Meet Leonie!

Leonie Flower (ACTUAL REAL NAME!) is a colour-loving London-based creative who we met through the wonderful indie biz community, Indie Roller. She’s a Screenprinter, Textile Designer, Illustrator and a PT Design Associate for a small Architectural practice. Clearly she’s one busy lady, so we’re thrilled she took time out of her schedule to answer our questions!

Check out her work at leonieflower.com

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Hello Leonie! So, tell us a little bit about your creative background - did you study art?

Art was always my favourite subject, and I went on to do an art foundation (specialising in fashion & textiles) after school but after I didn't get into Brighton to do Fashion I had a huge confidence crisis and decided to do Art History instead. I really enjoyed it but it meant I stopped creating for a loooong time. It wasn't until my boyfriend bought me a short course at Central St. Martins that I started again and then I went on to do a Textile Design MA at Chelsea... that was 10 years ago now and I haven’t stop drawing since!

Which Sketch Appeal event/s did you come to and what did you get out of it?

I *think* the first one was a Christmas Sketch Appeal at Drink Shop do and I came because I’d met you at an indie roller event and it sounded like a lot of fun! I’ve also been to a few sketchy bitches (including a brilliant Frida Kahlo inspired one!) and I hope to go to many more! 

Leonie at our self-love workshop back in the summer

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

Friendly, inclusive and joyful. Lots of people come by themselves so it's really nice place to meet people from loads of diffrent backgrounds and skills levels, and it's very much about the experience rather than the product at the end!

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

It inspired me to put pencil to paper again after becoming so reliant on my iPad, and to be less precious!

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

At peace. It's the one thing I can lose myself for hours doing... 

Favourite materials to draw with?

 Thick pens! I love a black Sign pen and I LOOOVE Posca pens...

Any artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

Lisa Congdon, Claire Prouvost, Agathe Singer, Katy Biele, & Margaux Carpe to name a few! 

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

One of the best workshops i went to this year was pattern making with stickers with Morag Myerscough (one of my creative heroes!) 

Any books you’d recommend?

Joyful by Ingrid Fettell Lee is AMAZING!!! I’ve never read something that resonated with me SO much: my ideas of aesthetics, colour, pattern and, of course, joy. It’s all about finding joy in everyday things.  On my reading list for next year is Keep Going by Austin Kleon and Find Your Artist Voice by Lisa Congdon.

All I want for Christmas is…

The World's Colouriest Watercolours from Culture Hustle (and you can never have too many earrings or cookbooks) 

Favourite Christmas song?

White Christmas (only when sung by Bing Crosby - I’m a sucker for old musicals)

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On Leonie’s wishlist this Christmas:

The World’s Colouriest Water Colours : £39.99 from Culture Hustle

Meet Hettie!

10 year old Hettie draws every day and is a girl after our own ART!

We were so delighted to meet her at our Family Sketchup in October, along with her Mum (Justine), who we first met at our International Women’s Day event back in March. Collectively and individually, they’re a creative force to be reckoned with! Hettie told us how she found the experience.. .

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So tell us, what did you think of the Family Sketchup?
It was really fun! And I’d never tried drawing in any of those styles before.

And what was it like drawing your Mum? You did such a great job of it!
Have you done it before? It was hard, even though I’ve done it a million times, it was just...hard!

Did it inspire you in anyway, or make you feel more confident about your creativity?
Yes it did. After the sketch event I decided that I would try for an art scholarship and start to do a portfolio. Even I don’t get a scholarship I’ll know that I tried.

How often do you draw and how does it make you feel?
I draw every hour - sometimes I draw between lessons on a piece of paper or my leg and my hand if I don’t have paper. It makes me feel happy and creative.

Wowsers - that’s a whole lot of drawing and so great to hear! So what do you love drawing, and what materials (pencils/pens etc.) do you love drawing with?

I like to draw animals and humans and I like to do abstract. I use a variety of different materials. Mostly I use pens and pencils. I do digital art on my mum’s iPad using an apple pen. Procreate is my favourite to draw with. I draw the Harry Potter characters and I like creative backgrounds. I try to draw still life, but fail miserably. I think I’m an abstract artist, but mum says learning still life is important and the school are VERY keen on it.

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out?
My mum @justdrawsfaces and I also like Lizavetta

Would you like to do something creative in the future?
Yes I think I would like to put a giant model of my cat Rufus in my room I don’t think it will fit though. I would like to make a huge canvas of what I like to do and I’d do a bit every day. For a job I think designing movie sets would be cool.

