Sunday 11th October 2026
10:00-4:00
Adult workshop
(but GCSE and A-Level students are very welcome to join in. It will be a great skills workshop for those taking creative subjects)
WORKSHOP:
A day of drawing, storytelling and style
Join Thom Botwood, professional illustrator and character designer for film and fashion, for an inspiring day of sketching and storytelling through character.
Thom’s career spans some of the biggest productions in contemporary cinema, including Cruella, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. His work bridges concept design, illustration and narrative art, bringing to life characters defined by personality, attitude and movement.
The day begins with Thom sharing his creative journey. You’ll see his portfolio of film and fashion work, hear stories from behind the scenes, and gain insight into how character concepts evolve from page to screen.
Then it’s your turn to draw. You’ll start with pen-and-ink exercises, exploring gesture, posture and personality through quick studies of people and imagined figures. Thom will guide you in capturing expression and mood, those subtle details that make characters feel real.
As the day unfolds, you’ll move on to developing your own film character illustrations, studying iconic examples and re-interpreting them in Thom’s dynamic, fashion-inspired style. You’ll also experiment with fashion illustration, using line and texture to explore how clothing helps tell a story.
This is a relaxed, hands-on workshop for all skill levels, a day to experiment, observe and learn from a professional who works where drawing meets design. You’ll leave with pages full of ideas, new techniques, and a fresh way to see the people and stories around you.
Artist / Maker / Tutor:
Thom Botwood is a creative designer and illustrator whose work bridges film, fashion and fine art. Based in Wales, he is known for his expressive pen-and-ink illustrations and his ability to capture character through posture, gesture and costume.
Thom is well known for his work as “Disney’s hand of Cruella, and costume illustrator .’ Thom has built a career collaborating with major costume designers and studios including Jenny Beavan, Colleen Atwood, Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal. His film credits include Cruella (2021), Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), where his concept illustrations helped define the look and personality of on-screen characters.
Alongside his film work, Thom founded Pin & Thimble, an independent clothing and tailoring label. His eye for structure and silhouette runs through both his tailoring and his illustration, each line drawn with the same precision and flair.
Thom’s unique illustration work hangs in the Savoy Hotel in London, celebrating their iconic famous diners of past and present.
His workshops offer a rare insight into the crossover between drawing, costume and storytelling. Participants are invited to explore pen-and-ink techniques, study character through fashion and film references, and develop their own expressive style under Thom’s guidance.
“Every line tells a story,” Thom says. “The way a character stands, moves or wears their clothes reveals everything you need to know about them.”
Thom’s approach is generous, engaging and full of creative energy - a chance to learn from a professional who works where art, story and style meet.
What is included in the ticket price?
All equipment and materials that you need for the workshop are included.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are available all day.
Where will the workshops take place?
In Beth’s inspirational studio at Insole Court, Cardiff. CF5 2LN
Sunday 11th October 2026
10:00-4:00
Adult workshop
(but GCSE and A-Level students are very welcome to join in. It will be a great skills workshop for those taking creative subjects)
WORKSHOP:
A day of drawing, storytelling and style
Join Thom Botwood, professional illustrator and character designer for film and fashion, for an inspiring day of sketching and storytelling through character.
Thom’s career spans some of the biggest productions in contemporary cinema, including Cruella, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. His work bridges concept design, illustration and narrative art, bringing to life characters defined by personality, attitude and movement.
The day begins with Thom sharing his creative journey. You’ll see his portfolio of film and fashion work, hear stories from behind the scenes, and gain insight into how character concepts evolve from page to screen.
Then it’s your turn to draw. You’ll start with pen-and-ink exercises, exploring gesture, posture and personality through quick studies of people and imagined figures. Thom will guide you in capturing expression and mood, those subtle details that make characters feel real.
As the day unfolds, you’ll move on to developing your own film character illustrations, studying iconic examples and re-interpreting them in Thom’s dynamic, fashion-inspired style. You’ll also experiment with fashion illustration, using line and texture to explore how clothing helps tell a story.
This is a relaxed, hands-on workshop for all skill levels, a day to experiment, observe and learn from a professional who works where drawing meets design. You’ll leave with pages full of ideas, new techniques, and a fresh way to see the people and stories around you.
Artist / Maker / Tutor:
Thom Botwood is a creative designer and illustrator whose work bridges film, fashion and fine art. Based in Wales, he is known for his expressive pen-and-ink illustrations and his ability to capture character through posture, gesture and costume.
Thom is well known for his work as “Disney’s hand of Cruella, and costume illustrator .’ Thom has built a career collaborating with major costume designers and studios including Jenny Beavan, Colleen Atwood, Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal. His film credits include Cruella (2021), Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), where his concept illustrations helped define the look and personality of on-screen characters.
Alongside his film work, Thom founded Pin & Thimble, an independent clothing and tailoring label. His eye for structure and silhouette runs through both his tailoring and his illustration, each line drawn with the same precision and flair.
Thom’s unique illustration work hangs in the Savoy Hotel in London, celebrating their iconic famous diners of past and present.
His workshops offer a rare insight into the crossover between drawing, costume and storytelling. Participants are invited to explore pen-and-ink techniques, study character through fashion and film references, and develop their own expressive style under Thom’s guidance.
“Every line tells a story,” Thom says. “The way a character stands, moves or wears their clothes reveals everything you need to know about them.”
Thom’s approach is generous, engaging and full of creative energy - a chance to learn from a professional who works where art, story and style meet.
What is included in the ticket price?
All equipment and materials that you need for the workshop are included.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are available all day.
Where will the workshops take place?
In Beth’s inspirational studio at Insole Court, Cardiff. CF5 2LN
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