Thinking in Panels with Aśka

Thinking in Panels with Aśka Join energetic visual storyteller Aśka to discover how to turn ideas, feelings and moments into comics and graphic novels! How do you take something that exists in your head and translate it into a story told with pictures? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore several different strategies for turning ideas into comics, and experiment with how feelings, moments and stories can be expressed through the language of sequential storytelling. We’ll play with visual thinking, pacing, panel choices and ways of showing emotion, learning how small changes can completely transform the way a story feels. Along the way, you’ll create plenty of comics of your own and discover new ways to communicate ideas visually. And best of all, you do not need to be an artist! This workshop isn’t about drawing beautiful pictures. It’s about thinking visually, finding your own visual language, and using comics to tell the stories you want to tell. All curious teens aged 12 to 17 with a desire to tell visual stories are welcome, regardless of drawing ability or experience. This session will include a break in the middle and a Q&A at the end. Event Details: Date: Saturday, 23 January 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Tickets: Free (bookings essential) What to Bring: What to bring: Notebook and your favourite pens. Pencils and erasers are discouraged, and some biros, texters and A4 paper will be provided, but do bring your favourite materials. Light refreshments will be provided, but participants can also bring their own snacks or drinks. Spaces are limited. Book now and dive into the world of graphic novels and comics. Thank you to Writing WA for partnering with KSP Writers’ Centre for this year’s Love to Read Local Program. This project is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. About the Facilitator: Aśka (pronounced ‘Ash-ka’), she/they, is an award-winning comics maker, energetic visual storyteller and ex-quantum physicist. A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka makes graphic novels and comics for young Australians. Alongside a catalogue of self-published comics, they have traditionally published more than a dozen books and graphic novels. Aśka’s latest physics-meets-road-trip YA graphic novel, The Friendship Paradox (Allen & Unwin), draws on their experience as a travelling science communicator. Another recent title is the Stonewall Award Notable YA graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes, which was also a CBCA Notable Book and nominated for the Comic Arts Awards of Australia. Aśka is the recipient of multiple government arts grants, prizes and fellowships. She is also the Programming Director for the Perth Comic Arts Festival, a regular contributor to The School Magazine, and a former Illustrator Coordinator for the WA branch of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She has run an animation festival and held a solo art exhibition exploring numbers in nature. Aśka travels across Australia teaching students of all ages how to write with pictures. With a background spanning fine art, science communication and comics, their passion is helping people of all ages communicate, read and think visually. This workshop is proudly hosted by the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre and supported by the Shire of Mundaring. KSP is a partner with Act, Belong, Commit for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.