This was my second visit to the school, where I delivered a pen and ink Character Illustration Workshop with the Year 8 students. Using simple materials, pens, ink and cartridge paper, the session focused on showing how a few clear techniques and a bit of playful experimentation can quickly bring illustrated characters to life.
One of the most enjoyable parts of these workshops is watching the students settle into the process. At the beginning there are always a few tentative lines, but it does not take long before confidence builds and ideas begin to take shape on the page. Once they realise there is room to experiment, exaggerate and have a bit of fun with their drawings, the characters start appearing thick and fast.
Although everyone follows the same approach and techniques, the results are always wonderfully varied. Each student brings their own imagination, humour and sense of style to the exercise, which means no two characters ever feel quite the same. By the end of the session the tables are usually filled with a lively mix of odd, funny and expressive creations.
It is always rewarding to see just how much creativity can be unlocked with a few pens, some ink and a bit of encouragement.
Here are a few of the characters the Year 8 students came up with…
EMELBI (“,)
