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 Publishing • 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 both in-person and online (keep reading)
Don’t live in Merseyside? Don’t worry, you can still attend the online Masterclasses with Industry Experts once a month. Click here to sign up
GROUP SESSIONS
From November 2025 to August 2026 we will run 2x Thursday evening sessions a month at Comics Youth HQ where you will have access to our amazing comics library as well as free materials for drawing and writing. Here you can:
Meet other likeminded people
Develop your skills
Learn about all the different career pathways from Industry experts
Shape the online masterclasses Q&A
Take guided steps into your professional journey
Come to one or to both monthly sessions, it’s up to you!
Session A is aimed at helping you build your path into the comics industry from the ground up focusing on storytelling skills and learning about publishing.
Session B is for those who have already taken steps into publishing (including self-publishing or participating in collective zines) and want to take their practice further.
You will also have access to the online masterclasses ran by Industry experts once a month and to an individual mentoring session.
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, or for more information on paid travel, email sara@comicsyouth.co.uk
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.