Becoming a Full-Stack Creative

From Concept to Code

Two Professors, Two Disciplines,
One Framework

Prof. Nik Bear Brown

AI engineering professor and creative technologist. Creator of the Madison framework. Teaching you the technical architecture and AI workflows.

Prof. Nina Harris

Brand and Creative Director with 40+ years leading global campaigns. Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann-Erickson, Charles Schwab. Teaching you brand strategy, storytelling, and creative direction.

You Will Build Two Things
That Get You Hired

Track 1: AI-Powered Tool (Madison or Your Own)

Madison is our teaching framework. Most students build on it.

If you have a stronger idea that targets your career, pitch it. Same standards apply.

Working prototype, technical documentation, portfolio case study.

Track 2: Personal or Startup Brand & Portfolio

Brand strategy, UVP, and visual identity system.

Live portfolio website and tailored resumes.

At least one published article and an active LinkedIn presence.

Everything you build ships publicly. Nothing stays in a classroom folder.

Four Things You'll Be Able to Do

All portfolio-ready

1

Design, implement, and document an AI-powered tool (using Madison or an approved original concept) with a working prototype and technical documentation.

2

Build a brand identity system from strategy through visual identity to published storytelling.

3

Assemble a deployment-ready portfolio: live website, tailored resumes, LinkedIn profile, published article.

4

Deliver a 10-slide Madison Pitch that demonstrates both technical implementation and brand thinking.

Every assignment ladders to at least one of these.

The Course Moves in Three Phases

Phase 1 — Weeks 1–5

Build the Engine

Madison framework deep dive. Ideation, MVP, documentation.

You learn the system and start contributing to it.

Phase 2 — Weeks 6–10

Build the Brand

Brand strategy, visual identity, portfolio site, storytelling.

AI-powered image creation, video, and content.

Phase 3 — Weeks 11–14

Launch and Prove It

LinkedIn, social media, resumes, pitch decks, final presentations.

You put the work in front of real audiences.

The detailed week-by-week schedule is on Canvas.

80% Completion. 20% Quality.

Grade Breakdown

AI-Powered Tool Project0%

Personal Brand & Portfolio0%

Midterm & Final Presentations0%

Participation0%

Quality of Work0%

The Philosophy

80% of your grade: did you build it, submit it, and meet the requirements?

20% of your grade: how does your work compare to the room?

That 20% is subjective. So is every hiring decision, client presentation, and investor pitch you'll ever face. Get used to it here.

Rubric details are on Canvas.

What You Bring, What We Teach

You Bring

Some familiarity with AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Canva, etc.).

Some programming experience. Deep technical knowledge is not required.

Willingness to build in public.

We Teach

Madison framework architecture and applications.

Brand strategy, storytelling, and visual identity.

AI creative workflows: n8n, Figma, V0.dev, Midjourney.

Portfolio construction and pitch delivery.

If you don't have experience with any of these tools, we'll get you there.

By Week 14, you'll be wearing a lot of hats.

Character wearing multiple hats — Midjourney illustration

Engineers Who Tell Stories.
Artists Who Code.
Dreamers Who Build.

That's what creative engineering is all about.
Ready to put on some hats?