Aśka

Bio
Workshops and Talks

Aśka (pronounced ‘Ash-ka’), she/they, is an award winning cartoonist, energetic visual storyteller, an ex-quantum physicist and a big fan of the little doovalacky above the ‘s’ in her name (which you pronounce ‘Ash-ka’).

A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka is passionate about visual literacy education. In addition to a catalogue of self-published comics they have traditionally published more than a dozen books and graphic novels. Their recent titles include the Stonewall Award Notable YA graphic novel “Stars in Their Eyes” (with Jessica Walton), which was also nominated for the 2022 Comic Arts Awards of Australia and the CBCA Council of Australia Notable Books.

As ka Science Zine

Aśka’s latest physics-meets-road-trip YA graphic novel is “The Friendship Paradox” (Allen & Unwin).

She is also a recipient of several government Arts grants, prizes and fellowships. Aśka is an organising committee member for the Perth Comic Arts Festival, contributes regularly to The School Magazine, volunteered as Illustrator Co-ordinator in the WA branch of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for four years, has singlehandedly run an animation festival, and held a solo art exhibition exploring numbers in nature.

When they’re not creating children’s books, Aśka is travelling across Australia teaching eager students of all ages how to write with pictures.

Friendship Promo 1 aska

As ka Stars in Their Eyes

Profile image credit Emanuel Rudnicki

All of my visits require projector or a smart TV with a HDMI connection. The cable should reach the front where the screen is (I cannot use a clicker).

I also require a full size table at the front and some stage-space.

All students should arrive with a piece of paper, a pen (not a pencil!) and something to lean on.

For workshops, in addition to the tech requirements, all students need to be seated at desks, facing the front screen. A pile of A4 photocopy paper on each desk and some biros, pens and/or textas (no pencils please).

TALK : How Pictures Work (45min – 60min)

Years 3 – 12; groups over 100 students are ok, but details of the location and extra tech need to be discussed with me in advance.

This interactive talk explores the science behind words and pictures (including a fun experiment!), dive into the multisensory nature of images, and unravel the magic of how comics work. This fast-paced presentation will discuss the relationship between words and pictures, touch on advertising and the importance of visual literacy in the age of screens, as well as including live drawing, hands-on comic activity and a little bit of science.

My talks are made up of ‘modules’ and can be tailored to the school’s needs, adding topics such as:

how I turn 300-word manuscripts into picture books,
process of making a 1000+ panel graphic novel,
the importance of feeding our imaginations,
visualising dyslexia,
perseverance: the science of ‘mistakes’, and more.

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WORKSHOP: Writing with Pictures (60min /90min/ 120min)

Years 3 - 12; Adults 7 Educators

Max capacity: 30 pax/session

Description: This is by far my most popular workshop with very high engagement rate. It explores how to craft stories using the visual part of the brain, examining comics conventions such as: symbolism, pacing, paneling, emotion and multisensory elements. This workshop does not require artistic skill, and focuses more on images as information. It’s a great addition to writing and literacy programs, as it teaches fundamental storytelling skills.

WORKSHOP : Dynamic Characters (60min – 90min)

Years 3 - 8

Max capacity: 30 pax/session

Description: This fun workshop focuses on character design and body language. Students will explore techniques for creating interesting, memorable characters and break out of existing drawing habits to produce something fresh. Practical “hacks” that help drawings leap off the page will be demonstrated, and the workshop will finish with a “one-image story” challenge.

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