IVAN VELEZ'S LIST OF AVAILABLE PROGRAMS FOR IN PERSON OR ONLINE TEACHING:

FOR CHILDREN: (although teens would like them as well):

TRIBAL MANGA: Focusing on the rich tales and mythologies of our indigenous populations (i.e. the Caribbean Tainos, and the Bronx Leni Lenape). We learn and recreate the heroes, creatures, and monsters of tribal myths and refashion them into modern day comics characters.

HEROES OF THE WORLD: What are heroes, and why do we need them? We focus on diversity and multiculturalism as we learn hero myths from all over the world. We focus on the surprising types of heroes that can sometimes be forgotten in American mythology (like heroic women, children and the elderly). The students are asked to create their own heroes after learning where the legends come from, what are archetypes, and the many uses (education, inspiration, and role modeling) of a great heroic myth. Great for all ages, as a one-shot or a series of 3 classes.

COSMIC TOT AND FAMILY: (made for the really young students and their parents) we teach the basics of anatomy, and family building using CHIBIS (big headed supercute drawings) to build Robot, monster, alien and even fairy tale families. i.e. a magic kid can create his/her own helpful families out of forest creatures or local monsters and help save the day.

PLANET MANGA: We'd be teaching the fundamentals of storytelling and character building using a COSMIC, FANTASTICAL SPACE OPERA format. This is a wonderful intro to comics, animation and science fiction as the kids learn to tell stories and create characters based on scientific facts and dreams of the future. Good for a one shot or 3-class series (Big bangs, universes, and planets, oh my)

MANGA WORKSHOP: Focusing on Japanese and American style comics, the students learn the history and nuts and bolts of this very popular form of comics, and make connections to their own experiences and cultures as they create their own characters for their own comics. They pick a genre, a target audience and a theme, and first create CHIBIs (child like characters with large heads and little bodies)... then move on to designing themselves as a Manga star! This is usually followed by a short Quiz contest where they answer manga related questions for prizes. **This program works for one shots, or a series of 3 classes, and all age groups.

A BETTER WORLD JR: Using the manga artform to create stories and characters of diversity, empowerment, and tolerance… and of feelings. Creating new worlds that are fair, diverse and fun, we learn how to use cartooning and Manga to make the world a better place. One-shot or part of group of classes that focus on how to make comics the right and fair way. We'll make characters of different abilities, ages, backgrounds, and have the class create teams that showcase tolerance and teamwork.

URBAN MANGA: Cartooning classes focusing issues and themes relating to local culture and target populations. Similar to the Manga workshop where the students create their own characters and stories, but with more focus on local issues and current events. (i.e. we create mythological creatures based on Caribbean culture). Good for a one shot or a series of 3 classes.

MAKING COMICS 101: A rundown on today's comics industry and what you need to get a comic book made. Basic character design, themes, targeting audiences, genres, scripting , writing, drawing, inking and printing will be touched upon as the students create their own premise and story 'bible' (a document full of ideas, the story pitch, and character model sheets used to promote their idea). Best taught as a series of 3 to 4 classes with an end product in mind (i.e. a zine or shared universe bible).

GREEN COMICS: Similar to the Manga workshop, the students learn the basics of character design and 'world building' (creating environments and universes for their characters)... but after they get a rundown on green issues, what pollutes our world, and the little steps we can all do to help. All heroes created would be customized to fight monsters and villainous polluters. Good for one-shots.

THE MANGA GAMES: Cartooning classes focusing on themes relating to the 'isms' of society. The Hunger Games, and The Maze Runner all feature young characters pit against each other as a diversion against the larger problems of their societies. This is a workshop where the students create their own characters with back stories and a universe to fight in an unjust society's arena. These amazing warriors are built for revolution. We also create a basic gaming system using dice and a home made scorecard to determine winners.

MONSTERS OF THE WORLD: One of my most popular workshops (and perfect for October or any time). What are monsters, and why do we need them? The students are asked to create their own monsters after learning where the legends come from and the many uses ( crime prevention, warnings, morality plays) of a good spooky monster story. Great for all ages, as a one-shot or a series of 3 classes.

JUNIOR COMICS MASTERS: we focus on the business and start-ups of comics related media in our digital age. This is for the serious teen who would like to learn how to begin an original comic empire. Web comics and blog inspired.

MONSTERS 101: Learn the history of Monsters of every culture. Investigate why we need Monsters in our lives. Create your own custom-made Monster for a new generation. Promotes understanding of multiculturalism, diversity, global history and critical thinking. Great as a one-shot, or a short series.

PAPER FAIRY TALES: Creating new stories that teach, warn and delight young kids. This class is great for pre-K, middle school and teens. They learn about the old stories, archetypes, the uses of certain stories and how to use the basic tools of storytelling to create new fairy tales for a new age. ) Includes drawing and writing and even a little bit of book making. ) Great as a one-shot.

FOR TEENS:

THE LEGEND OF MILESTONE: The 1990s were marked as a huge boon for the business of Mainstream Comics. Learn how Milestone Media was born among the glut of new comic companies, and their focus on creating multicultural diversity for superhero stories changed the game for everyone. From their inception by creators of color, to their best work in battling stereotypes and bringing new stories in new ways, to their ultimate crash and burn… we learn through examples, and interviews with some of the players on what a real life milestone Milestone Media was and still is.

GLOBAL GODS AND MONSTERS: We study the diverse pantheons of gods around the world and how their legends have influenced our pop culture, comics, fashion and films. Then we create a new pantheon of gods and monsters using urban myth and classic mythology. Using classic drawing, character building and a little research into the myths of the world, we create a new universe ruled by gods and deities that make sense of our current world.

