Design Camp: Digital Illustration for 8 to 11 year olds

This workshop will introduce future designers to digital illustration using Photoshop, combining creative exploration with practical skill-building in a supportive environment.

Children will discover fundamental principles that bring illustrations to life such as composition, colour, and visual hierarchy, while drawing inspiration from our museum's remarkable architecture. Through guided exercises and creative experimentation, they'll become familiar with the software and explore key tools including drawing brushes, shape creation and transformation, and the possibilities of layers and masks.

The day will flow between focused learning sessions and creative practice, allowing participants to build confidence as they develop their own digital compositions. Each child will create original artwork inspired by the museum's architecture distinctive features, progressing from simple exercises to a final illustration they can share with the group and take home.

Learning outcomes:

• Basic design principles such as composition, colour, visual hierarchy, contrast and scale

• Navigating Photoshop interface with confidence

• Using essential drawing and transformation tools

• Understanding layers and masks and how to use them

• Creating digital illustrations exploring the different tools

Please note:

• This workshop is suitable for children aged 8 to 11. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below

• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

• All equipment and materials will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch

'I liked learning how to use different digital tools and I really liked the teachers.'

'I very much enjoyed how we were free to explore and chose what we wanted.'

'It was fun to discover new things and take a small look around the museum.'

'I’m happy that I met new friends.'

• All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in.  

• We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session.  

• Workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging.  

• If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is completely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way.  

• This session has space for up to 20 participants. It will be led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10.  

• If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no additional cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves.  

• If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, feel free to contact us at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org.