All I want for Christmas is... Harry Potter stuff and anything that would help me draw Harry Potter.

Favourite Christmas song? 12 Days of Christmas

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Check out Hettie’s amazing illustration work!

Meet Kara!

Kara is one of the ‘original’ Sketchy Bitches and you can find her lovely face in Issue 1 of Sketch Appeal magazine (see below)!

She’s a Maths Tutor, Art Workshop Facilitator and the Founder of Creative Generations Art @creative_gens : a brilliant new organisation which runs intergenerational workshops for children and older adults, encouraging community connections through story-sharing and making artwork.

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background - did you study art?

I never anticipated art would be such a big part of my life. I did well in school so was encouraged down an academic route, trying to combine my loves of art and maths by studying architecture. I didn’t think I was good enough to pursue art! After university I realised being creative was an integral part of me, so within a year I was trying to paint every day and find a new path.

Which Sketch Appeal event/s did you come to and what did you get out of it?

I joined Sketchy Bitches in 2018, seeking a creative community and like-minded people who love to make things but without pressure or judgement. I found exactly that! I made friends and gained a wonderful sense of being part of something where I really belong.

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

A heart-warming experience, where it feels comfortable to express yourself and feel connected to people who share a love of drawing.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

It did inspire me to draw more and helped me let go of the inhibitions like ‘what if I draw something crap?!'

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

It makes me feel calm. When my mental health isn’t very good, drawing and painting is an escape unlike any other. One of the happiest places I can be is with a big sketchbook, lots of art materials and with headphones on, singing along to my favourite music.

Favourite materials to draw with?

I do a lot of drawing with UniPin fine liners and colouring pencils. Any colouring pencils will do!

Any artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

Of course all of my fellow Sketchy Bitches. Also I’m obsessed with the intricacy of @nathanhackett_illustrator ’s scenes and @kirstensevig ’s peaceful watercolours.

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

Not specifically, but any life drawing near you!

All I want for Christmas is…

Time with amazing people and delicious baked goods.

Favourite Christmas song?

That’s a tough one! I’ll go for a classic: All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

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Kara runs Creative Generations Art, which unites older and younger generations through storysharing and creative workshops.

“I knew I had found my people”

Kara, telling it like she feels it in Issue 1 of our mag!

Meet Cincin!

Cincin is an Illustrator and Storyteller who we had the good fortune to meet back at Sketchy Bs in the summer! She also came to our self-love workshop and created the beautiful zine below.

Sadly, Cincin was just visiting and didn’t stick around in London for long, but our loss is the world’s gain, as she continues to spread creative joy wherever she goes! Check out her website and follow her adventures on Instagram @cincin.illustration

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background - did you study art?

I didn't study art, but I guess from the deep down of my heart I knew I would want to be an artist, or a creative worker. I’ve been a full time freelance illustrator and traveller for 3 years, and think I could keep on doing this til the end of the world!

Which Sketch Appeal event/s did you come to and what did you get out of it?

I came to Sketchy Bitches because I wanted to meet some fun creative minds during my visit in the city, and I did!

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

It was colourful, and really a cute safe space to relax and draw.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

At the time I was under a bit of dry spell during my creating period, so yes, it does give me inspirations of different way to think.

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

It makes me calm and happy and all, it is part of my life for sure.

Favourite materials to draw with?

Watercolours, coloured pencils and crayons, or combining different materials freely.

Any artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

Yann Kebbi, he is my favourite for sure

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

I recently went to the ‘Play Well’ exhibition at the Wellcome Collection which was cool!

All I want for Christmas is…

A holiday!

Favourite Christmas song?

White Christmas

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Check out the beautiful zine Cincin made out our self-love workshop back in the summer!

Meet Jemima!

“We had such a fun time together, it was lovely to hang out with them in an environment that I don’t usually get too see them in. The tunes were on, the sweets were out, the colours were flowing…”

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Jemima is Community Coordinator at 64 Million Artists: an incredible organisation which shares our belief that EVERYONE is an artist and EVERYONE CAN DRAW! Jemima runs their January Challenge: a 31 day creative challenge which anyone can participate in - for FREE!

