Workshop: Develop your Sketchbook Practice

In an age where AI can generate images in seconds, a sketchbook remains one of the most powerful creative tools: an analogue space to think, test and develop your ideas. Join us for a two-day workshop exploring a range of techniques and ways of seeing to record and develop your creative thinking, led by Trevor Flynn and Peter Ayres.

This event is sold out. Visit the event page to join the waiting list.

Embrace the habit of using a sketchbook as a tool to visualise, document and develop your ideas, enhancing your creative practice.

Over two days, you will dip into three interconnected approaches to sketching, and learn techniques you can develop at your own pace to strengthen your drawing facility. You will also explore how sketching and visual diarising can be embedded in your daily or weekly routine within tight time constraints.

Observe
Working with photographic source material and objects from the Design Museum’s collection, you will be encouraged to look at the things around you with fresh eyes, analysing natural and man-made form through line, tone and texture. The session will progress to exercises that reveal the underlying structure of objects and spaces, before moving on to analysing three-dimensional forms through isometric sketching.

Imagine
Learn visualisation processes for creating sketch-notes, diagrams and visual diaries. Using simple pen and tracing techniques, you will layer images to communicate processes and stories, drawing on contemporary and historical examples to inspire and support your journey.

Invent
Through speed-sketching exercises designed to stimulate your mind’s eye, you will create a set of small images that we will storyboard to make time-based narratives, showing how imagination can be a source of new ideas.

Join the course if you are looking to be part of an engaged group of people exploring ways to sketch ideas, developing new habits of seeing and recording thoughts, and seeking a fun, absorbing experience.

You will leave with a renewed appetite to sketch, a range of strategies to help you develop a sketchbook habit, and a small set of worksheets to support your practice after the course.

This workshop is for participants aged 18 and over, and the content has been designed with adult learners in mind.

If there’s anything we can do to help you take part, whether it’s around mobility, sensory access, mental health, communication preferences, or anything else, you’re welcome to share this with us at ticket checkout. This is entirely optional, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

This event is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout the museum.

You're welcome to bring a companion if you'd benefit from 1:1 support during the workshop. Companion places are free - please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your booking information so we can reserve your spot.

This session is led by up to 2 facilitators and has a capacity of 20 participants.

If you have any questions or would prefer to chat with someone directly, get in touch with us at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org.

"The course exceeded my expectations. Trevor and Peter were knowledgeable, insightful, and passionate about what they thought, our response to it and the work we produce. I came out with a renewed energy about drawing without overthinking and with useful feedback."

“The course exceeded expectations in terms of what we achieved over the two days and the variety of concepts introduced, and it was a great confidence booster.”

“It was one of the best courses I’ve ever done. So hands-on, loads of coaching & tips from experts able to support people at all levels.”

Adult: £165

Adult early bird: £149

Student (18+): £149

Student early bird: £134

Members*: £132

*Please note that this benefit applies only to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not to those of additional guests.

• Early bird tickets are available until 22 days before the workshop.

• The price includes the two-day class.

• This workshop is for adults 18+.

Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here.

Background image courtesy of Peter Ayres and Trevor Flynn.