Industry Workshops 2016

ImagineFX took a trip to the UK’s premier event for networking with professional artists, right in the heart of London

It’s 9.30am on a humid, but drearily grey weekend morning in London. Most of the grubby little streets around Brick Lane are empty and quiet, its residents and tourists still yet to make a move for the outdoors. But here at The Old Truman Brewery where Industry Workshops (IW_16) is being held, there’s a quiet hubbub of excitement among the hundreds of people who are waiting for the day to unfold.

Many are here for the day’s opening lecture, Thea Turner’s character design masterclass, which is just one of over 150 hours of art lectures and demos featured at the three-day event. Thea, a freelance concept artist for film and games, says, “For me, the most fulfilling part is getting to share insights that can make the journey easier for aspiring artists. It’s something I wish I could do for my younger self if I could time travel!”

The list of attending artists from film and video game companies is certainly impressive, including Ash Thorp, Darrell Warner, Suzanne Helmigh and Aaron Beck. There’s also an always-packed corridor of portfolio reviews and recruitment drives from the likes of Framestore, Creative Assembly and Atomhawk. In essence, if you’re an art professional or an aspiring one, then you should be here.

One attendee, illustrator and concept artist Almu Redondo, explains why she stumped up the ticket price: “It’s a three-day rollercoaster of awesomeness. Mind-blowing talks, brainmelting conversations with lecturers and attendees, and fantastic opportunities.” The lectures are insightful and the setting inspiring, but the biggest pull to this event is something that can’t be timetabled: the chance to hang out with other artists, both pro and hobbyist, in a relaxed setting. Our community is a lucky one. It’s a friendly and supportive rabble of people. If you haven’t done so yet, we recommend getting to an event like this to connect with your peers.

For more info on this year’s event, and to keep an eye on what might be in store next year, visit www.industryworkshops.co.uk.

“I use watercolour in the same way you use computers,” film costume artist Darrell Warner explained at his Saturday afternoon lecture. “Like you, I just keep adding layers.” One of Almu Redondo’s sketches done at IW_16. Artist Belinda Leung chats to...