Each year, they curate and set a series of fun, easy and thought-provoking daily prompts that encourage people to play with different art forms: collage, sketching, photography, poetry…it’s a great opportunity to experiment and boost your creativity! If you’re on a mission to “do more creative stuff” in 2020, then The January Challenge is a cracking way to start!

Jemima brought her cousins along to our first ever Family Sketchup back in October. Turns out they quite enjoyed themselves… :)

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Jemima! LOVING YOUR WORK @64 Million Artists!! Have you always been so passionate about creativity?

I am very much from a home-made Christmas present type of family, and have been crafting, drawing, writing and making since I was very little! I absolutely love playing around with creative goodies, but am really interested in the use of art and creativity as a tool for self-expression and wellbeing. I love finding ways in which to facilitate and activate that experience for anybody and everybody.

Which Sketch Appeal event/s did you come to and what did you get out of it?

I came to the Family Sketchup! I came because I thought the concept was really fun and inspiring – and I knew exactly who to bring! My little cousins are super creative and are always drawing our birthday cards and making our gifts. We had such a fun time together, it was lovely to hang out with them in an environment that I don’t usually get too see them in. The tunes were on, the sweets were out, the colours were flowing…! I also learnt loads of great drawing games and found myself getting more and more confident with my choices throughout the session.

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

A super fun, engaging and inspiring few hours to lose yourself in yours (and others) creativity.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

It’s definitely helped me to approach drawing exercises with less fear! I’ve learnt to love ‘splurging’ colour onto the page and seeing what happens and I’ll certainly be back for more in the new year.

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

When I allow myself to relax into drawing, and being creative in general, I find it such a useful tool for mindfulness and expression. The quiet thinking time accompanied with something that uses your hands is a really grounding experience.

Favourite materials to draw with?

POSCA PENS!!

Any artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

I really like Worry Lines, for being sweet, funny and think-ey.  (@worry_lines)

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

I recently went to the ‘Play Well’ exhibition at the Wellcome Collection which was cool!

All I want for Christmas is…

POSCA PENS!!

Favourite Christmas song?

Christmas Alphabet, Dickie Valentine

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Meet Megan!

“For many reasons I will never forget that night. I felt like I was in exactly the right place at the right time. It might sound crackers but it was like stars aligning.”

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Megan is an Artist/illustrator by day: working on commissions, projects and often drawing live at weddings! In the week she can also be found working part time in a fabulous Art Gallery, Shop and Framers in Margate called Lovelys. Check out her website!

We met Megan her at our Sketchy Bitches x Little Bit event back in October - and thank our lucky stars we did! Fingers crossed, we'll be kicking off regular Sketchy Bitches meetups in Margate in the new year - with Megan at the helm!

Meanwhile, we asked her a few Qs…

So Megan! Tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background.

I studies Textile Design at Saint Martins in London. I went straight in to Trends and Insight working as a researcher for various design agencies in London and as a Colour Materials Designer for Nokia and Samsung. I stopped drawing during all my time in London and started again when I moved to Margate 5 years ago.

Which Sketch Appeal event/s did you come to and what did you get out of it?

I found it on instagram a while ago but never came to a session until it came to Margate this year. I thank my lucky stars I went that dark night when I could barely pluck myself off the sofa to do anything. There it was my salvation, all those wonderful friendly faces and a table full of colourful pens. My spiritual home!

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

Magic! It was heartwarming, real, relaxed creative and illuminating. That quiet creative hum in between the lovely chats and giggles. That is priceless and you don’t get it all time so when you do you cherish it. For many reasons I will never forget that night. I felt like I was in exactly the right place at the right time. It might sound crackers but it was like stars aligning. Xxx

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

It inspired me to keep going with my creative endeavours, to be truly me, to do things like that for me more. To put my learning and experiencing new thing’s first. To DO not to dwell. To not take it all so seriously and to not hate on my face so much.

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

It has brought me back to life in my darkest times. I was recovering from a terrible mental breakdown when I grasped a pen and drew again. Little by little as my drawings got better so did I. I had an outlet I had a place to be honest with myself a playground I had forgotten all about that I had desperately needed all along. Drawing makes me happy, it releases something in a cathartic way, it feels natural and fun.

Favourite materials to draw with?

A beautiful Japanese fountain pen with waterproof black ink I found after a bit of a hunt. I love it. The thicker the water colour paper I use the better. Bright and white with a bit of texture. But often it’s whatever I have to hand so it might be the back of a recipe and a Biro if things get desprate!

