Advance Your Lettering :: Intensive Retreat

Step into an inspired space...

We talked about it, we dreamed about it, and now the time has come for the first-ever advanced lettering retreat for visual practitioners!

Whilst staying in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, you can seek inspiration from the beautiful surroundings and hone your lettering skills, share your ideas and develop your practice in the great company of fellow practitioners and friends. Comfortable accommodation and delicious food is all included so we may maximise our time, both learning and enjoying our surroundings together at Charney Manor.

To join us, you will have attended the Level Up Your Lettering in-person workshop or virtual course, and be ready to take a deep dive into more advanced lettering techniques while finding your signature style in this advanced lettering intensive...retreat style!

Here’s a taste of what you will learn...
Across this intensive programme we willl explore three critical qualities of lettering that will enable you to grow your skills, artistry and lettering repertoire, while reaching deeper into developing more of your own personal hand.

Each morning you will begin a new lettering journey and learn a new lettering style and techniques.
• Day 1 :: FORM
Focus on form, and our refinement of it.
• Day 2 :: RHYTHM
Explore the cadence of our work as we execute with a marker in hand.
• Day 3 :: EXPRESSION
Integrate all that you have learned from our surroundings, and one another, as we diverge into our unique styles of working, and prepare to emerge back into our work with new ways of meaningful mark making.

Be prepared! The mornings will be spent learning in a group together. On par to Heather's style of teaching, she will be sharing a lot of information, practices and ideas with you. The sessions will be intense and information packed. There will be a LOT to take in.

Following traditional lettering retreat models, time has been set aside for you to integrate that learning. In the afternoons you can choose to do that on your own or with your fellow practitioners. You’ll be free to follow your own learning in your own way, or you can follow homework exercises and challenges set for you. Whichever way you choose to apply, enrich and embed your learnings is up to you. Structure will be provided but don't worry if you enjoy breaking the rules. This retreat is designed to help you produce!

The afternoons will also give us the space to meet with Heather on a one-to-one session for a deep dive into your personal style and practice. This will be your opportunity to explore whichever area of your practice you’d most like to develop and get feedback on. Share your portfolio for close, personal feedback. Work through an individual style you’d like to improve. Learn how to develop your personal hand.

Each 1:1 session will last 50 minutes and will be customized– so start thinking about how to get the best value of out of it.

Coming together as a group
In the evening we’ll come back together as a group to share dinner together in the 13th century dining room, after which you’re free to participate in group activities or rest and relax on your own. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, be alone, or connect with other visual practitioners who are also passionately dedicated to their practice. If you want to explore, it’s a small stroll to the local country pub, the Chequer’s Inn.

Materials for the workshop will be supplied. For those wanting more of a variety of colors and marker nibs to work with, please bring your own materials. Dress is comfortable and casual.

What’s included
The Advance Your Lettering :: Intensive Retreat includes intensive learning on advanced lettering skills and the chance to spend time in an all-inclusive retreat setting. It will give you an opportunity to take time out of your routine to focus on your visual practice. Lettering is simply the vehicle. Embracing your 'whole self,' this will be an opportunity to connect deeper with yourself, your personal practice, and others in the field.
 
Included in the retreat price:

  • Three daily sessions of advanced lettering instruction in a small group setting—including exercises and guidance for the afternoon integration sessions.
  • Personal 1:1 learning sessions only available in this setting.
  • Yoga with Audrey Roxas (click here for more info)
  • Three night’s accommodation and stay at Charney Manor—including single room with private bathroom, extensive grounds and common areas to relax in.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided throughout your stay.
  • Virtual 1:1 follow-up session following the workshop (a $125USD value)
  • All materials, plus personal goody bag for the workshop. For those wanting more of a variety of colors and marker nibs to work with, please bring your own materials.

Your Hosts


Questions about...

Registration or the agenda, email Heather.

Special requests/needs, email Emma Paxton or Caroline Chapple.

Wondering how to get to Charney Manor? Click here.

Looking for the Level Up Your Lettering workshop? Click here to learn more about offerings in London and Paris.