Unleashing Creativity: Inside My Fashion Illustration Workshops
- Elyse Blackshaw
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Blog by London Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw
As a London-based fashion illustrator and educator, I'm passionate about guiding individuals through the vibrant world of fashion illustration. My workshops are designed to be immersive experiences that cater to all skill levels, encouraging participants to explore their unique artistic voices.
My experience? Well, whilst I was saving up to move to London and complete my 2 year MA at the Royal College of Art, I used to work as an Art and Textiles Secondary School Teacher. This means I am a fully qualified teacher with a PGCE and DBS certificate. This experience really gave me a solid foundation for pedagogy. Throughout my MA I designed a workshop aimed at using unwanted artwork to create new fashion collages and illustrations to promote sustainable material choices for fashion students. This concept spread, and I was delivering workshops across the UK to schools, colleges and universities. Between 2022 and 2024 I became a Visiting Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and the University for the Creative Arts.
"Elyse’s teaching style is creative and hands-on and underpinned with theory. The students responded well to her teaching and produced some amazing work which they used to develop their own design handwriting."— Senior Lecturer of BA Fashion Design, Manchester Fashion Institute
Is it just for education settings?
Absolutely not! My workshops are perfect for any setting seeking a hands-on, in-person experience that goes beyond traditional art classes. Whether you're looking for a weekend workshop, a creative retreat, a launch event, or team wellbeing experience, this session offers a supportive space to develop style through guided exercises and experimentation. Designed as a guided session suitable for all levels, it encourages exploration and creativity, making it an ideal opportunity to reconnect with your artistic side in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
What to Expect
The workshops can be a short 2 hour session or a full-day workshop, running from 10 AM to 4 PM. Each offers a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether participants are beginners or looking to refine skills, the sessions are tailored to foster personal growth and artistic confidence.
Participants will delve into:
Enjoying Drawing: Embracing a relaxed approach to sketching and creating.
Exploring Personal Style: Discovering individual expression through guided exercises.
Considering Materials: Enhancing illustrations with repurposed collage materials and creative techniques.
The Workshop Experience
In these sessions, we explore mark-making, patterns, figures, faces, fashion illustration, and large-scale collage. I bring along repurposed collage and drawing materials, promoting sustainability and creativity. Additional supplies like A4, A3, and large paper rolls are provided by the institution to ensure full access.
Throughout the day, I offer feedback and encourage questions, creating an interactive learning experience. Photography and videos are welcomed, especially to capture the process and the reveal of the large-scale fashion collages!
Who Can Join?
These workshops are open to individuals aged 13 and above, regardless of their artistic background. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone exploring a new hobby, the workshop is designed to inspire and engage your wildest fashion dreams!
Join Me
If you're interested in exploring the art of fashion illustration in a dynamic and supportive setting, I'd love to deliver my workshop to you!
*As I am now lecturing, I am only available on Fridays.
Email me at info@elyseblackshaw.com
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