Recently I had the opportunity to set up a private art studio and start running art workshops. I’ve been running or facilitating creative workshops for many years, on and off, from crochet through to watercolour but this was my first chance to do it in a dedicated space. I thought I was prepared and it would be a seamless addition to my working week. I was so wrong!

Here’s what surprised me the most-

• So much work needs to be done before I’ve even planned the date. I heard I was accepted for the studio rather unexpectedly, so I did have to hit the ground running. This is my third month, and I only feel like I’ve just about sorted out the literature, the order of play, and have a decent idea of what people expect out of the workshop. Despite starting a couple of weeks before I opened the doors, I’ve only just finished writing up all the handouts!
• There will always be snags where you encounter problems during the pilot workshops, whether it’s the limits of the chosen materials, or different examples if my explanation is falling short. I have a wide demographic, so lots of different people with different abilities and expectations. But the good thing is: the sessions then instantly become group trouble-shooting sessions, and solutions are found that wouldn’t even have crossed my mind. These are creative people, after all!
• Having your own physical space is tiring. I mean, I knew it was tiring, but there is a huge gulf between the energy it takes running a workshop once a month in a space someone else is taking care of, and having to swap out all the botanicals every time, keep everything dust free, and having to keep stock of everything right down to paper towels and washing up liquid. It adds a good couple of hours each side of each workshop, after which I need to decompress and recover from all the over-stimulation. I absolutely adore having complete freedom to arrange it all how I want though, and not having to figure out where the lights are or if we’ll be kicked out by the next class.

• I am not cut out for marketing myself constantly, just like a lot of other creatives. I need to get on top of a consistent and achievable schedule and plan for this, as it’s one of the aspects I find most draining. I’d say: outsource this or find useful apps if you can! Luckily people are still managing to find me, but it’s still absolutely terrifying to have to promote myself and fill seats otherwise the rent doesn’t get paid. I just have to remember that at least I’m giving it my best shot!
• I underestimated how rewarding and inspiring it would be. I have been raring to have my own space to teach for years, purely because of how inspiring it s to share knowledge, but I didn’t realise just quite how much being around all that enthusiasm and different creative approaches makes me want to undertake more of my own projects. Now to find the time!
• Being able to set my own themes and workshops has absolutely scratched a creative itch. Even though I’ve only covered watercolour painting workshops, sketching and drypoint etching, its been a surprisingly varied experience, and to be honest I’m enjoying being the boss and deciding what it is I think the attendees need to hear most!

If you’re interested in joint us at the studio for a session, whether for drypoint etching, drawing or watercolour, take a look at my Agenda page to see what’s on, or sign up to my monthly newsletter where I announce upcoming workshops.

Hope to see you in 2025!