Visual Stories: Digital Tools for Creative Kids (Ages 8-12)

Calling all young storytellers, artists, and future animators! In this four-week Saturday workshop, Instructor Bob Ahrens will teach students how to turn their ideas into digital art—whether it’s an anime-style graphic novel, a video game world, or a short animated clip.

Mr. Bob will cover every step: developing a story, designing characters, writing scripts, and creating dynamic scenes. Students will sketch on paper, work digitally, and even explore how light AI tools can spark ideas (without replacing their own creativity).

Week 1: Storybuilding basics—plot, characters, storyboarding, and planning your project.
Weeks 2 & 3: Animation in Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, and After Effects—plus adding music, sound effects, and preparing files for games.
Week 4: “Last Looks”—polish your work, get feedback, and showcase a 30-second animated clip.

Perfect for those Summer Arts Campers looking to expand what they learned during camp,  this workshop gives kids the skills to bring their stories to life!