Who we are:
We're a husband-and-wife creative team—traditionally published author-illustrator, former educators, and working creatives. We bring dynamic, hands-on presentations to schools, libraries, and creative communities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and make storytelling feel possible for everyone.
Why work with us?
- A combined 36 years of classroom teaching experience.
- Dynamic and enthusiastic energy to every presentation.
- Developed presentations for kindergarten through college classes that meet ELA and visual art objectives and standards.
- Excellent class management skills.
- A gift for inspiring students to be creative and develop their own style and voice.
- An ability to help students feel enthusiasm for reading, writing, drawing, and exploring creativity.
What will we do? Schools & Libraries: choose from any of these activities.
1. Insect Character Design
Learn to create your own unique insect character! Participants will get a brief introduction to Three Bee Honey, learning how real bee and insect biology inspired the fictional world in the story. Afterward, there will be a draw-along activity, inviting readers to illustrate a bug-style self-portrait while learning elements of character design. (40-60 minutes, ages 6-12, 20-50 participants)
2. Comic Page Workshop
Ever wish you could make your own comic? Participants will get a brief introduction to Three Bee Honey, learning how the story was developed into a comic. You’ll learn the key elements of a comic page—story structure, page layout, and visual flow—and discover how to keep readers turning the page as you create your very own comic. (60 minutes, ages 9+, 20-50 participants)
3. Design your OWN Wizard
Bring some magic into your art. Participants will get a brief introduction to the Chubicorn: Kind of a Big Deal series, learning about character design as well as wizard archetypes. Through a draw-along, you will design your very own, one-of-a-kind wizard character to take home. (40-60 minutes, ages 6-12, 20-50 participants)
4. The Path(s) to Publishing
Publishing a comic or a graphic novel is not for the faint of heart. The good news? There’s more than one way to do it. We will talk about the challenges of publishing Three Bee Honey and Chubicorn: Kind of a Big Deal. Participants will also learn what it takes to get their stories out into the world and strategies for overcoming obstacles. (60 minutes, all ages, small or larger groups: 50+ participants)
Learn to create your own unique insect character! Participants will get a brief introduction to Three Bee Honey, learning how real bee and insect biology inspired the fictional world in the story. Afterward, there will be a draw-along activity, inviting readers to illustrate a bug-style self-portrait while learning elements of character design. (40-60 minutes, ages 6-12, 20-50 participants)
2. Comic Page Workshop
Ever wish you could make your own comic? Participants will get a brief introduction to Three Bee Honey, learning how the story was developed into a comic. You’ll learn the key elements of a comic page—story structure, page layout, and visual flow—and discover how to keep readers turning the page as you create your very own comic. (60 minutes, ages 9+, 20-50 participants)
3. Design your OWN Wizard
Bring some magic into your art. Participants will get a brief introduction to the Chubicorn: Kind of a Big Deal series, learning about character design as well as wizard archetypes. Through a draw-along, you will design your very own, one-of-a-kind wizard character to take home. (40-60 minutes, ages 6-12, 20-50 participants)
4. The Path(s) to Publishing
Publishing a comic or a graphic novel is not for the faint of heart. The good news? There’s more than one way to do it. We will talk about the challenges of publishing Three Bee Honey and Chubicorn: Kind of a Big Deal. Participants will also learn what it takes to get their stories out into the world and strategies for overcoming obstacles. (60 minutes, all ages, small or larger groups: 50+ participants)
Want a customized presentation for your class or group of readers?
We can do that too!
We can do that too!
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Booking & Rates:
- Rates vary by visit type, group size, location, and format (in-person or virtual).
- We offer all-inclusive pricing with no hidden mileage or parking fees within Southern California.
- We work with schools, public libraries, and community organizations, and we understand that budgets aren't one-size-fits-all.
- We offer discounts for Title I schools, bulk book orders placed before the visit, and shared travel visits when neighboring schools or libraries coordinate together.
Contact us to discuss what works for your organization.
Creative Writing & Visual Storytelling Workshops for Adult Artists and Writers
Retreats · Conference Sessions · Public Speaking · Guest Facilitation
Are you looking for workshop facilitators who have actually done the work?
