Birgitta Sif's Picturebook Retreat

Spend 6 days in Rome with Birgitta, sketching in the piazzas and storyboarding your picturebook at the Inky Larks roof-top studio.

You'll learn how to:

• structure your plot and dream up memorable characters,

• bring your story to life through text and image,

• illustrate exciting book covers, and

• develop your creative voice and storytelling.

Birgitta Sif is the creator of the Kate Greenaway shortlisted picture book, Oliver, and Frances Dean Who Loved To Dance and Dance, both of which were endorsed by Amnesty International.

She has written and illustrated numerous picturebooks that have sold all over the world. Her books have won the Dimmalimm Prize and been shortlisted for the Nordic Children's Book Prize, as well as many other awards.

Her passion and generosity make her an inspiring tutor, who draws on her on own creative practice, but also on her collaborations with authors, illustrators and publishers across the world, and on her teaching at the famous MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art.

Birgitta's imaginative and charming picturebooks endorsed by Amnesty International:

What’s included:

• 5 Hands-on Picturebook Making Workshops with Birgitta Sif

• 6 Days at the Inky Larks studio developing your picturebook (Birgitta will be available every day to answer questions)

• 2 Group Feedback sessions where you share your work in progress, get support and inspiration, and plan what to do next

• 3 Outings: a visit to the fabulous Borghese Gallery (or a museum), a walk to the stunning sites around the Inky Larks studio, and an afternoon of observational drawing around the centre of Rome

• Welcome drinks and a Homemade Italian Dinner on the first night

• Breakfast every day on the rooftop terrace: freshly baked cornetti, fruit, coffee and tea

• On the last day: drinks at Ottimo Massimo, a lovely, independent children’s bookshop in the picturesque neighbourhood of Trastevere. We'll read our completed dummy books, and celebrate the great work done and all the progress made.

• Dinner Out all together for a merry, celebratory lark!

(N.B. Please note that accomodation is not included)

More of Birgitta's cosy books full of atmosphere and fun!

Inky Larks is a roof-top studio in the heart of Rome.

It's a place of learning and joyful inspiration.

Children's writers and illustrators come here to support each other, tell stories, sketch and create their beautiful picturebooks.

FAQs

1) Do I have to be a published author or illustrator to attend? This retreat is for you whether you’re starting out or you’re a seasoned professional alike. In fact, a mix of different skills and levels of experience is actually positive and enriching. Plus, this retreat is open to only a small number of participants, so you’ll get focused, personalised support and feedback.

2) I am mainly a writer. Do I have to be good a drawing too? The focus of this retreat is on you learning to craft your most engaging story and cultivating your unique voice. Your way into this creative process can be writing, illustrating or a combination of both.

3) Can you suggest some places to stay in Rome? Yes! Write to us at www.inkylarks.com (or on instagram @inkylarks ) and we‘ll send you a helpful pdf with a list of affordable places to stay a few minutes walk from the studio and all the beautiful sites.

Wonderful collaborations with other illustrators:

Birgitta supports her students in creating their best work and inspires children to read: