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Courses & Workshops

Join us at the national home of illustration to deepen your knowledge of illustration and learn from leading artists in the field.

Whether you are new to illustration and looking for the opportunity to learn practical skills or a working illustrator in search of professional development, our courses and workshops offer supportive, friendly and rich learning in a flexible way.

Learn

Whatever your creative aspiration or level of experience, our evening courses and summer schools offer the opportunity to learn from experienced tutors in a setting with illustration at its heart.

Over 1 week, 4 weeks, 6 weeks or 10 weeks you can deepen your understanding of illustration, build practical creative skills and find your creative community.

Our courses offer space to hone a new skill or work on a long-term project. Grow your confidence as part of a small group, with one-to-one feedback and support.

Topics include writing and illustrating picture books, comics and graphic novels, hand-made approaches and digital skills and animation.

Learn with tutors such as Hannah Jacobs(opens in new window), Lily Kong(opens in new window), Cathy G. Johnson(opens in new window), and Claire Alexander. (opens in new window)

Join us in person at Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration or online with access to recordings.

Enjoy discounts in our Shop and visits to our exhibitions as an attendee.

Create

Our one-day workshops cover different ways of approaching illustration from botanical illustration to working in 3D with Blender.

Suitable for those wishing to dedicate an afternoon to getting creative and trying something new to working illustrators looking to build new skills to further their practice.

Teaching is offered by experienced practitioners in small informal groups.

Develop

We run regular events to support working illustrators in developing skills to further their creative practice and career.

Including masterclasses that explore areas of industry, creative approaches or business skills, as well as networking opportunities and portfolio reviews sessions.

Events to be announced soon.

Copyright Claire Alexander

“The detail and depth of learning that was given is incredible. Claire listened, explored and gave great feedback to each of us on a regular basis throughout the week for what we were creating. The location itself feels very fresh and gave the space to be creative”.

“Loved Claire’s teaching - clear and well paced. Loved the creative element - time to actually get ideas written down and painted. I feel like I have achieved lots in the last week and leaving with a solid idea of what to work on. I love the Centre - it’s absolutely fabulous, inspiring and amazing.”

“The setting is great and Claire was amazing. It was inspiring to be in such a creative setting for the week and learn so many new things with other creative minds”.

Summer School attendees, August 2026

We welcome feedback. If don’t see the topic you’re looking for, please let us know. Email us at learning@qbcentre.org.uk and we will get back to you.

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Our upcoming courses

A landscape with a pink sky, a pale moon, brown mountains and bright blue water.

Introduction to Illustration

Learn how to visually communicate ideas, stories and concepts with illustrator Lily Kong.
A comic panel illustration showing two figures in sportswear sitting on grass and looking out over a car park.

Creating Comics with Purpose

Over six weeks, you’ll take a deep dive into the world of purpose-led comics and discover how to turn your ideas into a finished comic story.