Discover the power of creativity, teamwork, and technology.

Comic Lab Workshops

Our workshops are facilitated experiences where participants interact online and/or in-person to learn how to design characters, create stories, enhance confidence, and team-build through the art of comic books. Our sessions use digital tools so anyone can create—even if you don’t know how to draw or write.

All workshops are fully accessible, and accommodations can always be made to ensure inclusivity.

In These Workshops…

Participants gain creative confidence, self-expression, and storytelling skills while working on fun, engaging exercises. Since our workshops are taught using digital tools, they are designed to be accessible for all people of all abilities. You don’t need prior art or writing experience—just bring your imagination. Perfect for youth, adults, families, and teams seeking unique enrichment opportunities.

Workshop 1.0

Create A Universe

1.5 Hour Workshop // 15+ Participants

Participants collaborate to co-create a shared universe. Then each person designs their own character and origin story using just a smartphone or device with internet access. Each participant leaves with a digital character image and short story, plus an energized sense of creative teamwork and digital confidence.

Workshop 2.0

Build A Story

3 Hour Workshops // 10-15 Participants

2 options are available for this step. Option A: Participants design character sheets and collaborate to publish a group anthology comic, where each person’s story is featured. Option B: Each participant creates their own 16-page printed comic book, including cover design, story layout, and final art.

Workshop 3.0

Learn Advanced Skills

Multiple 1 Hour Sessions // 10-15 Participants

Participants advance their creative skills over 8-14 workshops where they learn to use professional digital tools, storytelling techniques, and soft skills that prepare them for careers. Graduates become job-ready creators, with portfolios that lead to internships with Cooley Comics (paid & unpaid), and careers.

Start Here!

Click the button to complete the interest form.

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What Will Each Participant Learn?

Each workshop is customized for the group or individual. We start by teaching our digital tools and craft the lessons based on the interests of the group or individual, as we progress.

Lessons may include:

  • Character Creation – Design your own character and bring them to life using digital art tools.
  • Storytelling & Writing – Develop your story ideas into compelling narratives with guidance from our facilitators.

  • World Building – Create unique settings and environments where your characters’ stories unfold.

  • Comic Layout & Design – Learn the basics of comic book page design and visual storytelling.

In this video students from NYSAA receive their comic books at a celebration event. workshop is customized for each group and individual.

Deliverables & Cost

Workshop 1.0

$750 (up to 35) + $10 per additional participant

What's included?

  • Guided facilitation by Chris Cooley, CEO of Cooley Comics.
  • Group storytelling and universe creation activity.
  • Real-time character image and story generation.

Outcomes

  • Each participant leaves with a digital character image and short story, plus an energized sense of creative teamwork and digital confidence.

Example total cost

For 40 participants → $800 total ($750 base + $50 for 5 additional participants).

Sessions can be conducted In-person or on Zoom (if travel is needed, it is quoted separately).

Workshop 2.0

Option A = $200 per // Option B = $300 per

What's included?

  • Access to Cooley Comics’ digital tools and facilitation.
  • Printed anthology or individual comic books.
  • Certificate of completion and recognition

Outcomes

Participants become published creators, gaining storytelling, design, and digital literacy skills.

Example total cost

  • Option A, 10 participants  → $2,000 (minimum)
  • Option B, 15 participants  → $4,500 (maximum)

Sessions are conducted In-person for a min. of 10 participants (travel is quoted separately).

Workshop 3.0

$50 per participant / per session

What's included?

  • Weekly 1-hour guided sessions (Zoom or In-person).
  • Mentorship from industry professionals.
  • Access to creative software and project-based learning.

Outcomes

Graduates become job-ready digital creators with portfolios that open doors to job opportunities, internships, and scholarships.

Example total cost

8 sessions × 10 participants × $50 → $4,000 total (minimum)

Sessions can be conducted In-person or on Zoom for a min. of 10 participants (travel is quoted separately).

Send Us A Request 🙂

Click below to complete the interest form to request and book a session.

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Who can participate in the workshops?
    Anyone! These sessions are open to all individuals, regardless of experience level or ability.

  • Do participants under 13 need an adult present?
    Yes. For participants younger than 13, an adult supervisor must be in attendance during workshops.

  • What kinds of skills will participants learn?
    Participants will learn digital and traditional illustration, creative writing, and comic storytelling. They’ll also use digital tools—including AI—to create characters and stories even if they can’t draw or write.

  • Who are the instructors?
    Workshops are led by Cooley Comics professionals, including writers, illustrators, and digital art specialists, matched to each participant’s goals.

  • What technology and software are used?

  • Cooley Comics provides access to licensed and paid platforms during the workshops.

  • During each session, participants have unlimited use of Cooley Comics platforms and licensed software (within reason).

  • What time of day are the sessions?
    Collaborative and 1 on 1 sessions can be flexible and booked during typical business hours (Monday through Friday between the hours of 9AM – 7PM ET). Group sessions typically happen weekdays between the hours of 10AM – 5PM.

  • Do participants need to save their work?
    Yes. If specific images or content are created during a session, participants should download or save them before the session ends. Our team cannot recover those files once the session is closed.

  • Who owns the work created during the sessions?
    Anything created in the workshops belongs to the participant. Cooley Comics will never claim ownership. With participant consent, we may share selected pieces for marketing purposes (to inspire others and showcase what’s possible).

  • What if someone has different abilities or learning needs
    We make accommodations for participants whenever possible, especially if we are informed ahead of time. Our sessions are designed to be accessible and adaptable.

  • What happens after the workshops?
    Participants can continue one-on-one or move toward creating their own full comic book with guidance from professional writers, illustrators, and designers.

  • How do I sign up?
    Anyone interested should join the first come, first serve waitlist by filling out the form here: Apply Here.