The Zine Workshop, packed up and ready for the road.
About seven years ago, when I was still relatively new to teaching illustration, I was hired to lead an after-school program as a follow-up to an all-day school visit. I needed to come up with a story-building activity that would engage a wide range of age groups—kids from grades 2 through 6.
With equals parts storytelling, word play and drawing in mind, I developed a Zine Workshop that challenges students to create stories in 8-page, blank books. My concept was simple: participants would randomly select words to be combined with their drawings in short, visual narratives. And by using the book form, they would employ the so-called “engine” of the picture book: the page turn. Since that afternoon years ago, it has become a of favorite part of my school visits. However, because of the pandemic, I hadn’t had the opportunity to take the Zine Workshop on the road again…until recently.
In conjunction with their community outreach programs in New York City, the Society of Illustrators invited me to present to two different groups of young people this year. I’m happy to report, both workshops were a resounding success, and the Zine Workshop still has it.
SI/NYC Parks Winter Illustration Academy
Each year, the Society hosts NYC Parks & Recreation Illustration Academies for underserved students, grades 5–8. On a Friday in late February, I met with a terrific group of 20 kids on the last day of their five-day program for a workshop.
First, to get them into storytelling mode, I began with my short presentation called “What Happens When I Illustrate a Book?” explaining my process and how I come up with ideas using another author’s text. Then each student selected four words to be the back bones of their story. Generally, my audience is the picture book set, so I was pretty sure this age range would be up for the challenge.
Everyone got to work, filling their blank zines with words and drawings. And as always, hilarity ensued. At the end of the session, each student got up in front of the group to share their handiwork with a read aloud. As an added bonus later this year, the Society will host the kids from the Academies for a dinner and exhibition of their work. I can’t wait to see it and this excellent crew again.
NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors
Materials for the Society of Illustrators/NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors workshop..
A few weeks ago, I went back to the Society for the second workshop as part of the New York Public Library’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about working with high school students. Would the word game be beneath them? Too silly? Too simple? Spoiler alert—they were amazing!
Since this was an older group, after my publishing presentation, we folded and cut blank zines together. (Here’s a link explaining how—it’s easy!) Then they chose their random words and dove right into the project. Again, I was so impressed by the group—their creativity, warmth, openness, and generosity with each other and me.
Teen Reading Ambassadors mentor younger kids in after-school programs at neighborhood libraries across the city to help foster a love of books and reading. The Zine Workshop is now something they can share more broadly with their mentees. I guess it’s no secret that I love libraries, but kudos to the NYPL for creating this terrific program and assembling this stellar group.
NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors hard at work on their zines in the Society of Illustrators main gallery.
There’s nothing like seeing young people put their own stories together and then proudly share them, especially if they were reluctant at the start. The level of humor and originality that this little exercise of mine sparks always amazes me.
Last, I have to extend big THANK YOU’s to the NYC Parks Department, the New York Public Library, and especially the Society of Illustrators for inviting me for these two special events!
A Message to Educators: I’d be delighted to visit your school or library to lead a Zine Workshop with the age range of your choice. For more information, please visit the School Visits section of my website, or contact me here.
For more information about the Society of Illustrators, please visit their website here.
For more information about resources and programs for young people at the New York Public Library, click here.
