Get Bold, Get Creative, Get Jazzy: Creative Workshop Facilitation Magic with Jasmin Issaka
From psychedelic painting sessions inspired by Yayoi Kusama to digital iPad drawing workshops in the style of David Hockney, I’ve had the joy of delivering a vibrant range of creative experiences for children, young people, adults, and families. My workshops aren’t just about making art—they’re about building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and showing that creativity is for everyone.
Whether I’m working in schools, arts venues, or community spaces, I bring a high-energy mix of enthusiasm, empathy, and artistic skill to each session. My multidisciplinary background in illustration, design, and visual storytelling allows me to tailor engaging workshops that meet people where they are—offering both structure and freedom to play.
I use colour, movement, digital tools, and traditional materials to connect with participants in a meaningful way, creating safe, inclusive environments where everyone can express themselves. Whether it’s a teenager exploring a creative career path or a family bonding through paint and play, I’m passionate about unlocking the power of art in everyday lives.
Various Clients
Creative Workshop Facilitator Projects
Art | Design | Digital Illustration | Music
Multi-Disciplinary Creative Assistant Facilitator
ARC Centre – Stockport
April – Present 2025
Audience: Key Stage 3 and 4 students
At ARC Centre's Hat Works site, and SERP The Space, I support the delivery of hands-on creative sessions for secondary students, using illustration, design, music and story telling, thinking to help young minds explore their artistic potential. These sessions were rooted in emotional expression and confidence-building, aligning with ARC's focus on community wellbeing through creativity.
Visit ARC Centre ➝
https://arc-centre.org/arc-at-hat-works/ |
https://www.srep.co.uk/news-1-1/the-space:-a-wellbeing-hub-for-all
Assistant Creative Facilitator – Creative Careers Unlocked
Factory International – Manchester
April – June 2025
Audience: Secondary school and sixth form students
I worked alongside lead facilitator Patrick Boyle and illustrator Rakhel Oji to support this powerful programme guiding students through the realities of creative careers. From sharing my own journey to helping students build confidence in their talents, this project was all about unlocking potential and celebrating unconventional paths.
Read my blog post ➝
https://www.jasminissaka.com/post/from-artist-to-facilitator-unlocking-creative-careers-with-factory-international
Assistant Creative Facilitator – Reframe: Inspire Schools (2023–24)
Factory International – Manchester
March – April 2025
Audience: Key Stage 3 students
Supporting the Factory Inspire Schools programme, I helped deliver art and design sessions for student. Our workshops inspired students to explore creativity as a valid, exciting career path, resulting in zines, videos, music, stories and textiles full of imagination and personal expression.
Lead Digital Art Facilitator – David Hockney iPad Drawing Workshop
Factory International – Manchester
November 2024 – January 2025
Audience: Adults and Children
I designed and led iPad painting workshops inspired by David Hockney’s digital work, teaching participants how to use Procreate to explore colour, shape, and creative storytelling. The sessions combined digital literacy with painterly expression, appealing to families and solo learners alike.
Workshop (Adults) ➝
https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/ipad-painting-workshop-adults/
Workshop (Children) ➝ https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/ipad-painting-workshop/
Lead Art Facilitator – Lost & Found: Create a Penguin Workshop
Factory International – Manchester
December 2023 – January 2024
Audience: Families with young children
Inspired by the family theatre show Lost & Found, I designed a joyful workshop where children and carers created their own illustrated penguin characters. This was a sensory-rich, hands-on session that supported family bonding through shared creativity.
Workshop link ➝
https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/lost-and-found-create-a-penguin/
Lead Art Facilitator – Yayoi Kusama Psychedelic Painting Workshop
Factory International – Manchester
July – August 2023
Audience: Adults, children, and families
Inspired by Yayoi Kusama, I led a colourful, psychedelic painting workshop exploring pattern, repetition, and emotion. Families and individuals of all ages were encouraged to dive into colour, self-expression, and experimental art-making.
Lead Art Facilitator – Tactile Arts After School Club
Manchester
March – June 2022
Audience: Primary school children
I led creative after-school sessions focused on mark-making, collage, and expressive drawing techniques. Each session encouraged imagination, storytelling, and exploration of materials, helping young creatives develop their confidence through playful artistic experiments.
Learn more ➝
https://www.tactilearts.co.uk/
Emerging Creative Facilitator – Reframe: Inspire Schools (2023)
Factory International – Manchester
March – June 2023
Audience: Key Stage 3 students
As part of my early facilitator journey, I supported workshops that introduced students to the many pathways available in creative industries. I helped students bring ideas to life through visual storytelling, zines, and collaborative projects.
More about Reframe ➝
Putting creative careers in students’ sights, in partnership with Apple
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/create-learn/schools/inspire-schools/reframe-2023-24/
Project Outcomes:
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/create-learn/schools/inspire-schools/reframe-2023-24/#making-it-happen
Volunteer Design & Illustration Career Mentor – King's Trust
Remote
2021
Audience: Professional adults
As a mentor, I offered guidance and advice to aspiring illustrators and designers looking to turn their creativity into a career. Through honest conversations, portfolio reviews, and goal-setting, I supported mentees navigating career transitions or launching creative businesses.
Visit King’s Trust ➝
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Creative Volunteer – Sneinton SEND Project
Nottingham
2017 – 2018
Audience: Young people aged 12–16
I volunteered with the SEND Project to deliver inclusive creative sessions tailored to young people with special educational needs. Activities ranged from collaborative mural making to expressive drawing, supporting confidence and communication through art.
About SEND Project ➝
http://www.sendproject.com/
Creative Volunteer – Make a Difference
Milton Keynes
2010 – 2012
Audience: Young people and local community
One of my earliest community arts experiences, this role involved running drop-in creative sessions, painting murals, and helping with youth events to uplift and empower local participants through creativity.
Make a Difference MK ➝
https://www.facebook.com/makeadifferencemk/