Any artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

I adore @raionsaida a Japanese painter on instagram. We did an art swap and I was so amazed when I got a massive package with a beautifully framed picture of some swimmers diving. Also @photo_landfill he does street photography but actually its from the top deck of all London's bus routes' From The Upper Deck' is his website where he's been cataloguing it for years. They are always a delight, like a lovely surprise on my feed, funny and tongue in cheek.

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

I think I’ve been too busy running workshops myself and doing commissions to go to anything. I have all sorts of wild ideas for workshops so watch this space!

Any books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020?

I’m not sure about books but it’s the outside world that inspires me more than anything along with my own experimentation. Look up more, go to exhibitions drink too much coffee and see where that leads.

All I want for Christmas is… Hide every device I have, even put down my pen. Hug my niece and nephew as much as I can and see how much we can laugh this holiday before it all goes Pete Tong!

Favourite Christmas song: It’s a tie between E17 Stay Another Day and Maria All I want for Christmas is You.

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Megan at our workshop in Little Bit: looking pretty chuffed with the portraits drawn of her in the warm-up! Check out more pics from the event here.

Meet Chiara!

“It was a really fun event, full of kindness. It's so nice to observe different people and then in return have so many other people's view of yourself.”

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Chiara works in Women’s Rights Policy at Amnesty International, hails from Italy and resides in East London - where we first met her at The Create Place! She came to our Self-love special back in Feb and it’s great to hear that she’s been getting back into drawing a lot more this past year…

So, tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background:

I've never studied art formally although we had a pretty solid art history education through middle and high school in Italy as I grew up. I've always enjoyed drawing but I haven't drawn for a long time I think mainly due to being a perfectionist and finding it hard to  be creative just for the sake of it without expectations. I got back to drawing over the past year or so.  

Which Sketch Appeal event/s you came to and why:  

I went to a sketchy bitches session back in February it was  self-love themed and it was a pretty big deal for me as I had been struggling with complex PTSD and depression. I loved it and was really surprised at how much I enjoyed drawing a small zine about myself.  It was a really lovely event, full of kindness. I think taking portraits of each other in turns is real fun and it's so nice to observe different people and then in return have so many other people's view of yourself. 

That’s so wondeful to hear! So , did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

Yes for sure, I went to a few of the life drawing sessions with the East London Strippers Collective which I really recommend and I've also been drawing more on my own. 

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

I find drawing really calming if I manage to get to it with a frame of mind without expectations, it doesn't always happen but I love it when it does.  

Favourite materials to draw with?

I really like wax crayons I got some new fancy ones from Caran D'ache called Neocolor II they are really soft and the colours very intense. I also enjoy watercolours. 

YES WAX CRAYONS!! How about your favourtie artists or illustrators on Insta?

So many! I really like Work by Charlotte Ager and Jacob V Joyce  

Any cool books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020?

I received How To Draw Almost Everything - a source book for my bday, it's really fun. I also love the Sketch appeal magazine.

Aaah thanks! And finally, what’s your fave Christmas song?

Last Christmas by Wham, so cheesy and so good!

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Chiara Recommends

How to Draw Almost Everything by Chika Miyata

Meet Sara!

“Sketch Appeal is helping to remind me why I love art so much.”

(RESULT!!)

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It seems Sara has become something of a sketch addict since coming to her first Sketch Appeal event back in summer! It’s been incredible to see her style and confidence develop over the past few months - not to mention see her spectacular collection of dangly earrings!! Sara plays a huge and valued part in the Sketchy Bitches community and we can’t imagine a session without her! Though at this rate, she’ll be soon be running her own…

Hey Sara! So tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background?

I last studied art at college (not Art College!) and although I love being creative, I decided to take make the ‘smart’ decision at University and do Biology. I hated it and the lack of creativity, eventually dropping out. A decade later and I wanted to get back into art and be social about it. Sketch Appeal is helping to remind me why I love art so much.

Which Sketch Appeal events have you been to this year and what (if anything!) did you get out of them?

Since I have found it, I have gone to every Sketch Appeal I can, loving the premise, the atmosphere and the people. I love art but felt no real drive to do it and whenever I went to any art classes I never really enjoyed the atmosphere or that it was a fixed timetable. Sketch Appeal has one off events that are fun and relaxing to go to, no pressure and you get to share art work, receiving portraits from other Sketchy Bitches.

·How would you describe the experience to others?

