Sketchbooks & Zines: Junk Journalling (Ages 12 – 16)

Hand holding a sketchbook page filled with manga-style character drawings in pencil and marker

Sketchbooks & Zines: Junk Journalling (Ages 12 – 16)

Fall 2026
Schedule
Wednesdays November 18 - December 16
4:45 - 6:45pm
Location
Course Fee
$275 + HST
Enroll Now
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About this course

Bring forward your inner storyteller and dive into the world of DIY publishing! Led by illustrator Anita Fowl, this six-week studio gives youth total creative control to design, illustrate, and produce their very own comics, sketchbooks, and zines. From crafting original characters and dramatic panel layouts to exploring page fold, binding, and filling their books with their creations, students will explore the intersection of visual storytelling. Whether you’re a budding graphic novelist, a manga enthusiast, or just love to sketch, this is a fun, highly collaborative space to build technical illustration skills, find your unique voice, and walk away with a collection of self-published creations to enjoy and share.

What you'll learn

  • Develop Original Characters: Learn how to design expressive characters with distinct turnarounds, dynamic poses, and personal style.
  • Visual Storytelling: Practice panel layout, pacing, thumbnailing, and using word-and-image relationships to guide the reader through a narrative.
  • Explore DIY Bookmaking: Explore hands-on paper folding and basic binding techniques to assemble original sketchbooks, comics, and zines.
  • Build Technical Illustration Skills: Refine line art, inking techniques, shading, and lettering
  • Discover Personal Voice: Use self-published zines and comic strips as a creative outlet to express unique ideas, fandoms, or personal stories.
  • Collaborate and Share: Experience the culture of trading zines, sharing constructive feedback with peers, and building a portfolio of handmade publications.
What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."
Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour
"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."
Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively
"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."
Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively
"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."
Adult student · Acrylic Art 101
"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."
Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101
"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."
Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners
"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."
S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

Anita Fowl

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com


Fall 2026
Schedule
Wednesdays November 18 - December 16
4:45 - 6:45pm
Location
Course Fee
$275 + HST
Enrol Now

Keep exploring

  • Bronze sculpture with a decorative ceramic globe for a head standing outside the Gardiner Museum entrance — Avenue Road Arts School Floral Motif at the ROM course
  • Exterior image of Spadina museum - Avenue Road Arts School Art Sketching the Garden and Orchard