DIY Comics School

The DIY. (Do-It-Yourself) Comics School is a group that meets the first Monday of every month with the goal of working together to provide continuing comics education in a collaborative setting. Open to everyone and anyone interested in creating comics!

The DIY Comics School launched in the spring of 2018 and was originally a collaboration between Akin Projects and Akin St Clair artist Christopher Green (aka Mumblethief).  The group has since expanded and now operates independently of Akin Projects.

Participation is free and open to everyone. Anyone interested in comic making is welcome to join for one or all of the monthly meetings. Some materials are provided but feel free to bring a sketchbook or papers, pencils, pens or markers, and any comics or comic projects you wish to show and share with the group.

The group is currently meeting on the first Monday of every month starting at 6:30pm at the Canada Comics Open Library (585 Dundas Street East, 3rd Floor). However meeting details are subject to change. In order to join the DIY Comics School please join the Discord Group or the Facebook Group (or both) so you can stay up to date on meeting times and locations.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Get in touch! Click the buttons below to join the fun or email diycmx@gmail.com for more information.


The idea for the DIY Comics School came about from the participants of the first Akin Comic Day event:

Event Poster by Sarvenaz Rayati of Akin Lansdowne

Akin Comic Day was a FREE one-day celebration of comic books, comic making and comic artists! We invited the public to drop in anytime and stay for a few minutes or the whole day. There were many exciting ways for everyone to explore and enjoy comic books and comic making including:

  • Comic Corner: A fun selection of hands-on activities to enjoy all day! All materials provided. Collaborate on group comic projects and individual explorations of comic art and visual storytelling. Suitable for all ages and experience levels.

  • Comic Reading Zone: Relax and enjoy browsing a curated selection of some of the most interesting and renowned comics out there.

  • Comic Art Exhibition: Comic art by Akin Collective studio artists on display.

  • Artist Events: Live drawing, comic readings, book signings and more. Akin Collective comic artists will be on-site during the event. More details to me announced soon - stay tuned!

  • Comic Book Sale: Browse the sale table for some comic book treasures to take home with you!

  • Official launch of the Akin Comic and Zine Library: a new permanent collection at Akin St Clair.

  • Official launch of the Akin Comics Club: The Akin Comics Club is a new meet-up group for Toronto artists interested in comic-making and visual storytelling to stay connected and collaborate together on events, workshops and activities in Toronto.

The event featured comics, art, experiences and more by:

Althea Balmes - www.altheabalmes.com

Kate Drweckawww.katedee.com

Christopher Greenwww.mumblethief.tumblr.com

Carmina Miana - www.carminamiana.com

Loretta Miauw - www.instagram.com/loretta.miauw

Jen Pilleswww.jenpilles.com

Sarvenaz Rayati - www.sarvenaz-rayati.com

Yamandu Sztainbok - www.instagram.com/y.smerdis