Developing Sketchbooks Workshop Online
Explore a series of easy and exciting practical exercises which you can add to any design project - they'll help you develop imagery and are key elements to any sketchbook.
Sign up to be a member of my website [create your own password] then join the workshop and you'll be automatically added to the workshop discussion group. Use the 'Login' option [top left] to access your profile and amend your settings/notifications

"I’d never done an online workshop before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but a friend had recommended it and I needed a bit of a kick up the proverbial to get my creative mojo working again. In fact I found the online aspect really helpful – you can work at your own pace to fit in with other commitments and surrounded by your own materials, sources and inspiration. The Facebook group gives you interaction if you want it, and also provides helpful individual feedback from Dionne plus the motivation to try and keep pace with coursemates so you can share work at the relevant time. Having a bit of breathing space between tasks also helps as you can mull things over as you go about your day, and see inspiration everywhere which you can bring back into the sketchbook. I found Dionne’s approach really helpful, with the videos clear and to the point with helpful examples. The course was as inspirational as I had hoped it would be – encouraging you at all times to play, explore and follow your instincts, but within a really nicely structured framework which helped you to gradually develop your ideas. I’ll be using the techniques for years to come, I’m sure." Liz
"Thank you Dionne for another spectacular course. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed on-line classes as much as yours, for content, for inspiration, for your considered, considerable and considerate on-line presence and for the way we have all made such great connections. It’s been great feeling a part of such a wonderful community."
"I loved Dionne’s ‘Developing Sketchbooks ‘. It’s great fun. I can’t believe how much I have learned and in such an enjoyable fashion. From the first video there was one ‘lightbulb moment’ after another. Dionne is an inspiring tutor and this is an inspiring course which I can’t recommend highly enough."
I am happy to announce that this is now a Self Directed ONLINE Developing Sketchbook workshop! Learn and create in the comfort of your own home. This workshop has, without doubt been my most successful online workshop to date...now is the right time to release it as a self directed workshop.
This workshop consists of a series of videos and downloadable PDFs which will guide you through the development of an exciting and stimulating sketchbook. You will be part of a supportive online classroom "discussion group" full of fellow students who, along with me, will help you on your way. Online interaction with your fellow students is very beneficial and this will be a key point of contact and feedback: it's a great place to share images of your results.
There are 7 sessions in all each containing a 10-15 minute instructional video & task [supporting notes and PDFs if you follow on/extension ideas too]
Here’s an overview of the areas we’ll cover:
Lose the fear: starting a new book is full of woes, let me show you how!
The essential ingredients.
No panic drawing/observation
Found and abstracted
Cut and enhance
Repeat and play
Review
Sign up to be a member of my website [create your own password] then join the workshop and you'll be automatically added to the workshop discussion group. Use the 'Login' option [top left] to access your profile and amend your settings/notifications from there you'll have all the information you need. [Please keep you log in details safe] You will then have a full 12 months access, so you can take your time and re-watch videos as often as you need So that you truly engage in the workshop environment I suggest you set definite time aside for yourself to create – after all if this were the studio version you would spend at least 2 complete days engrossed in creativity – give yourself that time!
Explore a series of easy and exciting practical exercises which you can add to any design project – they’ll help you develop imagery and are key elements to any sketchbook.
Developing Sketchbooks Online Workshop Supplies
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Spiral bound sketch book – you don’t need to go too big. I’m using a 15cm square book from Pink Pig Ltd – you can only buy these in bundles of 5 directly from Pink Pig but you can usually find something similar in most Art & Craft shops [& eBay/Amazon]. Circular holes for the spiral binding are best.
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An individual hole punch available from Staples [search for ‘1 hole punch’] and Rymans PLUS a quick search on eBay and you’ll find one for less than £2.00!
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Eraser/rubber
The rest of the elements can vary from this list – you don’t need to stick to it too religiously, there is a bit of flexibility here but the more you have available the better
Mark making tools: pens, pencils, graphite sticks, charcoal, chalks, oil pastels, oil bars, marker pen, tipped pen [or emulsion paint & a small brush could work]
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Brushes, sponges or stamps
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Paints, dyes, brusho inks, drawing inks – something of that kind.
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A collection of found papers, possibly a few hand made papers of varying weights, an envelop or two, cartridge paper, possibly a bit of plastic or tissue.
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Cutting mat, craft knife, scissors
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Refillable Marker pens – I used to sell these, but there are only so many hours in the day! You can find them via Great Art I’m not on commission!!! [or you can fold over a bit of sponge and dip it in ink or paint to get the same effect]…ah just found another useful site https://www.montana-cans.com/en/marker-und-inks/
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You don’t need to go crazy buying new stuff – you can use what you’ve already got, with a few extras to enliven your stash!Get it all together and you’re ready for the start of the workshop – see you soon, Dionne x