EDGE: Youth Art Workshops

In March of 2021, I facilitated an Intro to Illustration workshop for high school youth with Arts Etobicoke. An introductory workshop sharing my creative process, the importance of critique/feedback and two interactive ideation activities.

The workshop was a part of a series of online engagements including workshops, artist talks, and professional development opportunities for students participating in EDGE: Youth Art Show 2021.

To my younger (& present self):

 

Don’t create in a vacuum.

Get inspired by other mediums & be open to experimentation. Watch movies, listen to music, take a walk. 

Process over product.

Understanding and focusing on your process will be more beneficial, instead of ruminating on the final product. 

Don’t worry about style.

“Your Style” will happen organically, it will evolve. Everything that comes from your mind is your style

 

Bye, bye to stereotypes.

Struggling artist? Turn your pain into art? Those romanticize harmful behaviours, you don’t have to “struggle” or “starve” to be a great artist.

Avoid the comparison game.

Harder said than done. Just remember, everyone is at a different stage of their career.

Stay clear of the competition trap.

Not everything is a competition, your peers/coworkers are your community & support system.

 

Advice? Take it with a Grain of Salt.

Pick & choose the most relevant feedback to you and your work (that includes my advice as well).

That 24/7 Hustle

Talk about unhealthy. Your creativity is a muscle that needs to rest, it is okay to step away sometimes.

Draw what you like!

The most important tip IMO.

Resources

 

Books & Comics

  • Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work!, Keep Going

  • Adam J. Kurtz’s Things Are What You Make of Them 

  • Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art

  • Paul Arden’s It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be

  • Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics

  • Eleanor Davis’ Why Art?

  • Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer

Videos

Websites & More Links

App Alternatives