Drawing comic art isn't just about drawings and speech balloons; it's also a great therapeutic tool that allows us to express our emotions and share our unique experiences – including stuttering.
Stuttering, often misunderstood by society, can sometimes be challenging to explain. However, through comics, we can shed light on our experiences in a fun, engaging way and spread much needed awareness. What does your stuttering feel like? How would you illustrate it? What message do you want to convey?
In this workshop, we'll guide you in creating your own comic starring your stutter! No prior drawing experience is necessary and fluent speakers are welcome too. Paper and pencils will be provided. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their comic at the end of the workshop if they wish.
Participants will have a chance to express themselves through a new creative outlet via comic art. They will also learn how this medium can be used to reflect on their stuttering experiences and spread awareness to fluent readers. SLPs can also learn about a new fun activity they can use for their clients in therapy sessions while fluent participants can create a character and comic about a challenge they themselves may be facing.
About the presenters
Daniele Rossi
Daniele Rossi is a cartoonist living in Toronto. Stuttering and drawing comics since he was four, Daniele produces the Stuttering is Cool podcast and comic books starring Franky Banky, a cartoon fox who stutters offering a positive view about stuttering along with a little humour.
Jean-Sébastien Bérubé
Jean-Sébastien Bérubé is a French Canadian comic book artist known for his historical series, Radisson, published by Glénat, and for his graphic novels, Comment je ne suis pas devenu moine and Vers la tempête, published by Futuropolis. As a person who stutters, Jean-Sébastien talks about stuttering in his autobiographical work.