MICE 2024

The visual and imaginative qualities of comics make it ideal for communicating feelings about body image that go beyond the literal. From the revealingly honest to the fantastic, these four creators explore how comics can make us understand how another feels in their skin.

Relax and draw with cartoonist Cara Bean, creator of Here I Am, I Am Me. Cara guides participants through a series of calming, tranquil drawing exercises that are fun and sprout creative ideas. See what mentally positive outcomes occur when we draw together! No drawing experience is needed and all ages are welcome.

April Landry from Luna Moth Zine Festival will be leading a workshop focused on zine making. We will take some time to learn what a zine is and what a zine has the potential to be. Learn the basics of zine creation, how to pick a subject that resonates with you, and how to write for the format. Attendees will leave the workshop with their own zine and the skills and inspiration to create zines going forward.

Mainstream comics are known mostly for their fictional tales, but the world of nonfiction comics is just as rich and varied. From graphic journalism to diary comics, this sequential artform offers unique storytelling opportunities. Not an artist? Not a problem. With an emphasis on ethical practices and a focus on story construction, in this workshop we'll discuss the nuts and bolts of adapting nonfiction, as well as tools and techniques involved in going from an idea to publishing. We will also discuss how collaborations with other creators can help bring your stories to life. Anybody can make comics, and we hope this will help you make one too.