‘Making Comics Come Alive’ Workshop May 9 at Good Contrivance Farm

If you like graphic novels, illustrated essays, and other use of images in writing, you’ll want to attend Nguyên Khôi Nguyễn’s workshop—“Making Comics Come Alive”—at Good Contrivance Farm on Saturday, May  9. You don’t have to be an artist to attend this generative workshop. It’s open to writers of all kinds: you’ll have fun, learn lots, and come away with your own illustrations for a unique approach to your writing.

Nguyên (pronounced “win”) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose cartoons have been featured in The New Yorker and McSweeney’s. He is the author of the Ignatz-nominated comic series, The Gulf, vocalist/pianist of the jazz trio, Superior Cling, and co-creator of the multimedia cooking website, Mom’s Viet Kitchen. Nguyễn is currently the Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Media at Loyola University Maryland. He is the recipient of The Baker Prize in Literary Arts, a Rubys Artist Grant, and an Independent Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council. Nguyễn lives in Baltimore with his wife and two sons.

Here are some insights from Nguyên that you might find of interest!

Graphic novels and illustrated stories and essays seem to be everywhere these days. Is that true? If so, what accounts for the rise in popularity of graphics combined with writing? 

As a parent, I’m amazed by how many comics are available to my kids. I would bet that exposure at an early age primes children to keep reading graphic narratives as adults, and so the audience  expands along with the art form.

How did you get into graphic narratives?

I read and drew superhero comics growing up, but that petered out in adulthood. In my twenties, I started reading graphic novels and was blown away by the artistry and storytelling. I thought I’d give the medium a try, and now 14 years later, I’m starting to get the hang of it.

The workshop you’re offering at Good Contrivance Farm’s Writer’s Retreat–on May 9–promises to show writers how best to use graphic elements. Does a writer have to be an accomplished artist like you to make good use of illustrations in their writing? 

Everyone can make comics, including writers! When I make comics, I’m really trying to tap into my uninhibited 8-year-old self. So, writers don’t need to have fancy drawing skills to make comics.

Can you name the top three graphic novels that you’d recommend for anybody who is new to the genre? 

“Edena” by Moebius
“Hot Comb” by Ebony Flowers
“Maus” by Art Spiegelman

What are the top illustration strategies that these novels show writers?

Keep It simple.
Show don’t tell.
Use panels to compress/expand time.
Pictures can add new meaning to text (not just illustrate)
Let your drawing take you on an unexpected journey.

What advice can you offer to anyone interested in incorporating illustrations in their writing?

Start by drawing single-panel comics. It’s a format that is succinct in both word and picture. Sketch small and quickly.