If instructional design had a blueprint for creative reinvention, Dan Sadowsky would be the case study. With a background in teaching, a gift for storytelling, and a curious mind, Dan isn't just building a portfolio—he's crafting experiences.

Dan may have just graduated from IDOL Academy, but he’s been creating impactful learning experiences long before the CPTP Certification hit his inbox.

From Classroom to Click-Worthy Courses

Like many IDOLs before him, Dan discovered that breaking into corporate instructional design takes more than passion and a few YouTube tutorials. When his DIY approach didn’t yield interviews (sound familiar?), he found his way to IDOL Academy—a Brandon Hall Award-winning program built for creatives like him.

What stood out to Dan? The flexibility, community, and guided structure that let him learn at his own pace—while still getting mentorship, 1-on-1 feedback, and real-world project opportunities. He thrived in Cohort 18, leaning into the Academy’s signature “Do It Messy” mindset and transforming progress over perfection into professional polish.

The Birth of Emboldan Learning

Before Dan chose colors, fonts, or frameworks for his portfolio, he found his name: Emboldan Learning. A clever play on "embolden" and his own name, the brand became his creative North Star.

He didn’t just build a portfolio site. He crafted an experience.

Visit it for yourself:
👉 EmboldanLearning.com 
🔗 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn 

Dan’s approach to design is intentional from top to bottom: vibrant orange accents, accessible layouts, and thoughtful spacing reflect not just technical know-how—but a designer who gets visual communication. And for someone who humbly claims not to be a designer? You wouldn’t know it.

A Storytelling Star with Tech Skills to Match

During his internship project with The Ripple Center, Dan worked closely with the founder (a longtime friend) to create a custom training experience for their fellowship selection committee. The challenge? Volunteers were struggling with inconsistency and inefficiency. The solution? A tailor-made, eLearning experience that would ripple outward.

Dan did more than just his homework. He:

• Interviewed stakeholders

• Audited training materials

• Analyzed scoring data

• Identified skill gaps

• Story-boarded, scripted, and built a fully custom learning module

And he didn’t stop at slides. Oh no. Dan used Vyond animations, voiceovers, and an on-screen animated version of the founder to guide learners through the content—making it more personal, relevant, and fun.

In short? He turned a PowerPoint into a Pixar-lite learning experience.

Learning the Tools. Mastering the Craft.

Dan embraced all the goodies IDOL Academy had to offer: Canva, Vyond, and even our Storyline Training. From scripting scenes to animating custom characters, he brought his stories to life with software and style.

His animated course was so good, even the founder of The Ripple Center was speechless —finally, volunteers could train themselves without asking him the same question 17 times.

A Designer with Empathy, Imagination, and a Plan

Dan’s strength isn’t just that he can wield software like a pro. It’s that he cares deeply about the learner’s journey. He listens. He analyzes. He questions assumptions. And then he designs something that actually works.

And with a portfolio like his, employers won’t just see his skills—they’ll feel the story behind them.

Want to follow in Dan’s footsteps?

Whether you’re brand new to instructional design or you’ve hit a ceiling with your current skills, IDOL Academy is where top-notch portfolios—and careers—are born.

💡 Now featuring IDOLai, the only AI course built just for instructional designers.
🎓 Learn practical skills, master top industry tools, and get real-world experience in as little as 24 weeks.

👉 Join your cohort at idolcourses.com/academy 

Oh, and one more thing...
If you're looking for someone who can turn complex topics into clear, compelling learning?
📣 Hire Dan. Or at least steal some inspiration from his journey.

🖥️ Visit his portfolio 
💬 Connect on LinkedIn 

You’ll be glad you did.