Running your own workshops or courses can be a useful source of income for artists & arts professionals. I really enjoy sharing my skills & know-how by running workshops, seminars, masterclasses and other types of face-to-face learning sessions. It’s certainly a great buzz to help other people learn new things!
Here’s a set of useful resources I have prepared to help other creative freelancers. If you are just getting started, or thinking about running your own workshops or classes, then take a look at these easy to follow guides.
#1: What is a workshop?
This might sound pretty straightforward but it’s useful to remember that workshops are really focussed on ‘learning by doing’. Not all types of learning sessions or classes are workshops. Firstly, this introduction helps to break down the process by thinking about devising your own workshop with small things that build…
– What are workshops & courses (slides) – Rachel Dobbs
#2: Developing workshop ideas
Designing a great workshop starts with developing great workshop ideas. This introduction gets you to think about the different types of workshop you could run – starting with the skills or techniques you already know and love. Importantly, it also explores how you might work out what types of art workshop might be popular in your area and how you can share your experience & expertise with others.
– Developing workshop ideas (slides) – Rachel Dobbs
#3: Planning a workshop or course
Planning your first workshop might feel pretty scary, but this introduction takes you through the process step-by-step. Firstly, starting with your goal or objectives; then working out your scheduling & workshop timing; before deciding on a venue & date (in addition to thinking about what type of space to run your workshop in) and finally how to price your workshop tickets.
– Planning a workshop or course (slides) – Rachel Dobbs
#4: Promoting workshops & events
If you’re new to promoting workshops or events, then this guide walks you through the step-by-step process. Find out how to market your workshops and reach your audience by listing your event & using online ticketing.
– Promoting workshops & events (slides) – Rachel Dobbs
#5: Build your pre-event checklist
A little advance planning can help you avoid problems on the day. This intro walks you through how to create your own pre-event checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly!
– Pre-Event Checklist (slides) – Rachel Dobbs
If you find these resources useful, let me know via Instagram – @RachelDobbs1. All of the resources I produce are available to download for FREE, but if you’d like to contribute to my future projects, say thank you or just do something nice for a fellow creative practitioner, feel free to donate by clicking the button below…