School Illustration Workshops

Inspiring Young Illustrators
My illustration workshops are a fun and creative way to get children excited about art and design. I start with a lively presentation where I share my own illustrations, tell my business story of creativity and resilence, share my journey from a fashion designer to landmark illustrator, show how I work in my studio, and talk about what it’s like to turn a passion for drawing into a job I love.

Creative, Hands-On Learning
After the presentation, I guide the children step by step through their own illustration project. We explore drawing techniques, use watercolours for colour blocking, and experiment with mark-making and line art. Every child is supported and encouraged at their own level, and by the end of the workshop they have a completed piece of artwork they can be really proud of — and most importantly, get to sign their masterpiece.

A Rewarding Experience for Schools
Workshops are flexible to fit around your school day and are designed for Key Stage 2. Sessions can also be linked to your current topics of study, with a local landmark illustration chosen that is both relevant and recognisable to the children. They’re a wonderful way to build children’s confidence, encourage creativity, and give them a memorable experience of working like a real illustrator.

Contact me to invite me into your school

School Workshop Format

Inspiring Presentation to year group

I begin the day with a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation to engage the children, which will be displayed on your hall projector or classroom whiteboard. The presentation will include:

  • Examples of my illustrations.
  • Insights into my creative process, including how I draw.
  • Photos of my studio environment.
  • What I love about my work and the journey of becoming a professional illustrator.
  • How to turn a passion for drawing into a rewarding career.

Learning Objectives & Skills

Each child will create an A4-sized artwork inspired by one of my illustrations, focusing on the following skills:

  • Drawing with perspective.
  • Drawing from observation.
  • Watercolour colour blocking.
  • Black line art.
  • Experimenting with mark-making.

I will work with each School to select one of my local illustrations relevant to their children.

Workshop Plan

1.     Introduction to the Task: After my presentation workshops will be run in the classrooms.  I will explain key concepts such as perspective, colour blocking, mark-making, and varying line widths.

2.     Illustration Demonstration: I will show examples of my work and demonstrate how I incorporate perspective, using grids to break down my illustrations.

3.     Step-by-Step Guide: I will provide a step-by-step demonstration on how to recreate one of my illustrations, starting with sketching basic shapes and guidelines in pencil on an A4 sheet of card or sketchbook paper.

4.     Watercolour Technique: I will teach children how to apply block colours using watercolours.

5.     Break for Drying: A short break will allow the watercolours to dry.

6.     Mark-Making and Line Art: By experimenting with varied line width I will show children how to use mark-making skills for visual effect.

7.     Summary: We will review the children’s work, discussing what techniques were successful and how they applied the new skills to enhance their artwork.

8.     Signing Artwork: The workshop will end with students signing their completed artwork.

9.     Q&A: The class will have some time to ask me questions about my illustrations and business.

Materials needed for workshop

You may already have some of these materials

  • A4 card, sketchbook-weight paper, or watercolour paper.
  • A set of watercolours, each with a lid for mixing (standard school watercolour packs)
  • Small pots of water for painting.
  • Two black pens per child: one fine-liner (0.5mm) and one medium nib felt-tip pen.
  • An A3 card and flick chart for demonstration purposes.

Which year groups, how many classes?

How many classes: I generally share my PowerPoint with a whole year group and then either spend the whole day with one class or do a morning workshop with one class and move to a second class in the afternoon.  I fit my schedule round your timetable and would be with you for the whole school day.

Which year group: My workshops are designed for Key Stage 2.  The majority I run with year 5, but they work well across year 3-6. 

Why This Workshop Works: These workshops have been very successful in other local schools. Beginning with the group presentation gets students excited and engaged. The step-by-step "I do it, you do it" format ensures that, no matter their skill level, every student finishes the day with a completed artwork they can be proud of. The workshop encourages creativity and builds confidence.

Workshop Fee

My rate for a full day of workshops is £350.