How to apply: The workshop is limited to 25 comic artists who have already established a certain routine in their work and demonstrate advanced skills in illustrating and storytelling.
The workshop is not an introduction to graphic literature and comics, but aims to develop and refine already existing skills and accomplishments. Scroll down for more information on contact, concept and preparation.
Costs 2024
720,00 € including accommodation in a single room
420,00 € without accommodation
For all participants who need accommodation during the seminar week (23.05. – 30.5.), small apartments with kitchenette have been reserved at East Apart, Allee am Röthelheimpark 49, 91052 Erlangen. Please note that accommodation can only be provided for the duration of the seminar and that in exceptional cases it may be possible to extend the stay beyond the Comic Salon. If you have any questions, please contact katja.rausch[at]stadt.erlangen.de.
Application deadline for the 2024 seminar
Next year's seminar will take place from 23 May to 30 May 2024.
We will accept applications from 1 January 2024 and collect them until the end of March 2024.
You can apply for the seminar by sending us an informal email. Please include a brief description of your skills or, if applicable, a short CV. Please also include some work samples (as PDF, weblink or JPG) and, if already available, a first description of the idea for the seminar project you would like to work on.
2024 | Short and sweet | Naomi Fearn, Katharina Greve, David von Bassewitz |
2023 | Change | Naomi Fearn, Teresa Valero, Thomas von Kummant |
2022 | Short form | Naomi Fearn, Tony Sandoval, Thomas von Kummant |
2021 | Lonely | Ralf König, Isabel Kreitz, Thomas von Kummant |
2019 | Complexes | Ralf König, Birgit Weyhe |
2018 | The End (it´s not over) | Flix, Birgit Weyhe |
2017 | Around the Corner | Flix, Birgit Weyhe |
2016 | Controversy | Flix, Mawil, Mathilde Ramadier |
2015 | Lie | Mawil, Barbara Yelin |
2014 | The Memory Gap | Barbara Yelin, Lukas Jüliger, Mawil |
2013 | The Outbreak | Barbara Yelin, Reinhard Kleist |
2012 | Revolution | Reinhard Kleist, Uli Oesterle |
2011 | Underground | Reinhard Kleist, Uli Oesterle |
2010 | Tomorrow! | Markus Huber, Uli Oesterle |
2009 | The last Man! | Markus Huber, Max |
2008 | Visit | Markus Huber, Max |
2007 | Oh Pardon | Isabel Kreitz, Pascal Rabaté |
2006 | Isabel Kreitz, Mazan | |
2005 | The Signal | Isabel Kreitz, Riff Reb’s |
2004 | Ulf K., Riff Reb’s | |
2003 | Ulf K., Edith Grattery | |
2002 | Ulf K., Michel Plessix | |
2001 | Martin tom Dieck, Baru | |
2000 | Martin tom Dieck, Frédéric Bézian | |
1999 | Martin tom Dieck, Max Cabanes | |
1998 | Gérald Gorridge, Jean-Claude Denis | |
1997 | Gérald Gorridge, Phillip Bertrand | |
1996 | Gérald Gorridge, Philippe Bertrand | |
1995 | Gérald Gorridge, Annie Goetzinger | |
1994 | Gérald Gorridge, Annie Goetzinger | |
1993 | Gérald Gorridge, Serge LeTendre | |
1992 | Gérald Gorridge, Serge LeTendre | |
1991 | Gérald Gorridge, Thierry Cailleteau | |
1990 | Gérald Gorridge, Thierry Cailleteau | |
1989 | Gérald Gorridge, Thierry Cailleteau | |
1988 | Gérald Gorridge, Chris Scheuer | |
1987 | Gérald Gorridge, Chris Scheuer | |
1986 | Gérald Gorridge, Matthias Schultheiss |
Concept
Approximately one month before the start of the seminar, a common theme will be defined. Each participant can draft a short comic story in advance, which will be worked on during the seminar. However, you are not obliged to follow the suggested theme. The tutors will also be happy to help you develop and/or complete your own longer projects. In addition to individual support in the realisation of the comic stories/projects, short thematic workshops will also be offered.
Preparation
To benefit best from their time at the seminar, participants are encouraged to either come up with a concept for a short story (about 3 to 8 pages) based on a pre-announced theme, or to continue working on an already existing larger graphic novel / comic project. In order to allow sufficient preparation time for all lecturers, participating artists are kindly requested to submit the following material to seminar@comic-salon.de BEFORE the start of the workshop:
- A short synopsis of their story/project (10 to 20 lines)
- A simple and comprehensible outline of their story/project, including a rough presentation of the storyline/characters/dialogue and the planned page layout
For the seminar
All participants should prepare and bring the following items to the workshop:
- Drawing materials
- A more refined scenario of the story/project / including sketched out pages and additional preliminary work (style or character explorations, etc.) / optional: several panels or a maximum of one already fine-drawn page (if you are working on the announced theme); if you continue working on a larger project, extensive support material may be helpful / including reference material: photographs, illustrations, etc.
- A portfolio of completed projects as a source of information for the tutors and other participants
- Headphones and music that makes you smile / helps you focus
The seminar room at the Cultural Office offers wifi, a colour copier/printer, layout tables, a fridge and a coffee machine. There is also a basic supply of drinks and snacks.
The aim of the seminar is not necessarily to complete your story or project within the timeframe of the seminar. The seminar should be considered a field for experimentation that encourages participants to explore their options, refine their skills and advance and promote their work. It provides a platform for artistic exchange and individual professional support and guidance.
The exhibition
The originating works are presented to the general public and professional visitors such as publishers, talent scouts, journalists and comic experts during the International Comic Salon. Since the Erlangen International Comic Salon is a biennial festival, the exhibition includes works from both the current and previous seminars.
For a comprehensive insight of past exhibitions, please visit the picture gallery.