CREATIVE RE-SET
BACK TO SCHOOL
A course designed to help you take a creative re-set after the summer break,
and get back to making art with intention!
Find your inner lion - rarrr!
During the summer holidays, whether I actually go away or not, taking a break from the daily routine generally clears space in my head and I find thoughts popping into my head - plans for the year ahead, ideas about my work, mistakes I've made, sometimes even radical ways I would like to change my life! Then I go back to my regular routine, and put all that aside.
I ran this course in January earlier this year, as an alternative to making new year's resolutions. The idea was that instead of making arbitrary resolutions, that you inevitably forget about come February, that instead, you could use the new year energy to take a look at your creative practice, and forge ahead for the year with intention and a better awareness of who you are and what you want to be. I designed it as a way of capturing the energy and sense of possibility that you get during the holidays.
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It was such a great month - of laughing, bonding, and creative breakthroughs!
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I know that many people see September as the alternative new year. It feels to me like an even better time to take a review of your creative life, as the summer holidays tend to be a longer and more meaningful break. So I have decided to do a Back-to-School version of the course, to help you capture all your grand summer plans!
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There are different plans to suit your budget, and loads of inspiring and creative content, including 4 special guest interviews, which is a new addition to the course.
Whatever might come your way, I will help you face it with the best foot first!
What you get...
LIVE ZOOMS
Chat through the week and share your findings and insights, and make new creative friends!
WORKSHEETS
Specially designed worksheets to help you delve deeper into your creative practice
WEEKLY EXERCISES
Specially designed exercises to help you explore the week's theme
INTERACTIVE VIDEOS
Introductory video kicking off each week
LIFETIME ACCESS
You get lifetime access to all the content on the course, and worksheets to keep forever - and pin to your wall!
SPECIAL GUESTS!
4 brilliant guests from the illustrating and Children's Publishing community
INSTALMENT OPTIONS
Pay in instalments and spread the cost over 3 months.
3 TIERS
Different tiers to suit every budget
INTIMATE & PERSONAL
I've limited it to 30 places so we can keep things intimate, informal, chatty, personal and so I can get to know you all. No sea of Zoom faces here!
ACCOUNTABILITY
Joining and participating will give you accountability to yourself and your creative practice. Finally make the progress you want to!
LAUNCH PARTY!
We will kick things off with a lunch party with drawing games - 🥳
Bronze
You know me - I wanted to include a budget option for those of you wanting a wallet-friendly version.
WHAT YOU GET:
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Weekly Zoom session
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Weekly worksheet to work through
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Weekly Exercise to complete
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Special guest interviews!
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Silver
Two BONUS live and interactive sessions designed to compliment the weekly themes.
WHAT YOU GET:
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Weekly Zoom session
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Weekly worksheet to work through
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Weekly Exercise to complete
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Special guest interviews!
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BONUS intuitive art making session
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BONUS visualisation session
Gold VIP
One-to-one mentoring and bonus VIP Zoom session, PLUS everything included in Silver package.
WHAT YOU GET:
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Weekly Zoom session
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Weekly worksheet to work through
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Weekly Exercise to complete
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Special guest interviews!
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BONUS intuitive art making session
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BONUS visualisation session
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One-to-one creative mentoring session - 40 mins
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BONUS group session at the end of the month
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Here's what people said last time...
Carys
@carys_adventures_with_a_pen
Ella’s re-set course was the perfect start to my creative year, making me
re-connect with what makes me excited and set achievable goals, all with generosity and support. I don’t think I’d be making the progress I'm making now without having done it. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to make more time for their creativity and set clear intentions.
Cat
@thequietblackbird
The Creative Reset course I took with Ella in January was the best start to my year, dragging me out of the depths of the winter slump and reinvigorating my creative practice. It gave me a real sense of direction and focus, and I picked up tons of advice and tips from both Ella and the other participants. I learnt so much about myself, what I want, and how to move towards it, and found mutual support and friendship that has continued beyond the course.
Annabel
@annabel.tempest
"I’m a freelance illustrator and a very busy Mumma Bear of three teenage Bear cubs and I found Ella’s Creative Re-Set, back in January so useful, inspiring and really motivating after what felt like a long and hectic Christmas break!!! It made me excited about going to work again with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for projects that I had let slip. I can't wait to join in with the Back to School Edition that starts in September. Ella’s practical advice, encouragement and fabulous intuitive mark making sessions, as well as the brilliant creative crew joining in and cheering everyone along are exactly what you need after having a house full over the summer and getting everyone else packed off back to work and school!"
