Virtual COMICS WORKSHOPs offer lots of opportunities for creative connection & ongoing collaborations … Here are some notes & options:
JUMP TO: BASIC DETAILS | Sample School Residency | Sample Library SRP: (1 Day) (2 Days) | PROGRAM EXTENSIONS | HOST PREP
To SET UP a Virtual Event:
Get started here:
“SET UP your Comics Workshop” >>
Then we’ll schedule a test-run on your your preferred video conferencing platform…
Find marekbennett (or send me an invite) on:
BASIC PROGRAM DETAILS:
VIRTUAL SESSION PARAMETERS:
- SUGGESTED: Tech test 1-2+ weeks before date (in case we need to address any tech issues)
- 30-60 minutes per class
- 1-40 students (depending partly on your group, space, & AV tech)
- Video recording for reference & archiving.
- Video format includes in-person students (single or multiple classrooms) & remote participants (joining actively via zoom or afterwards via video)
FOR LONGER EVENTS:
If you’re planning a multi-hour or all-day event, I recommend dividing instructional time into several shorter segments, separated by independent (or semi-independent) work time:
- 30-45 min session (INTRO, DEMO, GUIDED ACTIVITY)
- 30-60 min work time (offline OR + live chat/video)
- 30-45 min session (UPDATES, FEEDBACK, NEXT STEPS…)
SAMPLE FORMAT: 3-Day School Residency
We can create comics projects around any aspect of your school curriculum, and scale them to suit your calendar needs…
In my school residencies, I emphasize:
- Experimentation & exploration of form & content
- Producing artwork for a reader (prioritizing clear communication!)
- A structured “P*I.E.” process: Pencil(+Feedback)+Ink+Erase(+Publish)!
DAY 1: Penciling Ideas
- Intro to Marek + cartooning + comics
- Format demo: draft examples w/ group input
- Outline project goals
- Group work time
DAY 2: Reading & Revising
- Review project draft & goals
- Read work from student volunteers for feedback & discussion
- Revision & editing demo and/or inking demo
- Group work time
DAY 3: Inking & Publishing
- Review project draft, revision, & goals
- Inking demo
- Advanced topics (based on student work)
- Finish inking
- Share (reading, gallery, post-event anthology, &c.)
The Comics Workshop “P*I.E.” Process:
SAMPLE FORMAT: Library Summer Reading Program (1 Session)
1pm: INTRO VIDEO SESSION [ZOOM]:
- Marek greets the group & introduces the day’s activities.
- Group drawing activity.
- Feedback & comments
- Activity + goals for “indie work time”…
1:45-3pm: INDIE WORK TIME
- Students work at their own pace.
- Marek = available for Q+A, 1-on-1 & general instruction, etc. via chat and/or via “workalong” video)
3-4pm: GROUP SESSION (Feedback, Extensions, Q&A) [ZOOM]:
- Check in on activity
- Reading & feedback for volunteer artists
- Demo next steps
- Ideas & resources for further work
- Announce extension meeting? (see below)
We can also do a similar program over 2 separate sessions:
SAMPLE FORMAT: Library Summer Reading Program (2 Sessions)
SESSION #1 = 45-60 min [ZOOM, FaceBook Live, &c.]
- Marek greets the group & introduces the day’s activities.
- Group drawing activity.
- Feedback & comments
- Activity + goals until Session #2…
In the 1-7 days between sessions, students continue work independently at their own pace. Marek = available for consultation via email or The Patreon.
SESSION #2 = 45-60 min [ZOOM, FaceBook Live, &c.]
- Reading & feedback for (volunteer) artists
- Demo next steps
- Ideas & resources for further work…
EXTENSION MEETINGS:
With some events, we may be able to include an extension meeting up to a month after the event. This gives students support for continued independent work, plus further contact & feedback from Marek…
Options include:
- Pre-meeting reminder: Students have the option to send Marek examples of what they’ve drawn since the main event.
- ~30 min video meeting: Q&A, feedback on student work, extension activities, updates on Marek’s works in progress, links to further resources, etc.
- Post-meeting instruction available via Marek’s Patreon.
- Online gallery of student artwork, w/ resource links & notes from Marek!
WHEN HOSTING …
BEFORE THE EVENT:
For a full list of prep activities, see:
BEFORE YOUR COMICS WORKSHOP →
You can share COMICS WORKSHOP materials with participants & families in the lead-up weeks. For share-ready resources, see:
COMICS WORKSHOP: @HOME & BEYOND >
Current video series include:
- Comics Workshop HOW-TO = Basic skills & concepts for cartoonists…
- Let’s Draw MONSTERS! = Fantastical freaks & creatively cute creepy-crawlies…
- How to Draw FREEMAN COLBY = History cartooning, from Marek’s ongoing graphic novel series.
These videos will introduce Marek & his work to your participants ahead of time, & help them know what to expect in the workshop.
Also:
- I can forward printed/printable work samples (for onsite printing/sharing). SEE: Books | Mini-Comics | Videos
- You can forward some of your work samples (so I know what your group is working on ahead of our session).
TOOLS & MATERIALS:
We can draw comics using ANY materials found around the home or classroom. For a list of useful tools & materials to have on hand at the event, see:
Comics Workshop TOOLS & MATERIALS →
(That page also features some links to my suppliers, in case you or your students would like to order your own basic tools.)
AFTER THE EVENT:
For a full list of post-event resources, see:
AFTER YOUR COMICS WORKSHOP →
In your follow-up emails to students & families, be sure to share my main resource page again:
COMICS WORKSHOP: @HOME & BEYOND →
TUTORIAL VIDEOS:
I can also send topic-specific TUTORIAL videos to underscore & review basic techniques we practiced in class.
SOCIAL MEDIA &c.:
When possible, I remind students to follow me on social media & @ my Patreon, so we can keep each other updated on our work!
