Sunday Social Drawing Pop-up
We did it, we put our caravan to work and she did us proud. Our first ‘Social Sunday Drawing Pop-up’ was a great experience - here is how it went, and what we learned.
Our idea was a simple one. Turn up and hand out the below kits to encourage people into doing some drawing.
Each kit contained the following:
An A3 Drawing Board (with clips for paper)
A3 Paper, a 2b pencil and an all-important pencil sharpener
A suggestion sheet of things to draw using fun, unexpected techniques.
I didn’t go nuts on the social media marketing prior to the event, though I did put it on my website so people could pay in advance, and then gage reactions on the day itself.
This resulted in a few bookings (at the suggested donation of £10 each) which covered fuel, etc so we were off to a flying start.
We arrived about 10.30am and set up ready to go at 11am, until the set time of 2pm.
I really did feel a bit nervous, having carlo there (complete with his latest edition of Mojo music Magazine) definately helped me feeling a bit jumpy but soon, we were underway with people approaching us to find out what we were up to.
More people arrived who had come specifically to see us, and others who happened upon us came along to ask if they could also draw.
At one point we had 25 drawing kits out and could see people sitting on the beach enjoying some time out doing something very different with thier day.
This was brilliant to see.
We encouraged everyone we could to head uup to the cafe, The Floral Tea Rooms for the best ever Fish & Chips in the world post drawing. Not only because they really are the best fish and chips in the world, but the owners Christian and Sarah, really supported us by allowing us to set up in their vast car park but whole-heartedly supported our drawing idea from the get-go. We are forever grateful to them.
What did we learn?
People really do love to draw and having a set kit there in hand is a big plus in getting started again after years of not drawing.
When viewing some of the drawings that people made when returning their boards, I could see that perhaps my suggestion sheet was too long and a bit involved. Perhaps a short video might be better, people could then watch this on the beach between drawings. An idea to kick around.
Perhaps a set time to meet and start out would be a good idea so that people could gather together, meet one another and enjoy a large dollop of encouragement before they set out. This would work well for those that pre-booked, for those that happen upon us, we could hand out the sheets as before.
That people LOVE to sit in and by our caravan! Perhaps we could encourage this more, particularly on very hot and sunny days. It may be more comfortable for some.
The idea of asking people for a few written words on their boards is a lovely one. You can read some of their words below, but perhaps this offers more silent encouragement to those using the boards again.
Returning home, unpacking and setting Bertha back in her using resting place, we felt happy, content, tired and full of fish and chips!
A very special experience and one that we will cherish.
Much love, Sam x
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Our next ‘Social Drawing Pop-up’ is being held in the same spot on SUNDAY 11th JUNE, 11am - 2pm.
Here are the details to join us.
Below are some of the testimonials people wrote on their boards as they handed them back…
"Like an adventure, I haven't drawn for 30 or 40 years and have never visited Dunwich Beach before"
"Very calming experience"
"An amazing morning, had the best time, very relaxing"
"What a wonderful way to spend a morning, Loved it"
"Really enjoyable to be 'given permission to do something I've been meaning to do for years"