Learn the fundamentals of character design and storytelling from a local Manga artist. Bring tablets if you have them or we will supply paper based resources.
The workshop will begin with a brief introduction to anime and manga as a media form, supported by a short presentation and a selection of clips from anime that have influenced the facilitator’s work or projects they have worked on. These materials can be presented using a personal laptop.
The first half of the session will focus on character creation and design. Participants will be guided through the process of developing and designing an original character, either from their own imagination or using prompts provided through a blind bag as a source of inspiration.
The second half will explore story formatting in the manga and comic style, introducing participants to the process of using panels to structure and communicate a story. Participants can develop their own story ideas or use the blind bag prompts for inspiration.
To support this activity, participants will be provided with blank cut-outs representing different panel styles, allowing them to experiment physically with layout, pacing and page composition. Feedback will be provided throughout the activity, with particular attention given to how different panel choices can affect storytelling—for example, the use of establishing panels, close-up or personal panels, and changes in composition depending on the story being told.
A selection of printed manga will also be available around the table as visual references, allowing participants to explore different approaches to panel layouts, character design and visual storytelling.
The workshop is designed to accommodate both traditional and digital approaches. All activities demonstrated digitally can also be completed using traditional materials such as pens and pencils, with no preference given to either medium. The approach can therefore be adapted to suit the participants’ preferred method of working.
For those wishing to work digitally, participants can bring their own tablets or iPads and use whichever software they are most comfortable with, such as Procreate or Clip Studio Paint.
Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.