genre, and emotion through symbolism and visual decisions.
Feedback & Iteration: Share work, receive guidance, and refine your design across multiple sessions.
Print-Ready Thinking: Learn how covers are prepared for production, including layout, typography, and formatting considerations.
Portfolio Takeaway: Receive a printed version of your book cover and a strong portfolio piece.
Creative Networking: Connect with a local independent publisher and gain insight into careers in design and publishing.
FAQs
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Do participants need prior Digital Academy experience to join CollabQuest?
No. CollabQuest is designed to be accessible to first-time Digital Academy participants as well as returning participants.
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How does the site visit work?
Each CollabQuest includes one in-person visit to a professional or creative environment. Details about location, timing, and logistics are shared in advance.
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What kind of projects do participants create?
Projects are inspired by the professional partner and site visit. Past projects have included animations for stadium screens, custom packaging designs, and 3D printed objects. Each participant creates their own individual project based on the professional challenge explored.
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How much collaboration is involved?
CollabQuest is a partnership between Islands of Brilliance and a professional organization. Participants create their own individual projects while working alongside peers. Collaboration happens during the IOB Studio sessions through shared discussion, idea-sharing, and feedback, with mentors supporting the process.
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Is CollabQuest appropriate for participants who prefer structure?
Yes. CollabQuest includes clear goals, defined timelines, and mentor guidance, making it supportive even for participants new to group projects.
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Not sure if CollabQuest is the right fit?
We’re happy to talk it through. Connect with us before registering.
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