It is a brilliant experience to practise your artistic skills on real people and get gifted with portraits from the people you have met. The abilities can range from super talented to people that haven’t picked up a pencil since school so there is no pressure. This is not a teaching class, but it encourages you to get creative and try different things, from art styles to equipment.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

The challenges that are set are always going to be something that I will take a part of. Sketch Appeal has encouraged me to do more art by drawing myself, something I would never have done before. I now take a picture of myself, usually wearing something from a maker I love such as jewellery or a scarf, and then draw that picture, helping me focus on art and myself in a positive light.

·How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health? 

Art is something you can get lost in and forget the negatives. It leaves you with a sense of satisfaction on having completed something, even if you can be frustrated that maybe it isn’t perfect.

Favourite materials to draw with?

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen, I am converted to felt tip pens since coming to Sketch Appeal and these are the best, just so easy to use, blend and are beautiful colours.

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta:

You already to know her, but I love @catherinedoart, her work is wonderful and her art during British Bake Off is amazing, worth a follow.

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend (e.g. neon life drawing classes!)

Wild Life Drawing, you get the opportunity to draw and interact with animals you never could normally, such as wolf cubs, miniature piglets and baby owls. Very different subjects from Sketchy Bitches!

All I want for Christmas is… Good mental health. Maybe some more earrings.

Favourite Christmas song: The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End). Anything with energy that hasn’t already been played a million times in the lead up to Christmas.

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Sara’s favourite sketch of 2019

I love this self-portrait because of the colours and detail. I have been challenged by depicting flesh but I am really happy about what I did for this picture. I used Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pens and a fine black pen for details. This picture took 2 hours.

Meet Jess!

“I would describe the event as an all round fun time!”

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Jess is a Graphic Designer who shares our love of fashion illustration and all things 90s! It’s always have a giggle to have her in the house. We asked her a few Qs…

So! Tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background.

Creativity has always been a part of my life, in one shape or form. I studied Art & Design in college and then went on to study Fashion Promotion at University. Both courses allowed me to be as creative as possible and this is where I started designing my own illustrations, inspired a lot by 90s and 00s popular culture. A year after I finished uni, I kind of stopped being creative outside my day to day job for various reasons but have recently started trying to do more creative hobbies at evenings and weekends.

Which Sketch Appeal events have you been to this year and what (if anything!) did you get out of them?

I have followed Sketchy Bitches on Instagram for a while now and have always wanted to attend one of their events as they looked like so much fun. I attended the Sketch Bitches Summer Sketchathon and the Fashion Week event. I was so excited to go because of not being really creative around that time. My favourite part of the events were being able to interact with the other creatives there by doing small ice breakers like drawing the person opposite you, which made me feel comfortable and at ease. I also enjoyed drawing in other people's style of work. Whether this was a known illustrator or the people at the event :)   

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

I would describe the event as an all round fun time! In terms of drawing I like going to museums and life drawing events but I find illustration drawing my absolute fave. Sketchy bitches events inspire you to be bold and free-spirited with your designs. These events also bring together loads of creatives and you're encouraged to be interactive with one another.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

I have been going to life drawing lessons and I've wanted to update my personal website for a while so that will be my next task haha

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

It helps me focus on what I'm doing, being totally relaxed and in my own element. I feel like it really helps improve my mental health, especially in group creative activities, by being able to see what inspires others and how others can relate.

 Favourite materials to draw with?

I love the use of bold colour and textures, I like using posca pens, gouache paints, fine liners..

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

 OMG there are soooo many creatives I love but here are just a few - @claire__ritchie @koketit @catlobo  

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

Life drawing at the art room on Brick Lane

Any books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020?

I'm not too sure with books, but I love drawing from fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, ID etc

·All I want for Christmas is… 

A roast dinner!

Favourite Christmas song?

My all time favourite – Wham! Last Christmas (the 6 minute version) haha

Meet Olivia!

“Drawing really helps to calm me down and tune out all the negative thoughts and focus on something positive that I enjoy!”

#TheJoyOfSketch

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We first met Olivia when her sister Ursula (long-time Sketchy Bitch!) brought her along to a Frida-themed event in the Spring. Like her sister, Olivia is a kind, compassionate and bloody talented woman - but their drawing styles couldn’t be more different! We caught up to ask her a few Qs about creativity - and Christmas!

So, tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background – are you a pro?

