Keeping busy

Back in England I would be keeping up a part time job, working as a journalist and actually being a student where I could fit it in.  In America I legally cannot work and I have struggled to find an internship.  
So what do I do with all this free time?


The great thing about Chicago is there is so much going on! This weekend I will be attending the AWP conference and hearing from the likes of Irvine Welsh and Audrey Niffenegger as well as attending panels about teaching comics in the classroom and other neat stuff.
But what else?  Well - I'll tell you!  
I have organised, the first in a long line, Ladies Night at Graham Crackers comics.  I wanted to organise the event because there is a shift happening in the comics industry as more and more women take an active role in what we buy and what we read graphically. 

Poster designed by Edward Cheverton

I think organising events like this is a really good way for students to get involved with the industries they're hoping to break into.  It's a chance to meet people, network and also to make a name for themselves.  If this event goes well there will be more, and more, and more, eventually leading to bigger and better things.  Well, that's the plan at least. 


Another fun event I will be attending is the Chicago Zine Fest.  I won't just be attending however, I'll be selling a variety of Zines from my good friends in England and attending workshops by artists I really admire.  If you're going to be in the area then check out table C13...

Designed by Lilli Carre

What have you all been doing to keep busy?