Inking Abroad Avis 8

The team at Inking Abroad designed a program that was immersive, fun and allowed me to explore my creative visual approaches more deeply with a wonderful group of people in a stunning location. The leaders created a space that was welcoming and allowed participants to connect with one another, sharing strengths and collaborating together to develop new skills.

I was looking for the right word to describe the visual storytelling retreat in Florence, hosted and facilitated by the wonderful Axelle Vanquaillie and Ben Crothers. Was it amazing? Was it challenging (oh those limiting beliefs and that comfort zone)? Was it connecting? Was it inspiring? It was all of that and more, so INTENSE is what I went for. Spending days immersed in art, in learning, in good company and with good food, it was a delightful experience. Sad you missed out? There will be more retreats! Highly recommended.

Creativity and community came together in the most inspiring way during the Inking Abroad session in Florence. Guided by Axelle Vanquaillie and Ben Crothers, we explored new ways of creative storytelling through sketching - pushing comfort zones, experimenting with style, and sharing ideas where every mark felt like a conversation. Highlights included sketching in the city and galleries, co-creating with others, and soaking in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Drawing side by side, riffing off each other’s ideas, and taking inspiration from Florence itself made the experience truly unique. I return with new tools, fresh perspectives, and plenty of sketches (some messy, some magical) - grateful for such a memorable learning journey

Axelle Vanquaillie and Ben Crothers designed an incredible experience with every detail in mind and for three days everyone enjoyed the experience of opening personal boundaries. The visual journey had the most breathtaking backdrop and a magical flow.

Unique destinations, like Florence, are full of inspiring corners that spark creativity but above the most common the Inking Abroad group was led to discover new perspectives and unexpected art. The experience was mind blowing and the creativity was on fire!

The beauty of strolling around with a new mindset letting the Stendhal syndrome flow and forgetting about the crowds!

It was truly a fantastic experience. The combination of learning new things, discovering the city, meeting new people, and all of that under the wonderful guidance of Axelle Vanquaillie and Ben Crothers, was really a boost for my visual storytelling skills. I can warmly recommend it to everyone!

Our Inking Abroad experience with Ben and Axelle in Florence in 2025 was nothing short of magical for a number of reasons. They were very well organized and provided clear logical steps and excellent instruction to spark our creative process at our respective levels; created a harmonious, fun, and interactive environment with participants; and provided opportunities to explore the landscape and unique environment that the beautiful venue provided. Finally they paid attention to enjoying the cuisine / culture through shared meals and excursions to sites. Highly recommend the Inking Abroad adventure!

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.

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.