The Noblesville Creates 11th annual Comic Book in Day Challenge, presented by Browning Day and sponsored by Blick Art Materials and McInnis Construction, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Ignite Studio at the Fishers Library. In-person and virtual options are available.
During the event, artists of all ages and skill levels will have the opportunity to craft a comic book entirely from scratch in just an eight-hour timeframe. Noblesville Creates’ Featured Artists, including Jackie Crofts, Stuart Sayger, Gavin Smith, and additional staff, will actively engage with attendees throughout the day, working alongside them while offering guidance, answering questions, and providing coaching.
Crofts is the artist of the coming-of-age crime comic Nutmeg and other self-published works. Sayger is an internationally renowned comic book artist who has produced interiors and covers for Lego Bionicle, DC Comics, IDW, Dynamite, his own book, Shiver in the Dark, and many others. Smith has worked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW), Star Trek: Resurgence (IDW), Dead Legends (A Wave Blue World), Heavy Metal Magazine, The Accelerators (Blue Juice Comics), and The Good Fight illustrating a story by Mark Waid, among many other titles.
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Throughout the day-long challenge, participants can mingle with other artists and compete for prizes. However, signing up for the challenge isn’t the only way to enjoy the event. Everyone is welcome to swing by at any time during the day to check out the action, meet and shop for cool artwork from our Featured Artists, and have a go at some fun comic-themed art activities.
The artwork produced during the challenge will be showcased in an exhibit at Ignite Studio and featured in a printed comic book.
After registering, participants will be included in Noblesville Creates’ contact list to receive event updates. The registration fee covers the ‘Comic Book in a Day’ compilation, containing each participant’s creation. Drawing supplies will be available for anyone who requires them during the event.
If the registration fee for this challenge is a barrier for your participation, please contact Noblesville Creates for options by calling (317) 452-3690 or by email at info@noblesvillecreates.org.
Prior to the day of the event, Noblesville Creates is offering a series of workshops to prepare for the challenge and/or to celebrate your love of comics. These workshops are free and will be held at the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Comic Book in a Day Workshops
Learn the Basics of Comic Books: Story & Art
Artists and comic book enthusiasts of all ages can discover the basic building blocks that make comic books such a unique medium. This workshop will focus on how to develop a sequential story, with some tips and tricks to make your own comics even better. The presenter is Erik Lundorf, who is a professional comic artist known for creating murals, and educational comics, as well as telling comic stories. In the summer of 2023, he released his first graphic novel titled Revealed!
The workshop will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11. Click here to register.
What Makes Telling Stories in Comic Books Great
At a glance, comic books can seem to be just pictures and words, but comic-lovers know that they are so much more than the sum of their parts. Whether you are a long-time comic book fan or brand new to this genre, this workshop will open your eyes to some great storytelling techniques and maybe even point you toward some great new titles. The instructor is Bill Wilkison, who is a professional artist, educator, historical interpreter, actor, and clown.
The workshop will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Click here to register.
Next Level Comic Book Creating
Are you feeling confident about your comic book knowledge? Are you looking for a new creative challenge? This workshop will give you pro-level tips on taking your own original comic books or comics-inspired art to the next level. The presenter is Stuart Sayger, who is an internationally renowned comic book artist, who has produced interiors and covers for Lego Bionicle, DC Comics, IDW, Dynamite, his own book, Shiver in the Dark, and many others. He is an engaging teacher and will be a Featured Artist during the Comic Book in a Day event.
The workshop will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18. Click here to register.
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Additional information on the workshops can be found by clicking here. Registration for the challenge can be found by clicking here.