Friday 4th – Wednesday 9th December 2026
Overview:
Explore that book idea you have been mulling over in your head!
Whether it’s a brand new idea, or something you’ve been working on for a while, on this retreat you’ll develop and storyboard your dummybook in a relaxed, fun (and delicious!) setting.
We’ll take you through the process step-by-step focusing on:
- thumbnails, composition, and characters,
- tips for expanding your portfolio,
- how to use interaction in your images.
We’ll also have a fabulous workshop on illustrating for non-fiction and share experiences on how the picturebook world works.
Meet your tutor:
Anna Doherty is illustrator/author from Edinburgh, who’s published children’s books across all age ranges and genres, but especially loves projects focusing on Women in STEAM!
Her Fantastically Feminist (and Totally True) biographical picturebooks (on Ada Lovelace, the Brontë Sisters, Emma Watson and Michelle Obama) are empowering, fun and informative reads!
Bubbly and funny, Anna’s books are heartwarming and filled with vibrant, colourful textures in pen and ink.
Slapstick comedy from start to finish, Anna Doherty’s debut picture book will have young listeners chortling with delight.”
Red Reading Hub
What’s Included:
Workshop 1 : Making a book – an overview of the book making process, from idea to bookshop; introduction to pace and structure
Workshop 2 : Characters – exploring new characters, with a focus on age
Workshop 3: Composition – looking at spread layouts through thumbnails,developing tips and tricks on finding new, exciting compositions
Workshop 4: Interaction – an exploration of how interaction can elevate your portfolio
Workshop 5: Illustration for Non-Fiction – chatting about the different perspectives illustrating for non-fiction can bring, from research to layouts to narrative structure
Trips out
2x observational drawing trips – one focussing on people (linking to character workshop) and one on general scenes
1x gallery or museum trip – sketching from artwork (linking to composition workshop)
Cost :
You have until 30th June to grab the Early Bird 20% off and pay 572 € (479 £) instead of the full 715 € (599 £).
This is a fabulous new retreat! Anna will help you develop your dummy book, and also teach you things that will get you started in the industry:
- how to expand your portfolio and
- how to illustrate for non-fiction in a way that is super fun and engaging!
I’d love to hear from you:
English 
Italian