Shaping the Labyrinth
An Illustration & Visual Storytelling Workshop
About the Workshop:
Every story is a labyrinth — not a trap, but a place of mystery, transformation, and truth.
”Shaping the Labyrinth” is a 4-day workshop for illustrators and picture book authors interested in the mechanics of visual storytelling. Participants will be both architects and explorers, constructing complex worlds from the raw materials of imagination, emotion, and instinct.
You’ll learn how to design narrative pathways and create symbolic imagery through visual metaphors and associative thinking.
Through a series of creative assignments, drawing exercises, and group discussions, we’ll explore how lines can become roads, symbols can become doors, and images can contain entire myths.
The central theme of the workshop will be Turkish folktales, which each participant will illustrate over the course of the 4 days.
Choosing between two visual formats, we’ll investigate how stories take shape — how to craft the rhythm of a picture book and create a compelling narrative flow, while reflecting on composition, color palette, and other creative decisions.
We will build our labyrinth. Walk its paths. Discover what waits at the center.
About the Exhibition:
Participants who successfully complete the workshop and whose work is selected will have the opportunity to exhibit their illustrations in a collective show alongside Valerio Vidali.
This exhibition offers valuable visibility and a chance to share the creative process with a wider audience.
Dates: August 18 – 22, 2025
Location: Irmak Köşkü, Alumni Association Complex – Winter Garden, Caddebostan, Istanbul.
Address: Aşıklar Çıkmazı, No:1, Caddebostan, Istanbul.
Workshop Details:
The workshop is open to everyone.
Total duration: 39 hours
Fee: 400 Euros
Language: The workshop will be held in English. Turkish translation will be provided if necessary.
Capacity: Minimum 15 – Maximum 20 participants
Irmaklılar Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount. (Please contact us to receive your discount code.)
Participants who successfully complete the workshop will receive a signed certificate.
Schedule:
| 18 August 2025 (Monday) | 9.30 – 18.30 |
| 19 August 2025 (Tuesday) | 9.30 – 18.30 |
| 20 August 2025 (Wednesday) | 9.30 – 18.30 |
| 21 August 2025 (Thursday) | 9.30 – 18.30 |
| 22 August 2025 (Friday) | 9.30 – 18:30 |
Please note: Friday is fully dedicated to the exhibition setup at the exhibition center. (Caddebostan Cultural Center).
August 23, 2025 (Saturday), 5:00 PM | Exhibition Opening at Caddebostan Cultural Center, 3rd Floor Foyer
Materials List
To give yourself the freedom to explore, bring as much as your luggage allows. Anything that leaves a mark or adds color is welcome — whether expensive fine art materials or cheap school supplies. Bring what you love, what you’re curious about, and even what you’ve never quite felt confident using. That said, only a few materials are essential — the rest are optional.
Drawing
(bring at least one of the following):* Colored pencils
* Markers
* Wax or oil pastels
Paper
(a variety will be needed):* Lightweight white paper (70–120 gsm) for sketching
* Heavyweight paper (300–400 gsm) in a larger format (minimum A3)
* A stack of lightweight A4 colored papers for collage
* A couple of large sheets (approx. 100 × 70 cm)Paint
* Gouache or acrylic paint
* Black ink
* Watercolors or colored inks (whichever you’re more comfortable with)Other
* Scissors / Craft knife
* Glue
* Brushes
* Paper tape
Book
* Each participant should bring one favorite picture book to share with the group.
About the Instructor:
Valerio Vidali (Lodi, Italy, 1983) is an award-winning illustrator and picture book author.
His work has been published internationally in over 20 countries, spanning both picture books and editorial illustration.Valerio has received numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at the ILUSTRARTE Biennial, the CJ Picture Book Award in Korea, and recognition from the Bologna Book Fair and the Society of Illustrators in New York. His books Jemmy Button and The Forest were both named New York Times Best Illustrated Books (in 2013 and 2018, respectively). His book Hundred has been an international bestseller since its publication in 2018.
He currently lives and works in Porto, Portugal.
Registration & Contact:
Please note: Registration is confirmed only after payment is completed. Refunds are only possible if the event is postponed.
Participants who are unable to attend after payment will be given priority access to future workshops (fees may vary).
To register or for more information, please email: info@shhhbooks.com
