{"id":23,"date":"2025-11-09T09:20:30","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T09:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inkingabroad.com\/blog\/?p=23"},"modified":"2025-11-14T04:18:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T04:18:34","slug":"were-ready-to-welcome-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inkingabroad.com\/blog\/2025\/11\/09\/were-ready-to-welcome-you\/","title":{"rendered":"We’re ready to welcome you!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

First impressions are everything! Here’s what to expect at the kick-off to any of our retreats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the things we take great joy in designing in all of our creativity retreats is the kick-off<\/strong>. We know how important that first impression is, and we put a lot of thought and care into the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing our goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our retreats actually start well and truly before <\/em>the kick-off. First off, you spend some time doing a ‘treasure hunt’ throughout the host city, collecting inspiring examples you see of signage, lettering and street art. You then create a Goals Poster<\/strong> (based on this inspiration), however creatively you like. The poster captures what you personally want out of the whole retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Everyone takes time getting to know one another, and sharing what they want out of the retreat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the kick-off, we take time for everyone to show their Goals Poster and talk about their expectations. It’s such a great way for everyone to not only be more intentional about their time, but to help build a sense of togetherness and accountability within the whole group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand-lettered sketch book covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of Axelle’s trademark moves that she is famous for in all her training sessions about drawing and visual storytelling is the way she hand-letters a quote onto the front of every sketch book for every participant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And not just any quote; she curates and selects quotes based on the theme of the training. In the case of our retreats, the quotes are always about creativity. What’s special about this is that you get to choose from the group of sketch books which one resonates with you the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take your pick – Hand-lettered quotes on sketchbooks and kit bags, ready for every participant<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand-drawn kit bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Axelle also draws your name (with some other drawing as well) on each kit bag. This is another personal touch that sends a strong signal that you’re not just any generic participant. You are individually recognised. You belong. You matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wining and dining with a stunning view<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We also let the venue we base ourselves at flex a bit with platters of hors d’oeuvres and drinks, for us all to wine and dine together. Just look at that spread!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The amazing spread of food that The Social Hub provides, as part of our retreat kick-off<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And of course, we can’t not mention that <\/em>view. The rooftop bar at The Social Hub, Lavagnini<\/a> (for our Florence retreat) is just absolutely epic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See you at our next kick-off!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As one of the participants said about the kick-off at the most recent Florence retreat in this LinkedIn post<\/a>: “It elevated a kick-off on a scenic rooftop into something that felt intentional, inviting, and full of possibility.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and push your creativity in visual storytelling, and have loads of fun along the way with others just like you, we can’t wait to welcome you! You can register on the page for the retreat you’re interested in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n