Storywalk / November 2021

Make a Mini-Comics Adventure to Share with Your Friends & Family…

NOVEMBER 2021: A special series of online COMICS WORKSHOPS with New Hampshire public libraries.

JUMP TO: ABOUT / GET READY / PRINTABLES / POSTERS & GRAPHICS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Cartoonist & teacher Marek Bennett has drawn all over the world (& his own backyard), making mini-comics & graphic novels… Now Marek will show you how to create your own comics to share with friends & family, near & far.

We’ll use a basic “1-sheet” mini-comic format to make comics based on our favorite books, family stories, local history — or anything else you can imagine!

Where will your “Storywalk” adventure take us…?

Storywalk 2021 is made possible by the NH State Council on the Arts.

GETTING READY:

TOOLS & ART SUPPLIES:

We’ll create our comics with the most basic of art supplies — A pencil, paper, & black inking pen, to start. See Marek’s TOOLS & MATERIALS page for more info.

I call these tools my “Must-Haves” but really what you use is up to you!

NOTE: If you plan to make an 8-page booklet with us, you will also want to have a pair of scissors handy.

OPTIONAL MATERIALS:

You might want to bring any of the following items to our session:

  • A favorite book you might like to draw as a comic
  • A favorite family story (“true” and/or “embellished”)
  • A photo or memory of a place or person that is important to you
  • A friend or family member (It’s always more fun to draw with somebody else!)

Here are some links to help you get warmed up, creatively!


“BEFORE Your Comics Workshop” = Comics & videos from some of Marek’s past projects.


PRACTICE MAKING A BLANK BOOK:

Here’s how to set up a blank 8-page “1-SHEET” MINI-COMIC:

Printable directions:


DRAWING A MINI-COMIC:

Here’s what it looks like when Marek’s drawing an 8-page mini-comic:


Here are a couple of Marek’s minis you can print at home. Try folding them into books with the instructions below:

“Looking Up” PRINTABLE PDF (1-sided) >>

Try this basic 1-sided booklet to practice folding a printed 1-sheet. Drawn over Zoom, w/ reader feedback!

“Common Loon Bird Book” PRINTABLE PDF (2-sided) >>

This advanced 1-sheet prints 2-sided; It makes an 8-page booklet that unfolds to reveal a HOW TO page! From the Lead-Free LoonToons project.

Folding Instructions for Printed 1-Sheet Minis:

These instructions work best for already-drawn (printed) booklets. The key is keeping your eye on that cover (p.1)!

Other printable mini-comics in library kits may include: