ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOPS
Bringing stories to life through drawing
My illustration workshops invite children to explore the relationship between words and pictures, discovering how illustrations can tell stories, communicate ideas and spark the imagination. In my workshops, children become book illustrators, bringing a story to life through their own ideas and drawings.
'In my workshops, children become book illustrators, bringing stories to life with a few strokes of their pencils.'
Designed for children in Years 5–9, the workshops combine storytelling, creative exploration and practical drawing activities in a fun, supportive environment where every idea is welcome. Drawing on my 13 years of experience in education, I create engaging sessions that encourage children to explore their creativity, develop confidence and discover new ways of expressing themselves.
What to Expect
Each workshop lasts one hour and begins with an introduction to illustration: what it is, where we encounter it in everyday life, and how illustrators use images to communicate stories and ideas. We explore the work of well-known book illustrators before turning our attention to the creative process itself.
I then read a chapter from one of my own stories, inviting children to imagine the scenes, characters and details within it. Using my words as their starting point, they create their own illustrations, interpreting the story in their own individual ways.
The activities and discussions are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging, encouraging curiosity, independent thinking and imaginative expression. There is no expectation of prior drawing experience, and children are encouraged to experiment, develop their own ideas and work in whatever way feels natural to them.
World Book Day is a great opportunity to explore the world of illustration and discover how stories can inspire children's own creative ideas.
Inclusive and Accessible Creativity
My workshops aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child can participate, regardless of their drawing experience, confidence or ability. There is no right or wrong way to respond to a story, and the emphasis is on exploration, personal expression and enjoyment rather than producing a particular result.
Activities can be approached in different ways, allowing children to engage with the story and illustration process at their own pace. The workshops can also be suitable for children with special educational needs (SEN). Where individual children require additional assistance to participate comfortably and confidently, support from their usual school staff or accompanying adults may be needed.
Sharing Ideas and Celebrating Creativity
At the end of the workshop, children are encouraged to come together and share their illustrations with the group. This is an opportunity to talk about their ideas, appreciate different creative approaches and discover how the same words can inspire a wide variety of images.
The workshops encourage children to develop their imagination, build confidence in their creative abilities and appreciate the many ways pictures can communicate meaning.
A Creative Experience for Every Young Artist
Whether children already love drawing or are simply curious to try something new, the workshops offer an engaging way to explore illustration, storytelling and visual expression. Through a combination of learning, discussion and hands-on creativity, children are encouraged to look more closely, think imaginatively and discover their own ways of bringing words to life.
Above all, the workshops are about having fun, trying things out and celebrating the unique ideas each child brings to the page.
What Schools Say
"Laura's session was immersive, imaginative and insightful. The children thoroughly enjoyed learning the process of transforming words to images, and putting it into practice - with opportunities to present their creations. Laura's positive and inspiring approach was a wonderful lead into World Book Day, which was celebrated in school the following day.'
Year 6 teacher, St Monica's Catholic Primary School
"Laura's illustration workshops with our year 7 pupils worked very well. Pitched at just the right level, Laura was calm, professional, and engaged pupils with her knowledge of graphics, encouraging them to think about the use of illustration around us in our daily lives. By the end of the workshop we had some fantastic artwork, illustrating the characters from Laura's latest book. We will be inviting Laura back."
L. Davenport, Librarian, Alexandra Park School
Workshop Pricing
One-hour workshops start at £150, with discounted rates available for schools booking multiple sessions on the same day. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quote.
Interested in a Workshop?
If you’re a teacher, school or organisation interested in arranging an illustration workshop, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements and find out more.