Creating Characters to Remember: Bright in Bogotá

We’ve just touched back down in the states after an incredible four days spent in Bogotá, Colombia.

Our first-ever artist retreat was hosted at the beautiful Casa Legado, where a talented group of 12 Bright artists spent 4 days workshopping and discussing character creation, specifically – what elements make a character memorable.

Left to right starting from the top row: Riley Samels, Jade Orlando, Bece Luna, Rachael McLean, Anne Moore Armstrong, Skylar White, Andrés Landazabál, Nicky O’Byrne, James Burns, Luisa Uribe, Anna Roberto, Nicole de Las Heras, Alex Gehringer, Laura Watkins, James Rey Sanchez, Sibu T.P., Clara Reshcke.

On the hotel grounds, attendees recieved indivudalized portfolio reviews with our industry pros: Anna Roberto, Executive Editor of Feiwel & Friends, and Nicole de Las Heras, the Executive Art Director of Trade Picture Books and Preschool at Random House Children’s Books. Bright’s very own Managaing Agent, Anne Moore Armstrong, also hosted her own workshop on elements that make a character dynamic.

First morning introductions! On the left: Jade Orlando, Clara Reshcke, Riley Samels, Bece Luna, Amanda Quartey. On the right, Andrés Landazabál, Nicky O’Byrne, and Anne Moore Armstrong.

“The retreat was, in my opinion, a huge success due primarily to the beautiful and inspiring mix of personalities involved. The artists arrived without ego or expectation, simply ready to be kind and supportive toward one another and brave with their own creative process. It was a weekend to grow and experiment with new techniques against the backdrop of Bogotá, one of the most unexpected and magical cities I’ve visited. Additionally, I’m so grateful to Anna and Nicole for bringing their expertise and being so open with their knowledge. Bright’s inaugural artist retreat was a brilliant exchange of information and creativity, and would not have been the same without everyone involved.” -Post-retreat thoughts from Managing Agent Alex Gehringer, who spearheaded the retreat.

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To join us on our next retreat, you must be a Bright artist. Please find our submissions page here.

Where should our next retreat be held?

England
Greece
Portugal
Thailand

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