Create a Universe
A fast, joyful introduction. The group invents a shared world, then each person designs a character and an origin story.
They leave with: Each participant leaves with a digital character and a short story.
For programs
Your students.Their own comic books.
We bring the facilitators, the tools and the printing. Your students bring the ideas. Choose a single session or a multi-week course, in person or on Zoom.
Trusted by schools, libraries and community organisations
Three ways to start
Most partners begin with Workshop 1.0 and grow from there.
Build a Story
A deeper session that ends in print: a group anthology, or an individual 16-page comic book for every participant.
They leave with: A published anthology or their own printed comic, plus a certificate.
Learn Advanced Skills
A multi-week course with professional digital tools, storytelling technique and career-ready soft skills.
They leave with: A job-ready portfolio and mentoring from working creators.
Prices exclude travel where it applies. Workshop 2.0 needs at least 10 participants.
What you can report back
Outcomes a board or funder understands
- AI and digital skills. Students learn to direct AI tools with clear, descriptive language, and to judge what comes back.
- Storytelling and writing. Every comic needs a character, a world and a plot. Literacy practice that doesn't feel like work.
- Communication. They pitch ideas, give feedback, and present a finished book to a room.
- Self-discovery. Characters are built from each student's own strengths, values and struggles.
- Job skills. Deadlines, teamwork and a portfolio piece. Some participants go on to paid roles with us.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us about your group
A two-minute form: who you serve, how many, and when you'd like to start.
Step 2
A free 30-minute call
We match a workshop to your goals, budget and schedule, and answer every question.
Step 3
We run it
Our facilitators lead the sessions. Your students finish with their own characters, stories and comics.
Questions programs ask
Do participants need to draw or write well?
No. The workshops are designed so anyone can create using digital tools. Participants who do draw or write are welcome to bring those skills.
Who leads the sessions?
Cooley Comics facilitators: writers, illustrators and digital art specialists, including young facilitators who started as participants.
What technology do we need?
A smartphone or any internet-connected device per participant. Cooley Comics provides access to the licensed creative platforms during the workshop.
Is it accessible?
Yes. We regularly work with special education programs and the disability community, and we make accommodations whenever possible, especially when we know ahead of time.
Who owns the work?
The participant. Anything created in a workshop belongs to the person who made it. Cooley Comics never claims ownership.
What about younger children?
Participants younger than 13 need an adult supervisor in attendance.
When can sessions run?
Group sessions usually run on weekdays between 10 AM and 5 PM Eastern. Tell us what you need on the call.
How do programs usually pay for this?
That varies by organisation, so we talk it through on the call and can send whatever paperwork your approval process needs.
Not ready for a call yet?
Get new program dates, student comics and ideas for funding creative programs. About one email a month, and you can leave any time.