Lotte
@lottebrockbank
The creative re-set course helped me untangle my thoughts about the year that had gone and the year to come…to have someone holding that space was invaluable! I often look back on what I intended to help me stay on track. In particular, one of the best things about it was meeting all the other artists and sharing reflections, fears and challenges with one another. I’d recommend it to anyone needing an extra push to see their work and their intentions clearly, even if you’ve never done anything like it before or (and maybe especially) if you are shy about describing yourself as an ‘artist’.
Charlotte
@charlotte-durance
I did the Creative Reset course in January and really enjoyed it. I met a lovely community of people and found the calls and worksheets were just what I needed to help me reflect on my work and set targets for short and long term goals. It was great to work with Ella and it was a very motivating start to my year.
Sasha
@sashadewittstudios
I did the first one back in January and it was a fabulous way to start the year, and I discovered so much about myself as an artist. I'm still using and doing the things I set up back then. For those with kids, they'll be back in school soon and this is a wonderful way to refocus on yourself and your creativity. I finally got round to signing up because I know the re-set in September will help me get back in the swing of things. Plus, I deserve a treat after an awesome single parent summer!
Dates and Information
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The course will run over September, with weekly themes (see below)
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Zooms will take place every Friday lunchtime, 12-2pm
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BONUS sessions with the Silver plan will take place over Monday lunchtimes, 12-2pm
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All sessions are recorded and you will have lifetime access
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Each week begins with an introductory video by me, posted on Monday morning, talking you through that week's exercise and worksheet
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One-to-ones included in the Gold membership can be individually arranged
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Special guest interviews which will be recorded and available to watch as replay for the rest of the month
WHAT TO EXPECT...
Week 1
Reflect & Learn
This week we will take some time to reflect back on the past year, looking back at the work you have created and critically analyse it. You will decide what you want to take with you and what you want to gracefully and kindly leave behind.
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Course launch party!
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Gold VIP one-to-ones
Week 2
Take Stock
This is the week we take stock, reflect on who we are, and what we like! This is the week you say: this is what I like. These are the type of marks that excite me. This is what I am inspired by! This is your chance to really investigate which type of art and illustration excites you, and why! ​
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Siver BONUS - intuitive art session
Week 3
Visualise
This is the week to dream big! If you find yourself pulled in different directions, I will help you create a clear picture for your future and begin to get specific on what you want for your creative future self!
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Silver BONUS - visualization session
Week 4
Manifesto
This is the week we will bring it all together and create a manifesto for you to take with you into your new creative life!
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Gold VIP BONUS Zoom
Special guest interviews!
I am so happy and excited to let you know that we will be having a selection of guest interviews as part of the Creative Re-set course. They will be live interviews with a Q&A at the end. But don't worry if you can't make it live, they will all be recorded so you can watch on replay. They will be available for ALL TIERS, so nobody misses out on this excellent addition to the course.
There will be a range of illustrators, from those working in picture books through to those working in Young Adult illustration. Additionally, editor extraordinaire Camilla Reid, co-founder of Nosy Crow, will share her publishing knowledge. It promises to be a very exciting set of interviews.
Meet our Guests!
Emma Farrarons
Born in the tropical islands of the Philippines, Emma Farrarons was raised in Paris. After art school, she made her way to London to pursue her love for illustration and book design.

Emma was trained in illustration at the Edinburgh College of Art, l'École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and Orange Beak Studio. Her debut and bestselling book THE MINDFULNESS COLOURING BOOK is available in 20 languages. Emma is currently developing picture book stories. If she’s not working on illustration projects, you’ll find her out and about observational drawing.
Anna Sailamaa
Anna lives and works in Helsinki. Her main interests are graphic novels, story telling and illustration. She has two masters degrees, one in Printmaking and one in Art Education. She work both as an illustrator and as an Art Teacher. She likes to work with digital media and experiment with traditional techniques. Her personal projects usually deal with narration and characters, with both humour and kindness in her stories. She was recently longlisted for World Illustration Awards 2022 Alternative Publishing longlist, and has numerous publications and graphic novels.
