Comics Declassified is aimed at marginalised creatives, this includes (but is not limited to) young people who are LGBTQIA+, global majority, working-class, care experienced, neurodivergent, disabled, hospitalised, and/or experiencing complex trauma and mental ill-health.

 

Comics • Graphic Novels • Kids comics • Webcomics

Writing • Inking & Colouring • Crowdfunding

Editing • Lettering • Comics conventions

IP writing • Layout design • Contracts & Rights

If you are a 16-30 yo Comics creator, whether you’re into writing, illustrating or both, we can support your journey.

If you live in Merseyside we offer 10-months of personalised support: 2 in-person group sessions a month + online masterclasses with industry experts + mentoring.

You will have access to the Comics Youth resources during in-person group sessions (iPads with Procreate for digital drawing; laptops with Word for writing; stationery and various drawing materials) and you’ll be able to browse our extensive comics library. Plus, travel expenses to our HQ are refunded from anywhere in Merseyside. Fill in the membership form to join

Don’t live in Merseyside?

Don’t worry, you can still attend the online masterclasses with industry experts once a month! See more info below or just click here to sign up

 
 

IN-PERSON GROUP SESSIONS

We will run 2 sessions a month starting from November 2025 until August 2026.

We have a limited number of iPads and laptops you can book to use during the sessions for digital drawing or creative writing; an extensive comics library that you can browse through; lots of stationery, drawing materials, and snacks! All free.

Where: Comics Youth HQ

When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 5:15 – 7:15 PM. Come to one or to both sessions, it’s up to you!

 

Session A (1st Thursday of the month )

Aimed at helping you build a solid path into the comics industry from the ground up. We will focus on developing great storytelling skills (visual or written) and you will gain knowledge about publishing.

This session will also shape the monthly online masterclasses’ Q&A.

 

Session B (3rd Thursday of the month )

For those who have already taken steps into publishing (including self-publishing or participating in collective zines) and want support planning their next steps. We will work on taking your practice further and there will be surprise guests.

 

Mentoring

Additionally to the support you will receive during the in-person group sessions you will also have the opportunity to book a 1-2-1 advice session.

 

Reasons to join:

  • Meet other likeminded people

  • Develop your skills

  • Learn about all the different career pathways

  • Take guided steps into your professional journey

  • Shape the direction of the online masterclasses

  • Access to Comics Youth’s resources

To be a part of this project please fill in the Membership form and we’ll get in touch with more details.

If you have any questions, want more information on paid travel, or just need a pep-talk, email  sara@comicsyouth.co.uk

 

ONLINE MASTERCLASSES

Although the full programme offer is Merseyside-based, the online Masterclasses can be accessed from anywhere in the UK.  

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN?

The online masterclasses will happen once a month on Tuesday, 5 - 6:30 PM (UK Time).

They with be livestreamed on Microsoft Teams and include a Q&A at the end. To participate, you must sign up.

Topics include Editing in comics; Colouring & inking; Writing and drawing for Kids comics; Understanding contracts & rights; Comics conventions… and many more.

See who our guest speakers are and the topics they will be covering HERE

Can’t make it? Don’t worry, the masterclasses will be recorded and made accessible to everyone at a later date on our YouTube channel, with added captions and BSL interpretation.

 
 

WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS

The UK comics sector is a vibrant yet inequitable landscape, with significant barriers for early-career and marginalised creators. A 2020 survey by UK Comics Laureate Hannah Berry found that the average comics creator earns just £10,299 per year, with 87% relying on external income sources. Additionally, only 6% of creators are aged 16-24, indicating limited early-career opportunities.

Comics Declassified is a transformative, cross-sector initiative designed to address these gaps by providing a 10-month hybrid training and development programme. We aim to:

  • Create a transparent, accessible pathway into the comics industry for early-career creators;

  • Reduce barriers to professional success for marginalised creators by providing practical industry knowledge;

  • Strengthen the UK comics talent pipeline by equipping creators with income-generating skills.