By Wallis Eates

Running the Comic Writing Workshop course for Pen to Print this year was an utter delight. With regular and drop-in participants logging in from around the world, and the first time I’d delivered an entire course online, it was adventure all the way!

The course consisted of ten sessions over six months. In that time, we explored multiple aspects of comics, starting with character design, through to setting, story and sequencing, autobiographical and biographical graphic narrative, and genre fiction.

Every session began with a quick warm-up sketch activity to get the creative juices flowing, then participants would take turns to share on-screen with the rest of the class and say hello. This was a great way for us all to see each other as well as our drawings, making it a little bit more like being in the same room. It was also wonderful to see how different everybody’s interpretation of the task was and to gauge their interests.

We’d then move on to exploring the theme of the session, usually with a slide presentation, some practise/brainstorming activities, and then a longer form activity, such as producing a e-zine or a full-page comic. The sessions always ended with a final share, and every single time I was blown away! There was always such a wide range of ideas produced, beautiful presentation, and so much depth. It was astonishing to think that, while we were all miles apart, the group were collectively immersed in creativity.

For me, one of the highlights was seeing the regular participants’ contributions go from strength to strength. I particularly enjoyed seeing the way some people discovered a certain interest in one session, then bringing it back and developing it in another session. For example, Claire always managed to find a way to harness her brilliant horror storytelling skills, while Parveen’s infectious enthusiasm about the architect, Zaha Hadid, ensured that the group learned a lot about this woman’s colourful life in the form of Parveen’s inspired drawing and writing.

I’d like to thank everyone who came for making it such a special course; one filled with warmth, welcome and connection. I really hope to see both new and familiar faces again next year!

*****

Here are some examples of the artwork created in Wallis’ Comic Writing Workshop:

 

 

Workshop attendee AB Wilson says:

“Participating in the Pen to Print Comic Book Workshops was a refreshing and engaging experience. During the sessions I attended, I learned how to develop a story for comics in a short time based on the personality of the character I made.

The workshops exceeded my expectations. I thought they were just going to provide simple prompts for us students to make comics from, but we were also taught about established comic artists and their different approaches.

My confidence grew during the workshops and I became proud of how quickly I was developing short stories for the comics. I also enjoyed viewing the work of the other student and the detailed stories they created in less than two hours.

The tutor, Wallis Eates, did a very good job of keeping the students engaged. She spoke clearly and gave every student a chance to present their work and gave feedback to them.

I enjoyed my experience with Pen to Print and I felt it gave me more confidence as a comics artist.”

*****

Issue 9 of Write On! Magazine is out now. 

For 20% off Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2022 and Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2022, use the discount code WAYB22 at www.bloomsbury.com.