Camilla Reid
Camilla Reid is a writer and deviser of bestselling, award-winning books for children aged 0-5 years, including Pip and Posy, the Bizzy Bear series and the Felt Flaps series. Camilla co-founded children’s publisher Nosy Crow, where she spent 11 years as Editorial Director, conceiving, writing and producing the Preschool list. The list grew to become a touchstone for early years publishing, both in the UK and internationally. Now an independent author, Camilla is passionate about creating beautiful, innovative books that families love to share together.
Steven Lenton
Steven Lenton is a multi-award winning illustrator, originally from Cheshire, now working from his studios in Brighton and London. He has illustrated many children’s books including ‘Head Kid’ and ‘The Taylor Turbochaser’ by David Baddiel, ‘The Hundred And One Dalmatians’ adapted by Peter Bently, The Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam series by Tracey Corderoy, Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s fiction titles and Steven Butler on the Sainsbury’s Prize winning ‘The Nothing To See Here Hotel’ series. He has illustrated two World Book Day titles and regularly appears at literary festivals, live events and schools across the UK. ​His picture book ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ written by Peter Bently has won the FCBG Best Picture Book and Overall Winner category. The ‘Genie and Teeny’ series is his first foray into children’s illustrated fiction and was longlisted in the Alligators Mouth Award. ​Steven has his own ‘Draw-along’ YouTube Channel, showing how to draw a range of his characters. Steven has also written ‘Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights’ and was 16th in the Bookseller Best-Selling Illustrator Chart 2019.
These interviews are just a small part of the exciting Creative Re-Set course I have designed to help guide you through a month of reflecting on your creative practice. Gain valuable insight into what inspires you, discover your best working practices, and create a vision for your future so you have a path to guide you onwards on the next part of your journey.
I believe that...
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Understanding who you are as an artist is the key to unlocking that breakthrough you have been searching for.
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Working in an atmosphere of growth helps you create with ease
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I have carefully designed the course to help you:
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Get motivated and inspired
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Get out of a creative rut
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Stop procrastination
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Help you create with ease and intention
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Attract publishers and ideal clients by knowing WHO you are
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Discover how to create work that is meaningful and valuable to you
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Bring the fun back into your creative practice
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Find your Ruby Slippers 👠👠- That self belief and confidence you are seeking is right there. You just need to join me and I will teach you how to click your heels and find your inner confident artist!
FAQ'S
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What if I can't make the live Zooms?Don't worry, it's all available as replay videos, and there is a community area where you can share and see what other people have shared, so you don't miss out on the community feel of it. I will be participating in the membership area too, so those on the reply don't miss out on my time and attention.
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I can't pay all up front...I have created installment options, so you can spread the cost. The first payment will be taken at the time you join, and then at the same time each month for 2 more payments.
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I'm worried it will be overwhelming, and I won't have time to join in. Can you tell me a little bit more about what is involved?I kick each week off with an introductory video, these are normally no longer than 20 minutes, to introduce you to the week's theme, exercise and worksheet. You will then have an exercise to complete for the week, you can make the exercise as detailed as you want. If you don't have time, you could get it done in a few hours, and if you really want to dive in you could spend all week on it. It can be entirely self directed by you. The worksheet is there to help you so you don't feel lost at any point, and to guide you through the whole process and capture your learnings. There is a weekly zoom at the end of each week on Friday lunchtime, which will be recorded and available with lifetime access. There will also be guest lectures, times TBC, but they will be recorded and available for replay afterwards until the end of the course.
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I don't understand the tiers, can you explain them a little more?I have set the course up with three tiers, so you can decide which one you want to join depending on your budget and time available. Bronze: All the basics of the course, including worksheets, exercise sheets, end-of-week Zooms and guest interviews. Recommended for those on a budget. Silver: Includes two bonus live Zoom sessions (intuitive art session, and visualization session), designed around the courses themes. This is the "full" version that I ran last year. Recommended for those who want to participate in the full course as I have designed it. Gold: For those that would like to get extra time with me to delve deeper into their creative practice, and discuss and questions that come up for you in a 40 minute one-to-one session with me. Also includes a bonus Gold Tier group Zoom session at the end of the month, including drawing games. Recommended for those who would like more of a personalized experience.