London Makers is an inclusive creative studio programme for neurodivergent adults and people with learning disabilities. Delivered alongside three visiting creative practitioners, this 10-week course explores contemporary graphic image-making, collage, composition and print through a series of practical studio workshops.

Working with a range of established designers, participants will experiment with shape, colour, composition and visual storytelling before developing their own artwork into a professionally produced A1 graphic print. Using both analogue and digital processes, participants will gradually refine their work towards a professionally presented exhibition while exploring creativity, design thinking and creative enterprise.

Throughout the programme, participants will work alongside three visiting creative practitioners, each introducing a different approach to contemporary graphic image-making.

Rather than teaching software or traditional graphic design, practitioners will share their own creative practice and support participants through different stages of the creative process.

Across the programme participants will explore:

• generating visual ideas through experimentation
• developing graphic imagery through collage and composition
• refining artwork digitally for professional print

What Will Participants Do?

Participants will experience the creative process behind developing a contemporary graphic print collection. Across the ten weeks, the group will: 

• experiment with shape, colour, collage and composition
• develop ideas through playful making and visual exploration
• collect inspiration through creative research trips
• explore contemporary graphic image-making with visiting practitioners
• refine artwork through both analogue and digital processes
• prepare professional print-ready artwork
• explore exhibition design and creative enterprise
• contribute towards a collaborative London Makers poster exhibition

 Alongside studio sessions, participants will continue to receive individual support to build confidence, develop creative interests and explore future pathways through Open Studio, volunteering, enterprise and employment.

Generate & Explore Experiment with shape, colour, collage and composition while building a library of visual ideas and creative experiments. Participants begin exploring inspiration through London, collecting colours, textures, architecture and everyday observations to inform their work.

Develop & Communicate Working alongside visiting practitioners, participants begin transforming simple visual ideas into graphic imagery. Ideas are developed through experimentation, composition, refinement and collaborative studio practice. The programme includes an exhibition and graphic design inspiration trip exploring how contemporary prints and posters are presented professionally.

Refine & Print Participants begin translating their artwork into final print-ready designs through digital refinement, colour development and composition. Professional test prints are reviewed before preparing final exhibition artwork.

 Exhibit & Enterprise Participants produce professionally printed A1 graphic prints which are presented as part of a London Makers exhibition. The programme concludes by exploring how artwork can be displayed, promoted and sold, while introducing progression into London Makers Open Studio.

Final Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will have developed an original graphic artwork and professionally produced A1 print. Final works will be exhibited as part of a London Makers poster exhibition, celebrating each participant's creative journey.

Selected artwork may also be reproduced as limited-edition prints or adapted into future London Makers products, creating opportunities to explore creative enterprise through exhibitions, markets and Open Studio.

Participants will leave with new creative skills, experience working alongside practicing artists, confidence within a professional studio environment, and a clear progression route into London Makers Open Studio.

Open Studio Progression

Alongside the Core Programme, London Makers Open Studio provides a supported creative studio where participants can continue developing artwork beyond the course.

Open Studio offers space to:

·       continue experimenting with graphic image-making

·       refine and expand print collections

·       develop new products

·       prepare work for exhibitions and markets

·       explore enterprise opportunities alongside ongoing creative support

Participants completing the Core Programme are encouraged to progress naturally into Open Studio, allowing their creative practice to continue developing beyond the initial ten weeks.