Unlock a more mindful way of living through creative journaling using drawing. Led by Bristol-based former journalist-turned illustrator and graphic novelist Bex Gilbert. This is a workshop that helps you build a personalised journaling habit that works, even if you use it inconsistently. We will spend the day experimenting with fun, "anti-perfectionist" drawing methods proven to boost feel-good hormones and wellbeing, regardless of artistic experience.
Together, we will look at how creative journaling can help us feel more present in the moment, remember important experiences and process challenges. We will try out exercises that combine drawing and words to cultivate gratitude, help with decision-making and silence negative self-talk.
You will design your own custom page templates and develop a unique visual language, ensuring you leave with the confidence and structure to continue your journaling journey at home.
Bex was long-listed for the First Graphic Novel Award for her graphic novel Story of my life (with ADHD). Her workshop is suitable for everyone but may be particularly useful for people who identify as neurodivergent.
A sketchbook or journal: An A5 or A4 size with "Mixed Media" or heavy-weight paper (approx. 140gsm or higher) is recommended so it can handle light washes of ink or paint. I recommend Sea White Alternate Lined Travel Journal as it is affordable and has a mix of lined and plain pages.
Drawing pens: A few black biros are fine. Alternatively, if you want to use paint or coloured pens, you can bring a few permanent ink fine-liners in different sizes (e.g., 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5).
Colour medium: Whatever you are most comfortable with-this could be a small set of watercolour paints, a small tin of coloured pencils, or a limited palette of different coloured brush pens.
NB: Keep your kit small and portable. Less is more. The "Personal" Kit.
Found Ephemera: Bring a few bits of "life" to work with (e.g., a ticket stub, a dried flower, a receipt, or a snippet of a magazine).
A glue stick and scissors: For creating layouts and adding textures.
Please get in touch if you have any additional needs that would be helpful for us to know about, and we will try to arrange adjustments for you to better access the workshop. If you need to bring a carer with you, please let us know in advance so we can ensure there is enough space. Email us on admin@bristolfolkhouse.co.uk or call us on 01179262987.
Please note: All 10, and 12 week courses have a half term break in the middle. For term dates please visit our Contact us page. We are not open on bank holiday Mondays and any class that falls on these days will be made up at the end of term.
Fees
Refunds
Please see full terms and conditions for more information.
Latecomer
If a course has already started, please call the office as it may be possible to join after the start date. This may only be possible if the course is not already full, if it is not disruptive for the other students and you are aware that you have missed a percentage of the course and the tutor will not have time to catch you up. This will be at discretion of the Folk House. We run our courses termly, so it might be best to start at the beginning of the course.
Levels
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