Desi St. Amant is a traditionally published author, former high school English teacher of 18 years, and experienced creative writing workshop facilitator. Jon St. Amant is a professional illustrator, former art educator, and the creator behind the YouTube channel Mr. St. Amant (15.2K subscribers), where he teaches figure drawing and character design to a global audience of working and aspiring artists.
Together they offer workshops, retreat sessions, and keynote presentations for adult writers and visual artists grounded in real creative practice.
Workshop Topics:
From Story to Sequential Art
How does a written narrative become a graphic novel? This workshop walks writers and artists through the adaptation process—from prose to script to panel layout—with hands-on exercises that apply immediately to your own work. Ideal for writers curious about visual storytelling, illustrators developing their narrative skills, or collaborative teams.
Finding Your Voice as a Creative
A short narrative writing workshop for writers at any stage—exploring how to identify what only you can say, how to write through creative blocks and self-doubt, and how to build a sustainable creative practice alongside the rest of your life. Facilitated by a published author and former writing teacher who has guided hundreds of students through this process.
Character Design for Storytellers
How do visual choices—shape, posture, color, expression—communicate who a character is before a single word is read? This hands-on workshop for writers and illustrators explores character design as a storytelling tool, not just an aesthetic one. Includes guided drawing exercises accessible to all skill levels.
The Business of Making Things
An honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career—from crowdfunding and pitch competitions to traditional publishing and brand-building online. Desi and Jon share the behind-the-scenes reality of co-creating a book while raising a family, holding jobs, and building an audience from scratch.
Workshop Formats:
Available for national and international travel. Based in Fullerton, CA.
Desi St. Amant is a traditionally published author, former high school English teacher of 18 years, and experienced creative writing workshop facilitator. Jon St. Amant is a professional illustrator, former art educator, and the creator behind the YouTube channel Mr. St. Amant (15.2K subscribers), where he teaches figure drawing and character design to a global audience of working and aspiring artists.
Together they offer workshops, retreat sessions, and keynote presentations for adult writers and visual artists grounded in real creative practice.
Workshop Topics:
From Story to Sequential Art
How does a written narrative become a graphic novel? This workshop walks writers and artists through the adaptation process—from prose to script to panel layout—with hands-on exercises that apply immediately to your own work. Ideal for writers curious about visual storytelling, illustrators developing their narrative skills, or collaborative teams.
Finding Your Voice as a Creative
A short narrative writing workshop for writers at any stage—exploring how to identify what only you can say, how to write through creative blocks and self-doubt, and how to build a sustainable creative practice alongside the rest of your life. Facilitated by a published author and former writing teacher who has guided hundreds of students through this process.
Character Design for Storytellers
How do visual choices—shape, posture, color, expression—communicate who a character is before a single word is read? This hands-on workshop for writers and illustrators explores character design as a storytelling tool, not just an aesthetic one. Includes guided drawing exercises accessible to all skill levels.
The Business of Making Things
An honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career—from crowdfunding and pitch competitions to traditional publishing and brand-building online. Desi and Jon share the behind-the-scenes reality of co-creating a book while raising a family, holding jobs, and building an audience from scratch.
Workshop Formats:
- Half-day and full-day retreat sessions
- Multi-day creative retreat facilitation
- Conference breakout sessions and keynote presentations
- Virtual workshops and online programming
- Customized curriculum for writing groups, arts organizations, and MFA programs
Available for national and international travel. Based in Fullerton, CA.
Testimonials:
"Desi presented to my college communication course at a California community college. Desi was able to connect to students in a relatable way that inspired and encouraged students by highlighting shared experiences. She captivated the students based on her enthusiasm and passion for her work and offered meaningful information in a manner that created buy in from students." -Dr. Batson-Bright, Communications Professor
"Jon’s informative presentation gave the students in my CSUF Cartooning class valuable insight into both the creative and professional sides of making a graphic novel. I highly recommended it for anyone interested in learning more about visual storytelling and the comics industry." -Barbara Malley, CSUF Illustration Lecturer
FAQs
What grade levels do your school programs serve?
Our programs are designed for students in grades K–12, with specific activities tailored to different age ranges. For instance, the Insect Character Design and Design Your Own Wizard workshops are ideal for grades 1–6. The Path(s) to Publishing is geared toward all ages, and it can be tailored for high school and college students.
Do you offer virtual visits?
Yes! Virtual visits are available via any video platform hosted by your school or library. For draw-along workshops, students will need paper, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons.
