Frequestly Asked Questions
It’s a dedicated, cozy creative space where you can work on your project in the company of other inspired creatives. Any medium, any style. It’s not a class — just a supportive, judgment-free zone to create, unwind, and refill your artistic tank.
Nope! If you’ve got a project you want to work on, you’re in. This is a relaxed, welcoming, no-performance-pressure gathering designed to spark creativity and connection.
No — the Creative Circle is not instructional. It’s your time to create freely.
If you do want a little guidance, you can add the Creative Booster when booking. It includes a quick check-in before we start and general feedback at the end. No step-by-step teaching, but plenty of helpful direction.Most creative projects are welcome! Just choose something that’s easy to set up, relatively quiet, and doesn’t involve harsh or toxic materials. Table space is approximately 24” × 40”, so plan accordingly.
Absolutely! Bring your tablet, laptop, drawing pad — whatever helps your creativity flow.
Yes — if you’d like! Just select the Creative Booster add-on when booking your session.
The Creative Circle is for ages 10 and up. Participants should be able to focus independently for the full two hours.
-
A journal
-
Your favorite pen
-
Your creative project + supplies
Note: Please avoid harsh/toxic chemicals. Bring a project that’s easy to set up and clean up. Desk space is approx. 24" × 40".
-
For Current Students:
Your Creative Circle sessions are included!
You may attend the same number of sessions as the number of regular colored pencil classes you’re enrolled in that month.
(Example: If you’re signed up for 4 classes, you get 4 Creative Circle sessions that month.)
Just book through your account. If anything looks off, email me at noriko@tanigawa.studio.
For Non-Students:
-
$20 per session
-
$60 for a 4-session package
-
(Buy 3, get the 4th free — package expires in 2 months)
-
Creative Booster Add-On:
Available to everyone at checkout.-
Because space is limited, please give 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling.
If the weather looks questionable, I’ll notify everyone at least 2 hours before the session.
For illness or last-minute emergencies, contact me before the session — you may be eligible for a makeup credit.
Please note: No refunds are offered.
About the Circle
Creative Circle isn’t a class — it’s a sanctuary. A supportive creative container where you work on the project of your choice at your own pace.
Bring whatever you’re working on:
-
Drawing
-
Colored pencil
-
Painting (non-messy + low-odor)
-
Craft projects
-
Knitting
-
Journaling
-
Or your favorite “can’t-wait-to-finish-this” project
Please avoid harsh chemicals, messy mediums, and especially glitter.
Journaling
Your Creative Warm-Up
Each session begins with a gentle journaling practice. I’ll provide three prompts to choose from, or you’re free to follow your own flow.
Why Journaling?
Because your brain deserves a soft landing before diving into creativity.
-
Ease stress and emotional clutter
-
Support mental clarity
-
Strengthen self-awareness
-
Boost creative flow
-
Set intentions so you enter your art time grounded and focused
-
Create a transition from “life mode” into “creative mode”
It’s a moment of intentional breathing room that changes everything.
Creative Time!
After journaling, you’ll have 1.5 hours of open creative time.
Settle in, spread out your supplies, enjoy some light conversation, or work quietly — the atmosphere is calm, cozy, and supportive.
This is your time to:
-
Make progress on long-term projects
-
Explore new ideas
-
Get inspired by the presence of others
-
Reconnect with your creative self
Need a Little Guidance?
You can add the optional Creative Booster to your session — a mini-consultation before we begin and feedback afterward.
During the booster:
-
We’ll briefly talk through your project direction
-
I’ll help you clarify what to focus on
-
You’ll get general guidance to support your session
-
At the end, you’ll receive gentle, helpful feedback on your progress
This is not step-by-step instruction (that’s class territory!), but it is supportive, clarifying, and motivating.
And yes — I’m happy to give feedback on non–colored pencil projects too.
01
Who Can Join
Calling All Creatives!
Anyone age 10 and up who can work independently for two hours and wants:
-
Dedicated creative time
-
A cozy, inspiring atmosphere
-
Community without pressure
-
Gentle structure without instruction
Beginners welcome. Overthinkers welcome. “I haven’t made art in years” people welcome.
If your creative spirit has been whispering, “Please… just give me a moment,” this is for you.
02
Student Pricing
A special perk for my current art students — come unwind, create, and fill your cup without paying extra.
Creative Circle sessions are included with your monthly classes.
You can attend the same number of sessions as the regular colored pencil classes you’re booked for that month.
(Example: If you’re enrolled in 4 classes, you can join 4 Creative Circle sessions.)
How to use your free sessions:
I add your Creative Circle credits to your account around the 25th each month.
Just sign in when you book — your credits will apply automatically at checkout.
Want to register before the 25th?
Email me, and I’ll add your credits early so you can reserve your spot.
04
Add-Ons & Extras
Optional little upgrades for extra support before or after your session — simple, helpful, and totally pressure-free.
-
$10 — Creative Booster
Mini-consultation before class + feedback after the session
(Open to students and non-students)
05
What to Bring
Your supplies, your vibes — keep it simple.
-
A journal
-
Your favorite pen
-
Your creative project + supplies
Please avoid harsh or toxic chemicals. Bring a project that’s easy to set up and clean up. Desk space is approximately 24" × 40".
06
When We Meet
Your new Saturday morning ritual — a creative reset for the week ahead.
Saturdays, 9:30–11:30 AM
Tanigawa Studio – McKinney, TX
Studio Location
Creative Circle sessions are held at my home studio.
Studio Location
Address:
10145 Coolidge Dr
McKinney, TX 75072
Landmark:
Near the intersection of Independence Parkway & Eldorado Parkway
(5 minutes from McKinney H-E-B)
From Independence & Eldorado:
-
Go north on Independence
-
Pass Roach Middle School (left) and Hanuman Temple (right)
-
Turn left onto the second street past the Middle School (Coolidge Dr)
-
The house is on the left, just before Freeport Dr.
From Independence & Virginia:
-
Go south on Independence
-
After Westridge Blvd, take the first right onto Coolidge Dr
-
The house is on the left, just before Freeport Dr.
Parking:
-
Residential area—Please don’t block any neighbors’ driveways or mailboxes. Feel free to park in my driveway!
Cat in Residence:
-
Mochi the cat lives here! If you have cat allergies, please let me know.
Accessibility:
-
The studio is upstairs. If you need a downstairs setup, please contact me 1 day before class.
Important Notes
Directions
The Creative Circle Session Schedule
Looking for a supportive, dedicated creative space with like-minded folks?
Welcome to the Creative Circle, a place where you can show up, chill out, and give your creativity the uninterrupted attention it deserves.
Creative Circle is a cozy Saturday morning ritual where you bring any project you’re working on — drawing, crafting, knitting, journaling, painting, or anything else that makes your soul hum. We start with a grounding journaling practice, then ease into uninterrupted creative time surrounded by a like-hearted community.
This is your weekly permission slip to create.
Give the Gift of Color & Creativity
Looking for a unique, meaningful gift?
A colored pencil class is more than just art—it’s a confidence boost, a creative escape, and a chance to reconnect with joy. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
-
Available in any amount. Great for students ages 10 to adult.
-
Send digitally or print at home for that personal touch.
