Learn how to make comic books in China

Comic books are an ideal and creative way to reach audiences in China and USA, and talk about complex social issues in an engaging way. During the hands-on session, the participants learn from experienced comic book artists on how to script their stories, create characters, design comic book worlds, drawing, inking, coloring, and making their own comic book. The free online workshops are in English with Chinese translation.

Skill level is beginner to limited experience. Open to students, NGOs, enthusiasts, and artists in China. Access is through Zoom and will streamed on YouTube.

The event is sponsored by the Shanghai American Center, U.S. Consulate General Shanghai, China Women’s Film Festival, and Power of Priya Comics.

WORKSHOP 1: How to write a comic book and create characters?

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM China. 

 Focus on storytelling, and structuring a single page comic book. Learn to script, and layout the panels, dialogue, and flow of the comic book. Additionally, participants will create their own characters using different drawing techniques and how to portray personalities. Participants will draw and share their own character designs. Discussion about representation and diversity, and how to design different empowering characters that address social issues.

Instructors: IVAN VELEZ Jr. – a Latinx, Bronx-born, Creative Capital grant winning cartoonist of Tales Of The Closet, and writer for mainstream companies i.e. Marvel, Milestone and DC Comics, and his upcoming Ballad Of Wham Kabam. RAM DEVINENI is the creator of the interactive social-activist comic books, Priya’s Shakti, featuring India’s first female superhero. The series is funded by Ford Foundation and supported by the World Bank, and honored by UN Women as a “gender equality champion.”

WORKSHOP 2: How to create comic book worlds and characters?

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM China. 

Learn the art of creating a dynamic universe for your characters to live in. How do you  define your characters and their actions? Learn how to write a backstory for your character.

Instructor: REGINE L. SAWYER is the Coordinator & Founder of the Women in Comics Collective International, aka 'WinC', isan organization that is focused on supporting marginalized genders of color working in the comic book industry. She is also a comic book writer/editor/publisher working with companies such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Time Magazine, and more. 

WORKSHOP 3: Why we should make comics?

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM China. 

Learn how to make a mini-comic and use it in your real-life to entertain and educate audiences. How to make fun and informative stories that address a variety of social issues. Participants will learn the entire process from Chinese comic book creator, Migo. The course is ONLY in Chinese.

Instructor: MIGO is a feminist comics artist and illustrator. From a gender perspective, her web comic Solo Theatre explores various social topics, such as women’s issues, environmental issues, and animal welfare. Migo was leading a series of comic workshops that focus on the current social issues for young people, helping them find their voice through the form of comic.

WORKSHOP 4: How to create comic book characters and stories with impact?

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM China. 

How to create characters and stories that are personal and have impact? Participants design their characters with personalities, movement and biographies. Focus on penciling, inking and coloring. Participants will understand color theory and how to use color in both digital and print. How to make comic book panels for social media? Discussion about issues facing their communities and how comics can help educate and bring awareness to young people.

Instructors: MELANCONNIE and FAEBIAN CERULEO are the creators of “KAIA”, a augmented reality comic book based on the heroic story of Natalia Ponce de León – a survivor of a brutal acid attack, who turned the tragedy into a national movement to tackle gender-based violence and change perceptions of women in Colombia.