"Coordinating the creation of six graphic novels with international teenage teams online was an ambitious project. The format was demanding: different schedules, varying levels of experience, and the general limitations of remote communication. Despite this, each group managed to complete a full narrative cycle — from early concept to final visual form.

Throughout the process, the focus was on developing artistic thinking and collective decision making --  how to shorten the story, break it into sequences, build a visual narrative according to the story, how to use composition and rhythm, and how to work with constraints. The students learned to make decisions, revise their ideas, work through miscommunications and stay consistent over many weeks of work. These are essential skills for any emerging adult, and participants made visible progress.

Even in an online format, they were able to approach complex themes with sincerity and to translate them into images that carry narrative weight." 

(Olga Polyak, Graphic Novel Coordinator)