Storytelling & Character Development Workshop with Celeste Mountjoy aka Filthyratbag

Join Celeste Mountjoy, the creator of FILTHYRATBAG, for a unique storytelling workshop in Brisbane.

In this hands-on session, you'll be guided through Celeste’s creative process to create your own character and bring them to life through illustration and writing. Celeste will share insights into how she develops her distinctive characters and the stories they inhabit, blending humor, raw emotion, and the quirks of daily life.

Whether you’re an artphobe, budding artist or an experienced creator, this workshop will offer you simple tools and tips to express yourself in new, exciting ways while tapping into your own unique style (Everyone has one! Even if you don’t know it yet!)

Explore the art of storytelling together and unleash your inner ratbag with artist-led Writing Exercises, Guided Character Development, Creation of Panel Artwork & Design. 

About the Artist

Celeste Mountjoy, also known as FILTHYRATBAG, is a Melbourne-based artist, author, and cultural provocateur. Her captivating work delves fearlessly into the depths of the human experience, exploring themes such as anxiety, feminism, addiction, body image, relationships, grief, and the relentless pressures of societal expectations. With a unique blend of rawness and vulnerability, Celeste's art serves as a powerful reflection of our shared struggles and challenges, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the curated ideals often perpetuated on social media platforms.

Through her artistic creations, Celeste exhibits an uncanny precision in capturing the otherwise unspoken and unshown aspects of our lives. She fearlessly confronts the dark, unfiltered emotions that permeate our existence, unveiling the truth and authenticity hidden beneath the surface. By doing so, she offers a profound antidote to the veneer of perfectionism and superficiality prevalent in today's image-driven society.

Celeste's writing and artwork has garnered widespread acclaim and international recognition. Her creations have been featured in renowned publications such as The New York Times. Additionally, she has been invited to share her unique perspective on esteemed platforms such as ABC and BBC, where she eloquently articulates the unfiltered realities of modern life. She is also a prolific mural painter and has worked on a range of small and large scale public artist projects from 2016 onward. Her smash hit debut graphic novel and memoir 'What The Fuck Is This', was published by Pan Macmillan Australia and Penguin Random House in 2023. 

Celeste has emerged as a compelling voice for a new generation of women who refuse to conform to societal norms and expectations. Her unapologetic expression of outrage, uncertainty, and absurdity resonates deeply with individuals navigating the tumultuous journey of adulthood. Through her work, she empowers women to break free from the confines of societal roles, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and reject the notion of polite conformity.

18+ event (adult themes and content)
Bring your own equipment or boards, paper, and sketching/drawing materials provided. BYO preferred method of creation if desired! iPads, laptops and note-taking equipment is welcome :)
Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages provided!

Parking: Street parking, or Queensland Theatre parking (5 min walk)

Please email hello@merivalestudios.com.au for enquiries.

Merivale Studios is proudly supported by Explore Fish Lane, Prolab Studios & Jubilee Framers.