YOU HAD ME AT MURDER
A graphic prop design workshop with an Agatha Christie twist
Join us in County Cork this summer for a weekend of creativity, storytelling, and a little dash of murder. This two-night, three-day experience invites seven participants to the historic Ballyvolane House, where you’ll explore graphic prop design through the lens of your chosen murderous genre. Hands-on exercises, collaboration with fellow guests, and personalised feedback will equip you to go home and craft a unique design portfolio that will bring your chosen world to life.
What’s the brief?
Your task is to develop five graphic props that can tell a story visually. First, you’ll choose a story to inspire your collection. Then, you’ll research paper ephemera from that world—objects that might subtly (or dramatically) reveal details about the characters, their motivations, and the mystery at hand. You’ll gather real historical references to guide your designs, then you’ll present your research and initial ideas, receiving live feedback to refine your selections. I’ll help you choose the most compelling pieces, ensure they serve the story, and explore how you might recreate them convincingly.
What kind of stories are you looking for?
Since we’ll be spending the weekend together in an isolated old manor house, let’s make the most of it—by completely freaking each other out. Choose a story from one of the genres below and lean into its most sinister elements. No extra points for obscurity: the more famous the story, the stronger your project will be. Think Dracula, Jaws, Poirot—something instantly recognisable. The best props collections don’t just look convincing; they feel like they belong in a world we already know.
Murder Mysteries – Classic Whodunits, detective fiction, and Scandi noir.
Horror Stories – Heart-pounding chases, beasts, and blood.
Ghost Stories – Haunted houses, restless spirits, and supernatural encounters.
Psychological Thrillers – Mind games, unreliable narrators, and creeping paranoia.
Gruesome History – Plagues, executions, and tyrannical rulers.
True Crime – Real-life stalkers, serial killers, and cold cases.
The Occult – Disturbing folklore and ritualistic horrors.
Dystopian Futures – Oppressive regimes, technology gone wrong, and bleak future worlds.
Dark Fantasy – Strange lands and nightmarish sequences.
Will we be making our props during the workshop?
No! Making a full prop collection will take time—often weeks or even months—and this will need to be executed at home after you’ve left the estate. But during our time together, you’ll be laying the foundation for it. We’ll focus on crafting one sample prop that uses essential techniques such as paper selection, typography, ink stamping, photography, binding, and creative distressing (perhaps with a splash of blood for added effect).
Who is the workshop designed for?
This workshop is open to anyone interested in graphic prop-making. Whether you’re a designer looking to jump into different periods or genres; a student or graduate exploring your next steps; or even a writer, researcher, or filmmaker seeking to enhance your visual storytelling, this workshop is for you. And if you’re an ex-workshop student stuck on your homework, why not join us again and pick a Whodunnit?
What is the hotel like?
Nestled in the rolling Irish countryside in County Cork, Ballyvolane House really is an isolated old manor house straight from a murder mystery—but it’s also a very comfortable haven of warmth, charm, and old-world elegance. After a day of creativity, we’ll unwind with their speciality gin cocktails, be served exquisite farm-to-table dining, and then sink into a restful sleep in beautifully appointed bedrooms with crisp white linens. All meals will be provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner—including a special four-course seasonal feast on our last evening—and there’ll be cocktails before dinner as well as tea and homemade cake upon arrival. Read more about the house and what it has to offer here.
How do you pick your guests?
I typically fill workshops on a first-come, first-served basis, but this time I'll be hand-picking attendees based on their applications to ensure a good range of genres and stories. As far as guests go, ideally we’ll need a detective, a doctor, an artist, and a wealthy heiress—so be prepared to do some dressing up!
Where, when, and how much?
The workshop will be held from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June, 2025, at Ballyvolane. The cost is €1600 and includes tuition, two nights of full board, some drinks, all meals (including a special four-course seasonal menu on our last night), and feedback via email on your project after the workshop concludes. There is a discount available (€300) if you’d like to share a twin room with another guest.
How do I sign up?
To apply, please fill out the form below with “YOU HAD ME AT MURDER” in the subject line by March 7th. Successful applicants will be notified by March 14th.