Sketch On: Straight Off the Pencil

Placed to Speak Episode 3: In conversation with Ness, Dom, and Emily | Source: The Place Charlestown

Young artists from the Place Based Abilities Program share their creativity, connection, and joy through the Placed to Speak podcast.

The Placed to Speak podcast continues to shine a light on the creativity and confidence of young people in the Place Based Abilities Program, and Episode 3, Sketch On – Straight Off the Pencil, might just be the most colourful one yet.

Hosted by Ness, this episode introduces Emily and Dom, two talented young artists whose passion for drawing leaps straight off the page (and sometimes the iPad). Together, they chat about their inspirations, their favourite characters, and what keeps them creating.

For Emily, art has always been about connection. “It was the influence of my pop,” she shared.

“When I was younger, he asked if I wanted to draw, and I just did!” That simple moment sparked a lifelong love for art. These days, she’s a self-proclaimed perfectionist who enjoys experimenting with digital tools and bright colours. “I like to get all the line art and colours just right,” she laughed.

Dom’s creativity was also sparked by animation. “I used to draw SpongeBob, The Simpsons, and Pokémon,” he said proudly.

Over time, his skills have grown from sketching in notebooks to producing digital art and even selling his framed pieces.

“It feels good knowing someone might have my art hanging up somewhere.” –Dom

Between plenty of laughter and a few “skibidi” jokes, the group explore how drawing helps them relax, express themselves, and build confidence. Ness’s warm questions and the playful banter between friends capture the spirit of connection that defines Placed to Speak. It’s a conversation full of personality and heart, showing just how creativity can bring people together.

Delivered through a collaboration between The Place: Charlestown Community Centre and ReadyUp Skills, the Place Based Abilities Program helps young people with disability build skills, share their voices, and inspire pride in the community.

Wholesome, funny, and full of heart, Sketch On – Straight Off the Pencil is the kind of listening that leaves you smiling and maybe reaching for a pencil yourself.

Listen to Placed to Speak now on Spotify: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/X9Mlas5TGXb 

You can find out more about the Place Based Abilities Program by visiting www.theplacecharlestown.org.au or contacting The Place on 02 4032 5500.