About this Event
Learn about visual journaling and engage with exercises that help you reflect on your life and experiences.
Sketch diaries are a powerful medium for recording memories and experiences in ways that vividly evoke them for our future selves. They can help us to make sense of chaotic or ambiguous times, encourage an appreciation of the mundane, and reveal patterns and motifs in our life stories.
This 2-hour class will serve as an introduction to the medium of sketch diaries, including hands-on exercises and interactive discussion. This class synthesizes exercises and approaches to visual journaling drawn from Lynda Barry's Syllabus and the teacher's own practice to offer practical inspiration for anyone looking to get started with sketch diaries.
Outline:
- What is a sketch diary and why do it?
- Exercises to get started with observational and reflective sketching.
- Diverse examples of sketch diaries for inspiration.
- Techniques and approaches to drawing from life.
- Unblocking and building on a sketch diary practice.
Participants are encouraged to come with situations and experiences in mind that they would like to draw about. Given the personal nature of journaling, participants will have the opportunity but not the requirement to share with others.
Logistics:
- Two hours, with a break in-between
- Supplies included (sketchbook and pens)
- Intimate class size (10 person max.)
- Handouts included with tips, tricks, and exercises for visual journaling
About Kevin Shaw
Kevin is a Bay Area-based artist and musician (performing as Doublegoat) who has lived across Taiwan, China, Seattle, and Minnesota. By day, he works as a designer and researcher to improve healthcare and government services. Kevin maintains a personal creative practice grounded in movement, music, drawing, printmaking, and reflective writing. Since 2019, he has filled more than a dozen sketch diaries with memories of travel and everyday life. He most recently exhibited at the 2025 Potrero Hill Artists’ Exhibition. Kevin is a firm believer in the power of visual journaling and is eager to help unlock the medium for others.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
ARCH Art Supplies, 1490 17th Street, San Francisco, United States
USD 55.20
