Sacha Wynne (ACM ’14), launched the arts-integration startup WAERK in 2015 and was recently named in Prattfolio as one of 8 Leading Pratt Alumni Entrepreneurs.
WAERK‘s goal is to deepen our understanding of data using art, humanity’s oldest technology. The company encourages its clients to focus on achieving successful business solutions through people. As Prattfolio writes, “Wynne had identified untapped potential for artists to spur innovation in business, from workplace communications to the way companies relate to consumers. She saw an opportunity to bring artists into the corporate conversation.”
WAERK employs data-driven storytelling by creating relatable informational resources with different creative outlets, from photography to animation. Some of the resources include narrative profiles of target customers, corporate education, and customer service campaigns. In the process, WAERK helps clients connect with the human stories behind the numbers, and inspires them to innovate meaningful products and services to build a thriving world.
Wynne credits the ACM program withe helping her to connect her creative talents and commitment to social change with entrepreneurship and creative leadership. “I was disturbed by the popular belief that the arts and culture are frivolous, that too many artists languish in day gigs unrelated to their skills and training to pay rent.” In the future, she hopes to collaborate with innovators to standardize STEAM methodologies across industries, expanding the business’ focus into art-led organizations processes, and working to elevate love as the new disruptive force in the marketplace.