We’ll kick off the retreat with a meet-and-greet in Bryant Park, a vibrant green space in the heart of Manhattan, perfect for getting to know your fellow artists. After an introductory group dinner, we’ll continue the evening with a casual post-dinner hangout, soaking in the city’s creative energy as we prepare for the artistic journey ahead.

The day begins with a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we’ll challenge ourselves to sketch something large in size and its relationship to a human figure. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Society of Illustrators, a key institution for artists and storytellers. The day concludes with an art career networking workshop, followed by a relaxed Central Park sketch session, reflecting on what we’ve learned.

We’ll start the morning with sketching by the water at Chelsea Piers and Little Island, capturing the dynamic movement of the city’s waterfront. After lunch, we’ll shift gears into the business side of art with a workshop on making money as an artist, exploring various income streams for illustrators, animators, and comic artists. The evening wraps up with a group dinner and discussions on creative careers.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in nature at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, drawing inspiration from the lush surroundings. In the afternoon, we’ll hold two industry-focused workshops—one on publishing graphic novels, including behind-the-scenes pitch packets, and another on what to expect in an animation and graphic novel career in 2025. The day ends with a Dumbo sketch session, exploring the iconic waterfront views.

Our final morning is left open for free exploration, allowing participants to revisit favorite locations or complete unfinished sketches. In the afternoon, we’ll hold a portfolio and peer review session, offering valuable feedback to help strengthen artistic portfolios. We’ll close out the retreat with a final group dinner, and for those who want to celebrate, an optional goodbye karaoke party to wrap up an inspiring week of art and creativity!