The annual Big Draw Festival*, held every October,  is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing – designed to promote the language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention. The University of Brighton has previously received a national Drawing Inspiration Award for our innovative work helping staff and students to use drawing to develop observation, communication and research skills in every subject area. The Drawing to Learn section of this website builds on those initiatives.

This year’s Big Draw theme is Drawn to Life: Creativity and Wellbeing.  Here at Brighton, we’ve put together a collection of ideas and tips from staff and students for using all kinds of drawing (including doodles and diagrams) and other creative activities to help you study effectively and enjoyably, to explore and express your experiences and to maintain a healthy balance in everything you do.

Throughout October, you can also take part in the Daily Digital Doodle on studentcentral and keep an eye out too for any additional sessions and resources made available through your course.

*Founded in 2000, The Big Draw is a visual literacy charity that promotes the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention. This theme of this year’s Big Draw Festival is Drawn to Life: Creativity and Wellbeing.  John Ruskin famously said: ‘Drawing helps us see the world more clearly‘ Slowing down and aligning the mind and body encourages a healing meditative state which in turn opens up new ways of thinking. More details at the Big Draw website. https://thebigdraw.org/drawntolife