No! I’m a Communications Assistant for an Archaeology Company by day. I always had a sense of creativity since I was small, but I was econuraged to go down a different educational route. After university, I went through a very painful bereavement and stopped having the motivation for all the things I enjoyed. It was only after I started working for an art museum, where I was surrounded by beautiful paintings, prints and sculptures, that I began to feel inspired. I would go to life drawing every so often. In the last year, I've really tried to make time for the things I enjoy. I can be hard on myself, if I don't produce something that's perfect or polished, but even just practicing, I've noticed a vast improvement.

What (apart from your sister!) made you come to that first Sketch Appeal event? What did you get out of it?

I don't know why I didn't turn up sooner! My first sketch appeal event was Frida Kahlo inspired, and it was a lot of fun getting to use coloured pens and create portraits of all the other women there. It was a really positive and encouraging atmosphere. The event I really enjoyed was the Inktoberfest 2019. I've always been inspired by the work of the artist Ronald Searle, so it was right up my street. It was again a really fun day, which flew by, and it was lovely meeting everyone and get to draw them.

In a few lines, how would you describe the experience to others?

Positive and inspiring, it’s so great to see so many talented people!

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?

It did inspire me to draw more, even if just snatching a few minutes in the evening after work. I think the most important thing is it doesn't really matter if you're an amateur or professional, everyone has been very supportive of each other's work. I think it's always lovely to get lots of portraits of yourself at the end of it!

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?  

I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for a long time, and drawing really helps to calm me down and tune out all the negative thoughts and focus on something positive that I enjoy!

Favourite materials to draw with?

If it wasn't obvious already, ink! I love the contrast it creates, and you can really intensify it or soften it up in your work. It's always a little unpredictable, but I was really pleased with what I created in the Inktoberfest event.

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

One of my favourite instagram artists is a French artist called Maureen Diglee Wingrove, and my good friend @paulshinndraws

 Any other creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

Art Macabre - they do lots of very spectacular, theatrical life drawing events!

Any cool books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020?

365 Days of Drawing by Lorna Scobie - it gives you lots of little activities and encourages you to draw every day of the year.

All I want for Christmas is…  Ink and brushes please!

Favourite Christmas song: Last Christmas

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Olivia recommends…

365 Days of Drawing by Lorna Scobie - as featured in Issue 1 of Sketch Appeal magazine :)

Meet Lucy!

“Drawing for me is a really meditative process. I find it really clears my head and silences the critical or anxious voices that often rattle around in there!”

#TheJoyOfSketch

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A Freelancer in the charity sector, Lucy is one busy lady! It’s not always easy for Lucy to come to our workshops, but we love it when she does - the warmth, passion and creativity she brings to the room is infectious! She told us why she comes and what she values about drawing, community and WHAM!

So, tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background:

I never really engaged with art when I was younger outside of your classic dodgy paintings and scribbles at the kitchen table. At school, art felt like it was reserved for people who were outstanding and I don't remember ever feeling excited or engaged by art at school. I always enjoyed doodling, though, I just lacked confidence (and technique!) Instead I channelled my creativity through writing and drama.

I began really exploring art in my late 20s - I ended up in a zine making workshop at a writing festival and surprised myself with how much I enjoyed the creative process. I got a few compliments on my style, created a few zines at home and then went from there. I realised how good drawing was for my wellbeing - it was such a calming and enjoyable activity. After that I started drawing and painting regularly, focused on portraits, which is why I chose to start coming to Sketchy Bitches. I've also created several hand illustrated zines to raise money and awareness for charity.

What, er, drew you to Sketch Appeal? What do you get out of coming to our events?

The more I got into drawing, the more I wanted to do outside of just my own self-directed doodling in my flat. I did a short course at House of Illustration at the start of the year, which focused on the joy of illustration rather than technique, and I found it a really positive and encouraging environment. I wanted to keep that momentum up with a similar vibe once the course ended and also to start making new connections with others who enjoyed drawing.

Having a community of writers has been so important to me so I wanted to find the same with drawing. Sketch Appeal is perfect because the activities are totally in sync with what I love to draw and I so enjoy having the portraits to take away. As a freelancer with very solitary hobbies (drawing and writing!) it's so important to find community and that's something Sketch Appeal creates that is very special. It's been nice seeing the same women at different events.

How would you describe the experience to others?

Sketchy Bitches is a warm, encouraging space where you can experiment with your drawing style and get to know like minded creatives.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative workshops?

