Adult Workshops Coming Up in 2025
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Illustrating People in Picture Books
10th of May 2025, 13.00 – 17.00 GMT, Online, Zoom
Do you struggle to illustrate convincing, vibrant, human characters in your illustrations?
Learn how to simplify observational drawings of children and adults into charming picture book characters in three simple stages. Hear about the types of characters publishers are interested in and how to approach them with your work. I encourage interaction and offer individual feedback on your drawings throughout the day.
“I gained lots of confidence and now I know how I can start drawing people and human characters for picture books. So excited!” Laura-Kati
“I really loved this interactive character drawing session with Claire. You’ll be put at ease and given actionable steps to simplifying the body and creating fun characters that are your own.” Rhiannon Pettie
“Claire demonstrates and gives hands-on practicals in a way which definitely gives confidence in how to create a character and experiment with achieving techniques for consistency when making pb characters.” Clare Yerbury.
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Write a Character and Plot a Story
Running soon in 2025! Online, Zoom
Do you long to hold a publishing contract in your hands, but don’t know where to begin writing for children? Or maybe you’re an illustrator whose words just aren’t flowing?
This online workshop provides a simple, enlightening, confidence-building way into plotting a narrative for 2-6-year-olds. I’ll share 20 years of picture book writing knowledge, reveal hidden do’s and don’ts of writing for children and feedback on your ideas throughout the day. You’ll learn about the types of characters and stories UK publishers are interested in, and how to approach them with your work. With lots of technical know-how, practical exercises and industry information, this workshop will inspire and motivate you to begin your story!
“This workshop is very inspiring and well worth every penny!” A.T
“It was fantastic!! I was able to structure my latest story idea using this newfound knowledge! I left feeling good and fired up about working on my next picture book pitch.” E.R
“This was another little gem delivered by Claire. Her extensive knowledge of picture books and publishing comes through a very well-structured and amusing course.
I love working with Claire and I recommend her courses wholeheartedly!!!” Paula P-U
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Make Your Story Sing! Editing Workshop
Re-running in 2026. Online, Zoom
Much like a poem, a picture book for 3-6-year-olds will be read aloud, so it has to have good rhythm and flow as well as drama and emotion. But when publishers recommend word counts of 400-800, how do you write economically whilst retaining all the essential elements of a great story?
I’ll reveal my insider techniques gleaned over 20 years of writing children’s books. You’ll not only learn what type of content is superfluous, you’ll find out what elements can be added to boost storytelling economically. You do not need a manuscript of your own to work on, you’ll be given texts to edit together in small peer groups where you’ll put all the techniques into practice.
“I’ve been illustrating books for children for over a decade, but haven’t got much experience with picture books.
I feel I’ve levelled up after taking Claire’s workshops.” M.D
“I really enjoyed Claire’s workshop. We did fun activities, both individually and in small groups.
She gave lots of nice tips that I think will really help with my writing. Thank you!” R.H
“The workshop was really well-pitched with a great balance of information and opportunities to share and discuss.” A.W
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Storytelling Compositions & Mastering Backgrounds
Re-running in 2026. Online, Zoom
Are you background phobic and compositionally befuddled?!
Discover a host of clever compositional devices to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere in your picture book illustrations. Experiment with inventive ways to depict backgrounds to stage the drama of your narrative beautifully, without distracting the eye away from the actions of your main character.
“Fantastic workshop! Engaging and insightful session on composition for children’s book illustration. Claire’s expertise truly shines through, making complex concepts clear to grasp. I left inspired and equipped with valuable skills to try again and bring to my stories. Highly recommend for budding children’s book illustrators!” Angela Vives
“A brilliant workshop that really helped me focus on the use of colour to add drama to my illustrated backgrounds. Thanks Claire!” Antonia Woodward
“Claire is a wonderful instructor – her workshops are always engaging and full of really helpful content. She’s supportive and knowledgeable at every skill level. I can’t recommend her courses enough.” Tera Pruitt
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Design a Picture Book Character in Watercolours
21st of March 2025, 12.30 – 15.00, Live workshop at Cass Art, Islington
Discover how to design compelling animal characters that stand out in today’s market. Under Claire’s expert guidance, you’ll explore a variety of watercolour techniques, experiment with shaping, expressive facial features, and body language, and delve into the art of anthropomorphism to bring your creations to life.
The session wraps up with an interactive Q&A, where you can ask Claire anything about writing, illustrating, and getting your work published. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your skills and unlock your creative potential!
“This workshop gave me the confidence just to try, the permission not to be perfect and the inspiration to continue to practice.”
“It was more intimate and one-to-one than I expected. I learned all the different effects you could get with watercolour and how diverse they are.”
“Excellent Workshop!“
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Check out my picture book courses here.