Cartoons:
Cartoons are eternally familiar and appealing, especially to children. They provide a very accessible route for creativity. Cartoon-strip books (graphic novels) are now very popular, and can use much the same story structures as traditional novels.
Cartooning Workshops
A very accessible subject, suitable for all ages from primary to adult, with strong appeal to ages 7-11 (KS2) and older reluctant readers.
I usually begin with an introduction to myself and my work, and tell some of the stories behind it with the aid of pieces of the original artwork. I also demonstrate the symbolism and structure of cartoon drawing by producing lightning pictures on a flipchart pad. This pad may then become the focus of improvisation, as participants suggests ideas for pictures.
Everyone is invited to draw their own cartoons. If appropriate, a theme will be suggested. As they draw, I will respond to queries by drawing examples on the pad, so that everyone can see.
In this way several sheets of flipchart drawings may be produced, which may be kept by the client after the session. The participants will usually keep their own work.
Participants
Try to keep the age range for each session reasonably narrow,
e.g. 11-14 or 7-11 yrs old.
Groups of class size are OK, but about 15 is ideal.
Cartooning Workshop Fees
Per day £250
Per half day £180
plus travel expenses from Newcastle upon Tyne.
If the trip, including travel time, exceeds 12 hours, overnight accomodation may be required.
Facilities and Materials
Normally the host will provide the materials. All materials can be supplied by me; details available on request.
I work in front of the whole class at first, drawing on a floor-standing plain paper flipchart.
Participants should preferably be sitting at tables, but sitting on the floor may do.
For cartooning they will each need several sheets of A4 copier paper (the cheaper, less white brands are best), a pencil, shared erasers and sharpeners, and something flat to rest on (If not desks, clipboards or big hardback books).