It has definitely inspired me to do some different drawing activities - like letting loose and drawing as many faces as I can instead of fixating on one perfect face. I definitely want to do more classes/events next year - including Sketch Appeal events.

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

Drawing for me is a really meditative process. I find it really clears my head and silences the critical or anxious voices that often rattle around in there! It also gives me a sense of achievement to create something new - I really got into drawing when I was spending a lot of time bed bound with chronic illness and drawing gave me a sense of purpose and productivity, as I could improve a skill and do something nice for myself from my bed.

Favourite materials to draw with?

As I'm basically totally self taught my materials are so basic! I usually just use pencils, cheap fineliners and sharpies haha. I do want to refine my tools as I learn, though... maybe in 2020!

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta?

SO MANY. A handful I really like: @phiehackett @harri_golightly @hollymaguireuk @sasha.ignatiadou @aljahorvat (I have prints from several of these on my wall!)

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

Not at the moment! Hopefully I'll find some in 2020...

Any books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020?

I can't think of any atm... I actually use Pinterest a lot for reference material, to create illustration mood boards etc and then just doodle from that... so I'd suggest giving that a go to anyone who just wants to dabble or isn't sure where to start

All I want for Christmas is…

A puppy. Always. Ideally two.

Favourite Christmas song:

Last Christmas (if there's no WHAM, it's not Christmas)

YAY! Thanks Lucy xxx

Meet Sharon!

“I credit drawing with helping me to heal from mental health challenges and an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that I often can't in words.”

#TheJoyOfSketch

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Public Health Researcher for a University by day - Sketchy Bitch by night! We had the joy of meeting Sharon Manship at our Sketchy Bitches workshop in Margate back in October. We caught up and asked her a few questions…

So, tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background:

I had not picked up a pencil since GCSE Art, when I had a teacher who favoured a couple of my very talented classmates, and unfortunately made the rest of us feel like we were rubbish! Then in my mid-20s, I returned from a gap year travelling and had very little money, so decided to write and illustrate some personalised children's books as birthday gifts for the children of friends, and it reignited my passion. Now it is unusual for me not to draw; I can't get enough of it!

What drew you to our event and what did you get out of it?

I have long wanted to attend a London event but I live in Kent so it's a bit of a hike/expense to get into the city...so when I saw an event scheduled in Margate, despite it being an hour's drive away I jumped at the chance. It was a really lovely, relaxed and fun evening with like-minded, creative company. I do put myself under a bit of pressure to do well, especially in front of others whose talent I admire, but I soon loosened up and just enjoyed the process..

How would you describe the experience to others?

Fun, relaxed and no pressure with some fabulous, friendly and talented ladies, and as a bonus I picked up some great drawing tips.

Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative workshops?

It has definitely inspired me and given me the confidence to draw more portraits...I have now set a weekly portrait challenge for myself for 2020! I would definitely like to go to other similar events.

How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?

Calm, in the moment/in the flow, and happy. I credit drawing with helping me to heal from mental health challenges and an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings is a way that I often can't in words (I recently opened up in an Instagram post about this and was amazed and humbled to receive many messages/comments of support and resonance)

Favourite materials to draw with?

I have always drawn with fineliners and have a trusty pack of Staedtler ones with different size nibs. I also love Copic Ciao markers - they are expensive so I only have a few, but one day I hope to have all the colours as they give such a professional and good quality finish

Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta:

Camille Walala (@camillewalala), Dating is Hard (@dating.is.hard), Gemma Correll (@gemmacorrell), Full of Freckles (@full_of_freckles_illustrations), Wendy Daws (@wendy_daws)

Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?

I really enjoyed a Dr Sketchy's event I went to a few years ago (think burlesque/cabaret/life drawing), but unfortunately the franchise in my area closed so there are none nearby currently

Books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020:

I picked up 'Cool Art' by Simon Armstrong a couple of years ago in an art gallery shop. It's aimed at kids, but I found it quite educational! It's all about the history of art and goes through all the genres over the years. A very simplistic format that kept my interested to the end (I'm not sure what that says about my mental age!).

All I want for Christmas is… My two front teeth? Oh no, I have them. In that case, all the Copic Ciao markers! And good health for me and my family. And world peace.

Favourite Christmas song: All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey

Check out Sharon’s draws @artmanship

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Sharon recommends…

Cool Art by Simon Armstrong