Creators Workshop is one of the major points of pride for Comics Experience. We bring together a wide range of aspiring, established, and even legendary comic book creators for lively discussions and critiques. Members also enjoy access to monthly live sessions covering topics like marketing, editing, social media strategies, overlooked art techniques, and plenty more.
“The discussions that we have in earnest about the industry and that feeling that we all share in each others’ successes and we all share frustrations for one another,” says Comics Experience founder and CEO Andy Schmidt.
“Sometimes it’s fun and jovial and we’re all chatting about things we love and at other times there’s such real compassion and a thirst to learn and grow that I honestly find the whole thing inspiring.”
Nicole Boose, Comics Experience’s general manager, agrees.
“My favorite aspect is that it’s a universally, unconditionally welcoming place to grow. Every member has a different background, different experience level, different knowledge, and different goals from every other. We try to keep the climate as open and inviting as possible, so that each member can connect with the information and support that’s most valuable to them,” she says.
Participants in the Creators Workshop are held to a high standard of basic decency and respect. Andy and Nicole attribute this to a variety of factors, and believe the forum’s values directly nurture the productivity and creativity within the community.
“There are a few important things to know about how we uphold a safe and welcoming climate. One is that all members use their real names, so there’s a sense of transparency and responsibility for your own words. Second, we encourage open and honest discussion, with the understanding that we treat all other members with unconditional respect,” says Nicole.
“Our boards are moderated in order to ensure we all uphold that standard, yet it’s been extremely rare in the Workshop’s history that a discussion has needed intervention. Members themselves do an excellent job of keeping the tone thoughtful, respectful, and candid, in equal measure.”
Andy says, “We value critical thinking, we value positive attitudes, honest evaluation and critique. We value a love of the craft and of telling stories. We love creators who experiment and try new things. We value honest discourse. It’s okay to disagree and it’s okay to break the mold. We value differences of opinion as much as we value individual respect.”
If you’re interested in taking part in our Creators Workshop to meet fellow creators and expand your skill set and opportunities, you can sign up here! Did we mention it makes a great gift? Because it makes a great gift… even if you’re the recipient.
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If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you’ll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!
Posted by Meredith Nudo