Beyond the Persona: The Art of Character Building Workshop

Presented by KIEF Modils & Valium Ssky

A character is more than an outfit. A persona is more than a look. Every detail tells a story.

Join KIEF Modils and Valium Ssky for Beyond the Persona: The Art of Character Building, a hands-on creative workshop exploring how to develop distinctive characters and bring them to life through visual storytelling, styling, makeup, movement and expression.

Whether you're a model, photographer, drag performer, makeup artist, stylist, designer or simply someone who loves creative expression, this workshop will help you explore the ideas behind a character and turn them into a cohesive creative concept.

What to expect

Throughout this interactive workshop, you'll work through practical exercises designed to help you build a character from the inside out.

Develop the character. Explore personality, motivations, fears, strengths, contradictions and backstory to create a character with depth and a distinct point of view.

Build the visual identity. Discover how colour, silhouette, texture, clothing, makeup, accessories and props can communicate your character's story.

Explore movement and expression. Learn how posture, gestures, facial expressions and presence can bring a character to life, whether in front of a camera, on stage or in a creative scene.

Tell a story through images. Explore how posing, composition, framing and visual details can communicate a narrative and strengthen a creative concept.

Share, collaborate and develop. Exchange ideas with fellow creatives, receive constructive feedback and explore how to take your character further.

What will you take away?

By the end of the workshop, you'll have developed your own character profile, created a visual moodboard and established a creative direction to explore in a future photoshoot, performance, portfolio or personal project.

This is an opportunity to experiment, think differently and connect with other creatives in a collaborative environment.

Who should attend?

This workshop is suitable for models, photographers, drag performers, makeup artists, hairstylists, fashion designers, stylists, artists, performers and other image-makers.

No previous experience is required. You don't need to arrive with a finished concept or a fully developed character. Just bring your imagination and a willingness to explore.

What to bring

• Three reference images that inspire you. These can come from fashion, film, photography, theatre, music, art or everyday life.
• Your phone or a notebook for developing ideas.
• One optional clothing item or accessory that suggests a character. No special purchases are necessary.

Event details

Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026

Arrival: 12:30 PM

Workshop starts: 1:00 PM

Venue: Phenomena Aerial Dance and Fitness, Kempton Park

Ticket price: R650 per participant

Presented by: KIEF Modils & Valium Ssky

Please arrive at 12:30 PM so we can begin promptly at 1:00 PM.

Ready to go beyond the persona?

Bring the idea you've been imagining. Develop the character you've been wanting to create. Discover how the right combination of story, visual choices and expression can transform a concept into something memorable.

Your character is waiting. Let's build them.

Book your ticket and join us for Beyond the Persona: The Art of Character Building.