Tiny Alphabet Zine

Students select various materials for their zine project.

Students select various materials for their zine project.

I show the class how to use the paper cutter in the lab.

I show the class how to use the paper cutter in the lab.

How to create a tiny book

I have taught at the CCS Summer Workshops for 3 summers. I love teaching about mixed-media comics. I start with a PowerPoint slide-show featuring work by Franz Masereel, Souther Salazar, Eric Carle, Vanessa Davis and many more mixed-media artists whom I admire. After that, we do an activity where we collaboratively create a 32-page book out of a single 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. This project, which I designed, is called the Tiny Alphabet Zine!

Students illustrate their letters, making sure the letter is legible.

Students illustrate their letters, making sure the letter is legible.

I love seeing what each person creates!

I love seeing what each person creates!

A fun way to learn about book-making

I love planning templates. This project is exciting because it teaches students just how easy it is to make a book — you just need to plan a little beforehand. I supply the template for the project, and then divide up the pages with the students. Each person designs 1 or 2 pages using at least two different mixed media materials. We use origami paper, old comics, pastels, and anything else on hand. The final comic is tiny with 2.75" x 4.5" page spreads. My CCS professor, Robyn Chapman, featured this project in her book, Drawing Comics Lab.