MONSTERS OF THE BRONX: Using the mythologies and legends of the Bronx’s immigrant population, we use Monsters to tell stories and create characters about race, class, gender and the issues that haunt us all. Basic character design and story creation is demonstrated and discussed as well as the things to avoid when using horror and mystery to make those important and exciting insights about real life.

GREEN COMICS: Learn the basics of character design and world building while focusing on green issues, what pollutes our world, what exactly is climate change, and how little steps can actually help the world.. Create your own heroes to fight monsters and villainous polluters.

HISTORY OF COMICS: Where did Superman come from? Join Ivan Velez for a history of American style comics, from the Yellow Kid and Spiderman to Archie and the COMICS CODE AUTHORITY to today. Learn how these iconic characters have reflected and influenced the good and bad of American culture and morality, and how the modern world has changed it all.

A BETTER WORLD: Using the manga artform to create stories and characters of diversity, empowerment, and tolerance. Creating new worlds that are fair, diverse and fun, we learn how to use cartooning and Manga to make the world a better place. One-shot or part of group of classes that focus on how to make comics the right and fair way.

TALES OF THE CLOSET: The cartoonist and creator of TALES OF THE CLOSET, a seminal book that teaches youth about diversity, sexual orientation, gender diversity and issues that affect us all discusses his history and process of creating this groundbreaking comic book series including how to create and even publish their own socially relevant work. Basic comic book skills are learned and explained, and they even get a free copy of the first volume. Can be taught in one-shot, or series of 3 classes.

SHONEN-AI Using the art of the popular Japanese girl's genre that uses teen love between boys to entertain. We will learn how to use the same form to educate and inspire understanding. This is best with an older group of teens, or in the context of a diversity lesson. Shonen Ai, one of the most popular genres read by teenage girls in Japan covers teen sexuality and orientation is a sweet and innocuous way. Its a way to celebrate Pride month, or to increase awareness and tolerance. The kids learn to create stories that take place in high school environments that focus on friendship and emotions. Basic character creation and story plots are learned, as well as a few different approaches to tackling tough topics and opinions.

HUMAN SEXUALITY 101 or (REAL DEAL COMICS): A basic course of the different types of gender and sexual orientation. We create art and characters of different genders and orientations to inspire empathy and practical knowledge. We give the teens what we know about sexuality in a safe environment... basic lessons on gender, diversity, and orientation, and how to treat people who are different with respect. Then they are asked to create a team of heroes that are interesting in their gender diversity as well as their orientation. Recommended for teens or group situations where the issues and topics are already being or about to be discussed.

MAKING A BETTER WORLD via Arts and Comics: We use basic research skills, graphic design and frank discussions to come up with a fun ad campaign and/or media plan (i.e. comic strip, pamphlets, handout cards or posters) that will teach folks what they need to learn about the world and avoiding life's pitfalls.

HIP HOP COMICS A focus on how the Bronx-born genre known as Hip Hop was made by smooshing together different elements of Pop Culture such as Poetry, Kung Fu movies and comics. We learn the connections Comics, Manga and the Underground Comics scene of the 60s and 70s influenced the music, fashion and Graffiti of the Good old days of Hip Hop.

REAL WORLD COMICS: a multicultural comics class that focuses on creating characters that are diverse in color, ethnicity, age, class, ability and body types as well as touching upon social issues and stories that are more true-to-life. We’ll construct and create character designs and arcs that are closer to real life and fair to everyone. Great for teens as a one shot or a series.

SHONEN / SHOUJO: Comics for boys and comics for girls... what's the difference between them, and how to create them for one target audience and still be friendly towards another. We focus on basic stories, character designs and even do a basic business plan for marketing and media. Good for one-shots.

TRIBAL COMICS: Focusing on the rich history of the first nations of the Western Hemisphere, as well as the tribes of the Caribbean (and even Asia), tales and mythologies of our local indigenous populations (i.e. the Caribbean Tainos, and the Bronx Leni Lenape). We learn and recreate the heroes, creatures, and monsters of tribal myths and refashion them into modern day comics characters.

MUSICAL MANGA Emo, Goth, Rocker and Hip-Hop music flavor so many of your favorite animated shows. Learn how popular music and soundtracks fit content, style and themes of your favorite anime. Listen and learn the stylistic differences between classic Shonen (boy manga), Shoujo (girl manga) and Chibi (kid’s comics). Be inspired to create your own manga characters according to your favorite music. All drawing supplies are provided free of charge, as well as a music player and direct tracks from Japan. Projector or screen would be helpful, but not necessary.

ROBOT 101: From ancient automatons to present day nano-bots to futurific droids, we learn about the long history of robots in fairy tales, Science fiction stories, manga, comics, toys and big budget movies. After some history and understanding (and basic drawing lessons) they will learn to design their own droid. One-shots or paired with the Monster class.

FOR ADULTS:

ARTOPIA: A series of art programs designed for our elder population. Using cultural touchstones, age-appropriate cultural references and easily mastered art materials and art projects, we focus on the good things of life ( music, joy, films, sweet memories, memorable places, loved ones and more) as we learn about new topics and art-forms and make new connections through our own beautiful creations.

COMIC CULTURE PRIME: a series of programs, art workshops and events, we focus on more adult fare through art, pop culture and our shared experiences in the big city. We have guest instructors and artists, focused art projects and medi--making demos, and celebrate those wonderful parts of our culture, i.e. hip, those old martial arts films and blaxxploitation, horror films and comics, manga and anime for adults and even erotica in comics art. Not only for the art practitioner, but for those who have always had an interest in creating or appreciating the art in our pop culture. These are interesting and provocative programs that happen in a community building and judgement free environment.