BLUP MEETS: Ekaterina Solomeina
Building the Future of Design: How Ekaterina Solomeina Is Reimagining Creative Education.
Ekaterina Solomeina is the co-founder of Future London Academy, a global learning platform transforming how creatives grow, lead, and connect. From working with major agencies to building a creative school for design leaders, her mission is clear — to empower designers to think bigger, keep learning, and shape the future of creativity through collaboration and curiosity.
// Dines: What sparked the idea behind Future London Academy?
Ekaterina: The idea came from my own frustration with both the creative industry and traditional education. When you start your career, there is a clear path: school, university, then a job. But once you’re working, no one tells you what comes next. How do you continue to grow, learn, and evolve as a creative leader? I realised there was a gap for people like me who wanted to keep developing beyond technical skills. I wanted to understand business, leadership, and team dynamics, which were never taught in design school. Future London Academy began as a personal project, but I quickly discovered many others felt the same. People wanted a space where learning and collaboration continued throughout their careers. What started as a small idea has become a global platform helping creatives learn from one another and stay inspired.
// Dines: How do you keep a global creative community connected?
Ekaterina: Connection is everything for us. Our mission has always been to unite creatives across the world and give them access to ideas, knowledge, and inspiration that help them grow. We do this through experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways, whether that’s in-person programmes in London or live online sessions with participants from around the world. We’ve seen real friendships and collaborations form from these events, sometimes just from a chat during a webinar. The real magic happens when creatives are in the same space and share ideas openly.
We also keep our community active through our social platforms, encouraging people to introduce themselves, exchange ideas, and support one another. The more we connect passionate minds, the more opportunities we create for growth and collaboration. It’s about creating spaces where creativity can flourish and people can genuinely inspire each other.
// Dines: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from leading global design thinkers?
Ekaterina: The biggest lesson is that learning never stops. Every great leader I’ve met, from studios like Pentagram to brands like Vogue or Twitter, shares one common trait: curiosity. They never think they’ve reached the top. They’re always exploring, asking questions, and staying open to new ideas. I’ve also learned that creativity and business go hand in hand. A brilliant idea only becomes powerful when it’s brought to life, and that takes understanding how business works. The most successful creatives are those who can connect imagination with impact.
They understand how to influence decisions, manage teams, and build value through design. My advice to young creatives is to learn beyond design. Study leadership, strategy, and communication. When you understand how the world operates, your creativity becomes a force for real change, not just beautiful ideas.
// Dines: How should creative education evolve for the next generation?
Ekaterina: Creative education needs to evolve with the world around it. Most universities still teach content that no longer matches how the industry actually works. The world moves fast, but education often doesn’t. We need to teach students not just how to design, but how to think critically, collaborate, and adapt. Most importantly, creatives should learn about business and leadership. Designers shouldn’t be boxed in as just artists or makers.
They should be encouraged to lead teams, start companies, and take strategic roles. Creativity and entrepreneurship are deeply connected. My hope is that design education will one day combine creativity with practical skills like finance, communication, and management. If we teach the next generation how to build as well as create, we’ll see more designers shaping industries and solving global problems, not just decorating them.
// Dines: What change do you most want to see in the industry?
Ekaterina: I want to see more creatives stepping into leadership roles and starting their own businesses. You don’t need to build the next big tech company. Even a small, independent studio can have a huge impact. What matters is having ownership, purpose, and a clear vision. Too often, creatives underestimate their influence.
Design isn’t only about visuals; it’s about solving problems, shaping experiences, and building sustainable solutions. With the tools we have today, from AI to online learning, anyone can start something meaningful. What’s missing is confidence and encouragement. I want to see more designers taking risks, collaborating, and creating their own paths. Design is a powerful tool that can transform business, culture, and society. The more creatives we have leading from the front, the more human and innovative the world will become.
// Dines: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young creatives today?
Ekaterina: Trust yourself. You’ll always hear opinions about what you should or shouldn’t do, but your instincts matter more than you think. Your perspective is your power. The creative industry needs people who are unafraid to challenge how things have always been done. When we started Future London Academy, many told us we were doing it wrong, but that’s exactly why it worked. Don’t wait for permission or the perfect plan. Learn, experiment, and keep moving forward. Mistakes are part of growth. The unknown isn’t something to fear; it’s where innovation happens. So listen, absorb, and explore, but never lose sight of your own voice. Confidence, curiosity, and resilience will take you further than any rulebook ever could.
