Cartoonist Biswajit Balasubramaniam is conducting a two-day graphic novel workshop over the next couple of weekends. The Chennai-based artist will help participants conceptualise, plan and execute the basic framework to develop their own novels. “The aim is to help people tell their story visually,” he says.
While the Indian market is not as evolved as Japan, the US or Europe — “in Japan, graphic novels are used for advertising, telling stories with a social impact, and even deal with complicated relationships” — he believes we are on the cusp of “something big”. The popularity of events like Comic Con, and the emergence of authors like Sarnath Banerjee ( Corridor ), Malik Sajad ( Munnu ), Amruta Patil ( Kari ) and Orijit Sen ( River of Stories ), are all reflective of the positive changes.
Classics and critique
Day one will explore graphic designing while developing individual story lines. This will also include a critique of each other’s ideas. “A lot of people get intimidated, thinking only those who draw well can execute a graphic novel,” he shares. “But that’s not a prerequisite; it’s the storytelling that is important. Doodling is a natural instinct, and most of us do it before we learn how to write alphabets and numbers.”
The workshop will also include discussions on Herge’s Tintin, Asterix , by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, and the works of illustrator-writers Osamu Tezuka, RK Laxman and Craig Thompson, as Balasubramaniam believes the familiarity people enjoy with the classics make them a good starting point. Some of his other favourite novels include Maus by Art Spiegelman and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
On day two, he will concentrate on the final cuts of the novels. Those interested can also work on their novels with Balasubramaniam post the workshop.
Going digital
The growth of technology, with painting tools, designing softwares and tablets are encouraging more people to turn to this art, he shares. Social media, too, is playing a big role. “You don’t need a blog any more, you can make your work accessible via your Facebook page. Or use Instagram, to create a novel in four panels.” Self-publishing options have also made it easier for budding graphic novelists to get their work out without the fear of rejection.
Balasubramaniam’s next workshop will focus on how reporters can use this mode of storytelling to write their news stories. “It’s all about surrendering to your feelings,” he concludes.
₹6,000. On February 17 and 24, from 10 am - 5 pm, at Forum Art Gallery. Details: 42115596
