In this workshop, participants will transform themselves into unique cartoon characters, drawing inspiration from the techniques I developed while crafting autobiographical daily comics. The workshop will cover the fundamentals of storytelling in comics, showing participants how to create engaging narratives around their cartoon selves. Whether it's a single-panel image or a multi-panel strip, the aim is to tell a story that resonates. By the end of the session, participants will have created their own cartoon "selfies" and learned how to use them as a medium for storytelling, turning everyday moments into captivating and relatable comic art. The workshop is designed to be a fun, immersive experience that not only teaches cartooning skills but also encourages self-expression and exploration through the art of comics.

Sharon De La Cruz is a multifaceted artist based in New York City, where she intertwines storytelling, education, and activism. Her work dives deep into the nexus of STEM education, artistic expression, and social justice. De La Cruz's journey into comic storytelling propelled her to participate in the Tin House Summer Workshop, leading to the creation of her inaugural graphic novel memoir, "I’m a Wild Seed," published by Street Noise in April 2021. This memoir has been praised for its powerful depiction of the evolution of a woman’s queer identity, capturing the blend of fear and joy in embracing one's marginalized identity. Esteemed publications like Kirkus Reviews and Publisher’s Weekly have lauded her narrative style and artistic promise, highlighting her debut's humor and vitality. Beyond her achievements in literature, De La Cruz holds a master’s degree from the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University (NYU). Her academic and creative endeavors have been recognized and supported through prestigious accolades such as the Fulbright Fellowship, Processing Foundation Fellowship, a TED Residency, and the Red Burns Teaching Fellowship at ITP-NYU for 2021-22. Currently, she contributes to the academic community as an Assistant Arts Professor at ITP-NYU.