Some Suggestions to get the best benefits from your Time and Effort in these workshops
Getting the best use of our Online Workshop will require some consistant effort on your part. Learning how to make mokuhanga is project based, which means you will learn by doing, rather than just watching and reading.
Set aside the time you need
I would suggest that you make a habit of setting aside some regular time to work on your mokuhanga learning and projects. You will not learn how to make mokuhanga unless you actually make your own projects, and making several projects at least will re-inforce and deepen what you learn from our online materials. Why not make an evening on the same day every week, or a regular time on the weekend? Another thing about time is that your subscription time will go quickly. If you have a three month subscription, that is only12 weeks, so doing one unit per week will use up all your three months! If you have a 12 month subscription, you might think "I'll do it next week / later.." soon you are nearly at the end of your 12 months. You have a great opportunity to complete multiple projects while having access to the online materials to support your learning, so use your time wisely.
Make a work space
I'm assuming you might be working in your own home, and if that is so you will probably have limited space. One of the great things about this printmaking medium is that you don't require a lot of equipment and space, so it's easy to put things into a box and out of the way. Choose a space that suits, that is comfortable and has good lighting. If you can make a dedicated space that is even better, whether it is a work table, or a part of your studio, then you can work bit by bit whenever you have spare time. Keep your regular study time as well!
If it is your first time for mokuhanga
I suggest that you work your way through your first project, step by step. Look at the videos for each unit before you start work on that part of your project. Watch again any part to refresh your knowledge. The great thing about the videos is that you can pause them, rewind the part you want to see again. I suggest that you aim to complete at least two projects in your three months. Your first project will be a total learning experience, and by it's nature will have some faults. I tell all my first time students "Don't be disappointed that you are disappointed". Creating mokuhanga, like any art medium, requires knowledge of the materials and process, and skill that you only acquire through practice. Your second project will be more satisfying - you know what will happen and can make choices based on the knowledge and skills you now have.
Print out the notes
Print out the PDF notes, either unit by unit, or the whole set (link in the Introduction unit). I suggest taking the PDF to a photocopying machine at a Convenience store, Stationary shop etc as it will be less expensive than your own home printer. You will be able to keep the manual after your subscription has expired, and refer to in any time you need. I do ask that you respect the fair use and not distribute the PDF free to other people, it is intended to be part of your subscription only.
Ask Questions
If you have a question, I'm happy to answer, especially if it is something that is not clear in the videos or notes. If you are working on the online workshop with someone else, check with each other. I've made an effort to include a comprehensive amount of information in both the videos and notes, but everyone has different learning styles and understandings.
Keep Working
Start new designs while you are working on your current project, then when you are ready to start a new project you have some designs to choose from. With every project you complete you will improve. This workshop is intended to be your starting point and give you a strong foundation. As you work on second and hopefully third, fourth and fifth projects you can re watch any area that you want to refresh.
I hope that you can get the best use of the online workshop, the videos and notes. I hope that they help you to make your own art in this historic and beautiful technique, and I look forward to seeing your new mokuhanga!
