0
Close
✕
0
Close
✕

Comics Lab Camp

« All Events

Comics Lab Camp

Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 7, 9 am - 12 pm

Mon, August 3
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tween-aged youth drawing comics at comics lab camp
Purchase

Time

Mon, August 03, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Pricing

$225 For the Week

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

Create Your Own Comics Adventure at Comics Lab Camp

Join Comics Lab Camp and discover how to turn your ideas into exciting visual stories. Whether you love manga, superhero comics, graphic novels, or funny 4-panel strips, this camp helps you build the skills to create comics in your own unique style. Along the way, you develop confidence as both an artist and a storyteller.

First, learn the fundamentals of comics creation through fun and focused lessons. Explore how comics combine words and images to tell stories in ways that books and movies cannot. Then, practice using panels, pacing, dialogue, and page layouts to guide readers through your story. You also experiment with character design, expressions, action scenes, and visual storytelling techniques.

Each class begins with a short lesson that introduces a new comics skill or technique. Afterward, jump into guided workshop time where you apply what you learned right away. Work step-by-step on original comic pages, complete creative exercises, or develop a personal project from concept to finished pages. In addition, receive feedback and encouragement in a supportive studio environment.

Comics Lab Camp welcomes artists of all experience levels. Beginners can learn core storytelling and drawing techniques, while experienced artists can strengthen their style and explore new ideas. Most importantly, students gain hands-on experience creating comics from start to finish.

We provide basic drawing supplies for every student. However, you are welcome to bring your own favorite materials, including sketchbooks, markers, tablets, or digital drawing tools. No matter your medium, you will have the opportunity to create, experiment, and share your work with others who love comics too.

Ages 10 – 15

Graham Henderson Headshot

Graham Henderson is a comics creator and founder of Attune arts, an adaptive arts and recreation company. He has published comics that have been translated into multiple languages, exhibited at comic cons across the Midwest, and found tremendous joy in making drawings come to life.

Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.

Gorton offers financial assistance and flexible payment options to individuals who may be unable to afford standard program fees. This support ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful learning and cultural enrichment experiences. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated financial need.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the first week of class of any session. (The refund period for some classes, which require advanced reservations or purchase of materials, may be more limited.) Cancellations will incur a $5 handling fee for programs costing under $100 and a 10% handling fee for programs with fees of $100 or more. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified, and a full refund will be given.

If this class does not meet the minimum participation requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation within one week of the start date.

Details

Venue