How do I fund a visit?
Many schools use PTA or PTO funds, Title IV, federal education grants, literacy program budgets, or arts enrichment funding. Libraries often access state library grants, Friends of the Library funds, or community foundation grants. We're happy to provide a quote letter you can use for grant applications.
Do you offer reduced rates for Title I schools or underfunded libraries?
We believe every child deserves access to enriching author experiences. If your school or library has limited funding, please reach out. We work with organizations on a case-by-case basis to find solutions that work.
Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
Yes, we can provide a COI for your event. Please mention this when you inquire so we can factor it into planning.
Will you sign books?
Absolutely! We can pre-sign books, sign during a designated time in the visit, or sign at the end of a session. We can also help coordinate a pre-order or in-school book sale ahead of the visit if you'd like students to have copies.
How far will you travel?
We're based in Fullerton, CA and regularly visit schools and libraries throughout Southern California within 25 miles at our standard local rate. We travel regionally (25–75 miles) and are available for extended travel (75–150 miles and beyond). Contact us for a custom quote for out-of-region visits. Virtual visits are available anywhere.
What do you need from us for an in-person visit?
For draw-along workshops: paper, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons for each participant. Optional but helpful: a screen and projector so we can display reference images. We bring the energy: you bring the students.
Can you present to multiple classes or grade levels in one day?
Yes — a full-day visit typically includes up to three presentations, which can be mixed and matched from our program menu. Additional sessions can be added. Contact us for full-day scheduling details.
Do you offer workshops for adult artists and writers?
Yes! In addition to school and library visits, we facilitate creative workshops and retreat sessions for adult writers and visual artists. See the Adult Workshops section above or contact us to discuss your event.
I'm planning a writers' retreat or arts conference. Can you present?
We'd love to! Desi is an experienced workshop facilitator and public speaker, and Jon brings a visual art and illustration perspective that's rare in literary spaces. Reach out to us at [email protected] with your event details and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Our programs are designed for students in grades K–12, with specific activities tailored to different age ranges. For instance, the Insect Character Design and Design Your Own Wizard workshops are ideal for grades 1–6. The Path(s) to Publishing is geared toward all ages, and it can be tailored for high school and college students.
Do you offer virtual visits?
Yes! Virtual visits are available via any video platform hosted by your school or library. For draw-along workshops, students will need paper, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons.
How do I fund a visit?
Many schools use PTA or PTO funds, Title IV, federal education grants, literacy program budgets, or arts enrichment funding. Libraries often access state library grants, Friends of the Library funds, or community foundation grants. We're happy to provide a quote letter you can use for grant applications.
Do you offer reduced rates for Title I schools or underfunded libraries?
We believe every child deserves access to enriching author experiences. If your school or library has limited funding, please reach out. We work with organizations on a case-by-case basis to find solutions that work.
Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
Yes, we can provide a COI for your event. Please mention this when you inquire so we can factor it into planning.
Will you sign books?
Absolutely! We can pre-sign books, sign during a designated time in the visit, or sign at the end of a session. We can also help coordinate a pre-order or in-school book sale ahead of the visit if you'd like students to have copies.
How far will you travel?
We're based in Fullerton, CA and regularly visit schools and libraries throughout Southern California within 25 miles at our standard local rate. We travel regionally (25–75 miles) and are available for extended travel (75–150 miles and beyond). Contact us for a custom quote for out-of-region visits. Virtual visits are available anywhere.
What do you need from us for an in-person visit?
For draw-along workshops: paper, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons for each participant. Optional but helpful: a screen and projector so we can display reference images. We bring the energy: you bring the students.
Can you present to multiple classes or grade levels in one day?
Yes — a full-day visit typically includes up to three presentations, which can be mixed and matched from our program menu. Additional sessions can be added. Contact us for full-day scheduling details.
Do you offer workshops for adult artists and writers?
Yes! In addition to school and library visits, we facilitate creative workshops and retreat sessions for adult writers and visual artists. See the Adult Workshops section above or contact us to discuss your event.
I'm planning a writers' retreat or arts conference. Can you present?
We'd love to! Desi is an experienced workshop facilitator and public speaker, and Jon brings a visual art and illustration perspective that's rare in literary spaces. Reach out to us at [email protected] with your event details and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Questions?
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