Design Museum Academy Adult workshop
Workshop: Drawing Cinematic Stories
Step into director Wes Anderson’s meticulously crafted worlds through drawing in this workshop exploring the filmmaker's signature sense of scale, symmetry, and storytelling.
Priority booking for members.
What to expect
In this hands-on workshop, study Wes Anderson's work directly from pieces displayed on our major exhibition Wes Anderson: The Archives to develop layered compositions, cinematic framing, and playful spatial illusions inspired by the the director's unique visual language.
Participants will work on sketches to uncover the methods behind the director’s distinctive image-making. Through guided exercises, you’ll experiment with scale, layering, and framing, creating compositions that play with perspective, contrast, and theatricality.
You’ll explore toy-theatre-style collages, cross-section 'dollhouse' views, and storyboard techniques that move between sweeping overviews and intimate details.
Whether you’re interested in illustration, animation, set design or storytelling, this workshop offers new ways to observe, construct, and narrate visually. Expect a creative day of sketching, cutting, composing, and reimagining Anderson’s cinematic charm on paper.
Learning outcomes:
Compositional design and spatial layering
Visual narrative development
Experimentation with scale and proportion
Observational and concept sketching techniques
Please note:
Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided
This workshop is suitable for adults 18+
Model of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition © Luke Hayes
Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition © Luke Hayes
Testimonials
"I felt both challenged and encouraged/given confidence in a really well-balanced way"
"It transported me into a mindful space and reminded me why we draw in the first place"
Book online
Booking information
Adult: £104
Adult early bird: £88
Student (18+): £93 Student early bird: £84
Members*: £83
*Please note that this benefit applies only to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not to those of additional guests.
• Early bird until 20 February 2026
• Suitable age range: 18+
Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here.
Additional information
Please note that this workshop is for participants over 18 years old, and the content and complexity have been tailored accordingly
If you would like to let us know about any access requirements, including neurodiversity, there is the option to notify us at the ticket checkout
If you would like to have 1:1 support for this workshop, you are welcome to bring a companion to support you on your project, at no extra cost. To request a companion spot please email learning@designmuseum.org with your booking information
This session has a capacity of 20 participants, and one or two facilitators will be leading the sessions
If you have any questions, please contact learning@designmuseum.org
Facilitators
Trevor Flynn
Flynn is the Director of Drawing At Work. Founder of the Drawing Gym, he is a visiting lecturer at the Design Museum, The Architectural Association, Bath University and the Institution of Structural Engineers in London. He has illustrated a best-selling cookbook and a book by Richard Curtis about the making of the film Notting Hill.
Peter Ayres
Ayres’ work with the Design Museum includes running creativity sessions for students and educators on our annual Design Ventura programme for young people. His ideas for development and delivery of special projects are visible in his work as co-director of Beep Studio.
Related exhibition
Background image and carousel drawings: Previous workshops at the museum and facilitators archives.