Design the Vibe: Building a Visual Identity

This interactive workshop introduces students to the art of moodboarding as a powerful branding and visual storytelling tool. Led by the creative team behind the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth apparel brand CounterPoint, celebrity stylist Calyann Barnett and creative strategist Nailah Mansa, students will explore how designers and marketers translate ideas into compelling visual concepts, then create their own using a combination of digital and hands-on techniques.

Students will:

Design and style a concept/mood board for a brand or project they create themselves.
Explore imagery, typography, color palettes, textures, and visual references.
Apply design thinking to translate ideas, values, and emotions into visual form.
Present their mood board concepts to peers for feedback and creative discussion.

Students will learn:

How mood boards communicate brand identity and creative direction.
The role of visual research and inspiration in branding.
How to translate abstract ideas into cohesive visual stories.
How branding influences consumer perception and engagement.

This workshop helps students build foundational branding skills while encouraging creativity, confidence, and visual storytelling.

Nailah Mansa

Nailah Mansa is the Creative Operations Manager for CounterPoint, the Utah Jazz private label brand, where she leads innovative collaborations, manages high-profile projects, and brings creative visions to life. Nailah has been instrumental in launching groundbreaking initiatives, including the debut of CounterPoint, the first-ever NBA private apparel brand, and The Shop SLC at All-Star Weekend 2023, featuring marquee partners such as Cactus Jack, StockX, and Mitchell & Ness. Her collaborative approach to leadership and creativity contributed to the success of the most recent CounterPoint x Lonely Ghost collection and the integration of CounterPoint into NBA 2K25.

With a dynamic approach to storytelling and strategy, Nailah excels at transforming ideas into impactful campaigns that resonate across sports, fashion, and culture. She is passionate about creating experiences that connect brands to communities, emphasizing inclusivity, creativity, and excellence in every project.

When not managing the creative pulse of CounterPoint, Nailah enjoys exploring artistic outlets, uplifting others through mentorship, and spending time with her family. Driven by vision and heart, she is committed to making a lasting impact on the intersection of sports, design, and culture.

Calyann Barnett

Calyann Barnett is a visionary creative director who has redefined the boundaries between fashion, sports, and entertainment. Over 14 years, she transformed Dwyane Wade into a global style icon, bridging two worlds once considered separate. Known for creating bold, unforgettable looks, Barnett’s client roster features some of the most recognizable names in sports and entertainment, including Nicki Minaj, Usain Bolt, DJ D-Nice, Kim Kardashian, and Spike Lee, alongside partnerships with esteemed brands like Dior, Air Jordan, Hublot, and Puma.

In 2009, Barnett co-founded WWB Lifestyle, one of the first styling firms to elevate athletes as cultural icons. From red carpets to brand campaigns, her work made statements that resonated far beyond the sports world, earning acclaim from Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, and others. Her creative foresight has shaped countless trends, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in merging professional athletics with high fashion.

Barnett’s influence extends beyond individual clients. As the founder of The Shop Miami, a curated retail space supporting emerging designers of color, and as Creative Director of CounterPoint, the Utah Jazz’s lifestyle and apparel brand, she blends artistry with advocacy. These ventures reflect her commitment to championing diversity, sustainability, and innovation across industries.

A Miami native of Trinidadian descent, Barnett pairs her artistic vision with sharp business acumen, holding degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. Her career is a testament to faith, resilience, and a relentless drive to create opportunities for others. Beyond her professional success, Barnett is a devoted wife and mother, seamlessly balancing family life with her ever-expanding creative empire.