Design Like an Artist,
Direct Like a Creative Director
Design Like An Artist
An artist. An interior designer. A fashion designer. Different work, same discipline — a point of view, and the ability to make something that did not exist before.
Not assembled from what already exists. Originated.
That is a skill, not a gift. It has a process. And almost no one in this industry teaches it, so we open Pinterest and start assembling, and the work all starts to look the same.
There has never been more inspiration available and there has never been less expertise. Anyone can generate a beautiful image in ninety seconds. Almost nobody can tell you whether it can be hung, what it costs, or who installs it.
Direct Like a Creative Director
You already direct more specialists than most creative directors ever will. Florist, lighting, rentals, stationer, caterer, band, photographer.
But direction requires fluency. When you cannot question a lighting plan, you are not directing the lighting company, you are approving what he sent you.
Six cities. Six disciplines. One at a time, in the room, standing next to the person who does it every day.
Hi, I’m Michelle
I teach event planners to design with a point of view — and to direct every specialist who brings it to life.
For over two decades I have built an event design and production company, creating weddings, corporate events and immersive experiences for brands and discerning clients — including work for BET, Essence, Idris Elba, Pattern, and Will Packer Media.
That work taught me something most event planner workshops never cover.
What separates the planners people remember isn't just taste. It's having the vision to build a world that doesn't exist yet, and the expertise to direct a team to make it real.
And that's why I created The Lemiga Method.
THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR SCORECARD
Five capabilities. Where are you strongest — and where should you begin?
Creative direction isn't one skill. It's five, built over a career, and every designer I know is further along in some than others. That's not a weakness. It's just where you are.
Twenty questions, under four minutes. You'll see your profile across all five capabilities, what you're already doing well, and where I'd tell you to start.
No cost. Results emailed immediately.
-
![]()
The Lemiga Method has truly helped me step into a stronger version of myself as a planner, and I’m excited to carry these lessons into every event I lead moving forward.
- Ria, Ria Events & Design
-
![]()
There’s a reason why Michelle Gainey is both well respected by her peers and beloved by her clients: she puts in the work.
- Beth, Beth Bernstein Events
-
![]()
Michelle sets the gold standard in event design and production.
- Valerie, Sapphire Events
-
![]()
The way you visualize the entire room with ease is inspiring.
- Uso, Karibea Events
2027 Season
The Residence
Six cities. Two days each. Limited seats.
The same class never happens twice.
Each residency has its own concept, inspired by the city and the venue.
You learn how to develop an event from idea to execution — with a single design focus at the center, taught by specialists doing the highest level of work in that discipline.
Then we build it together. For two days that world is real, and you're not just standing in it. You're gaining the expertise that expands what you can design for your clients.
✔
FIRST LIGHT · Charleston, SC · January 18-19
✔
SCALE · Houston, TX · February 22-23
✔
NOCTURN · Philadelphia, PA · March 8-9
✔
PROTOCAL · Washington, DC · March 22-23
✔
ARRIVAL · New Jersey · April 18-19
✔
THE SET · Nashville, TN · April 26-27
Design like an artist
Direct like a Creative Director
Six Cities. Limited Seats
2026 Dates
In 5 Cities
This is a live, in-person masterclass taught by Michelle Gainey, drawing from over 20 years of real-world event design and production experience.
Get The Guide
Learn how to build a thriving business without sacrificing your health and well-being. This course focuses on sustainable growth practices and stress management techniques.