Do you like drawing comics? Would you like to try drawing a comic? Whether you're new to comics or you already draw comics and would like to hang out with other comic creators, if you're feeling curious about trying out some creative stuff, exploring you're sooo welcome to join me for an AUTUMNY QUEER COMICS creative space. Let's explore, reflect, scribble and share.
Here's a sketch of the activities!
1. IDEAS ~ I'll give you some drawing and writing prompts. We'll look at a few examples of comics. Then I'll invite you to come up with some facial expressions, characters, scenes and story ideas!
2. FORMS ~ We'll look at some basic comic techniques e.g. panels, speech bubbles, I'll explain and give you some templates!
3. COMIC TIME ~ Create a comic based on a memory, fictional story, wish - or anything you like!
4. SHARE (optional) ~ Tell each other about our comic/s. LOVE finding out about the meaning/s…
"nature ~ pleasure ~ memories ~ humour ~ connecting" are just some themes to get started :)
You're free to take this in any direction. As someone with ADHD, my brain sometimes likes to do something completely different. I mean if you end up writing a 7 act musical about mushrooms, that's fine with me!
I love inviting people to draw and am curious to see what they come up with. As a neurodivergent person (I have ADHD), I have social anxiety and sensory challenges, but when you tell me about your drawings, it helps me focus and get to know you!
As a visual artist, I loved the way comics could be so many things - mysterious, intense, hilarious, sweet etc. However as a queer, trans-masc POC (British-born East Asian), I often felt excluded from the comics scene - and that's why I'm not an expert on comics. This isn't a class on the history of comics. This is about exploring, playing and connecting as queer people. As I recently completed my own comic book, I'm excited to create a space for LGBTIQA+ people to explore comics.
… beautiful, annoying, strange, awkward, silly, serious… all emotions are welcome here…
Please be mindful and give a content note if it's something intense!
- For LGBTIQA+ people aged over 18.
- No previous experience or skills are necessary!
- Drawing could be mark-making, symbols, illustrations.
- Writing could be in any language or none…
- It's likely you'll leave the session with a bunch of drawings, a few comics and feel amazed at what you've created!
- Duration ~ between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
FREE by booked ticket
This Autumny Queer Comics Workshop is part of my comic book project, supported by Arts Council England. Yeah - that's right… Arts Council England want you to come draw comics with me!
While it's free, you're welcome to support The Queery by purchasing a drink / snack there.
If you enjoy the workshop, you're welcome to support me by pre-ordering my new comic book!
Please help prevent the spread of covid/bugs
Please do a covid/lateral flow test before attending and do not attend if you're feeling unwell, have any symptoms such as cough/cold. Masks are welcome.
Do I need to bring art materials?
Some A4 paper, pencils and sharpies will be provided.
Feel free to bring your own paper, sketchbook/notebook and colour pens or pencils.
Facilitator Bio
The Mollusc Dimension (he/him) is an award-winning multidisciplinary, project-based artist and the author of rebellious debut comic, “The Weird & Wonderful Surviveries of Squid Horse”. He is British-born Chinese, trans-masc, non binary, queer, bisexual, neurodivergent and disabled. His musical comedy show "Asians Have Feelings Too" debuted at the Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London and the music video won an award from the Trans Pride Brighton Film Event. His poetry, art and blogs have been published by Aghh! Zine, BESEA.N, Bluebird Anthology, The Feminist Library, Ink Sweat & Tears, Out on the Page, Snowflake magazine and Trans Actual and others. The Mollusc Dimension has given talks for Queer China UK and LDComics. He’s performed for: Bitten Peach UK (Royal Vauxhall Tavern), ESEA Sisters (Southbank Centre), FOC it up Comedy (Soho), London Trans Choir (The Vagina Museum), Quiplash (Mighty Hoopla), Moonfest (Trinity Centre, Bristol), Trans Pride Brighton (Brighton Dome) and many more. Drawn to the feminist DIY art scene in the early 2000s, The Mollusc Dimension has self-published 20+ zines and tabled at zine fairs since 2011 (including Helsinki Comics Fest, ESEA Gather ’N’ Grow and ESEA Cultural Festival in 2023).
Glimpse Squid's previous events
IG: @SquidHorseComics
FB: @SquidHorseComics
Accessibility
This workshop has no AD, BSL or captions. If you have other requests or queries, please message me and I'll do my best to help you. As I'm neurodivergent, disabled, administrating and hosting this on my own, please bear with me. Thank you for your patience.
As marginalised people, we can become triggered. It's not a therapy space, so please look after your own self-care.
I aim for this to be a curious creative space. All the activities are optional. If a prompt doesn't work for you, you're free to follow your own creative instincts (in a way that is mindful of others in the space!). If you need help or have any issues re: the event, please approach me during the event. If it's before or after the event, please send me an email.
Do I need to stay in the room for the whole time?
We'll have at least 1 break and I will ask if people need another break. You are encouraged to take breaks whenever you need. You're encouraged to join at the start of event so that we can embark on the journey together. If you need to leave the room for a comfort break/access reason, that is fine.