Virtual COMICS WORKSHOPs offer lots of opportunities for creative connection & ongoing collaborations … Here are some notes & options:

JUMP TO:

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:

zoom.com
Google Hangouts
Google Meets
Skype.com

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:

More HOW TO Videos >>

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:

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!

EVENT HOSTS: To get updates on upcoming LIVE SESSIONS, printables, & more:

Join my PATREON →
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