Kan’t Draw Komics 1

I’ve always been a terrible artist, and here’s a story to prove it.

In grade one, I came home with a D on my report card. It was in Reading Comprehension. Oh, I could read, but I couldn’t prove that I could understand what I’d read. This was because my grade-one teacher had decided to test our comprehension by asking us to draw pictures of what we’d read, and I refused to draw any people or animals. Why? Because I couldn’t draw them perfectly. So my reading-comprehension drawings had little or no resemblance to the stories.

Fast forward a year or so, and I’m at the kitchen table attempting to draw a squirrel. (At least I got past the refusing-to-draw-animals stage.) Anyway, I’m frustrated because I can’t get my squirrel right, so I ask my mother for help. She draws her version of a squirrel, teaching me how to make a body first, then add the head, ears, fluffy tail and paws. I said to my mother, “If you can’t draw a squirrel, why didn’t you say so?”

Ouch. Sorry, mom.

I suppose I’m a terrible artist because I haven’t tried to learn much about it. I’ve stayed stuck in perfectionism, which is a big block to creativity. But recently, I’ve felt the urge to share some of my writing tips in comic form, mostly because we live in a visual world, and I want to share in that. The only problem? Yes, you got it. I can’t draw.

Or can’t I?

This post is my official launch of Kan’t Draw Komics. I’ve decided that, not only am I going to attempt to draw my Komics, I’m going to share them with the world. Yes, I can only draw stick people. Yes, I’m afraid you will think I’m ridiculous. But I’ve decided that looking ridiculous is a risk I’m willing to take.

Here, folks, is my first comic. Enjoy! No please, really, do try to enjoy it!

Young Voices Magazine 2017

I was thrilled to to celebrate tonight with Toronto teen creators at the launch of the Toronto Public Library’s Young Voices Magazine 2017. Fifty-two years in print! Wow, that’s a lot of talent. It’s a honour to be a small part of this legacy.

Teen Creators: If you love to create, don’t miss the Young Voices Writers Conference on October 28. To submit to next year’s magazine, click here. You can check out back issues here, and pick up a copy of the 2017 magazine at your local branch! The Toronto Public Library also has its first ever Young Voices Comic Artist in Residence this year! The talented Tory Woollcott will be offering workshops for teens here!