Pack your pens.
Your breakthrough awaits.

Sketch. Connect. See the world (and yourself) differently.

Explore out retreats

Join us for a Visual Storytelling Creativity Retreat

We at Inking Abroad run immersive 2.5-day adventures in the most fascinating cities in the world, to help you reinvigorate your creativity.

Be part of our community, and push your storytelling craft like never before.

A photo of part of a group that came together for the Florence Visual Storytelling Creative Retreat

What you’ll experience

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Creative confidence

Overcome self-editing and criticism, and tap into your own unique point of view on the world, for bolder personal expression, and clearer storytelling.

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Unique inspiration

Fill your creative tanks with a mix of walking, nature, urban sketching, museum visits, and street art in the world’s most inspiring cities, and learn from other like-minded souls.

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Skills & techniques

Boost your visual storytelling skills with advanced instruction in drawing, lettering, composition, visual textures, metaphors, and synthesis techniques.

A photo of hte food and goodie bags everyone received on the first evening
A photo of Axelle Vanquallie training some of the retreat attendees in a visual storytelling session
A photo of one of the works created by an attendee
A photo of one of the attendees drawing

Explore our locations

All of our creative retreats feature instruction in visual storytelling, urban sketching, inspiration through street art and a gallery visit, fine dining and fun, but we always feature each city’s individual history and character in a central creative theme.

Join our creative retreat in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

17th-19th April 2026

All info

Join our creative retreat in Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany

21st-23rd August 2026

All info

Join our creative retreat in Catalonia

Catalonia

Dates coming soon

All info

What others like you are saying

“What made this retreat truly unforgettable was not only the city and its art, but the international group of facilitators we were part of, coming together from Denmark, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia. We left Florence with fresh perspectives, new friendships, and a deepened passion for our craft as graphic facilitators and visual note-takers.”

Photo of Robert De Groot
Robert De Groot, Visual Strategist

“Since I came home I can't stop raving about the experience. The art (both street art and classical art) worked wonders. Big kudos to the organisers for a great location, a great venue, excellent organisation (skipping the line to get into the Galleria), selection of restaurants, etc. But also the group of participants was very supportive of each other, no matter the level of experience of the other participants. I will not quickly forget this retreat!”

Photo of Gert Van den Bergh
Gert Van den Bergh, Consultant

“This retreat is one of the best investments I have made into my creative career! The way Ben and Axelle guided us through an inspirational learning journey was admirable. And meeting other creative people from all around the world who not depending on experience level all struggle with the same things was no less than AMAZING! I developed a whole new character style in just 3 days! Just WOW. I am ready for the next retreat, wherever it might be.”

Photo of Susanne Krogh-Hansen
Susanne Krogh-Hansen, Lead Digital Designer

“For me, this was a safe learning environment where I was challenged to push beyond my comfort zone for growth. All of this against a mesmerizing backdrop with superb food in a magical setting.”

Photo of Rudy Begas
Rudy Begas, Communication Trainer

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