Running creative workshops: a practical guide for illustrators

Ever thought about sharing your skills, building a new income stream, or expanding your illustration practice by hosting workshops? Join Bristol-based illustrators and workshop hosts Laurel Molly, Cai Burton, Edie Woolf and Bex Gilbert for an interactive evening designed to take the mystery out of running your own creative sessions.

You’ll hear from four workshop hosts who’ll share real-world insights, honest stories, and help you create a personalised plan for creating your own creative workshop designed around you, your skills and style, and what you want to inspire in others.

What to expect

• Real stories & experience: Our four guest hosts share rapid-fire, 5-8 minute lightning talks packed with honest insights and practical tips from their own workshop journeys.
• Breakout & planning zones: Team up in hosted breakout spaces to fill out your own planning worksheet, brainstorm ideas, get feedback on your concepts, and troubleshoot common hurdles.
• Open AMA (Ask Me Anything): Got burning questions about pricing, materials, venues, or managing group dynamics? Put them directly to our panel of hosts in an open Q&A session moderated by PIP host, live illustrator and workshop facilitator, Bex Gilbert.
• Social & connection time: Structured breaks throughout the evening mean plenty of time to grab a drink, chat with fellow Bristol creatives, and share ideas

About the hosts:

Cai Burton: A self-taught Bristol artist and creative producer, Cai combines intricate line art with accessible workshops—including his popular dog life-drawing sessions—to inspire joy and everyday creativity.

Laurel Molly: An animator, illustrator, and life-drawing host based in Bristol, Laurel uses loose lines and gentle colours to tell human stories, explore everyday culture, and foster creative community.

Bex Gilbert: A Bristol-based illustrator, storyteller, and graphic novelist, Bex runs inclusive creative journaling workshops to help participants build flexible journalling habits that boost wellbeing.

Edie Woolf: A Bristol-based comic artist, illustrator, and printmaker, Edie brings a passion for self-expression, positivity, and indie publishing to her engaging zine-making workshops.

What to bring:

Just yourself, your creative ideas and some writing/drawing materials— planning worksheets will be provided!

Any questions?

Email putintopractise@gmail.com and keep an eye on our Instagram account for more information, updates and photos after the event.

About PIP:

This meet-up is held by PIP, the Bristol meet-up for illustrators, in partnership with the Association of Illustrators (AOI), a non-profit organisation championing illustrators and the illustration industry.

Accessibility:

Kit Form is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet. The AOI would like to make events accessible to all, where possible. Please let us know your access requirements at least one week in advance by emailing info@theaoi.com