About this Event
Pop Japan: Exploring Colour, Pattern & Monoprint
Sunday 11 July 2027 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Melbourne Central Skybridge, Melbourne
Facilitator: Jaime Hoe
Overview
What happens when you create an artwork without looking at what you're drawing?
Inspired by Japanese contemporary pop aesthetics and the Superflat movement, this playful, experimental workshop explores colour, pattern, composition and the unexpected possibilities of indirect drawing.
Using pencils, crayons and paper, discover an unusual transfer technique where your drawing and the marks it creates don't always appear where you expect them to.
Experiment with simplified shapes, bold graphic forms, playful patterns and negative space. Let go of the need to control every mark and discover how unexpected results can become part of your artwork.
Inspired by contemporary Japanese artists, this workshop invites you to explore a different way of seeing, drawing and creating.
No pressure, no comparisons – just curiosity, experimentation and a little surprise!
Description
What if you couldn't see the drawing you were making?
In this workshop, we'll explore an unconventional drawing and printmaking-inspired process that challenges how we normally approach art.
Instead of drawing directly onto the surface we can see, we'll experiment with an indirect transfer technique using butcher paper, crayons and pencils.
Here's the unexpected part: by applying thick layers of crayon onto A4 paper and drawing on the reverse surface, we'll create transferred marks and surprising negative spaces on butcher paper. The image gradually reveals itself through the process.
You won't always know exactly what you're creating until you lift the paper and see the results!
Inspired by the bold colours, flattened imagery and playful visual language of Japanese Superflat art, we'll explore three creative approaches.
1. Flat Forms & Bold Shapes – Simplify Your World
Explore how everyday objects, flowers, characters and imagery can be simplified into graphic shapes.
- Break down references into simple forms and silhouettes.
- Explore flattened compositions and bold outlines.
- Experiment with positive and negative space.
- Arrange shapes to create playful compositions.
2. Colour, Pattern & Repetition – Play with Visual Rhythm
Discover how colours, patterns and repeated shapes can create exciting visual compositions.
- Explore bold colour combinations and contrasts.
- Experiment with repeating motifs and graphic patterns.
- Use crayons to create rich, expressive marks.
- Explore balance, rhythm and visual movement.
3. Unexpected Marks – Draw, Transfer & Discover
Explore the surprise of indirect drawing and experimental mark-making.
- Apply crayons thickly onto A4 paper.
- Place the prepared surface against butcher paper.
- Draw using a pencil on the reverse side without looking at the original drawing.
- Lift the paper to reveal unexpected transferred marks and negative spaces.
- Experiment with pressure, lines, shapes and composition.
From Unexpected Marks to Your Own Pop Japan Artwork
Bring everything together by creating an original composition inspired by Japanese contemporary pop aesthetics.
Use artist references as inspiration, simplify imagery into bold shapes, and experiment with the relationship between positive and negative space.
Combine your transferred marks, patterns and graphic elements to create a playful artwork that embraces both intention and chance.
You might start with an idea, but the final result could surprise you!
Sometimes the most interesting discoveries happen when we stop looking and start experimenting.
Agenda
10:00 – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Introduction
- Introduction to Japanese Superflat and contemporary pop aesthetics.
- Explore selected contemporary Japanese artist references.
- Discover bold shapes, colours, patterns and flattened imagery.
10:15 – 10:40 AM | Flat Forms & Bold Shapes
- Simplifying imagery into graphic shapes.
- Exploring silhouettes and negative space.
- Arranging shapes to create interesting compositions.
10:40 – 11:05 AM | Colour, Pattern & Repetition
- Experimenting with thick crayon application.
- Exploring patterns, lines and graphic marks.
- Discovering visual rhythm and colour relationships.
11:05 – 11:35 AM | Unexpected Marks – Draw & Transfer
- Introduction to the indirect drawing process.
- Experimenting with pencil drawing on butcher paper.
- Discovering transferred marks and unexpected negative spaces.
- Exploring how pressure and movement influence the results.
11:35 – 11:55 AM | Your Pop Japan Composition
- Arrange shapes, patterns and transferred marks.
- Explore positive and negative space.
- Create an original Superflat-inspired composition.
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM | Sharing & Wrap-up
- Reveal and share your creative discoveries.
- Reflect on unexpected results.
- Take home your experimental artwork.
Materials Included
All essential materials for the workshop are provided, including:
- A4 120gsm paper for crayon application and transfer experiments.
- Butcher paper for drawing and receiving transferred marks.
- Crayons for creating thick layers and transfer effects.
- Pencils for drawing and mark-making.
- Scissors for cutting and arranging shapes and compositions.
- References to contemporary Japanese Superflat artists for inspiration.
Just bring yourself, your curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unexpected!
FAQs
Do I need previous drawing or printmaking experience?
Not at all! This workshop is beginner-friendly. We'll introduce the process step by step, and you don't need any previous drawing or printmaking experience.
What is Superflat?
Superflat is a contemporary Japanese art movement associated with artist Takashi Murakami. It explores flattened imagery, bold graphic forms and the relationship between fine art, popular culture, anime and manga aesthetics.
We'll use selected contemporary Japanese artworks as inspiration for our own creative experiments.
What is the drawing and transfer technique?
It's an experimental process using thickly applied crayon on A4 paper and pencil drawing on butcher paper. The pressure and contact between the surfaces create transferred marks and unexpected negative spaces. Part of the fun is not seeing exactly what you're creating until you reveal the result!
Will I be drawing without looking?
Yes! One of the interesting parts of this exercise is drawing on the butcher paper without directly seeing the image you're making. It encourages you to let go of expectations and discover unexpected marks.
What will I learn?
You'll explore simplified shapes, patterns, composition, positive and negative space, indirect drawing and experimental mark-making inspired by Japanese contemporary pop art.
Are materials included?
Yes! We provide all essential materials, including paper, butcher paper, crayons, pencils, and scissors.
Will I complete an artwork?
You'll experiment with the transfer process and use your discoveries to develop an original Pop Japan-inspired composition.
Can I attend with a friend?
Absolutely! Bring a friend, partner or family member and enjoy a creative morning together.
Is this workshop suitable for teenagers?
Yes, mature teenagers are welcome. Children under 12 should attend with an accompanying adult.
What if I can no longer attend?
Please check Eventbrite’s refund/reschedule policy on the event page. Alternatively, contact the organiser to transfer to another workshop.
Where is the location?
📍 Melbourne Central Skybridge — meet near the glass walkway between Melbourne Central and Emporium. Look for a watercolour palette and smiles!
Will I get a reminder before the workshop?
Yes — we’ll send you an email reminder with the exact meeting details 2 days before the event.
Draw without looking. Discover without expecting. Create without controlling.
Explore Japanese pop aesthetics, embrace unexpected marks and discover the joy of creative experimentation.
Come curious, leave inspired!
This session reflects my workshop philosophy: progress over perfection, curiosity over control. Embrace the unexpected, enjoy the process and let creativity surprise you!
Can't wait to create, experiment and discover together!
See ya! ✨
Event venue & nearby stays
Melbourne Central, Level 1 , 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Melbourne, Australia
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.