Workshops - how to design, cost and run effective workshops.

1. Workshops – another income stream for the Decorative artist
If you hire/find some workshop space you could soon be running small to medium size classes teaching people of all ages the basics of painting (or whatever your particular forte is). Not only should this prove a profitable income stream for you, but you can view this in a loftier way – that you are teaching future generations a beautiful handicraft. There are just a few simple steps to put in place before marketing your workshop. Pretend your workshop is called Folk Art Gypsy: a furniture refresh workshop. You may decide to run it over a series of weekends, or evenings. Regardless of when a workshop is held it is essential to give delegates a clear idea of the course syllabus and to be engaging. There is nothing as bad as preaching to a group without getting them involved, interacting with each other and having fun.
For starters focus on a different topic and list them :
Week One: Gathering your inspiration, deciding on your subject matter and putting it on the canvas
Week Two: Finding your palette and colour mixing
Week Three: Techniques for building up base colours on canvas
Week Four: Techniques for creating depth and adding decoration to your work
Week Five: Exhibition and party.
1. Refine: Teaching is very much like writing – you have to relay the information you want to pass on as succinctly as possible, hence the need to edit your material. Getting a small amount of key information across to your tutees is far more important than information overload. Decide on the length of the workshop – a weekend course will appear very different from an afternoon course and your information will have to fit the time allowed.

2. 2. Have a structure: A structure helps you to stick to the salient points you want to cover and get it across clearly. Your participants need to understand what the class covers and what their outcomes will be.
3. Put your students’ learning experience first: What do they want to learn and be able to do as a result of the workshop? If it’s the first course you have run, get their input early on. Also ask yourself continually if what you are teaching helps the student. For prospective students to sign up to an art workshop the marketing will have to be inspiring as well as self- explanatory. On the day, practical demonstrations will work much better if the instructor is energized and oozes passion for their subject.
4. Course objectives: Indicate in as few words as possible what the aim of your course will be.
5. Outcomes: What the student will have achieved at the end.
Marketing the course is easier once you have the above points. Of course, the actual workshop schedule will need to be broken down in hourly chunks with ample breaks for refreshments and rest breaks. You’ll indicate registration times, coffee breaks, sessions and course conclusion and evaluation.
Give yourself at least 8 weeks to market a workshop.
Use social media, blogs, press releases and leafleting to market the course.
Use colourful artwork on all marketing and advertise strategically, using a variety of cost effective methods.
Clearly describe the course aims and objectives.
Show examples of the before and after photos of the types of furniture students will go home with.
Small touches such as a course certificate or free gift at the end can encourage positive referrals from attendees.
If you plan on holding custom workshops on a one-to-one basis then adapt your plan accordingly.
Pricing your workshop
The objective of running a workshop is to make a profit. To ensure this happens, make a list of all the likely expenses before you incur them. Also have a clear idea of the profit margin you are looking to achieve. Cost in room hire, administration and printing costs, advertising, travel to and from the venue, course materials for students, any catering costs and Audio-visual (if you are showing any kind of slideshow, demo), also catering staff and possible cleaning costs (I’ve been an event organiser and know many venues will charge additional cleaning costs if glitter/confetti are used so beware!). Visualize some paint splodges on the floor coverings and you get the picture.
Let say:

3. To see how it is done why not come along to some of the workshops I’m planning in November along with Elizabeth Marsh, an award winning florist. We will ensure you have a great experience flower arranging and painting.
The Painted Flower: A workshop of flower arranging & floral still life acrylic painting on canvas.
Join florist Elizabeth Marsh and artist Lorraine Stylianou at Elizabeth’s flower studio in New Covent Garden Flower Market, Vauxhall for an exclusive Friday evening of flower arranging and painting.
The class will run from 6 to 9pm on Friday 7 November 2014, and will be split into two sessions with wine, soft drinks and nibbles. Elizabeth will show you how to arrange your flowers into a stunning bouquet which you will use as the basis for your painting. In the second half of the class Lorraine will show you how to prepare your canvas using acrylic paints and to produce a beautiful floral portrait to take home with you.
The class is suitable for beginners of both floristry, and art, as well as those who would like to broaden their skill set and learn something new and exciting. You’ll leave the class with your bouquet in a cello wrap, and your own hand painted masterpiece, plus all the incentive you need to carry on arranging flowers in a way that is perfect for further floral portraits.
Wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be provided. All flowers, art materials (brushes, 20cm x 20cm primed canvas, acrylic paint, cleaning equipment) are included in the price.
The workshop is held at Elizabeth Marsh Flower Studio:
Unit P35-42, New Covent Garden Market, Vauxhall, SW8 5NA
Nearest tube station is Vauxhall on the Victoria and Northern Line.
1. Advertising is: £200
2. Room hire is: £300
3. Printing is: £40
4. Travel is £25
5. Refreshments are £30
6. What my profit will be: £550
Add these all up and get: £1145
If you expect 10 delegates you would need to charge £114.50 each to meet your costs.

4. Please note that if you are unable to attend a workshop we will be happy for you to send a friend in your place but due to the popularity of our workshops, refunds or date transfers are not offered. Only in the unlikely event of a workshop being cancelled can refunds be given.
If you have a question about the Painted Flower workshop please contact Lorraine or Elizabeth on
07826 117938 and 07976 309862 respectively.