AI Comic Labs
Rochester, NY, with workshops across New York State and in New Mexico
Over about 18 months, AI Comic Labs brought 2,000+ young people and individuals into nearly 100 workshops with 30+ community groups, and turned their ideas into 600+ original comic books.
By the numbers
- 2,000+ kids and individuals took part
- ~100 workshops hosted
- 30+ community groups partnered with us
- 600+ original comic books created
- 7,000+ printed books in people's hands
- ~18 months, from one workshop to a citywide movement
What one workshop adds up to
On average, across about 100 workshops:
- 1workshop
- ~20people creating
- ~6original comics
- ~70printed books
From 600+ original stories to 7,000+ books in people's hands
Each square is 100 books.
600+ original comic books
7,000+ printed copies
AI Comic Labs started with a single workshop alongside a community partner, and the local news was there to see it. Over the next 18 months it grew into Cooley Comics' biggest initiative yet.
Together with the Rochester City School District, the Central Library of Rochester, Let's Get L.I.T. (our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor) and a group of funding partners, we brought labs to schools, libraries and community spaces across Rochester, with smaller workshops across New York State and in New Mexico.
In every lab, participants used AI as Accessible Intelligence: a way to bring their own characters and stories to life, whether or not they could draw, read or write. Then they held the printed book in their hands.
- 2,000+ kids and individuals saw themselves as authors and creators
- 600+ original comic books, each one built from a participant's own ideas
- 7,000+ printed copies shared with families, schools and neighbors
- 30+ community groups connected through one shared creative program
- Some participants went on to paid creative work with Cooley Comics
- A culminating awards ceremony celebrated 150+ students and community leaders
- 1
Partner
Schools, libraries and community groups invite a lab in.
- 2
Imagine
Each participant invents a character based on who they are.
- 3
Create
AI tools help bring the character and story to life.
- 4
Print
Every creator holds a printed comic book they made.
- 5
Celebrate
Creators share their work with family and community.
Inside the labs
How it grew
- Chapter 1
The first workshop
Our first lab with a community partner, and the first time the news covered Cooley Comics.
- Chapter 2
Growing across the city
The news came back to show what AI Comic Labs had become.
- Chapter 3
The awards ceremony
150+ students and community leaders came together to celebrate the creators.
A few months ago I didn't know anything about digital art and now I'm getting paid to make comic books, all because of the AI Comic Labs.Justin, Rochester, NY
Bring an experience like this to your people
Tell us about your group and we'll suggest the right fit. Then book a free 30-minute call.
