TIME & SPACE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Zines Workshop - Playing with Panels

What is the point of panels in comics? What happens when we don’t use them? What happens when panels vary in size and shape?
About this Event

How can I use panels in comics to depict time and space in my neighborhood?

Join us for a creative exploration of neighborhoods, everyday moments, and the subjectivity of time through comics and zines.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how comics and zines can capture time in ways that words alone can’t. You might create a comic about a single moment stretched across several panels, document the small changes you notice on a walk, tell a story through a sequence of moments, or use repetition, pacing, and page turns to show how time passes.

Participants will learn fundamentals of making small, easily sharable comics, including:

• An introduction to using the comics medium;
• Simple book-forms;
• Creating characters and visual narratives;
• Story prompts
• Ways to express time and space by making choices about panel frames, pacing, sequencing, repetition, transitions, and page turns

You'll leave with your own mini-stories to share and trade with others. No experience necessary! If you have ever doodled, you can make a comic :)

Do you have a favorite pencil or pen? If so, bring it. The instructor will also provide some basic tools and paper.

Ticket comes with 1 drink.

Earlybird 15% off until September 18th

About the Instructor:

Tyler Cohen (they/she) is a cartoonist, graphic designer, and educator, who has been making mini-comics (zines), contributing to anthologies, and creating books for over 20 years. They have taught comics classes at SFSU and workshops at California College of the Arts and the San Francisco Public Library. Tyler holds a special love for mini comics and zines because anyone can make them, and share them—these small books are a great way to communicate and to be in community!

About Sunset Commons:

Carmen and Steven started Sunset Commons to provide a space to connect and build community through arts and craft activities led by talented local artists. Inspired by a love for creativity and a desire to foster connection in the Sunset District, we envisioned a “third space” where neighbors can gather, unwind, and form meaningful relationships. Our mission is to empower self-expression, boost confidence, and offer an inclusive haven for everyone, from introverts seeking a calm environment to those enjoying health-focused traditional teas. Sunset Commons is not just a business - it’s our way of enriching the community we love and to the city we both grew up in.

*Our events are often photographed and filmed so we can share the fun with our community. If you don’t want to be on camera, no worries—let us know before the event.

Agenda

🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:30 PM
Check-in
🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:40 PM
Welcome and introduction
🕑: 06:40 PM - 06:55 PM
Demonstration
🕑: 06:55 PM - 08:15 PM
Activity
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Conclusion