From Idea to Brand Summer 2026

Stop Dreaming. Start Building!

Stop just consuming brands and start building them. This bootcamp is designed for creators, disruptors, and future founders who want to turn a raw idea into a market-ready identity.
You’ll be deep in the trenches of creative strategy, hacking the psychology of target audiences, and building a visual soul for your brand from the ground up.
Working in collaborative "squads," you’ll grind through everything from high-concept logo design and brand storytelling to digital-first social strategies. It all leads to a high-pressure final pitch where you’ll defend your vision, proving you have the design thinking and entrepreneurial grit to shape the future of the industry.
No experience is required—just a vision and the drive to create something that sticks.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Master the "Why"—learn how design isn't just about looking good; it's about solving real-world problems.
• Deconstruct how the world’s most iconic brands use psychology and strategy to build cult followings.
• Build a professional brand system from the ground up, starting with a killer logo.
• Create high-impact social media content that stops the scroll and builds a community.
• Develop the "soft skills" of a CEO—presenting your vision with confidence and clarity to a live audience.

Duration and Location

• August 2-6, 2026
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
• AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays off
• Official holidays are compensated for with extra hours.

Fees

• EGP 4,500 (price including materials needed)
• The following discounts are offered:
  • 10% discount for siblings
  • 10% discount for AUC faculty and staff
  • 15% discount for AUC alumni

Who Can Apply?

Students aged 16+ years

Certification

All the boot camp participants will receive a certificate of participation from The American University in Cairo.

Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for an extra fee. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program's start date.

Accommodation 

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

About the Instructor

Rowan Maher

Rowan Maher is the founder and CEO of Wana Studios, a creative studio offering comprehensive artistic solutions tailored to each client’s vision. A graduate of The American University in Cairo with a major in graphic design, Maher has spent the past 10 years building brands, shaping visual identities and leading creative projects from concept to execution as a creative director. She has worked with many brands and Egyptian ministries such as Lapoire, Beanos, Peugeot, Cairo Runners, Bupa Global, Riseup Egypt and Saudi, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, BUE, AUC, Baheya Foundation, Schneider Electric, Hyde Park, City Edge, Banque Misr and many more.

Beyond design, Maher is also a singer whose passion for music shapes her creative perspective. Through her journey, she has learned that creativity is not limited to one path — it is about finding your voice, trusting your ideas and turning them into something meaningful.

Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be granted if the request is submitted at least two weeks before the course start date, or if the request is due to one of the following reasons:

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial

A 75% refund will be granted if the request is submitted within the last two weeks before the course start date.

No refund will be issued if the request is submitted after the end of the last working day (4 pm) and before classes begin, including the weekend prior to the course start date, or after the course has begun.