Graphic Novels & Arts

New Track to Gideon 2009

For beginners, hobbyists or the professional, the graphics track offers practical applications as well as an in-depth look at the trends, both in publishing and film, of this unique form of media in our culture. Join us for workshops, a panel discussion by some of the best in the industry with an audience Q & A, a course where your work is critiqued by professional graphic artists and writers, and an invitation to a Professional round table.

Workshops

Refer to schedule for day and times

Ken Raney

What is a Graphic Novel?

Is is a movie on paper? Or a story with pictures? We will look at the definition, history and current trends in graphic storytelling from the earliest newspaper comics, to current and significant graphic novels, to the "motion" comics now appearing on the internet and smart phones.

 

Mike Maihack

Webcomics

A whole new generation of readers is discovering comics online. What are the artistic and financial benefits of presenting your material online, how do you gain a readership, and what does this mean for the future of print comics? Join Mike Maihack as he presents the best methods for presenting your comics on the web and other electronic media and why the word "free" doesn't hold the same resonance as it once did.

 

Organizing an Anthology

One of the hottest trends in comics right now is the Comic Anthology-a collection of shorter formed comics from different creators collected under one volume. How does one of these anthologies come about and why are they becoming so successful? Find out how the current comic market and the internet are both responsible for this trend, how to create your own "online studio", and get a sneak peek at the upcoming Christian comic anthology, Parable.

 

Ben Avery

Why Comics? Graphic Novels and the Greatest Story Ever Told

If Jesus had been born in a different time, would he have used comic books to tell his stories? Well, probably not, but Jesus' storytelling has some very vivid visual elements, and the reason we remember so much of Jesus' teaching is the same reason comic books can be an effective tool for exploring spiritual concepts, crossing cultural and linguistic barriers. What makes comic books and graphic novels an effective medium for storytelling? How do comic books and graphic novels, as a medium, stack up against other methods of storytelling for the current generations?

 

Superman vs. Mario: The Uphill Battle

Comic books and graphic novels have never been more popular with the general public than in the last few years, and yet the comic book industry has never been in such a precarious position. Why are some publishers experiencing unprecedented success with graphic novels, while other publishers are barely breaking even, while still other publishers are losing money like their bank was built on top of a black hole? And what's the deal with "Christian comics"? Why has it never seemed to catch on? Is it just a misunderstood genre? Or a ghetto for shoddy storytelling? Are comic books and graphic novels a viable medium, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

 

Ben Avery & Mike Maihack

Show and Tell

Bring your portfolio and get specific personal advice from professionals. Here's your chance to find out what you next steps will be in becoming published or produced.

 

Ben Avery & Ken Raney

The Art of Storytelling

How words and pictures can make a powerful storytelling medium. Join Ben Avery and Ken Raney as they go through the ins-and-outs of writing and illustrating for the visual medium of comics. Comic book scripting is a unique form of storytelling that can be described as a cross between poetry and filmmaking. Artwise, there are tips and tricks developed by graphic story pioneers that bring life to the page and make your story hold the attention of its intended audience. We will look at what it takes to produce a graphic novel/comic as well as look at the resources needed and available for producers. How do I find a writer? An artist? How do I letter the art? Or color the art? Where do I get my graphic novel printed? What are the costs?

 

Graphic Novels & Arts Panel

Creating a powerful medium by uniting traditional publishing with contemporary arts

Wednesday, June 3, 8:30-9:30 AM

Moderated by award-winning author, Ray Blackston

Panel Includes:

Graphics Track Director Ken Raney, Producer Art Ayris, Artist Mike Maihack, and writer Ben Avery

Discussion Topics:

The Bible Film Project

This is a non-profit corporation dedicated solely to the translation of Bible comics and films into multiple languages for worldwide distribution. Realizing that 50-60% of the world is presently illiterate or semi-literate, the Bible Film Project partners with other non-profit and for-profit groups to produce and distribute comics and films of the highest production and cinematic caliber.

More discussion topics to be posted soon.

 

Professional Round Table

Tuesday evening, June 2, 7:00-9:00 PM

Invitation only for graphic novelists and artists to the Professional Round Table. Join some of the nation's top Christian authors, the biggest Christian publishing companies and editors, producers and filmmakers, as we talk about the future of publishing and how the media arts is playing a huge role in that future.

Please contact Ken Raney for more information to receive your invitation!

 

Join us for the Gideon Gala on Wednesday morning.