Comic artists and writers to share their talents at Comic Gong

Wollongong’s very own Comic Gong festival is returning on Saturday 15 May and we’re excited to have five comic artists and writers sharing their skills, experiences, and views on the day.

The talented group of comic artists and writers includes Matt Lin, Marcelo Baez, Karen Beilharz, Queenie Chan and Louie Joyce. Each comic professional will run their own workshop before coming together for a panel discussion where they will chat anime, manga, art and everything in between. The ever-popular, live character ‘draw-off’, where the artists pit their skills against each other to illustrate scenarios or characters suggested by the audience, will be a highlight of this session.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said Comic Gong is largely successful due to its welcoming, inclusive and fun environment and these comic legends play a role in creating this atmosphere.

“The artists and writers are inspirational and bring a level of professionalism to the festival that participants appreciate and enjoy. The workshops showcase their craft and provide tools and tips for our Comic Gongers to hone and develop their own skills,” Cr Bradbery said.

“They have all made a name for themselves as illustrators and their own unique styles shine through their work. The wide variety of artists and writers that are contributing to the event just shows how diverse and creative the world of pop and comic culture is.

“I encourage our visitors to get in quick and sign up for one or more workshops or to be in the room for the panel discussion. It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and with this artistic group, its not to be missed.”

For the full program for ‘Comic Gong – Pandemic Arc’ visit https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/comicgong.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited for each event and workshop. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot

Here is a rundown on each comic creator, illustrator, graphic designer.

ARTISTS

Matt Lin

Lin is an illustrator and graphic designer who has turned his love of books, illustration and typography into his profession. Lin has worked for many books and magazine publishers such as Scholastic, HarperCollins and Macmillian. He also likes eating almond croissants and using black and blue pens to scribble.

Workshop: Drawing Pokémon Characters. Suitable ages 8-12 years.

Marcelo Baez

Working as a freelance illustrator, Baez creates work for children’s publications, comics, magazines, posters, trading cards and a plethora of other print and online imagery. His list of clients includes international companies such as Marvel, GQ Australia, ESPN Magazine, Time Out Singapore and many more. His first love was comics and illustration.

Workshop: Ink Drawing. Suitable for teens and up.

Karen Beilharz

Beilharz is a Sydney-based writer, editor and comics creator, best known for her work on Kinds of Blue, Eternal Life and Monsters and is currently working on a prose novel. She is a twitter addict and an avid knitter.

Workshop: Comic Scriptwriting. Suitable for teens and up.

Queenie Chan

Born in Hong Kong, Chan has collaborated on several graphic novels, worked on a number of anthologies and completed a fairy-tale inspired fantasy series called Fabled Kingdom. She Is currently studying for a PhD at Macquarie University, and creating a series of biographical young adult comics on famous historical queens called “Women Who Were Kings”.

Workshops:

Design your own Manga Character. Suitable ages 8-12 years

Beginner’s Guide to Pixel Art Animation. Suitable for ages 13+

Louie Joyce

Joyce is an award-winning comic creator and illustrator based in Wollongong. His comics include Haphaven, Past the Last Mountain, Astral and A Life in The City. His childhood was spent dreaming of becoming an astronaut, superhero and enchanted mermaid. Luckily, he can draw pretty will so he’s able to experience all those things and more by putting pen to paper.

Workshop: Making Comics. Suitable for teens and up.

EVENT DETAILS

Don’t miss this event as the comic legends sit down to chat about art and illustration, comic writing, manga and more. Who will come out top of the draw off – Team Marcelo or Team Matt?

What: Comic Gong Presents: Panel Discussion and Draw-Off

When: Saturday 15 May

Time: 1-2.30pm

Location: Bluescope Room, Wollongong Art Gallery

Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.

All Wollongong City Council events are conducted in accordance with Public Health Order requirements following rigorous risk assessments and development of COVID Safe plans. We ask our attendees to use the QR code to sign-in on arrival and to maintain 1.5 metres social distancing. We also ask if you are not feeling well on the day to please do not attend.