We’ve got lots of projects underway in our Graphic Memoir Intensive group. A few recent works feature “road trips” from the past. These trips might be special journeys of the “once in a lifetime” sort, of a road trip made annually for a family vacation. The different routes of our roots give comics artists plenty to reflect on in the present!

In her mini-comic “Shambala,” Lynn Von Sien uses a nostalgic feel to match the time period she represents.

Notice the snapshot-like images in her page structure, the many tones she achieves working in black and white. We see things like a paper map and a push-button car radio… and we don’t see any personal electronics!

Lynn is currently at work on another, longer memoir! About her membership in the Memoir group, Lynn writes, “my self-imposed accountability to the group keeps me moving forward and feedback helps me to avoid pitfalls.”

Another group member, Donna Druchunas, continues work on a series of zines which combine memoir with Lithuanian folk tales. This page--done in Procreate--focuses on part of a trip through Lithuania.

Notice how Donna’s page incorporates contemporary technology through the prominence of the iPhone as a map, as a music source, and as a camera, with an actual photograph and an image of a road “collaged” onto the page!

About her time in the Graphic Memoir Intensive, Donna says, “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to create comics. But with the support from SAW, I learned so much and figured out how to put it to use.”

What routes have you explored in life? Why not use comics to explore them again and share what you discover?

WANT TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR OWN COMIC CREATION?

Do you have a story inside you that’s just itching to come out, but want some guidance to help push it out?

Learn more about intensive comics learning with teachers at SAW by checking out SAW’s Year-Long Intensive Program and our Six-Month Graphic Novel Intensive.

Be sure to also check out our Online Courses, since some courses are offered year-round and are always enrolling!

Our Graphic Memoir Intensive runs year round and is always enrolling. It includes access to a vibrant working community, twice-monthly live online check-ins, weekly prompts, and access to SAW’s Monthly Pro Calls!

Our Comics Flow Group, is also year-round and always enrolling and is SAW's MOST AFFORDABLE course option with access to Monthly Pro-Calls!

And, of course, come see what we’re all up to on SAW's Mighty Network anytime!