What we’re about
WIP Comics (or Work in Progress Comics, to give it its full name) is a group made to help aspiring artists, writers and comic creators move their ideas and projects forward. We have two monthly meetups — one to discuss what we’re all currently working on, give and receive feedback and constructive criticism on our work and bounce ideas off each other for new projects, and one focused more on the more practical elements of creating comics, from character design to world building.
All skill and experience levels are welcome, from complete beginners to established creators, and our intention is to support each other and create an environment where we can offer and ask for advice without judgement. Everyone has a different style, and there is no single ‘correct’ way to draw, write or tell a story, so we actively encourage a variety of different approaches and people coming from different backgrounds. Whether you want to make a sci-fi, fantasy, superhero, comedy, slice-of-life, autobiographical or any other kind of comic then we’d love to see it and help you get to a point where you’re happy with it.
Beyond the meetups we also have a Discord server where all the members are invited to continue the conversation online.
The group was established by Michal Ingram back in July 2011, and was originally known as the 'Graphic Novels and Comics, Critique and Collaboration Meetup'. It’s gone through various iterations and different organisers, but all with the core idea of helping each other make work we’re proud of. Over the years many people have forged creative partnerships and workshopped ideas with the group that have gone on to become fully realised projects.
We’re a very friendly, laid-back and welcoming group, and apart from advice and feedback then our Meetups are also a great way to meet like-minded people and just hang out to talk about comics.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- WIP Creating Comics Online - Visual MotifsLink visible for attendees
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This session will be recorded
******************************************************************Creating Comics is a monthly meetup, where we study the craft of drawn narratives with the goal of helping people create their own comics.
Comics are an inherently visual medium and our short and longform comics can take advantage of visual motifs to help tie together their story, theme, characters, jokes and so much more. In this session we’ll be:
- Looking at various motifs in other comics & media
- Examining their strengths and weaknesses
- Enhancing a script using a motif
- Combining everything learned to create a motif
This session will involve us both analysing and loosely creating visual motifs. It will be suitable for artists and writers alike, regardless of drawing skill, so make sure you have something that can put a mark to a surface and have a go at creating in our different exercises!
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The session will be hosted by Hanna Gwynn:
https://hannagwynn.com/The link and password to join the Zoom call will be shared the morning of the event to everyone who RSVPs. Be sure to select 'Going' to get it sent over to you.
See you there!
- WIP Creating Comics Online - Community SpecialLink visible for attendees
******************************************************************
This session will be recorded
******************************************************************Creating Comics is a monthly meetup, where we study the craft of drawn narratives with the goal of helping people create their own comics.
This is a community-led session, with several exciting talks on a variety of subjects from members of the WIP Comics community:
🎤 Learning how we Learn
Libby Reed presents a semi informal exploration of how different people use problem solving in drawing and creativity, with examples from her own experience and from other creators she looks up to. Will include funny illustrated presentation.
Presented by Libby Reed (https://www.wishtea.art/)----------------------
🎤 Exploring tricky / awkward topics with humour & mindfully - in a 6 panel comic! Presentation, drawing activity + sharing (if there's time!)
Sharing some examples from his colourful comic memoir The Weird & Wonderful Surviveries of Squid Horse and how the form has helped him, Squid would like to invite others to consider either trying a 6 panel format and/or a tricky or awkward topic while being mindful of the reader.Maybe there's something you want to tell the world, or someone in particular but don't know how to say it? Or there's a topic ("real" or imagined!) you've been curious to explore...
Bring something to draw on/with :)
Content notes: The book explores various traumas affecting mental health. The examples used in the workshop will likely refer to grief and confidence issues. Please use content notes before sharing anything that might be upsetting.
Presented by The Mollusc Dimension (https://www.instagram.com/SquidHorseComics/)
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The session will be hosted by Mike Armstrong:
https://www.mike-armstrong.com/The link and password to join the Zoom call will be shared the morning of the event to everyone who RSVPs. Be sure to select 'Going' to get it sent over to you.
See you there!
