“Deep Dive: Crafting Compelling Characters” with Rashad Doucet
In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, award-winning cartoonist Rashad Doucet will guide participants through the essential connection between storytelling and character design. Rashad will share tips and techniques on how a character’s narrative — their background, personality, and role — should directly influence their shape-language, costume choices, and overall design. The session will include two interactive drawing exercises: First, participants will complete a fun character generation assignment prompt, focusing on quick-thinking and creative storytelling through design. Next, participants will refine their characters by working with simplified shapes to create body variety, distinct silhouettes, and strong visual identities.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING: Paper, Pencils, and Markers or your preferred Drawing tools and media
“Deep Dive: Designing Captivating Covers in the KidLit Market” with Mike Wimmer
Explore the art and strategy behind creating unforgettable book covers with Mike Wimmer, whose powerful imagery has defined numerous acclaimed publications. In this focused session, participants will closely examine how to conceptualize, design, and execute compelling cover art that resonates with today's picture book and YA covers.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING: Your Digital Devices or your Paper/Pencils if that's preferred.
If you have a current project or book covers in specific that you'd like to work on, please bring them.
“Deep Dive: Using Storyboarding POV’s to Improve Story Pacing with Emotion” with Jime Wimmer
Discover the essential role in how storyboarding “point of view shots” play in shaping the rhythm and emotional arc of a narrative. In this hands-on workshop, Jime Wimmer will guide participants through the principles of a visualization exercise that leads into point of view shot analysis, visual pacing, and composition techniques that elevate storytelling. Whether working on a picture book, illustration or graphic novel, attendees will acquire practical strategies to tighten narrative flow and enhance reader engagement.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING: Sketchbook & Pencils. (Jime will have some materials for you). You will be emailed a listening & writing activity to complete one week prior to Deep Dive.