Ever dream of writing your own book, comic, or zine? Then check out this YouTube video. It demonstrates how easy it is to write, illustrate, publish, and distribute your first one today. All it takes is one sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and a pen to launch your publishing empire.
A few mornings ago I shared how to make an eight page comic book with a group of middle school students. Their overwhelmingly positive response inspired me to share it with you.
Although the instructional YouTube video is titled, How To Turn a Sheet of Paper Into a Comic Book You Can Sell, it's application is unlimited. I've already received feedback that this simple technique ignited the imagination of others to create fun and unique eight page booklets of all sorts. It is the simplest way to instantly create something of value that you can share with friends, family, and the masses.
"Amazing!! I just might use this to create a little leave behind (booklet) for my public information initiatives." A friend said after watching.
In addition, these little books challenge me to be creative when I'm not feeling creative. For example:
"I don't know what to make." Said a middle school student.
"Start with that. That could be the title!" Said the instructor. The student lit up with enthusiasm and eagerly got to work.
"Don't be afraid of silly ideas." –Paul Arden
It's true, for some mysterious reason, that the willingness to begin with the first idea that pops into my head is a challenge that, in this case, always takes me on an eight page creative adventure. In the end I'm always satisfied and impressed. You will be amazed how much confidence you'll gain in your creative ability when you work this way.
Most importantly these books are a convenient size. They're small enough to carry in your back pocket. Which makes it easy to always have available to pass out, mail out, or leave behind at a coffee shop. I've found people are more inclined to pick up and read one of my handmade comic books, even if it's a Xerox copy, than a slick one. There's something endearing about these little books that makes people curious. I find them to be irresistible. You may also use your book as your calling card. Whoever you hand it to, or finds one, will feel compelled to learn more about you. I guarantee it. I know I would.
In addition, I like to have a few of blank booklets on hand for whenever I'm feeling uninspired and need a lift. It's a productive way for me to pass the time when I'm stuck in a waiting room. I've found that in times like these creating my own little comic book is more rewarding than checking Facebook.
In case you were wondering what a zine is; a zine (/ˈziːn/ ZEEN; an abbreviation of fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier.
–Darrell Fusaro
Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.
Although the instructional YouTube video is titled, How To Turn a Sheet of Paper Into a Comic Book You Can Sell, it's application is unlimited. I've already received feedback that this simple technique ignited the imagination of others to create fun and unique eight page booklets of all sorts. It is the simplest way to instantly create something of value that you can share with friends, family, and the masses.
"Amazing!! I just might use this to create a little leave behind (booklet) for my public information initiatives." A friend said after watching.
In addition, these little books challenge me to be creative when I'm not feeling creative. For example:
"I don't know what to make." Said a middle school student.
"Start with that. That could be the title!" Said the instructor. The student lit up with enthusiasm and eagerly got to work.
"Don't be afraid of silly ideas." –Paul Arden
It's true, for some mysterious reason, that the willingness to begin with the first idea that pops into my head is a challenge that, in this case, always takes me on an eight page creative adventure. In the end I'm always satisfied and impressed. You will be amazed how much confidence you'll gain in your creative ability when you work this way.
Most importantly these books are a convenient size. They're small enough to carry in your back pocket. Which makes it easy to always have available to pass out, mail out, or leave behind at a coffee shop. I've found people are more inclined to pick up and read one of my handmade comic books, even if it's a Xerox copy, than a slick one. There's something endearing about these little books that makes people curious. I find them to be irresistible. You may also use your book as your calling card. Whoever you hand it to, or finds one, will feel compelled to learn more about you. I guarantee it. I know I would.
In addition, I like to have a few of blank booklets on hand for whenever I'm feeling uninspired and need a lift. It's a productive way for me to pass the time when I'm stuck in a waiting room. I've found that in times like these creating my own little comic book is more rewarding than checking Facebook.
In case you were wondering what a zine is; a zine (/ˈziːn/ ZEEN; an abbreviation of fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier.
–Darrell Fusaro
Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.
"I'm Just a Lousy Comic!" UNFOLDED
"This Coloring Book Loves You!" UNFOLDED
"Fusaro once again is of service and brings joy into lives without even knowing. My good boss is going to leave early to visit her friend who looks like she may lose her battle with cancer very soon. I printed out the "This Coloring Book Loves You" for my boss to give to her friend. She loves it and was so appreciative. She is going to buy some crayons before she drops by. God bless Darrell!"
Just in case. I always carry a blank.
I've just received the following from teachers who have used this YouTube video in the classroom.
"My kids made their comic books today, and one of my boys was mimicking you as he was making it. He memorized the video!!" –Denise Matarante, Third Grade Teacher, Roselle Park, NJ
The pictures below were sent to me from my friend, Ed Biagiotti, a Culver City, CA, middle school teacher who turned this into a computer / learning assignment. The students were to a find a specific YouTube "How-to" video to learn something new that they could complete as they followed along. "My students were all engaged and enthusiastic about learning how to make their own comic book using your video. Even the few that struggled were determined to succeed, and did. This was perfect! Thank you!"
"My kids made their comic books today, and one of my boys was mimicking you as he was making it. He memorized the video!!" –Denise Matarante, Third Grade Teacher, Roselle Park, NJ
The pictures below were sent to me from my friend, Ed Biagiotti, a Culver City, CA, middle school teacher who turned this into a computer / learning assignment. The students were to a find a specific YouTube "How-to" video to learn something new that they could complete as they followed along. "My students were all engaged and enthusiastic about learning how to make their own comic book using your video. Even the few that struggled were determined to succeed, and did. This was perfect! Thank you!"
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