What you need for a comic workshop

A comic workshop needs more than pencils and paper. Participants need a complete drawing setup, while the room also needs presentation equipment, lighting, power access and a simple drinks station. Buy or gather supplies early, especially fineliners, black drawing pens, sharpeners and extension cords, because these are easy to overlook. Use the participant list to calculate quantities, then pack materials by table so setup is quick and every attendee can start drawing immediately.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Reception desk
Presentation table
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
USB sticksqty 2

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Tableware

Mugsqty 40
Glassesqty 40
Platesqty 40
Teaspoonsqty 40
Serving traysqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Pitcherqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Comic book material

Drawing pencilsqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 120
Finelinersqty 60
Black drawing pensqty 40
Erasersqty 40
Pencil sharpenersqty 12
Rulersqty 20
Scissorsqty 20
Glue sticksqty 20
Color markersqty 60
Drawing tablesqty 6
Sample comic stripsqty 12
Presentation boardsqty 6
Kneadable eraserqty 20

Decorations

Arrow stickersqty 12
Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothespinsqty 40
Jute Twineqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Trash bag holderqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 5 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snacks - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Mini pretzels - 2 bags
- Digestive biscuits - 4 packs
- Speculaas - 2 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Herbed cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Plan one complete drawing set per participant: drawing pencils, colored pencils, fineliners, black drawing pens, an eraser and access to a sharpener. Add a small reserve of roughly 10% for lost or damaged items.
Prepare at least one ruler and one pair of scissors for every two participants. Shared tools disappear into bags quickly, so place them in clearly marked trays at each worktable.
Test the laptop, projector and projection screen before the workshop, and bring at least two USB sticks with the presentation or examples. Pack extension cords and power strips so tables are not dependent on one wall socket.
For a two-hour session, allow about two drinks per participant, then add extra water or cold drinks for warm rooms. Count mugs and glasses against the registration list and keep serving trays ready for refills.
Set aside enough tables, chairs and table lamps for every participant before shopping for small supplies. Check waste bins, kettles, the coffee maker, thermos flasks, a pitcher and coolers at least one day before the workshop.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies does each person need for a comic workshop?: Give each participant drawing pencils, colored pencils, fineliners, black drawing pens and an eraser. Provide at least one sharpener per 4 participants, plus a 10% spare supply for replacements.
How many comic workshop materials should I buy?: Base the quantity on the confirmed registration list, not the room capacity. Buy one basic drawing set per participant and add 10% extra pencils, pens and erasers to cover losses or breakage.
What equipment is needed to show comic examples?: You need a laptop, projector, projection screen, presentation table and at least two USB sticks containing the presentation. Test everything no later than the day before, and bring extension cords and power strips.
How much coffee, tea and tableware do I need?: For a two-hour workshop, plan around two drinks per participant, including coffee, tea or water. Count one mug or glass per person, then add 10% extra and prepare the coffee maker, kettles, thermos flasks and pitcher in advance.

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