IOB Studio Sessions
Special one-day creative workshops where neurodivergent students explore new artistic styles, techniques, and ideas in the IOB studio.
Ages 8 to 18+ | In-Person | All Skill Levels (Unless Noted) | $180 per session
New to Islands of Brilliance? First time signing up for a workshop?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
What Are IOB Studio Sessions?
IOB Studio Sessions are one-time creative workshops led by guest artists, creative professionals, and IOB staff.
Each session introduces students to a specific artistic process, creative style, or hands-on project. Students might explore experimental illustration, character design, collage, photography, animation, movie poster design, mixed media, storytelling, or something wonderfully unexpected.
These workshops are not about mastery or perfection. They are about creative exploration, artistic joy, and making something cool in a supportive studio environment.
What Participants Experience in IOB Studio Sessions
Creative and Technical Skills
Participants may experience some or all of the following depending on the session:
Exploring a new artistic style, medium, or creative process
Learning directly from a guest artist or creative professional
Trying new tools, materials, or techniques
Experimenting with visual storytelling, character design, illustration, collage, animation, or mixed media
Seeing how different artists think, make, and solve creative challenges
Personal Development and Growth
Participants also practice:
Creative confidence through hands-on making
Curiosity and openness to new ideas
Self-expression through art and design
Flexible thinking during the creative process
Joy in making, learning, and creating alongside others
Pride in exploring new ways of working and creative possibilities
IOB Studio Sessions Are a Great Fit For
Students who want to try something new without a long-term commitment
Current IOB students looking for a unique creative experience
New students who want an approachable entry point into IOB
Students who enjoy hands-on projects, guest artists, and unexpected creative prompts
Artists, makers, storytellers, and curious creators ages 8+
Program Details
Format: In-person
Location (In-Person): IOB Studio at the Eagleknit: 507 S. 2nd St., Suite 305, Milwaukee, WI
Time: 1:00–4:00 pm
If the afternoon session fills, an additional morning session (9:00 am–12:00 pm) may be added.
Tuition: $180 per workshop
Ages: 8 to 18+
Register for Upcoming Studio Sessions
Each Studio Session is different. Check the schedule below for upcoming artists, themes, dates, and project details.
Questions or New to Islands of Brilliance? First time signing up for a workshop?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
IOB Studio Session: Ghost Yourself!
Scary Warning! This workshop includes spooky, ghost-inspired artwork designed for participants who enjoy creepy, ghostly, and monster-themed creativity! “Scary Warning!” is a favorite theme among many of our Doodle Lounge artists and students who love creating spooky, creepy, and delightfully haunted artwork.
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 1:00–4:00 pm
Guest Artist: IOB’s Natalie Derr
Victorian-Inspired Digital Portraits in Procreate
In this Studio Session, participants will learn photo editing and illustration techniques in Procreate to transform themselves, friends, family members, or favorite characters into eerie Victorian-inspired ghost portraits.
Inspired by vintage spirit photography and classic ghost stories, students will explore transparency effects, atmospheric textures, color adjustments, and digital painting techniques to create their own haunting masterpiece. Whether your ghost is mysterious, mischievous, or downright terrifying, you’ll build new digital art skills while creating artwork worthy of a haunted gallery.
Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their finished creations as part of Islands of Brilliance’s 4th Annual Brilliant Monster Bash celebration this October.
FAQs
-
What experience is required?
No previous experience is required unless noted in the workshop description.
-
Who leads IOB Studio Sessions?
Studio Sessions are led by guest artists, creative professionals, or IOB staff, with oversight and support from IOB educators.
-
Is this 1:1 mentorship?
No. Studio Sessions are group-supported (typically 3:1) workshops, not 1:1 Foundation-style mentorship.
-
Will participants complete a project?
Students will create something during every Studio Session. While each workshop is designed to support a complete creative experience in a single session, there is never any pressure to finish a project. The focus is on exploration, learning, and creative expression.
-
Can new students attend?
Yes. Studio Sessions are open to current and prospective IOB students ages 8+.
-
Is financial aid available?
Islands of Brilliance is an approved vendor for CLTS/Waiver and IRIS in Wisconsin. If you do not qualify for Medicaid funding, there are occasionally limited scholarships available through our Brilliant Fund. Contact us to discuss.