Finding Emotional Impact in Graphic Novels: A Two-Night Mini

Online | Novels, Illustration
How do you make your characters come alive, visually on the page, so they resonate with readers? How do you decide on that first image or images to connect with readers from the start? Learn more in this hands-on mini course with Charlesbridge editor Eileen Robinson and graphic novelist Chuck Gonzales.

December 4, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - December 6, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

Online

$59

Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Join illustrator and graphic novelist Chuck Gonzales and editor Eileen Robinson to explore the many ways to infuse emotion into your graphic novel, through words and an understanding of illustrations. (Even if you aren’t the illustrator!)  This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.

  • Monday, December 4, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
  • Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
  • You’ll have access to the recordings through January 31, 2024.

Why This Workshop?

It’s no surprise that the visual art form  of the graphic novel needs to convey emotion. Facial expressions and body language carry a graphic novel’s emotional impact, just like setting and color can carry the tone. One piece of art or series of panels must take the reader on an emotional journey — they must say what words could say, if they were on the page.

So how do you make your characters come alive, visually on the page, so they resonate with readers?

How do you decide on that first image or images to connect with readers from the start?

In this hands-on mini with Charlesbridge editor Eileen Robinson and graphic novelist Chuck Gonzales you will:

  • Learn about the Graphic Novel process—from idea to finished product
  • Explore ways to infuse emotion into your characters and scenes
  • Understand the ways that playing with color can evoke emotion and set the tone
  • Discover the Emotional Arcs—both Internal and External
  • Discuss the difference between Comic Books and Graphic Novels
  • Amplify culture and gender—BIPOC & LGBTQ Immersion into this art form
  • And more!

Whatever kind of art you create, Eileen and Chuck will share their favorites in the land of graphic novels.  And they want to hear about yours, too!  So bring at least two of your favorite titles to share in the chat. Bring materials to write, sketch, and draw.  (Yes, even if you aren’t an illustrator!)  And, bring your burning questions about this exciting storytelling form.

Feedback Expected

  • None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program. (Don’t forget to bring at least two favorite titles to share in the chat.)

It’s a Great Fit for…

  • Graphic novel beginners, including authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators. Our goal is to enrich your graphic novel script with emotion in words and images.
  • Creatives looking for a new ways to tell their stories. Perhaps you’ve worked on novels, picture books, comics, or other storytelling forms. Learn how to get started in the graphic novel form with this short course.
  • You are a graphic novelist who is working on taking your idea to first draft. This course will offer considerations for ways to craft and/or revise for word choice, pacing, and impact.
  • You are considering writing a graphic novel and want to learn more about what this form of storytelling has to offer.
  • You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop, instead it is two, 75-minute sessions meant to engage and build your knowledge of the emotional impact of graphic novels.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through January 31, 2024.

Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.

Part One: Monday, December 4, 2023 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
  • Learn about the Graphic Novel process—from idea to finished product
  • Discover the Emotional Arcs—both Internal and External
  • Discuss the difference between Comic Books and Graphic Novels
  • Open Q & A (and sharing favorite graphic novels in the chat!)
Part Two: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
  • Explore ways to infuse emotion into your characters and scenes
  • Understand the ways that playing with color can evoke emotion and set the tone
  • Amplify culture and gender—BIPOC & LGBTQ Immersion into this art form
  • Q&A (with Eileen Robinson & Chuck Gonzales)

How It Impacts Kids

Kids love graphic novels! Adding emotion to your graphic novel brings power and unlimited potential to this storytelling form. This short course will help you discover ways to bring emotion forward in your work.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Eileen helped me embrace being vulnerable and not hide feelings. Her encouragement gave me faith in my writing and to not give up.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!”

DETAILS

December 4, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - December 6, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

$59

Online

Access

When you register for this course, you’ll receive information via email to confirm.

For mini courses (one or two nights only), you’ll receive webinar links immediately to use on the evening of the course.

For longer courses, you’ll receive an invitation to your virtual classroom as the workshop approaches.

Learn more about the technology that we use for our online workshops.

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The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.