Where it all began…
Tucked up in a little office on the outskirts Cambridge, the Layrd Design team had an idea…
In the fast-paced, technology-driven era we live in, many of us have lost touch with our love for drawing. Life gets in the way and our sketch pads collect dust as we struggle to find the time to sit down and sketch.
What if we could designate a little time each week to just sit, sketch, chat and unwind? We created Sketch & Social for exactly that.
What’s on offer?
Free monthly sessions, workshops and more!
Alongside our free sessions, we are also running intermittent, paid workshops led by Cambridge-based artists. You can expect more from these sessions - particularly when it comes to teaching. If you’re a beginner or have an interest in learning a particular skill, this is for you!
You can check out all of our upcoming events (paid and free) here.
If you’re a Cambridge-based artist and are interested in hosting a workshop, we’d love to hear from you! You can get in contact here.
How it works…
We host two events each month, the first in Cambridge and the second in Ely…
Each session is completely free and open to all. We set a different drawing theme each month to make each session unique and give sketchers the opportunity to draw something they perhaps wouldn’t usually.
The idea is that people from the wider Cambridgeshire community get to mix, meet new people and make friends. Wellbeing, community and inclusivity are at the heart of Sketch & Social.
Cambridge events are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
Ely events are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
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FAQs
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What do I need to bring?
Come along with your sketch pad and whatever you like to draw with. This can be pencil, pen, charcoal, pastels, watercolours - whatever takes your fancy!
Does it cost anything?
Our monthly events are completely free - the idea is that they’re accessible to all. However, there’s an option to leave a donation if you wish to contribute towards the time it takes to organise.
Do I need to book?
We like to get an idea of numbers each week so we can make sure there’s enough space to accommodate everyone. Please sign up through the Events section on our website,
I’m not an artist, can I come?
Sketch & Social is open to people of all drawing abilities. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, well-versed in the arts or dipping your toes in for the first time, everyone is welcome. Most of our community are not professionals - so don’t be put off coming if sketching isn’t your biggest strength!
It’s my first time and I’m a little nervous…
If you’re a little nervous about joining us for the first time, send us a message on Instagram. We’ll greet you on arrival and get you introduced to a few people. New people join the group each week so you don’t worry - you won’t be the only one that doesn’t know anyone!
Will there be a tutorial?
As our sessions are free, no tutorial or sketching guidance is given. We set a theme each week and let you run with it - it’s open to your interpretation. If you’re not a confident sketcher, there will be plenty of people around you to ask for tips and guidance. It’s about enjoying the process rather than worrying about the end product.
Get in touch
Have a suggestion? We’re all ears!
We love to hear feedback on our events. If you have ideas for sketching themes, locations or workshops, let us know using the form below. Feel free to leave it anonymous if you don’t wish to be contacted in response.
