Unleash Your Creativity, Santa Barbara!

Our vibrant community is bursting with support to empower a creative journey. From talented local talent to unique programs and learning opportunities, we've gathered our creative resources here. Explore this curated list and discover the tools, inspiration, and community to bring your creative vision to life. Let me know if you think I should add anything here!

Funding and Support for Creative Projects:

By tapping into these incredible local resources, you'll find the support and inspiration you need to nurture your creativity and bring your ideas to fruition. Engage with our talented community of freelance designers, participate in workshops and events, and explore the funding opportunities available to you.

SB Arts & Business Organizations:

  1. The Central Coast Arts Coalition, a collective of the Central Coast region’s state-designated local arts agencies, includes Arts Council for Monterey County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, San Benito County Arts Council, San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture and Ventura County Arts Council. (https://www.centralcoastartists.org/)

  2. Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture (https://www.sbac.ca.gov/) Provides grants, resources, and support for local artists and creatives

  3. Fund Santa Barbara (www.fundsantabarbara.org) Offers grants and funding opportunities for community-driven projects

  4. Women's Economic Ventures (www.wevonline.org) Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses with training, funding, and resources

  5. SCORE (www.score.org/santabarbara) Santa Barbara mentors are highly successful and seasoned business professionals and entrepreneurs with the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your small business goals. Women Score Higher Events.

  6. Santa Barbara City College - Continuing Education (www.sbcc.edu/ce) Offers a wide range of art, design, and entrepreneurship courses

  1. Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Studio Workshops (www.sbma.net/learnhome) Provides hands-on workshops led by experienced artists and designers

  2. Community Arts Workshop (CAW) (www.sbcaw.org) Offers a variety of art classes, workshops, and studio spaces for creatives

Creative Community Event:

  1. 1st Thursdays Santa Barbara (www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursdays) Monthly art walk featuring local galleries, artists, and performances

DIY Tools

Free or low-cost options like Adobe Express and Canva allow you to create basic logos quickly. While budget-friendly, these lack customization and professional/human access to the creative tools.

Freelance Platforms

Sites like Upwork offer competitive rates for access to global designers. However, they also have platform fees, potential terms and conditions, or communication limitations. 

Working with a local designer or agency provides several benefits:

  • Personalized attention and direct communication

  • Opportunity to build a long-term relationship

  • Flexibility to adapt the design process to your needs