(UK time) from 20 September – 29 November

If you are not UK-based you can use this 

 to check your local time. The clocks will change from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Meantime (GMT) on 27 October.

Between classes we recommend allowing a minimum two hours per week for project work.

Time and place

Full price: £450.00
Concessions: £360.00

Concessions are available for students, those on income-supporting benefits and early career illustrators (who have been practicing for under three years).

Disabled ticket holders can book a free ticket for their personal assistant or companion at the same time as their own full price or concessionary ticket.

Tickets

This is an intermediate level course suitable for people who have some experience of making illustrations, but this does not need to have been professionally! The course will take you through all the steps you need to take to plan a non-fiction book or information book. It will support those new to non-fiction books, while inspiring and challenging those with more experience.

If you have any questions about whether this course would be right for you, please contact us 

Please note that this course is for attendees aged 18+ only.

Experience needed

You will need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone and a stable internet connection. We use web platforms 

 to host sessions and share resources, but you do not need your own accounts to use them. You may like to print out the resources.

Technology needed

You’ll need a pencil you’re comfortable sketching with (e.g. HB/2B), sketching or cartridge paper, eraser, and whatever medium you’d like to work in to create final artworks. We anticipate you may be using watercolours, collage, digital … or something else entirely!

Materials needed

Online classes take place live on Zoom and include real-time exercises, tutorials, demonstrations, group discussion and feedback.

Course materials, including recordings of sessions and galleries are uploaded to a shared Padlet. You can also use the Padlet to upload your work for feedback.

You will receive course information and a research task one week before the course start date and login details the day before. This will be sent to the email address you used to make your booking. Please contact us if you would like us to send course information to a different address 

The course requires homework between sessions for which you should allow a minimum of two hours per week.

How this course works

Our online events are held via video conferencing application Zoom with closed captioning enabled.

We record live classes. Recordings are uploaded the day after each class and are available until two weeks after the course finishes.

Disabled ticket holders can book a free ticket for their personal assistant or companion at the same time as their own full price or concessionary ticket via the booking link.

If you have any queries, or would like to discuss your access needs, please contact us 

Ticket concessions are available for students, those on income-supporting benefits and early career illustrators (under three years’ practice).

We want everyone to be able to participate in our activities. Please email us if cost is a barrier and you would like to discuss payment options 

Access

 has more information on our online courses.

Frequently asked questions

Online course for adults
20 September – 29 November 2024
Fridays, 10:00 – 12:00 UK Time (BST until 25 October then GMT)

No longer taking bookings - if you missed out on a spot but are interested to know more about a future edition of this workshop, please email 

This in-depth intermediate level course will support you to create your non-fiction book, focusing on how to plan books that display information in an accessible and engaging way for your audience.

With guidance from award-winning illustrator Owen Davey, you will learn how to research effectively and plan your pages, while developing your unique way of creating images. You will get valuable insight into how to take your book to the next level by presenting it to publishers.

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Our small class size of no more than 16 students will ensure that you receive personalised feedback from Owen in a relaxed and friendly learning environment. By the end of ten weeks, you will have a plan for your book, some finished spreads and the knowledge you need to take it forward.

 is an award-winning illustrator who has worked with clients including Lego, WWF and National Geographic. He is the lead illustrator on the award-winning app Two Dots. His picture books have been published in over 17 languages. His Fanatical About Books was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards and longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2020.

What previous participants said about the course

“There are not many courses like this around.”

“The book I've ended up developing is not the one I had in mind to begin with - it's better. The course has helped me pick the right topic, develop my thinking, colour choices, art style. I don't think I could have asked for more!”

“Owen is very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable, so feedback always felt kind and constructive”

Planning a Non-Fiction Picture Book