In conversation with: Chris Shaw

The Singapore chapter of 24 Hour Comics Day came to LASALLE for the first time ever on Saturday, 5 October 2013. LASALLE’s Animation students joined professionals and peers in the event to complete 24 pages of comics in 24 hours. Chris Shaw, Programme Leader of Animation, worked with the organisers to pull out all stops in making this special collaboration a national event attended by more than 150 people. He encouraged students across all levels, from Diploma to BA(Hons), to take part in the challenge which simulates the art of making comics in a real life scenario.

Tell us about the annual 24 Hour Comics Day.
This annual event is a creative marathon that has taken place around the world since 2004. In Singapore, the challenge only began more recently in 2010 with a small group of writers and artists. It originally attracted a hardcore group of die-hard comic fans and artists, but has been growing steadily. This year, we attracted the largest turnout since the challenge began in Singapore – ranging in age from 16 to 62 years. The event started at noon, ran overnight and concluded at noon on Sunday, 6 October.

Why was this event significant to learning and teaching?
A 24-page comic book might sound easy, but it requires story development, draft page layout, finished art, lettering and necessary colouring – and participants had to do it all within the time period of 24 hours.

The focus of the challenge for us was to give the students a well-rounded boot camp in story development that also enables them to experience real industry expectations of working under pressure and within the boundary of a brief. Taking part in a challenge like this is good training. The nice thing about it is it’s not strongly competitive, even though there are winners. The whole process is encouraging and the participants and organisers take time to appreciate everyone’s time and effort. There is a very strong sense of solidarity.

How did the students fare in the challenge?
Well, for the first two hours, everyone was still smiling... feverishly planning out their 24 pages, drafting out the layout and planning the storyboard action. There was little time for conversation as all heads were down and page after page was drafted out as small thumbnail-sized sketches. The initial challenge for them was to get the entire narrative planned out before concentrating on specific illustrations.

This challenge is really interesting because it is an even playing field. Students were working under the same parameters as more established and experienced local artists, and it was their chance to prove to themselves what they could achieve in just 24 hours. They were ultimately rewarded with a euphoric sense of self-achievement, and a great piece of work for their portfolio.

Winners of the challenge were chosen through popular vote, with votes cast by their fellow participants. One of our students, Teo KiKi (Diploma Level 3), emerged in first place. It was a great moment for her.

What were some of the feedback you received?
Teo KiKi, winner of the challenge, said, “The 24 Hour Comics Day provided us with a great opportunity to produce work within a given time constraint that fully demonstrates our artistic ability. Not only that, it is a good supplement to our portfolio and a chance to get involved in the art community beyond the bounds of college curriculum.”

All the students were tired but happy at the end of the challenge. One student shared with me, “It seemed like an impossible task when we started, but nearly all of us managed to finish it and we honestly surprised ourselves. Definitely doing it again next year.”

Another student said, “The challenge demanded a great deal of tenacity and cogency in order for us to clearly articulate our ideas in our comics. It was exciting and I am glad to be given an opportunity that puts me to the test.”

Read more about Chris here.